Thomas Cook boycotts ‘cruel’ dolphin and elephant shows which make animals perform tricks for crowds
Attractions in the Dominican Republic, Turkey and Thailand will be dropped
THOMAS Cook have announced they will boycott 'cruel' dolphin and elephant shows which make animals perform tricks for crowds.
The Times reports a number of animal attractions will be dropped by the tour operator because they do not meet its welfare standards.
Those that will be no longer be promoted by the travel agent include Ocean World in the Dominican Republic, Sealanya in Turkey and Baan Chang tours in Samui, Thailand.
It comes following an independent report commissioned by Thomas Cook which found dolphins with damaged skins and chained elephants in distress.
Other elephants were reportedly forced to spin hoops and take part in a tug-of-war.
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The assessment by Global Spirit found that 16 – 11 involving dolphins and five involving elephants, did not meet the minimum standards for welfare.
These are set by the UK travel industry trade body Abta and others in India and Cuba will also be dropped.
It is understood Thomas Cook told staff over the weekend to stop selling tickets to these shows.
Peter Fankhauser, the company’s chief executive, said: “Our industry has not changed fast enough.
“By taking these attractions off sale, we are sending a message that we won’t accept anything less than full compliance with the welfare standards our customers would expect.”
The agent’s Facebook page has been inundated with complaints, with many saying that the firm is supporting the captivity of dolphins for profit.
The five named attractions dropped by Thomas Cook were asked for comment but did not respond, The Times reports.
The Thai embassy in London told the paper: “It is illegal in Thailand to maltreat elephants and legal charges may be brought against those involved.
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