KILLER DECISION
Thomas Cook is to carry out animal welfare checks at SeaWorld amid fresh calls to sever links with the theme park chain.
The travel giant confirmed that an audit of SeaWorld’s attraction in Orlando, Florida, would be conducted by the end of this month.
If the checks raise concerns, Thomas Cook could stop including it in its package holidays.
It comes after animal welfare group PETA US bought shares in Thomas Cook to ramp up pressure.
SeaWorld responded to criticism in 2016 by confirming it was ending its controversial orca breeding programme.
It previously announced live shows involving orcas, also known as killer whales, were being phased out.
The SeaWorld audit is among around 100 being carried out at attractions and venues as part of an animal welfare policy.
It has resulted in 29 of the 46 venues being removed from sale.
A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: “We’re surprised by PETA’s approach which appears to criticise us specifically because we’ve taken an industry-leading position.”