Today, Marine Connection, in a joint effort with 20 leading animal welfare organisations from across Europe, united in a powerful demonstration outside the headquarters of TUI Group in Hanover. The coalition delivered a clear message: TUI must stop selling and promoting captive dolphin and whale entertainment. Despite growing scientific evidence and public opposition to keeping cetaceans in captivity, TUI continues to profit from attractions that confine dolphins and whales in barren tanks for human entertainment. This outdated practice is not only inhumane—it’s out of step with modern values.
Margaux Dodds, Executive Director of Marine Connection, stated: “Dolphins and whales are highly intelligent, social animals with complex physical and psychological needs that simply cannot be met in captivity. TUI’s continued promotion of these attractions flies in the face of public opinion and ethical responsibility. Today, we are supporting this event to urge TUI to follow the lead of other major travel providers and end its support for this cruelty.”
Marine Connection remains committed to advocating for cetaceans in the wild—not in tanks. We will continue to work collaboratively with partners to pressure travel companies to do the right thing for animals.
