Dear [individual’s name],
I am writing to voice my concern of the use of a live chimpanzee for your company’s
advertisement in [insert name of publication or television network where you saw
the commercial]. You may not be aware of the challenges the chimpanzees used for
advertising purposes face from a very young age. While they may be treated very
humanely on set, it is not well known that chimpanzees trained for use in movies,
television shows, television commercials, print ads, and live shows are pulled from
their mothers as infants and are hand-raised specifically for that purpose. Often
these extremely social animals are singly housed in order to keep them tractable to
their human handlers. Young performing chimpanzees that are not singly housed
usually live with other hand-raised individuals of a similar age and upbringing. In
these situations, it is impossible for them to learn the appropriate behavior they
would need to safely live in a proper social group once they become too old to
perform. An adult chimpanzee is five to six times stronger than an adult person, and
as they get older they become impossible to control. Young chimpanzee “actors” are
often retired by the age of six or seven, and because they can live into their 50’s,
their futures are uncertain. Upon retirement, many are sold as pets and/or housed
solitarily for the remainder of their lives. Others still are retired into biomedical
research laboratories. Lucky individuals are accepted into sanctuaries upon
retirement, but often they can not lead normal chimpanzee lives due to their lack of
experience with socially appropriate partners early on.
In addition, studies have indicated that the use of chimpanzees as props or comedic
tools in the media has affected the public’s perception of their status in the wild.
CITES lists all sub-species of chimpanzees as endangered. However, a study
conducted by researchers at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL indicated that most
people questioned did not realize that chimpanzees are endangered. When asked
why they felt that chimpanzees are not endangered, a majority of people responded
that the frequency in which these great apes are seen in the media led them to
believe they are very abundant in the wild. As we all know, public perception and
understanding is the key to protecting wild animals and their natural habitat.
Misconceptions about the chimpanzee’s status in the wild could potentially deprive
them of much needed support.
I am strongly aware that television and print advertising are essential tools used by
companies to promote their products, as the images and messages portrayed in
advertisements often have tremendous impact on consumers. However, it is
important to note that companies can promote their products in a variety of
entertaining ways, making the use of chimpanzees completely unnecessary. In fact,
the use of chimpanzees and other great apes in advertisements actually conveys a
negative message to many potential customers. I respectfully request that your
company discontinues the use of chimpanzees in your advertisements, not only for
the sake of the individuals involved but as a statement of your dedication to the
conservation of these amazing animals.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sincerely,
[Your Name]