Poking Fun at Primates by Dumbed Down Media
In recent years there has been a flurry of articles in our national press questioning the suitability of wild animals taken from their natural environment to be kept in private hands, those used as “service animals” or in entertainment and over 31,000 members of the British public agree that the pet trade in primates should be outlawed. Why then, ask campaign staff from primate welfare charity, Wild Futures, has the use of 38 langurs as “guard animals” during the Commonwealth Games been covered with indifference and for comedic value by international press?
Said Brooke Aldrich, Campaigns Manager for Wild Futures:
“We were not surprised to see that the press picked up on the story, but we would have hoped that, rather than simply poke fun at the practice, some of the publications might at very least try to look at what issues surround this subject. What of the welfare of these wild animals? What of the human/wildlife conflict issues that necessitate the “hiring” of one wild animal to rid an area of another wild animal in an urban setting that they should not naturally inhabit? There are a range of compelling stories that are well-worth discussion, if you just scratch below the surface. What a shame that, instead, the media have chosen a “dumbed down” approach rather than explore the wider subject”.
Just one example is The Sun, that just last year ran an article on “The Sick Trade” in pet primates and spoke out against the trend for primate ownership stating that “behind each pair of bright inquisitive eyes lies a sad history”, citing Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary resident Mario’s case as one of the most upsetting as he “was found tied to a lamp post in Paris”. Yesterday, the same publication referred to the langurs in Delhi, who are tied round the neck just as Mario was, as a “crack team of monkeys” and makes light of the situation. The Sun is not alone in its treatment of the subject, with dozens of takes on the story currently circulating the internet.
Ms Aldrich adds:
“Following the international uproar following the “cat in the bin” incident so recently, it is clear that the issues and ethics relating to welfare of animals are important to the general public and we appeal to the UK press to ensure that reporting in this country does not do injustice to its public by making light of issues that could be of genuine interest and the basis for valuable discussion”.
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Notes to Editors:
Wild Futures (Charity reg. No. 1102532) is an educational and environmental charity promoting the welfare and conservation of primates, and working to end the abuses of primates in captivity. Its flagship project, The Monkey Sanctuary, in Cornwall, is home to victims of the primate pet trade. Drawing on over 40 years of primate expertise, Wild Futures acts as an advisory body to sanctuaries and conservation organisations in the UK and overseas and advises DEFRA on UK animal welfare legislation.
For more information please contact:
Brooke Aldrich
www.wildfutures.org +44 (0) 1503 262 532