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.
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
I have also seen Capuchin monkeys being trained and used as service, companion, animals for severly, disabled people…What are the Sanctuary’s thoughts on that?
Done. And I’m a huge fan of this show, but will definitely not watch if this isn’t addressed and changed! I think Take Action Tuesday is such a great thing!
Thank you for making us aware of this, Debbie. I’ve never taken the time to watch this show and I’m glad I haven’t. I’ve voiced my opinion on their Facebook page.
I’ve never watched this show but will surely make a comment on their Facebook page.
Also, I just got this in my e-mail today. Even if you’ve already gone to the NIH website and posted your comments against the reserving 50 chimps for ‘backup’ research, it cannot hurt to submit through the HSUS appeal as well.
https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=5899&autologin=true&s_src=em_ha021913&JServSessionIdr004=kacmfgiaf9.app306b
Sara, would you post your above comment and the humane society link on a current CSNW blog post as I’m not sure if many folks go back and read comments from previous posts. I did and signed the HSUS letter.
Thank-you!
PS. I’d also like to know the Sanctuaries views on monkeys being trained and used as service, companion animals. See my previous comment and Thanks!
Chris, thanks for the question! Capuchin monkeys, like chimps, are wild animals and do not belong in human homes. Their needs can’t be met in a human environment, and they pose a public safety risk as well.
My sentiments exactly but of course many would find that opinion, uncaring or insensitive to a severly, disabled, person’s needs. I saw the segment on 60 minutes and really did have mixed feelings about it. I guess for the monkey, it was the better of two evils…better than life in a laboratory! 🙁
PS. But you’re right! No matter what the circumstances, they should not even be used for service animals as so many things could go wrong and probably never a good outcome, for the monkey! I am hoping for the day when primates, monkeys, and all animals for that matter, will not have to suffer at the hands of humans and will be allowed to live as they were meant to live…in the wild!! But until they do, I am so grateful for places like CSNW!