Georgia Aquarium Rejecting MasterCard Over PETA Protest

Atlanta, GA — MasterCard is no longer welcome at the Georgia Aquarium.

In a July 1 email to aquarium members, volunteers and supporters, 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. "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.

"We have also asked that Restaurant Associates, Event Networks and Lanier Parking follow suit," he continued. "We have received unconditional support from our board members, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, The Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and Dolphin Discovery."

The controversy stems 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."

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.