When you go to Efteling, you see splendor around us. We jump on every attraction and take a spin on the merry-go-round. According to Peta Nederland, these carousels are outdated. Why? Horses and other animals on these merry-go-rounds inadvertently celebrate the exploitation of sentient beings. What do you think?
Not of this time
Janneke Hogervorst, advisor at animal rights organization Peta Nederland, indicates that it is really outdated to exploit animals for our entertainment. Of course, we know that Efteling does not mean it that way. Yet these kinds of animal merry-go-rounds give children the feeling that it is normal to use animals for our pleasure.
Efteling as a showcase
The Efteling, who doesn’t know it. It is one of the largest amusement parks in the Netherlands. That is precisely why it has a major role model for the rest of the country. “If Efteling indicates that it is thinking about this or considering this, we will initiate an important discussion,” Janneke indicates. “Times change.”
Animals not for entertainment
These types of carousels with horses, giraffes, camels, dolphins and elephants give children the idea that these types of animals are only for our entertainment. These types of animals experience pain, fear, joy and love just like us. These types of animals are used for riding in real life, but dolphins and camels suffer physically from this. Peta Netherlands therefore prefers to see cars, airplanes, rainbows, shooting stars or bulldozers in the merry-go-round.
Is this going too far?
“We can imagine that people are concerned about this,” says Peta Nederland. It’s more or less about fantasy creatures, right? Isn’t it going too far? “It’s kind of our style to stimulate these kinds of discussions in a slightly provocative way,” they say. They don’t mind this, the conversation is the most important to them. Yes, is the seesaw no longer allowed? “Uh yes, in practice we don’t sit on chickens, so it is less in line with reality. But the seesaw also sends the wrong signal that animals can be used for entertainment.”
Response from Efteling
What does Efteling actually think of this? Above all, they find it an ‘interesting and special discussion.’ They think it is important that these types of organizations exist that are committed to animal welfare. The amusement park does not rule out that something will change in the future.
