nos.nl
Efteling Cancels Controversial Raveleijn Horse Show
The Efteling theme park in the Netherlands is ending its Raveleijn horse show in 2024 following years of animal rights protests and two on-set fires, replacing it with a new show featuring impressive effects and a raven-themed ride, opening in late 2026.
- What prompted the Efteling to cancel its Raveleijn show after fifteen years, and what immediate impact will this decision have on the park?
- The Efteling theme park in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, is ending its Raveleijn show after 15 years due to ongoing controversy surrounding the use of live horses. A new show, without animals, is planned for 2024, featuring a revamped open-air theater and new storyline. The existing actors will return.
- What role did animal rights activism and safety concerns play in the decision to end the Raveleijn show, and what investigations were conducted?
- Animal rights protests, including incidents of activists disrupting performances and concerns about horses performing with fire effects, led to increased scrutiny of the Raveleijn show. The 2019 protest by the Party for the Animals and subsequent NVWA investigation, while concluding no animal abuse occurred, contributed to the decision to replace the show. Two separate fires also damaged the show's set in 2023.
- How might the Efteling's decision to replace Raveleijn with a technologically advanced show impact the future of animal-based entertainment in theme parks, and what are the wider implications for the park's investment strategy?
- The Efteling's decision reflects a growing sensitivity towards animal welfare in entertainment, potentially influencing other theme parks. The new show's focus on "impressive show effects" suggests a shift towards technology-driven spectacle. The addition of a new, raven-themed attraction alongside the revamped show indicates a broader investment in the Raveleijn area, suggesting it will remain a significant part of the park.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introduction immediately highlight the 'controversial' nature of the Raveleijn show and its ending. This sets a negative tone from the start, emphasizing the protests and incidents rather than the show's positive aspects or the Efteling's overall contributions. The inclusion of details about the fires, although factual, might further contribute to a negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses words like "omstreden" (controversial) and focuses extensively on incidents of protest and fire. These word choices, while factually accurate, could subtly sway the reader towards a negative interpretation. More neutral phrasing could be used, for example, instead of stating that the show is "controversial," it could mention that it "faced criticism."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the protests and controversies surrounding the use of horses in the Raveleijn show. While it mentions the NVWA investigation concluding no animal abuse occurred, it doesn't delve into the specifics of their findings or provide counter-arguments to the animal rights activists' claims. The financial aspects of replacing the show are also not discussed. This omission might leave the reader with a skewed perception of the situation, emphasizing the negative aspects without a complete picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified dichotomy between animal rights activists and the Efteling's decision to continue the show with horses. It doesn't fully explore the complexities of balancing entertainment, economic considerations, and animal welfare. The nuances of the debate—such as differing views on acceptable animal treatment in entertainment—are largely absent.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Efteling theme park is ending its Raveleijn show, which involved live horses, due to animal welfare concerns and protests. This decision reflects a commitment to reducing animal exploitation in entertainment and aligns with the SDG target of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.