Jet2 has reaffirmed its commitment to working only with captive cetacean attractions that “uphold the highest standards” after Peta became a shareholder in the company to lobby its executives to stop “promoting” such venues.
The animal rights group now owns one share in Jet2 so that its representatives can attend the operator’s AGM on Thursday (September 1) to speak with other shareholders and executives and “openly call for the company to end its promotion of marine parks and ticket sales for the exploitative facilities”.
In response, Jet2 has said it is “willing to engage” with Peta and other organisations with the same purpose, adding it believes welfare standards are “critical”.
A spokesperson for the airline and operator said: “We are aware of the debate surrounding such venues, and while there continues to be high customer demand, we recognise how critical it is that animal welfare standards are adhered to.
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“It is important to note that we are committed to only working with venues that agree to uphold the highest standards.
“We are of course willing to engage with organisations on this matter, in a respectful and constructive manner.”
Peta claims Jet2holidays continues to sell tickets to marine parks where dolphins and whales are kept in captivity, despite historic concerns over the animals’ welfare at such destinations.
The American animal rights non-profit hopes that by becoming a shareholder it will be able to “stop Jet2 profiting from marine mammals’ misery”.
Peta claims that similar campaigns it has led have prompted major travel companies including Expedia, TripAdvisor, Virgin Holidays, British Airways Holidays, Club Med, Airbnb, and Booking.com to stop selling tickets to venues that keep whales and dolphins in tanks.
Peta vice-president Elisa Allen said: “Most UK travel companies have done right by animals by cutting ties with facilities that exploit captive orcas and other dolphins – and Jet2holidays must get with the times and follow suit.
“As a shareholder, Peta will be able to push Jet2’s management to do the responsible thing for shareholders and animals alike and stop profiting from marine mammals’ misery.”
As well as speaking with Jet2 executives and shareholders at the company’s AGM on Thursday in central London, activists will protest outside the building during the meeting.