Georgia Aquarium Reinstates MasterCard

Atlanta, GA — MasterCard has been reinstated at the Georgia Aquarium as a form of payment.

In a story first reported by Patch, aquarium chairman and CEO Michael Leven said MasterCard is endorsing a protest by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) over animal displays in accredited zoos and aquariums.

As a result, "Georgia Aquarium will no longer be accepting MasterCard online, and guests buying tickets in person at the Aquarium will be asked if they can use any other form of payment," Leven said in an email to supporters and members. "No guest will be turned away if MasterCard is their only option, but we will be stating that we strongly prefer the use of other credit/debit cards for their transactions."

On Wednesday, Aquarium spokesperson Paige Hale told Patch that the facility "has been in communication with the leadership at MasterCard regarding any association with PETA. MasterCard clarified with us that PETA’s public blog post, which is referenced in your article, does not reflect their company policy.

"Following this clarification, Georgia Aquarium has reinstated accepting MasterCard online and at the ticket windows."

The controversy stemmed from a June 28 PETA release that said MasterCard has ended its promotion of a swim-with-dolphins program "after PETA let them know just how inhumane these events are," the organization said. "MasterCard had been offering cardholders a dolphin-swim experience as part of its 'Priceless Cities' program. PETA contacted company officials and let them know that dolphins in captivity often develop ulcers, exhibit neurotic behavior, and die prematurely because of the stress and deprivation of confinement. And many parks use dolphins who are captured during the annual Japanese dolphin slaughter."

After MasterCard ended its association with such programs, PETA said it was "sending MasterCard dolphin-shaped vegan chocolates as a thank-you for the swift, compassionate response."

Here is MasterCard’s statement to the aquarium:

"PETA's blog posting of June 28, 2016 does not reflect MasterCard’s company policy.

"In our communication with PETA, our use of the word 'experiences' refers solely to the experiences offered under the Priceless Cities marketing program, and should not be construed to a broader definition of our acceptance policy. To do so would be to misconstrue our intent and our corporate policies.

"We value our relationship with accredited zoos and aquariums. These institutions are held to established standards and best practices and they play an important role in the communities where we operate. In addition, accredited facilities worldwide play an important role in educating the public, conducting research and conservation, and, ultimately, preserving wild populations.

"In guiding our work with animal-related organizations, we subscribe to the concept that all animals should be treated humanely, and we celebrate the special role they play in our families and our lives.”

On June 30, Leven wrote Ajay Banga, MasterCard president and CEO, saying, "We are disturbed that MasterCard would support a scientifically unsubstantiated position without reaching out to those whose life work might have informed you otherwise.

"Your stance on this matter has profound implications for our future relationship with MasterCard, as well as the other accredited zoos and aquariums may choose to have with your organization. We also intend to inform our millions of fans and passionate supporters nationwide that you are in league with and in support of radical and often discredited activist organization."

The Georgia Aquarium is one of the world's largest, with more than 10 million gallons of water in its more than 100 habitats. More than 22 million guests have visited Georgia Aquarium since it opened in 2005. At opening, the Guinness Book of World Records certified Georgia Aquarium as having more aquatic life than any other aquarium at the time.

See also:

Georgia Aquarium Rejecting MasterCard Over PETA Protest

Image: Georgia Aqurium