Animal Planet Needs Enlightenment-Letter

[Guest guest]

Animal Planet continues to feature programming in

which primates are forced to perform cruel and

demeaning tricks despite having received written

testimony from experts in the field of primate

behavior (e.g. Dr. Jane Goodall) as to why these

should not be used in entertainment. A recent repeat

episode of the series Wild on the Set, introduces

viewers to " the talented tutors who train all kinds of

animals to perform extraordinary feats for filmmakers "

and features a story on the making of MVP: Most

Valuable Primate, a movie about an ice hockey-playing

chimpanzee.

 

SEND TO:

 

John Hendricks, Chair and CEO

Discovery Communications Inc.

7700 Wisconsin Ave.

Bethesda, MD 20814

Tel.: 301-986-0444

 

SAMPLE LETTER

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***Send by reg. mail***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

John Hendricks, Chair and CEO

Discovery Communications Inc.

7700 Wisconsin Ave.

Bethesda, MD 20814

 

Dear Mr. Hendricks,

 

I am very upset that Animal Planet continues to

feature programming in which primates are forced to

perform cruel and demeaning tricks despite having

received written testimony from experts in the field

of primate behavior (e.g. Dr. Jane Goodall) as to why

these animals should not be used in entertainment.

 

For example, a recent repeat episode of the series

Wild on the Set, introduces viewers to " the talented

tutors who train all kinds of animals to perform

extraordinary feats for filmmakers " and features a

story on the making of MVP: Most Valuable Primate, a

movie about an ice hockey-playing chimpanzee.

 

Typically, " exotic " animals are taught to perform

tricks through the use of fear. Even the most

considerate of trainers cannot compensate for the

anxiety and frustration of such an unnatural life in

captivity. Chimpanzee infants, who should be living in

forests with their mothers, are often confined to

small cages, denied proper social interaction, and are

forced to perform humiliating, confusing, and even

frightening acts for little reward, to avoid being

beaten. Chimpanzees are quadrupeds, and forcing them

to walk, let alone skate on two legs on ice, is cruel

and obscene.

 

Programming that features animals dressed in costumes

or performing " extraordinary feats " on the set teaches

the public that animals are first and foremost here

for our entertainment and that any inherent desires

they may have are considered secondary, if at all.

This type of thinking has led to the imprisonment of

wild animals in zoos, circuses, and laboratories as

well as their wholesale slaughter in the wild.

Featuring animals in their natural habitats teaches

the public that animals are unique and complex beings

who deserve our respect and consideration-something

without which they will surely not survive.

 

Please stop promoting and glamorizing those who profit

from the exploitation of primates and other wild

animals on the set.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

=====

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