ACTION ALERT

Build-a-Bear “Zoo” Television Commercial
December 18, 2007

A new television commercial for the Build-a-Bear company features a chimpanzee dressed in clothing, holding a guitar and “riding” a skateboard. The commercial also exploits other non-domesticated animals, including a bear, a lion, a giraffe, and penguins.

The commercial’s animal supplier, Birds and Animals Unlimited, has been issued four official warnings by the USDA for chronic failure to comply with veterinary care requirements, failure to provide shelter from heat and sunlight, and failure to maintain enclosures to prevent escape. A few years ago, a child actor filed a lawsuit against Birds & Animals when he was bitten in the face by a chimpanzee.

View the commercial here (click the word “Zoo”):
www.buildabear.com/aboutus/OurCompany/media/

What you can do: 
Please contact Build-a-Bear and tell them that exploiting exotic animals isn’t funny or cute.  Let them know that chimpanzees cannot be trained for entertainment by positive reinforcement alone, and brutal training practices in the entertainment industry are well documented.  Ask them to stop airing the commercial and think of more creative ways to promote their products in the future.

Maxine Clark
CEO
Build-a-Bear Workshop
1954 Innerbelt Service Center Drive
St. Louis, MO 63114
Phone: 1-877-789-2327
Fax: 314-423-8188
Email: guessservices@buildabear.com

* If you send an email, please copy Primate Patrol at primatepatrol@chimpsanctuarynw.org for tracking purposes 

Sample Email

Dear Ms. Clark and Build-a-Bear Representatives,

I was extremely disappointed to see that the new Build-a-Bear “Zoo” commercial features exotic animals, including a chimpanzee. These animals do not exist for our entertainment, and they shouldn’t be forced to perform unnatural behaviors and wear human clothing. Build-a-Bear should promote compassion toward animals, not abuse. Further, it’s no longer necessary to use living animals in ads now that CGI technology is available. Please stop airing this offensive commercial. 

Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]

 

 

 

 

 

Updated: October 22, 2007