Introduction:
As tourists, we often assume that our dream holidays are free of exploitation and animal cruelty. However, recent revelations about the hospitality industry’s exploitation of dolphins for entertainment have shattered this illusion. The world-renowned travel company, Expedia, has been exposed for their complicity in the suffering of over 500 dolphins that are held captive in holiday resorts worldwide. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into this issue, exploring the many ways in which Expedia and the holiday industry as a whole are profiting from these intelligent creatures’ misery.
The Lie of the Dolphin Shows
In holiday resorts around the world, dolphins are used for entertainment, performing tricks and stunts for the amusement of tourists. However, what most tourists do not realize is that these ‘dolphin shows’ are nothing but performances by captive, distressed animals, forced to live in small, unstimulating pools with no resemblance to their natural habitat. Expedia is among the many travel companies that sell tickets to these shows, enabling the continuation of this cruel practice.
The Dark Side of Swim-With-Dolphin Attractions
Another popular tourist attraction is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. However, this too comes at a high cost for these animals, as they are subjected to constant physical contact with humans, which can disrupt their social bonds and natural behaviour. Moreover, these encounters are often preceded by traumatic capture and transport, leading to high levels of stress and even death in some cases.
Behind-the-Scenes Captivity
Behind the glitz and glamour of dolphin shows and swim-with-dolphin experiences lies the darker reality of captivity for these creatures. In resorts worldwide, dolphins are kept in cramped, shallow pools with no room to swim freely or interact with their own species. They are often fed dead fish, which provides minimal nutritional value, and denied or deprived of medical care when they fall ill.
The Ethical Choice for Tourists
As tourists, it is important for us to make ethical choices when it comes to animal-related tourism. One way to do this is by boycotting holiday resorts that keep captive dolphins or offer dolphin shows and swim-with-dolphin experiences. As consumers, we have the power to force travel companies like Expedia to stop profiting from dolphin captivity by raising awareness of this issue and refusing to support these inhumane practices.
Conclusion:
The exploitation of dolphins in holiday resorts is a complex issue that has long been swept under the rug by the tourism industry. However, as conscious consumers, it is imperative that we educate ourselves and refuse to support businesses like Expedia that profit from animal cruelty. By choosing to avoid activities that involve captive dolphins and expressing our disapproval of these practices to travel companies and resorts, we can help put a stop to this cruel and unethical industry. Let us use our power as consumers to protect these intelligent creatures and create a kinder, more compassionate world for all living beings.
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