Removing dolphins and whales from their natural environment and confining them in cramped water tanks at amusement parks can seriously affect the physical and psychological well-being of these mammals.
In a bid to discourage people from visiting such amusement parks, Virgin Holidays, one of the largest and most successful tour operators in the UK, has announced that it will no longer be selling tickets to tourist attractions that feature whales and dolphins in captivity. Richard Branson’s travel firm revealed that it will prioritize more natural wildlife encounters instead while cutting longstanding ties with SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and similar attractions.
Virgin Holidays has made the decision after conducting research which found that 92 percent of UK holidaymakers would prefer to see animals in their natural habitat. According to the company, the decision will “come into effect as soon as possible” and will be fully implemented by July 31 this year.
