Outside Expedia Group Sydney office to stop dolphin suffering

Expedia Group offers tickets to demeaning shows that exploit dolphins, therefore profiting from the suffering of 500 dolphins in captivity at 32 entertainment venues across the globe.

Australia has one of the world’s largest captive dolphin venues: Sea World on the Gold Coast which houses over 30 dolphins, most of which were born and bred there.

During peak hour this morning, we were positioned at the front of Expedia Group’s Sydney headquarters at Martin Place to educate the public on dolphin tourism.

An inflatable pool and mock dolphins were brought in as props to signify the thousands of dolphins that suffer in venues around the world.

In their natural environment, dolphins swim freely in 100 square kilometres of ocean, but at Sea World and other dolphin entertainment venues they are held in tiny, barren, often chlorinated tanks – all in the name of entertainment and profit.

World Animal Protection Australia’s Head of Campaigns, Ben Pearson said:

“Dolphin entertainment is animal cruelty masquerading as wholesome family fun. These highly intelligent and sociable wild animals are imprisoned for up to 50 years in small, barren tanks.

“Companies like Expedia Group and Flight Centre that sell tickets to these shows are cashing in on cruelty.”

This activity comes just a few weeks after we released our global Behind the Smile report which lifts the lid on the cruelty behind the multi-billion dollar dolphin tourism industry.

 “Major travel brands like TripAdvisor, Virgin Holidays, British Airways Holidays and Booking.com have already shown leadership and cut ties – now it’s time for others to follow suit.”

“That’s why we’re calling on Expedia Group and the remaining travel companies that are still lagging behind to end the sale of tickets to dolphin shows, so we can ensure this is the last generation of dolphins in captivity.”

“These highly intelligent and sociable wild animals are imprisoned for up to 50 years in small, barren tanks.