© Cody HinchliffLexus recently aired a television ad that quite rightly drew criticism from traditional animal protectionists. It also opposed policies of such groups as the American Society of Primatologists, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the International Primatological Society for featuring a captive brown (“tufted”) capuchin.[teaserbreak]
The small monkey, like the rest of the commercial, has nothing to do with Lexus or any other cars. The animal is first seen in a tiny kennel-cage and then on a socialite’s tuxedo-ed shoulder as people gather to party.
Here are the “beautiful people,” bored with the conventional: jaded, bejeweled, and besought by their views of glamour, moving toward a night’s entertainment.
To quote the International Primatological Society:
WHEREAS live nonhuman primates are often portrayed in the media as frivolous caricatures of humans, dressed in clothing and trained to do tricks on command for the amusement of the general public but with disregard to the welfare and conservation consequences; and
WHEREAS many nonhuman primates used as actors in movies and television and as photo props for commercials and greeting cards are often removed from their mothers shortly after birth and are denied opportunities for normal social and psychological development; and
WHEREAS the use of nonhuman primates in this industry often involves aversive techniques to maintain control of these animals; and
WHEREAS the inappropriate portrayal of nonhuman primates inaccurately conveys their biology and conservation status and may affect public attitudes including those in range countries where interactions with these animals have potential damaging consequences; and
WHEREAS evidence suggests that many nonhuman primate species are susceptible to many of the pathogenic infections that afflict humans and the transmission of infection can occur in both directions, especially in performing circumstances in which primates are in direct proximity with public audiences including children and the elderly,
The International Primatological Society therefore opposes the use of nonhuman primates as performers, photo props or actors.
We have triggered the world’s greatest rates of extinction since the loss of the dinosaurs because we’re draining the world’s resources that support thousands of other species. Yet, the downward spiral continues. At least we can challenge the cruelty of the exotic pet industry by contacting Lexus at information@lexus.co.uk.
We are wiping out our fellow primates; let’s not do anything else to speed the process.
UPDATE: Thankfully, the ad was pulled in response to concerns raised about using the monkey.
Keep wildlife in the wild,
Barry