Swiss animal protection criticizes use of monkey as co-host on 3+
The Swiss Animal Welfare Association is opposing the use of a chimpanzee in costume on the entertainment show «Upps! The Swiss Blooper Show,» which aired for the first time on Tuesday on the TV channel 3+.
This "humanization and exploitation" of the animal is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act, writes the Swiss Animal Protection STS in a press release on Wednesday. The dignity of the ape is clearly being disregarded. Chimpanzees are highly developed mammals that differ only marginally from humans. They are highly socialized and have complex communication skills. The training of chimpanzees should be firmly rejected. The fact that 3+ uses the animal to entertain the audience is absolutely incomprehensible.
The association therefore protested to the private broadcaster and demanded that the editors responsible refrain from using the monkey in future.
3+ defends itself against accusations
The TV station defended itself against the protests of the STS in a statement on Wednesday evening. The production complied with the legal requirements for filming with animals, said station boss Dominik Kaiser. No pain, suffering or harm was inflicted on the monkey.
The broadcaster also assured that the chimpanzee used was an animal that had been specially trained for filming by an animal trainer and had a wealth of experience in this field. The animal trainer actively accompanied the filming. In addition, care was taken to ensure that the filming times were appropriate for the animal and in line with its needs.
They are convinced that the use of Jean-Luc does not violate his dignity and he will also be integrated into further episodes of the show.
