At SeaWorld, orcas live in cramped concrete tanks. With no physical, mental, or emotional stimulation, they spend their days swimming in endless circles. Despite being fully aware of SeaWorld's cruel treatment of animals, travel company TUI—formerly known as Thomson Holidays—continues to sell tickets to the abusement park.
At least 41 orcas and dozens of other dolphins have died at SeaWorld parks from causes including severe trauma, intestinal gangrene, and chronic cardiovascular failure.
Dolphins at SeaWorld are often housed in incompatible groups, 140 of them in just seven tanks, and because of their cramped enclosures, they're unable to escape attacks from other frustrated, aggressive dolphins. They're used in cruel circus-style shows in which trainers stand on their faces and ride on their backs as if they were surfboards.
What You Can Do
The list of companies that have cut ties with marine parks continues to grow and includes Jet2holidays, easyJet holidays, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, British Airways Holidays, Club Med, Tripadvisor, Airbnb, and Booking.com.
When British Airways Holidays pledged to stop SeaWorld ticket sales, its Managing Director said, “Our customers tell us they have concerns about wild animals being kept in captivity, and increasingly see animal performances in particular as outdated.”