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“Dancing With The Stars” Chimp Unemployed Like Paul Abdul

Written by Vegetarian Star on Thursday, October 8th, 2009 in Animal Issues, Reality TV.

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Chimpanzee in grass, close-up

This week’s Dancing With The Stars was supposed to feature a chimpanzee as a guest judge.

However, after some efforts from Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, International Primate Protection League and PETA that included writing to executive producer Conrad Green, Dancing officials decided against airing the segment.

Like Paul Abdul, the chimp judge is out of a job.

But we hear he’ll be okay.

One piece of material sent to Green was a video about Great Apes in showbusiness made by Anjelica Huston.

Anjelica was also quick to speak out after Travis the Chimp died earlier this year when law officials had to kill him as he would not stop attacking and mutilating a friend of his owner.

“I sincerely hope that this tragedy will make people realize that great apes should never be kept as pets or exploited for films, television, or advertising,” Huston said of Travis’ incident. “Their lives are miserable from the day that they are taken from their mothers: They endure abusive training—usually beatings—until they are cast off to roadside zoos or meet a violent end, as Travis did in this tragic case.”

Best of luck to the unemployed chimp judge. We know he’ll find something better than show business.

via peta.org

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Anjelica Huston Speaks On Travis The Ape Tragedy

Written by Vegetarian Star on Wednesday, February 25th, 2009 in Actresses, Animal Issues, Videos.

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2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Graydon Carter - Arrivals

“I was saddened to hear about the incident involving the chimpanzee, Travis, and my heart goes out to the woman who is now lying in a hospital bed as a result of this horrific attack.”

“Recently, I narrated a video for PETA about the abuse that chimpanzees and other great apes endure when they are ripped away from their mothers when only days old to be used in commercials (as Travis was) and movies. Although I was sick when I heard about this most recent incident, I wasn’t surprised.”

“I sincerely hope that this tragedy will make people realize that great apes should never be kept as pets or exploited for films, television, or advertising. Their lives are miserable from the day that they are taken from their mothers: They endure abusive training—usually beatings—until they are cast off to roadside zoos or meet a violent end, as Travis did in this tragic case.”

The video Anjelica narrated is below. 

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Coca Cola, Old Navy Chimp Travis Shot After Attacking Woman

Written by Vegetarian Star on Wednesday, February 18th, 2009 in Animal Issues, Misc Artists and Performers, Videos.

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Sydney's Taronga Zoo Welcomes New Baby Chimp

In a sad, sad story where no one came out the winner, a chimpanzee has been shot to death after mauling a friend of his owner.

The chimp named Travis had starred in Coca-Cola and Old Navy commercials and also appeared on television pilots.

Travis had been cared for by owner Sandra Herold, and he was considered a pet and family member who would go along for car rides and open doors for people.

When Travis attacked Herold’s friend, she stabbed him in an attempt to get him to stop. When police arrived on the scene, Travis began attacking them too, and the chimp was eventually shot dead.

So many celebrities have spoken out against having wild animals like chimps as pets, as well as using them on television, most recently with actress Anjelica Huston protesting the use of apes in the entertainment industry. Perhaps if Travis had been sent to an animal sanctuary, no blood would have been shed.

Watch the video below for the clips from an Old Navy commercial Travis starred in, as well as conversation of the telephone call made to 911 when he attacked.

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