This Easter weekend actions will be taking place around the world to speak out for whales kept captive by SEA LIFE. A number of animal advocates will be staging peaceful demonstrations at SEA LIFE centres around the UK in order to shine a spotlight on the company’s continued cruel use of beluga whales in circus-style shows in its Shanghai Centre. If you cannot make an event in person, you can still make a valuable contribution to the campaign.

All you need to do is print one …

In a move which has been branded “astoundingly cynical” by campaigners, Merlin Entertainments/ SEA LIFE appear to have taken action to quash criticism over its continued exploitation of Beluga whales in circus-style shows in its Shanghai centre… by rebranding the offending aquarium. Despite making repeated and highly-publicised claims that SEA LIFE is opposed to cetacean captivity, the company was exposed by Freedom for Animals in recent weeks for its active exploitation of Beluga whales in shows three times a day in its Shanghai Centre. That is, until Merlin …

In October 2012 SEA LIFE aquariums went up against a consortium of US aquariums including one of its largest competitors, SeaWorld, in a very public battle. The point of contention: the consortium’s proposed import of wild beluga whales from Russia for a life of exploitation by the businesses in question.

Click to read full letter

Merlin/SEA LIFE was vocal in its opposition to the move, making a number of bold statements which endeared them to respected conservation organisations and animal welfare campaigners alike.

In a strongly-worded …

Following Merlin’s shocking statement that the company saw “no merit” in discussing concerns raised over its continued exploitation of whales in the Shanghai SEA LIFE centre, the company has now withdrawn an invitation extended to Freedom for Animals just days before the launch of the SEA LIES campaign to meet in person, saying it also sees “no merit” in discussing the serious issues raised face-to-face.

Upon receipt of Merlin’s initial letter to Freedom for Animals, stating that the company was “disappointed” by the SEA LIES campaign, …

This morning, Freedom for Animals received a letter from Merlin Entertainments/SEA LIFE in response to our new SEA LIES campaign, which was launched over the weekend. In the interests of transparency, we have published the letter in full on this page (click on the image to the right to view the letter from Merlin). We were extremely disappointed by the response and felt it important to respond.

The below letter has therefore been sent to Merlin today, and can be viewed in PDF form HERE.

Amongst other worrying …