Uproar over Disney plan to serve shark fin soup

An uproar has broken out after entertainment giant Disney unveiled plans to serve shark's fin soup at its new theme park.

Hong Kong Disneyland, which opens in September, will serve the soup at wedding banquets and special events.

But campaigners say millions of sharks are killed each year for their fins, driving some species closer to extinction.

However, Disney says it is simply being respectful to local culture.

It is traditional in Chinese society to offer the clear, glutinous broth on important occasions.

Although the fin is almost tasteless, in southern China it is regarded as a luxury.

Environmental groups such as Greenpeace and the Worldwide Fund for Nature warn that sharks are some of the most over-exploited species on earth.

According to the BBC, they are urging Disney to take the soup of its menu and to more to help educate the public about the issues.

Disney has rejected the complaints, claiming that the dish is an integral part of any Chinese banquet.

The company says it takes environmental stewardship very seriously.

Activists are threatening to mount a global boycott against Disney if it insists on serving the soup.