Disneyland China bows to pressure over sharkfin soup

Lobster soup and seafood bouillon is to replace the controversial shark fin soup at Hong Kong Disneyland wedding banquets.

Last month, Disney decided to scrap shark fin soup, a symbol of prestige in Chinese banquets, after environmentalists protested and threatened to stage boycotts of the park when it opens on September 12. The activists say that the shark fin industry is decimating the shark population.

The dish will be replaced by lobster soup and a dish with sea whelk, a bouillon with bamboo fungus and crab roe, Disney spokeswoman Irene Chan said today.

“We are confident the change will not affect the attractiveness of our weddings,” Chan said.

“The dishes are specially designed and these menu alternatives can reflect respect for Chinese culture.”

Guests waiting in line to have their weddings celebrated at the theme park’s hotel when it opens have been notified of the changes and most had responded favourably, she said.