The change.org petition, which has already garnered more than 5,500 signatures, materialized after an internal email detailing the profitability of Hong Kong Airlines’ dolphin route leaked in the Chinese press. Reports also indicate that an image of the dolphins floating in shallow water accompanied the email.
Hong Kong Airlines didn’t address this allegation directly, but instead expressed its unfamiliarity with dolphin transport. “As a member of the transport industry, the airline was totally unaware of the complexities behind this shipment of five dolphins,” according to a statement posted on the carrier’s website.
“Hong Kong Airlines is very grateful for the recent input of various animal welfare organizations on the subject,” the statement continued. “Hong Kong Airlines is a responsible member for the future and the environment.”
Some signees of the change.org petition seem to disagree. “Five Taiji dolphins were transported via cargo flight in ‘flying coffins,’” the petition stated. “They spent at least seven hours in this cruel confinement. … Dolphins are neither cargo, nor commerce, nor entertainment.”
No dolphins were harmed during the flight, according to Hong Kong Airlines.
The change.org petition, which has already garnered more than 5,500 signatures, materialized after an internal email detailing the profitability of Hong Kong Airlines’ dolphin route leaked in the Chinese press. Reports also indicate that an image of the dolphins floating in shallow water accompanied the email.
Hong Kong Airlines didn’t address this allegation directly, but instead expressed its unfamiliarity with dolphin transport. “As a member of the transport industry, the airline was totally unaware of the complexities behind this shipment of five dolphins,” according to a statement posted on the carrier’s website.
“Hong Kong Airlines is very grateful for the recent input of various animal welfare organizations on the subject,” the statement continued. “Hong Kong Airlines is a responsible member for the future and the environment.”
Some signees of the change.org petition seem to disagree. “Five Taiji dolphins were transported via cargo flight in ‘flying coffins,’” the petition stated. “They spent at least seven hours in this cruel confinement. … Dolphins are neither cargo, nor commerce, nor entertainment.”
No dolphins were harmed during the flight, according to Hong Kong Airlines.
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