June 18, 2005
Hong Kong Disneyland To Serve Shark's Fin Soup

For the past few weeks, officials at Hong Kong Disneyland have been fending off environmental activists upset that the new theme park will offer shark's fin soup for sale. Shark's fin soup is anathema to many conservation groups because many fishermen use cruel or ecologically unsound methods of maximizing their profit when fishing for sharks (e.g., telling sharks that they are going to be in the movies or inviting the fish up to the surface to "see my etchings"). This is seen to be at odds with Disney's policy of working in an environmentally friendly manner.

Disney officials were quick to respond to the complaints, noting:

• It is traditional to serve shark's fin soup at weddings in Hong Kong, and not doing so might cost the company hundreds of dollars.
• Disney has a firm commitment to maintain its leadership in environmental stewardship wherever and whenever it can do so without harming the bottom line.
• The soup will not be available throughout the park, but only at two hotels and select outdoor vending locations.
• The company has decided that in order to reduce the amount of soup consumed the special soup sippers, themed with Bruce and friends from Finding Nemo, will no longer be eligible for free refills.
• To reduce the bad associations some people have with the product, Disney is looking into the legality of referring to it as "Shrek's fin soup."

In more recent developments, the company has decided that anyone who purchases shark's fin soup will be given an entertaining, character-filled illustrated pamphlet explaining why they shouldn't have purchased it and, having purchased it, shouldn't eat it.

The "give them a pamphlet" policy will also be applied to another controversial Hong Kong Disneyland policy, that of being able to smoke in the park. If this proves effective, the company may consider opening a traditional Chinese medicine apothecary on Main Street with a sign in the window about how it harms endangered species, and offering lower-priced clothing accompanied by literature about slave labor and sweatshops.