They also believe using orangutans as entertainment undercuts public perceptions of conservation efforts.
Orangutans in the wild are on the brink of extinction, and they argue that efforts to save them are not helped by an ape in a dress.
“There’s no doubt that apes in entertainment has a negative impact on conservation attitudes and conservation action,” said Dr. Robert Shumaker, the sanctuary’s director of orangutan research. “I don’t think it’s appropriate, and I’m very pleased we’re working to end that.”
Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife, which is not affiliated with the actor Steve Martin, donated the orangutans to the Great Ape Trust after talking with Shumaker. The company, believed to be the sole provider of orangutans in Hollywood, will no longer provide the great apes for use in entertainment and has given all of its eight orangutans to the Iowa sanctuary.
