New report exposes dolphin cruelty at venues sold by TUI

Despite claiming to oppose the commercial breeding of cetaceans (whales and dolphins), TUI continues to sell tickets to venues that breed them for profit.

The new report, Stories of Suffering: What TUI Isn't Telling You, is based on extensive research and venue visits. It details how dolphins are still bred, harmed, and made to perform for tourists - all under the travel giant’s banner.

Read the report

Disturbing findings include:

• Dolphins with physical injuries, including chronic wounds, eye lesions, and damaged skin

• Elderly and pregnant dolphins being made to perform

• Mothers and calves separated during interactions with tourists

• Dolphins kept in enclosures too small for them to swim properly - in one case, a dolphin was confined in a sea pen with less than 2m depth (for context, an adult bottlenose dolphin can grow up to 4m long)

These conditions violate TUI Group’s own animal welfare policy, which claims to prohibit venues that breed animals for commercial purposes.

Katheryn Wise, World Animal Protection, UK Wildlife Manager:

TUI Group’s leadership is fully aware of the appalling conditions these animals endure. The evidence has been repeatedly presented to them, yet they continue to turn a blind eye. Their profit margins clearly outweigh any concern for the well-being of the dolphins and whales they exploit.

Ending the commercial breeding of cetaceans in captivity is crucial to breaking the cycle of suffering. It’s becoming increasingly evident that the tide is turning — governments, responsible travel companies, and tourists are rejecting this cruel industry. Yet, TUI Group persists in promoting and profiting from these venues, including notorious places like Loro Parque, which continue to churn out whales and dolphins with no hope of release, further perpetuating the harm.

While other major travel companies like Expedia, Booking.com, Virgin Holidays, and Tripadvisor have cut ties with marine parks, TUI continues to fuel this billion-dollar industry - selling more than 400 experiences to venues offering captive whale and dolphin entertainment.

A recent survey of TUI customers across five countries found that:

• 83% of respondents said animal welfare is important when choosing a travel company

• 84% believe TUI should stop selling tickets to venues that breed whales and dolphins in light of their policy

• Two-thirds think this should happen within a year

In the wild, dolphins can have a home range of up to 400 square kilometres. In captivity, they’re confined to barren tanks 200,000 times smaller than their natural habitat. Many are drugged to cope with stress and anxiety. Some self-mutilate. None can live the life nature intended.

These venues often claim to support conservation and education. In reality, just 5 to 10% of zoos, aquaria and dolphinariums are involved in meaningful conservation and most captive dolphins are bred purely for profit, not rescue or release. Meanwhile, the industry continues to promote swimming with dolphins and circus-style shows as “education”, despite their obvious cruelty.