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Drop in public support for dolphin and whale shows 
dolphins italy
Dolphins at Fasanolandia, Italy, 2013.
Poll reveals a drop in public support for overseas marine parks containing captive dolphins and whales

A recent poll has revealed that public support for marine circuses has dropped. Fewer British tourists include watching dolphins and whales performing in tanks on their travel "to-do" lists.
 
It is thought that this change of public opinion could be the result of growing awareness of the ethics and physical implications of containing dolphins and whales in captivity.
 
The poll was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of responsibletravel.com and the Born Free Foundation. It showed that 85 per cent of 4050 British participants would choose not to visit a marine park to see whales and dolphins whilst on holiday overseas.
 
President of the Born Free Foundation, Will Travers OBE, said: “Are the days of the dolphinarium over? It seems clear that when presented with the information to make an informed decision, British travellers have had enough.
 
"It is time to bring the curtain down on the exploitation of whales and dolphins in captivity – just like the exploitation of wild animals in travelling circuses.
 
"There are no longer any captive dolphins in the UK and I hope that the result of this survey will hasten the day when there are no captive dolphins kept for public entertainment anywhere in the world. We have a responsibility to make that dream a reality.”
 
Participants in the survey were asked the same question twice, once before and once after reading a statement setting out facts about wild and captive whales and dolphins. Initially, 39 per cent said that they would not visit an overseas marine park to see whales and dolphins. However, 64 per cent of these respondents changed their minds after reading the factual statement.
 
Justin Francis, managing director at responsibletravel.com said: “The time has come for travel companies and the Association of British Travel Agents, to face the facts and stop supporting this irresponsible form of tourism.”
 
Image courtesy of Born Free Foundation

 

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk