On Sunday, August 18th, the first episode of a new four-part documentary called Chimp Crazy will debut on HBO and stream on Max. You may have already seen the trailer or seen promotions about the series.
It was produced by Eric Goode, who also produced Tiger King.
I am guessing a lot of you are now saying to yourself that there’s no way you will be watching it.
I completely understand that response, especially after watching the trailer, which includes some difficult clips:
Though it will surely be sensationalized and is meant to bring in viewers who are watching for entertainment, we’ve heard that it also tells the story of why primates should not be pets. It has the potential to make a positive difference, reaching people who don’t already care about this issue. See the page on the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA) website about the documentary.
We want to know if you plan to watch, if you’d be interested in joining a discussion group about the series, and if you are aware of a bill in Congress right now, the Captive Primate Safety Act, that would protect primates from these types of exploitative situations.
Fill out this questionnaire to let us know your thoughts.
I know regular readers will want to know that Willy B is doing fine after his little procedure yesterday (does the fact that chimpanzees bite each others digits off provide a reason why they do not make good pets??!!).
I went up to check on him through the window of his private suite last night and we were also watching him on the security cameras. He had a long and deep sleep.
Chad reported that Willy B was raring to go back with his group this morning, against Dr. Erin’s orders. Willy B is notoriously difficult to give medication to, but the determined and creative staff managed to get him to take his meds in sweetened peanut butter today.
Here’s a photo Ellen just took of him in his recovery room, looking at his reflection in her phone (and, full disclosure, licking his stitched up toe, not pictured):
Thank you, Diana.
Glad to hear you’re well enough to be up and about.
If it’s available for purchase, I’d watch it, on your rec, and would love to participate. I don’t have HBO.
Do you know what the fine print in the Act states vis à vis capuchins and paraplegiacs? I know that they’re sometimes used as service animals. IIRC, there’s a training facility in Boston.
(The chimp in the top photo of the Act’s page reminds me of Foxie.)
I don’t think the bill specifically addresses “helper monkeys”, however that center in Boston rebranded and is now focusing on technology to help people with disabilities instead, and all of the monkeys that remain in their care or were returned are described as “post-service” – https://www.envisioningaccess.org/
Thank you, Diana.
David Sedaris, when in town doing a book signing, (which is tailored to each guest) mentioned one reader in Boston. He asks each person a question to know something about them (and make his own night interesting, I’m sure). When he asked one guest the question, “when was the last time you touched a monkey?”, she gasped and said, “Can you smell it on me?!” Guess where she worked….what were the odds?
I don’t have a television, but viewing the trailer…”Against stupidity, even the gods contend in vain.”
Reality has a nasty habit of ripping one’s face off. I love people like Terry and Jamie, but, they are under no obligation to love me in turn, let alone set up living quarters in the Anthroposphere where I have been consigned to dwell. The footage of the trailer of the those poor chimpanzees being exploited in circuses and roadside tourist traps is especially galling. “Do we not know, have we not seen?” the damage that is inflicted upon these people who, in a fair world, would be living their lives in their natural habitat, unmolested by that predatory and invincibly ignorant and malevolent primate species known as Man.
It is cruel and dangerous to keep someone like Burrito as a pet, but moreover, it is selfish. Their ways are not our ways. Human primates have a moral obligation to provide for the well-being of our primate cousins, and that does not entitle us to “possess” them as if they are hairy little amusements.
Sorry for ranting. Thank you, Diana, for bringing this documentary to our attention.
“Chimps are my whole thing. You can shape them into being you.”
@#$%*!!!
That was my reaction too. Like…..NO! they are WILD ANIMALS!
I also noticed in the trailer someone (the perpetrator?) holding aloft a “Don’t-Tread-on-Me”. Ah, yes, the aethos of “freedom for me to do what I will, never mind whom or what I harm I inflict…”
I worry that such sensationalization is going to do more harm than good for public perception of chimpanzees. It frustrates me to no end to see chimpanzees depicted as these horrible bloodthirsty monsters and not thinking and feeling beings traumatized by captivity and being forced into a human-shaped box.
Travis’ incident was a tragedy. He was not the villain. He was isolated from his own kind and forced into a world he was not meant to inhabit. That would drive anyone mad. I just hope that the creators of the doc are careful with the subject matter.
Thats my drawback too.
Yikes! And right on, Tobin. Well stated! I did not, could not, watch Tiger King. I also hate to support those who use sensationalism for the benefit of their own profit while not having an ounce of concern or compassion for their subjects. However, upon your suggestion, I would watch, especially if you were having a discussion group in which you, J.B. and/or NAPSA were to offer your commentary. A discussion would create a “purpose” or incentive for me to watch the HBO series. You would be the sanity to counter the insanity. But, from watching the trailer I am thinking it will be hard to stomach the series.
Willy B, now that he missing his toe, wants to meet with HBO executives and Eric Goode for a discussion on their programming. Willy B has better ideas for positive messaging about his species noting that some humans are a disgrace to great apes.
I have never believed that chimps or any other wild life are sposed to be pets, money makers or worse, research subjects. If we want new medicines, make up, perfume, ETC! pay humans to do the testing. Primates are not helpers. i don’t care if capuchin monkeys make good helpers. The only reason they’re trained to be helpers is because it’s cheaper. Excuse me but bullcrap.
No, I will not watch anything that shows the evils of humans inflicting pain or using animals for their own gratification. It only encourages these sensationalists to continue their warped entertainment. I may be naively closing my eyes to behaviour that is still happening, but I can only love and enjoy the CSNW family because I know how much they’re now loved and cared for, I have to try very hard to shut out thoughts of their previous lives.
BTW, on the cards I play Solitaire with on my computer, I have the photo of Willy B’s last recovery……his Christmas themed socks!
Glad you are feeling better, Diana. And, Willy B is healing and resting well. . While I would love to be part of a duscussion, as others mentioned, I could not stomach Tiger King and would not stomach something titled Chimp Crazy which can easily be construed by the public as Crazy Chimps. Sorry, thst is not for me.
You keep getting better and I know we all can’t wait to see Willy B up and about and back with his chimp family.
Chimp Crazy trailer was awful, awful, awful and it’s like HBO are holding a time bomb in their hands promoting and showing this series. Yes, on the one hand it may have a positive outcome for the public but on the other hand it just might give the wrong message regarding the abuse of these amazing primates.I don’t think I will watch the series but I do appreciate your concern and ” interest”. On a brighter note, it is heart warming to know that Willy B is rearing to go after his ordeal and there is no holding him back. I salute you all and the fantastic medical team in bringing Willy B back to health and full strength.
So far I’m feeling the same way.
whaaaaa???? This woman is crazy and completely delusional!!! That last line of the trailer… “shape them into being you” what the actual $&@& !!!!!! Absolutely drives me crazy and makes me see red!!! Yes I will be watching it…
So glad to hear MrB is doing well post surgery. :rose::hibiscus:?
Yea to me she’s beyond help
I refuse to encourage any futher exploitation of animals for entertainment or selfish human comfort, so no I won’t be watching. But thanks for the update on Willy B.