The next Pirates of the Caribbean instalment is due to start filming in Australia this month and there are rumours that the team will import several primate actors for the film. The Department of Environment has not yet issued an import permit for them.
The capuchin monkeys that the Production Team are intending on using are likely to have been removed from their social group, subjected to frequent and sometimes extended transport (which is known to be highly stressful to primates) and denied the opportunity to express natural behaviour in a suitable environment. The stress, of course, will be increased if these individuals are sent to Australia and kept in an unknown and unnatural environment.
The use of wild animals as actors is a damaging and destructive practice that is condemned by zoologists, animal welfare scientists and conservationists worldwide. Such concerns go far beyond the treatment of the animals on-set. The use of wild animals as actors is, in many cases, highly detrimental to the welfare of the individuals involved in ways that can manifest throughout their lifetimes, whilst studies show that the use of wild animals as actors may even have a negative impact on the survival of animal populations in the wild, by increasing demand for that species as pets and/or by diminishing concern for their conservation in the wild.
The Pirates of the Caribbean films are seen by millions and have the opportunity to influence the viewers and, as a result, the lives of thousands of non-human primates around the world that fall victim to the primate pet trade and entertainment industries. The up-coming film is rumoured to be one of the biggest filmed in Australia, so this is a great opportunity to send the message out that using wild animal actors is cruel and unnecessary.
Please sign this petition to join Wild Futures, Animals Australia and the Captive Animals' Protection Society in calling on the Producers, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, as well as the actors, to take this opportunity and position themselves as one of the pioneers of animal welfare by refusing to use wild animals as actors and to make the pledge* to never use a performing wild animal in any future production. The advent of CGI technology means that brilliant and creative films can be made with no compromise to welfare or quality!
*www.animalpledge.org
www.wildfutures.org
www.facebook.com/wildfutures
www.animalsaustralia.org
www.captiveanimals.org
Opdater #39 år siden
Just a few days ago, some photos of one of the capuchin monkeys being used in Pirates of the Caribbean 5 have appeared online; shared by Martin Kleba who plays tough pirate Marty in the movie. A film set is no place for such an intelligent, social animal and the life of a monkey ‘actor’ is sadly far removed from the life they should have ! We need to keep up the pressure to let them know that it is not acceptable to exploit primates in this way. Please sign and share the petition !
Opdater #29 år siden
Wild Futures, Animals Australia and the Captive Animals Protection Society would like to thank you for your support. The two capuchins that the producers are intending on using have not yet been imported into Australia so it is not too late! We can still make a difference!
Opdater #19 år siden
Wow! Thank you so much for signing our petition- we have almost reached 5000 signatures, so please keep sharing! In order to protect primates from exploitatin and abuse, it is vital that we persuade production companies to stop using primates in their films. Thank you for your support. Wild Futures, CAPS and Animals Australia.
