Seattle, Washington - Online travel agency Expedia is taking a stand for animal rights with new changes to their in-house animal welfare policy.

Whether it's events that have captive whales or tortured dolphins performing, Expedia has announced it will no longer advertise questionable shows that rely on the exploitation of animals.

"We recently adjusted our animal welfare policy," the company tweeted. "As a result, attractions and activities that involve performances by or interactions with dolphins and other cetaceans will no longer be available on our sites."

This applies to both individual excursions and full vacation packages.

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The Expedia website clarifies that "seaside sanctuaries that provide captive animals with a permanent seaside living environment are allowed if they are accredited and do not feature interactions or performances."

In recent years, customers – and even some celebrities and politicians – have complained about entertainment shows featuring marine animals. The exhaustive performances and large audiences can cause stress for the animals, and they aren't always treated properly by their trainers.

Expedia said they also "will not allow intentional physical contact with wild and exotic animals, which include but are not limited to dolphins, whales, cetaceans, elephants, big cats, bears, reptiles, and primates."

Additionally, the company will no longer support activities and excursions associated with exotic animals in restaurants or in traveling zoos – effective immediately.

Katheryn Wise of World Animal Protection reacted positively to the announcement, saying, "This is amazing news and something that we have been campaigning for since 2019. We are so pleased that they have listened."

According to animal rights activists, there are currently more than 3,000 captive dolphins used in tourist entertainment venues around the world.