Scots Urged to Avoid ‘Cruel’ Whale and Dolphin Shows
As Scots plan their holidays, a charity is calling on the public to refrain from funding exploitative entertainment shows involving captive whales and dolphins. Born Free, a wildlife charity, is urging Scots to avoid tourist attractions where marine mammals are forced to perform tricks for entertainment. With winter sun trips and summer holidays in mind, the charity appeals to Scottish tourists to help end global animal exploitation by not purchasing tickets for such events.
More than 3600 whales, dolphins, and porpoises, collectively known as cetaceans, are currently held in captivity around the world for human entertainment. According to campaigners, these intelligent creatures are confined in restrictive, barren environments, such as chemically-treated pools, over-crowded tanks, or shallow sea pens. They are then made to perform repetitive tricks and unnatural behaviours multiple times a day in front of tourist crowds. In contrast, in the wild, these marine creatures live in closely knit family groups, covering over 100 miles a day and diving to depths of 300 meters.
Born Free is advocating for a future free from tanks, where the use of captive cetaceans for entertainment is phased out. The charity highlights the harms of captivity, which include premature death, increased susceptibility to diseases, high infant mortality rates, skin problems, and psychological stress, among others. Despite the UK being free of captive cetaceans since the 1990s, over 300 remain in captivity in Europe, with a significant number in Spain.
Former SeaWorld orca, Keto, tragically became the fourth whale to die prematurely at Loro Parque in Tenerife. His story shed light on the exploitation faced by captive marine mammals, with Keto being involved in a tragic incident in 2009 when he fatally injured his trainer. Born Free emphasises the importance of refraining from activities like swimming with dolphins or posing them for photo ops, as these contribute to the cycle of animal exploitation.
The charity’s ‘Tank-Free’ campaign calls on holidaymakers to avoid booking any activities involving captive cetaceans and to voice their concerns to travel companies profiting from animal suffering. Dr. Mark Jones, the charity’s policy chief, emphasised that keeping dolphins and other marine mammals in captivity serves no conservation or education purpose and severely compromises their welfare. Travel companies promoting visits to captive dolphin venues are seen as complicit in the suffering of these intelligent animals for mere entertainment and profit.
As the holiday season approaches, it is essential for Scots and tourists alike to be mindful of the impact their choices can have on animal welfare and conservation efforts worldwide. By opting for wildlife-friendly and ethical activities during their vacations, individuals can contribute to promoting the well-being and protection of marine creatures.
In Summary, as Scots plan their holidays, they are being urged by Born Free to avoid tourist attractions involving captive whales and dolphins to end global animal exploitation. The charity highlights the negative impact of captivity on marine mammals and calls for a shift towards wildlife-friendly and ethical tourism activities. Ultimately, making conscious choices during vacations can play a significant role in safeguarding the welfare and conservation of these intelligent creatures.