Harry Styles has been praised by animal rights campaigners.

The One Direction star has won the approval of non-profit organisation PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] after urging his fans to boycott the local SeaWorld while performing on stage in San Diego, California on Thursday night (09.07.15).

The 21-year-old British heartthrob was captured on video, by concert-goer Maisie Williams, saying: ''Does anybody here like dolphins? Don't go to SeaWorld!''

Upon seeing the footage on Instagram, a spokesperson for the organisation told E! News they were ''pleased as punch'' with Harry's comments.

PETA's Senior Vice President Lisa Lange added: ''It's no surprise that Harry Styles knows what young people care about--they love animals, and they hate businesses that hurt them, like SeaWorld's orca prisons do. PETA hopes that One Direction's devoted fans will join the thousands of people around the world who are calling on SeaWorld to retire the orcas to coastal sanctuaries.''

The charity is planning to send the 'Story of My Life' hitmaker a T-shirt printed with the words ''SeaWorld Kills,''' as well as a box of dolphin-shaped vegan chocolates to show their gratitude.

SeaWorld has frequently been criticised for the treatment of dolphins and orcas at their facilities across the US.