Thomas Cook gives SeaWorld a lifeline after it fails welfare audit
Thomas Cook is being urged to act swiftly after SeaWorld Orlando reportedly failed the operator’s welfare audit.
The Daily Mirror reports Thomas Cook could now end all trips to SeaWorld and says the operator has ‘stopped promoting SeaWorld on its website and given bosses three months to deal with the issues raised’.
But Thomas Cook – like Virgin Holidays, TUI and other large operators – is still selling tickets to the park.
Thomas Cook has not commented on specifics, except to say: "We have now audited SeaWorld, and we are in contact with them about the results in accordance with our policy."
Its policy is to give companies three months to sort out any issues raised.
The travel giant believes it is being specifically targeted by aninal rights groups because it has publically stated its ambition to improve standards.
Animal rights campaign group PETA said: "If Thomas Cook hopes to maintain a shred of credibility with its animal-loving customers, it must end the financial lifeline it gives the park and stop selling tickets to SeaWorld immediately."
Thomas Cook sells over 10,000 day trips a year to SeaWorld, which has long been criticised over its treatment of performing orcas.
SeaWorld said: "While the physical audits of the parks are complete, the process is still ongoing."
It added: "We provide world-class care to the animals in our parks."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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