Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

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Archives for February 19, 2013

Take Action Tuesday: Raising Hope

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There have been a few commercials lately with chimpanzees, but it’s been awhile since we’ve heard of one in a television or film production. However, a couple weeks ago the show Raising Hope aired a two-part episode with two different chimpanzees, one of whom is a very young baby. Additionally, earlier in the season they aired an episode with a capuchin monkey. In sum, Raising Hope has aired three different episodes recently each with a different primate actor.

chimp raising hope
Baby chimpanzee featured in “Yo Zappa Do: Part 1” of Raising Hope
older chimp raising hope
A different, older chimpanzee featured in “Yo Zappa Do: Part 2”
monkey raising hope
Capuchin monkey featured earlier in the season

Let the producers know that this is unacceptable, as there are many issues surrounding the use of primates in entertainment. Your letters do make a difference! Several companies and advertising agencies have pledged to no longer work with apes after learning the truth from concerned advocates (most recently Great Clips).

Please send a polite letter to the creator and executive producer of Raising Hope (Greg Garcia) and ask that they pledge to never work with apes again. Submit your comments to the Raising Hope Facebook page, and share this blog with your friends asking them to do the same!

Sample Facebook Comment:

Dear Mr. Garcia:

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Raising Hope had recent episodes featuring two different chimpanzees and a capuchin monkey. You should know that primates used in entertainment are torn away from their mothers as infants. Chimpanzees especially are often beaten during training and then discarded when they become too strong to be managed.

Using primates for a cheap laugh sends the message that these amazing beings are simply props. Surely you are aware that chimpanzees are endangered species in critical need of protection? Please make the compassionate decision to never exploit primates for entertainment purposes again. I certainly will not watch the show until you do, and will tell all my friends to do the same. Thank you for your consideration of my comments on this urgent matter.

You may also post Tweets that express your concern, such as: Please RT! @RaisingHopeFOX disappointed to see chimp in your show, I won’t watch it until you pledge to never use primates again #raisinghope