What a joy it is to read that three chimpanzees used by a Hollywood animal trainer are to be relinquished to a sanctuary. They”ll finally know what it is to live without fear.
In order to be trained to “perform” in ads, movies, and television shows, chimpanzees are removed from their mothers at birth a profoundly traumatic event for both. The stress of separation can leave lifetime emotional scars and impede normal development. Eyewitnesses at facilities that train (i.e., break) great apes have reported seeing baby chimpanzees and orangutans severely beaten with fists, rocks, and broom handles. Beatings are routine to ensure that the animals remain fearful and obedient. Once they reach 8 years of age, these animals are too strong to be controlled. As a result, older animals are often discarded at shabby roadside zoos where they may live in squalor for decades.
Animals do not belong on the set. Readers can learn more at www.NoMoreMonkeyBusiness.com.
Jennifer O”Connor
People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals
Norfolk, VA 23510
