Major airlines stand up for wild animals

04/08/2015

Just days after news that Cecil the lion was killed during an illegal hunt in Zimbabwe, Delta Airlines has announced that it will ban the shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo trophies worldwide.

"We hope these airlines’ actions will send a signal to businesses and tourists around the world that the cruel exploitation of wildlife in the name of entertainment must end"

Shortly after, United and American Airlines have released similar statements.

“We welcome the news that Delta, United, and American Airlines will ban the shipment of all lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo trophies worldwide. As the tragic killing of Cecil has shown, trophy hunting causes huge suffering for wild animals. We hope these airlines’ actions will send a signal to businesses and tourists around the world that the cruel exploitation of wildlife in the name of entertainment must end,” says Priscilla Ma, World Animal Protection's U.S. Executive Director.

Along with major airlines banning the shipment of wild animal “trophies”, Ringling Brothers’ decision earlier this year to end elephant use in shows and San Francisco’s recent ban on the use of wild and exotic animals in performances for entertainment send a strong message that people will no longer tolerate the inhumane and cruel treatment of wild animals for entertainment.

UPDATE: Air Canada has also committed to a ban on shipping hunting trophies. Read more.