Tell KC Council That Chimpanzee Abuse Doesn't Fly

After PETA learned that Kansas City International Airport (KCI) was airing commercials featuring a live chimpanzee, we immediately contacted the airport to request that it pull the ad and pledge never to use great apes in commercials again. In addition to portraying the chimpanzee in a demeaning way, the use of great apes in advertisements is inherently cruel. KCI and the Kansas City Council—which oversees airport operations—have ignored our requests.

Chimpanzees used in television, movies, and advertisements are typically just a few years old. Training great apes to perform almost always includes physical abuse to ensure that the animals know "who's boss" and pay attention to the trainer. By the time great apes are 8 years old—around the beginning of young adulthood—they are too strong to be safely handled. They often are discarded in hideous roadside zoos or are warehoused in dismal, appalling conditions. PETA investigations have revealed that former "celebrity" apes were living in small cages littered with garbage and feces and that they were denied basic necessities—such as wholesome food and adequate veterinary care.

Please take a few moments to fill out the form below to send an automated letter to Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser. Request that he and the City Council urge KCI to stop airing the commercial and pledge never to use great apes in its advertisements again.