TripAdvisor stand on animal encounters raises concern at Florida attractions

BUSINESS

TripAdvisor stand on animal encounters raises concern at Florida attractions

The Associated Press Published Sunday, October 30, 2016 8:34AM EDT

Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys

In this Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 photo, senior trainer Kelly Jayne Rodriguez, left, works with a dolphin named Molly, who is in her early 50's, as students look on at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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KEY WEST, Fla. -- Officials at marine mammal facilities in the Florida Keys say they're concerned about travel website TripAdvisor's decision to stop selling bookings to attractions where travellers can make physical contact with captive wild animals or endangered species.

Swim-with-dolphin attractions were among the experiences specifically mentioned in TripAdvisor's Oct. 11 announcement, along with elephant rides and tiger petting.

The Dolphin Research Center offers dolphin encounters on Grassy Key but doesn't sell tickets through TripAdvisor. Marketing director Mary Stella told The Citizen that TripAdvisor's decision ignores how interacting with marine mammals can inspire visitors to support conservation efforts.

Theater of the Sea sells tickets through TripAdvisor's affiliated Viator booking website. Curator Beverley Osborne said she hopes the new policy won't negatively affect the Islamorada facility, which follows strict guidelines for marine mammal care.