Citibank Promotes the Consumption of Shark Fin Soup

While money may be inherently synonymous with green, one international banking chain is far from environmental. The New York Times reports that several of Citibank's branches in Asia offered customers a 15 percent discount at restaurants serving shark fin soup. Shark fin soup is condemned by the scientific and conservation community for its destructive effect on shark populations across the globe. The gelatinous soup, made from severed shark fins, claims the lives of up to 100 million shark per year. The soup is perceived to be a delicacy among many Asian cultures, fueling the multi-billion dollar market. 

Following the promotion, the Hong Kong Citibank faced sharp opposition, including a facebook group and an email campaign targeting Citibank's marketing manager. In response to the negative feedback, the location ended the promotion nearly one month early. Citibank's Singapore location continues to offer a 15 percent discount to the Imperial Court Shark’s Fin Restaurant that has been similarly criticized online, despite claims from Citibank spokesmen that the company has received no complaints. 

The Chinese outcry represents a significant shift in public opinion towards the once revered delicacy. As the largest consumer of shark fin soup, environmental groups in China have been feverishly working to raise awareness about the harmful practice to reduce the overall global consumption rate. Such efforts include educational campaigns using popular and influential spokesmen such as basketball star Yao Ming, grassroots campaigning and mass and online media to dissuade the consumption of shark fin soup. Wildaid and Shark Savers have already launched a billboard campaign that has been gaining traction throughout China.  

Though shark fin soup is not as prevalent in the U.S. as it is in China, American restaurants around the country serve the dish to cater to their elite predominantly Asian clientele. Help STOP the slaughter of sharks by refusing to patronize restaurants that serve shark fin soup or companies that promote the practice, like Citibank. Voice your disapproval and tell these companies and establishments what you think.

TO AVOID: Restaurants known to serve shark fin soup in DC:

Full Kee (soup is available during New Years)
509 H St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 371-2233

Sichuan Pavilion
1814 K St. NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 466-7790

Tony Cheng's Seafood Restaurant & Mongolian Barbecue
619 H St NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 371-8669

*List provided by the Animal Welfare Institute 

For more information on shark finning, check out this short video from Planet 100