The international wildlife charity has long since campaigned for animals to belong in their natural habitat and as it is revealed that 3,600 cetaceans are kept in captivity for human entertainment, they are urging the public not to visit marine parks, dolphinariums, or swim with marine mammals
Dame Virginia McKenna, Born Free’s Co-Founder and Trustee said: "Dolphins, whales and porpoises are magical, mysterious creatures, intelligent and perceptive. Yet we keep them cooped up in shallow, concrete tanks; in water treated with harsh chemicals, which irritate their eyes and sensitive skin. We force them to perform stupid, unnatural tricks, and interact with people. And this is meant to be ‘entertainment?’"
Born Free is calling for a ‘Tank-Free’ future where the exploitation of cetaceans in captivity is phased-out, and tour operators and travel companies stop profiting from their cruel and unnatural confinement.
According to the charity, some of the harm caused to captive marine mammals may not be immediately evident to holidaymakers, but a life in captivity can result in premature death and reduced resistance to disease, and animals are often drugged as a way of controlling abnormal behaviour caused by boredom and stress.
Sarah Jefferson, Born Free’s Captivity Campaigns Information Coordinator said, “We’re calling on the public not to support the suffering of captive cetaceans on their holidays. Whales and dolphins in captivity face a miserable existence in barren tanks and sea-pens, forced to interact with humans - in stark contrast to the rich and complex lives they live in the wild. Born Free’s ‘Tank-Free’ campaign urges holidaymakers to avoid booking any captive cetacean activities, and to voice their concerns to travel companies which profit from animal suffering. If people see a travel operator, hotel, or business advertising captive whale and dolphin facilities or activities, speak out - let them know how you feel. Tourists can also tell us directly if they see dolphins and whales in captivity, by sending us their reports through our Raise the Red Flag platform. This enables us to gather vital information to assist our work securing positive and compassionate change, and improving animal welfare.”
As part of the campaign, Born Free are encouraging tourists to not buy tickets to, or visit, dolphin and orca shows or attractions or take part in swim-with, selfie opportunities, and other interactive encounters.
