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Travel Site Caves to PETA Fanatics
We’re sure many of you are already aware, but TripAdvisor made an announcement last Wednesday that could be terrible news for animals in the care of accredited, reputable zoo and aquarium facilities.
The misguided policy changes blindsided many of their current vendors and it will drastically affect many of those companies’ missions of animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Here’s what’s happening:
Only PETA’s opinion matters to TripAdvisor.
In an effort to continue their commitment to raising the standards of wildlife welfare in the tourism industry, the largest travel site in the world “will discontinue selling tickets for specific tourism experiences where travelers come into physical contact with captive wild animals or endangered species, including but not limited to elephant rides, petting tigers, and swim with dolphin attractions.”
TripAdvisor is also launching an education portal. Where is the information coming from? The booking site will be enlisting the help of several different “experts.” Apparently, if tourists know both the highly biased implications and benefits of each attraction, then they can make an informed decision and contribute a “more meaningful” review.
Wasting no time at all, a number of attractions were removed immediately. The remaining attractions will be phased out in 2017, upon the implementation of the education portal and website updates.
Who is directly affected?
Parks like Discovery Cove in Orlando, an attraction that offers swimming with dolphins, will be eliminated from TripAdvisor. Here is a fun fact. Not long ago, TripAdvisor named the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited park as the 2014 Top Traveler’s Choice in the world.
“We want to celebrate those destinations and attractions that are leaders in caring for animals and those in the tourism industry who help further the cause of animal welfare, conservation and the preservation of endangered species,” based on the comment from the site’s President and CEO, Stephen Kaufer, we just have to ask how exactly he plans on doing that? Simply because we don’t think banning an AZA credited facility is very celebratory at all.
What are the industry’s thoughts?
Well as you can expect, those who are directly affected by the new policies or work closely with the booking site are definitely disappointed. Other than the fact they were blindside by the decision, many believe TripAdvisor is not letting their customers make their own decisions. Apparently an informed decision comes from only having one option.
SeaWorld Orlando released a statement last week:
“We are disappointed in the position of TripAdvisor. This position is not in only in conflict with the views of accredited members of the AZA, but in conflict with the AZA’s own extensive accreditation process which affirms the importance of ambassador animal programs that are protective of animal health and welfare and have real educational and conservation value. We are proud that our facilities have earned recognition for excellence through multiple accreditation programs involving rigorous and lengthy program assessment based in scientific evidence, experience and data, including strict animal care, education and conservation guidelines.”
Hands up if you agree! What’s the point of working so rigorously to provide top notch facilities and care for your animals, if you aren’t going to be held as reputable in the eyes of the world’s leading booking agency, and therefore discourages visitors.
What didn’t get cut?
-Domestic animals, e.g. horseback riding, children’s petting zoos with domestic animals like rabbits, etc.
-Aquarium touch pools used for education purposes where tourists are under the supervision of zoo, aquarium and or wildlife officials
-Feeding programs where tourists are under the supervision of zoo and or wildlife officials
-Voluntourism programs for endangered species preservation at zoos, aquariums or sanctuaries where it is possible that there might be some level of physical interaction with an animal
PETA, the TripAdvisor Whisperer?
No surprise here: PETA. The radica animal rights activists held TripAdvisor’s hands during the six month research process. PETA’s Executive VP, Tracey Reiman stated, “By refusing to sell tickets to businesses that treat animals as entertainment or playthings, TripAdvisor is making a precedent-setting statement about the use and abuse of animals for entertainment.” This partnership certainly demonstrates what happens when you let PETA dictate your business decisions. Remember Baylor?
Let’s wrap this up.
Behind the Thrills pointed out a very interesting fact, “It’s worth noting that in the top 25 list of TripAdvisor’s theme park destinations, that the majority of them have animal experiences. Click here to see the list yourself, but this could be seen as a dangerous move for not only TripAdvisor, but for zoos and other animal attractions as well.”
TripAdvisor’s new moves makes us do one heck of a face palm. This initiative will only hinder facilities who are safely practicing and researching wildlife conservation and rescue. That’s a shame.
Here’s a link to Expedia.com for all your future travel needs.