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Virgin Holidays announces new policy on cetaceans
beluga whale
Research suggests lack of space can cause abnormal behaviour, heightened anxiety and aggression.
Company aims to effect change in the use of whales and dolphins
 
Travel company Virgin Holidays will no longer promote new attractions or hotels that feature captive whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes.

The commitment forms part of a new policy published by the business, which has also pledged to ensure its existing contracted facilities displaying captive cetaceans, meet the highest animal welfare standards. Additionally, they will be encouraged to change their exploitative practices.

Virgin Holidays said it will support the creation of coastal sanctuaries for whales and dolphins, and promote conservation in their natural habitats. The company also endorsed international co-operation to end the capture of wild cetaceans, and to discourage the building of any new attractions where cetaceans will be used for theatrical or contact purposes.

The policy has been described as “a potential game-changer” by the Born Free Foundation.

Daniel Turner, the charity’s associate director of tourism and EU compliance, commented: “The keeping of whales and dolphins in captivity, their use in theatrical performances and contact sessions, and their confinement in barren tanks, is no longer supported by science, nor accepted by an increasingly concerned public.”

The pledge to support coastal refuges was particularly welcome as these are seen as the most progressive alternative to barren tanks, the charity added. Together with partners, it is considering a number of plans to create seaside sanctuaries in different locations around the world.

According to Born Free figures, 360 dolphinaria around the world keep approximately 2,000 dolphins, 230 beluga whales, 56 orca, 37 porpoises and 17 false killer whales.

Research suggests that, in the majority of cases, the animals’ tanks are a fraction of the size of their natural home range and lack of space can cause abnormal behaviour, heightened anxiety and aggression. So too can a lack of environmental quality and complexity in the tank. In addition, limited social integration between unrelated individuals, often from different origins, can result in aggression, injury, illness and even death.

Born Free president Will Travers said: “Born Free is keen to collaborate to create a fresh vision that combines fantastic tourism experiences, based on respect and compassion, with securing a future where wild cetaceans can thrive in their natural habitat for generations to come.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.