After conducting several audits, Thomas Cook, one of Europe's largest holiday package providers, has decided to stop selling tickets to several animal parks. Other partners which provide animal oriented activities being audited to discern whether or not their animals are being treated humanely.
And now, as public backlash against animal cruelty have become more prevalent, tickets sales for swimming with dolphin providers in the Dominican Republic and even Seaworld Orlando have been axed altogether. And there is one more activity Thomas Cook has said they refuse to take part in; elephant rides.
For years, part of going to Southeast Asia meant having the chance to ride an elephant. But more and more travelers are becoming aware of the cruelty elephants are subjected to when forced to give rides, do tricks and entertain tourists. Many of these parks suggest they are sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers, but as the Bali Animal Welfare Association suggests :
"...encouraging human-elephant interactions is contrary to conservation and rehabilitation efforts."
Yet, while one of Europe's largest tour providers has come out against elephant rides. The world's largest travel company, Expedia still advertises these cruel rides as part of an exciting adventure.
This is not acceptable. Many people don't know how these animals suffer and by selling these activities via their platform they are encouraging a truly horrific practice.
Please sign the petition and demand that Expedia joins Thomas Cook and stop promoting and selling animal park activities like elephant rides.
