Why your holiday can be hell for animals

As figures show that at least half a million animals are exploited at tourist attractions, we look at how to have a cruelty-free break

hen Morgan the killer W whale washed up on the coast of the Netherlands in 2010, instead of being released back into the wild, she was taken to Loro Parque marine park, Spain.

Shockingly, animal charity People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claims Morgan is forced to perform tricks for food and now lives in a small, barren, chlorinated tank. Devastated by her new situation, she has reportedly tried to beach herself many times to end her life.

Morgan is just one of more than 500,000 creatures estimated to be being abused worldwide to entertain unwitting tourists. Other attractions include elephant rides, chimp shows and wild animals forced to pose with people for selfies.

Elisa Allen, director of PETA UK, says: “Many people won’t be aware that often the animals they’re seeing are either born into captivity or snatched from their natural habitats and kept in cruel conditions. Many are made to perform, even when they’re tired or sore, and are trained using horrific methods, such as electric prods and even beatings.”

It’s not just animal charities who have been moved by the plight of animals. Some travel companies, such as STA, no longer work with Seaworld and a growing number of airlines, including United Airlines and Virgin America, have also cut ties with the company.

Elisa adds: “We’re campaigning for tourists to think twice before visiting animal attractions. If tourists stop visiting them, they’ll become unprofitable and begin to phase out. We have a petition for the release of Morgan and a ban on Orca (killer whale) shows. It has gained a lot of support, with nearly 100,000 people signing it worldwide. Animals aren’t ours to use for entertainment – and it’s time we stop exploiting them for human amusement.”

Closer is backing PETA’S campaign to end the exploitation of animals for the purposes of entertainment. Here’s our guide on what to look out for, and animal-friendly alternatives…