Animal rights activists criticize TUI over dolphin attractions

For some, a vacation highlight; for others, a relic of an era when animal welfare mattered less. The debate surrounding dolphinariums has been reignited by a letter from international researchers to TUI CEO Sebastian Ebel. Scientists from Italy, England, the USA, and New Zealand use strong language to criticize the travel company's offerings, as reported by the Dutch travel portal «Reisbizz.nl».

According to experts, it is physically impossible to meet even the most basic needs of animals like bottlenose dolphins in captivity. «Bottlenose dolphins have habitats of more than 100 square kilometers in the wild and dive to depths that no facility can replicate», is the core argument in the letter to the company's management.

The consequences of the cramped living conditions are therefore not only physical, but also manifest themselves in massive psychological stress. The researchers report «stereotypical behavior»—aimless pacing and the constant repetition of actions—which is considered a clear indicator of poor well-being.

TUI focuses on reform rather than retreat

The tour operator responded to the allegations by referring to its internal standards. On its company website, TUI emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that animals are treated with respect. The company argues that only those who remain in business can improve conditions on the ground. «Through ticket sales, we have influence over the tour operators», the company stated.

According to TUI, current industry guidelines did not go far enough, so they implemented their own, stricter rules in 2024. These prohibit, among other things, breeding for purely commercial purposes, the use of medication to influence behavior, and the capture of animals in the wild.

Allegation of greenwashing

The argument has drawn strong criticism from animal rights activists. The organization World Animal Protection accuses TUI of applying double standards. One prominent example is Loro Parque in Tenerife: while tickets are no longer actively promoted on TUI’s Dutch website, they can still be booked without difficulty through the international TUI app.

Sanne Kuijpers, campaign manager at World Animal Protection Netherlands, minces no words: «The TUI Group is fully aware of the suffering of these animals, but is deliberately burying its head in the sand.» While competitors have already cleaned up their portfolios, the market leader refuses to consistently change course.

The criticism comes at a pivotal moment for management. World Animal Protection is preparing to use the upcoming annual general meeting to hold executives accountable before shareholders. Its message: «Wild animals don’t belong in concrete tanks, but in the wild.» For TUI, Tuesday will be about more than financials — it will also measure the credibility of its sustainability claims amid growing scientific scrutiny.