RSPCA joins call for Tui to stop selling marine parks with captive cetaceans

Several major operators, including Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays, have moved to stop selling these parks in recent months following pressure from wildlife groups, but Tui continues to sell them, although it has stressed this is under review.

The RSPCA has now joined other wildlife organisations such as Peta, World Animal Protection, Born Free Foundation, World Cetacean Alliance, Humane Society International/UK and Whale and Dolphin Conservation in writing to Tui’s managing director Andrew Flintham calling for the operator to change its stance on such attractions.

In the letter, the groups say: “There is ample scientific evidence showing that captivity is wholly incompatible with the complex needs of orcas and other dolphins."

They add that it would be “unconscionable” for Tui to continue selling tickets to marine parks now most of their major competitors have ended the practice.