Animal activists arrested during campaign targeting Queensland theme parks

Animal rights activists have targeted three Queensland theme parks to protest animals held in captivity.

Animal rights activist have for the past two days being protesting Queensland tourist attractions that they say "exploit animals".

Animal rights activist have for the past two days being protesting Queensland tourist attractions that they say "exploit animals". Source: Facebook @JusticeForCaptives

Police have been called to a Queensland theme park after activists protested animals held in captivity, the third time a tourist attraction has been targeted in two days.

In videos posted to social media, several members of the "Justice for Captives" group can be seen on the roof of the Dreamworld front entrance on the Gold Coast.
Activists from 'Justice For Captives' can be seen unfurling banners at the dolphin affinity show.
Activists from 'Justice For Captives' can be seen unfurling banners at the dolphin affinity show. Source: Facebook @JusticeForCaptives
They were wearing animal masks, while others are lined up in front of the gates holding signs.

The group claims the protest is designed to "raise awareness about the use of animals for profit under the guise of education and conservation".

"Dreamworld is a zoo disguised as a theme park, and houses over 400 animals in very small and unnatural enclosures," the post read.

Messages on the signs read "slaves for selfies" and "captivity is cruel" alongside pictures of tigers in cages.

There were similar scenes reported on Saturday at Sea World when the same group disrupted a seal performance and two dolphin shows.
The protests continued Saturday night with members running into the arena during a performance of Australian Outback Spectacular, a show featuring horses.

The crowd can be heard booing the protesters and cheering as they were taken into custody of police and security.

Six people from the group were arrested and charged with public nuisance for the two disturbances.

Police said Sunday's protest was peaceful and had not disrupted the theme park's operations.


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Published 16 December 2018 3:52pm
Updated 16 December 2018 4:08pm

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