Airbnb’s ‘Animal Experience’ Guidelines Prohibit Captive Cetacean Facilities and Direct Contact With Wild Animals

Following years of collaborative discussions with PETA, Airbnb announced comprehensive Animal Experience policy guidelines that prohibit any activities involving direct contact with wild animals, including elephant rides, “swim with dolphins” excursions, and tiger-cub petting. The company also prohibits facilities with captive marine mammals, including SeaWorld. Airbnb joins the growing list of companies that have cut ties with exploitative animal attractions. TripAdvisor prohibits direct contact with wild animals and has stopped selling SeaWorld tickets, British Airways no longer sells tickets to any facility with captive wildlife, and dozens of companies, including Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and United airlines—as well as Virgin Holidays—have ended SeaWorld promotions.