Claire Bentley
Managing Director
British Airways Holidays
Astral Towers
Betts Way
Crawley, RH10 9XA
August 13, 2019
Dear Ms. Bentley:
On behalf of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, and our more than 6,000 members around the world, we are deeply disappointed and concerned about British Airways Holidays’ (BA Holidays) recent decision to no longer book packages to animal-based destinations. The decision does not consider the ongoing and unwavering commitment to the overall welfare, health and care of these animals.
IAAPA has many members around the world with animals in their care. These members provide a high standard of care, a deliberate focus on animal welfare, and are well-managed facilities that provide up-close and personal experiences for their guests. These amazing experiences help inspire and educate people of all ages so they can develop an appreciation and respect for animals and the natural world.
Zoos, aquariums and facilities with animals provide people with a unique opportunity to see and interact with the natural world, something especially important for those who live in cities and urban surroundings. Such visits provide once-in-a-lifetime encounters and memories that leave a lasting impression. They help inspire people to act and make efforts to preserve and conserve our natural resources. We believe people should have the opportunity to have these experiences and visit well-managed zoological facilities.
This policy could have a negative ripple effect on animals in the wild. Zoological facilities conduct valuable research that aid conservation efforts in the wild, provide support for rescued or illegally trafficked animals needing a home and environmental disaster response in their communities and around the world. A visit to a zoo, aquarium or park with animals leaves a lasting impression on the individual and how they view the world around them. As a result, BA Holidays should in fact support well-managed zoological facilities if they want aid animals in the wild.
We encourage you to consult with global zoo and aquarium associations including the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Each of these organizations is committed to animal welfare and supporting sound decisions and best practices based in science and well-documented research, not opinion.
We also invite you visit and tour any of our member facilities around the world so you can better understand the commitment, care, dedication and importance of their work. We are happy to introduce you and help make the connections you need at any time.
Please reconsider this policy as it could have a lasting negative impact.
Sincerely,
Hal McEvoy
President & CEO
IAAPA
