Careerbuilder, the job search site is once again featuring chimps in its Super Bowl commercial and one zoo is not happy about it.
Careerbuilder's entry into this year's Super Bowl commercial rotation has raised some criticism about use of the chimpanzees in the 30-second spot. Link to commercial posted below.
Chimps have been the mainstay of Careerbuilder game ads since 2005, but this year a concern has been raised about how misuse of the chimps can harm conservation efforts.
The ad's storyline is about a man's exasperation with his fellow employees, all of whom are chimps as they accompany the human on a business trip.
Hijinks ensue as the group makes its way to the airport and a screener in the security area finds a forbidden item in the gentleman's carry on luggage, all thanks to a practical joke.
Once at the offsite business meeting, the chimps continue their rollicking good time by pasting a "kick me" sign on the man's behind as he goes through a presentation and run up the tab at a restaurant leaving their human colleague to foot the bill.
The chimps stay in the same room with the man and climb in bed with him, after using his tooth brush.
The animals are clad in suits and ties, then casual attire including a tee shirt for bedtime and all of it is offensive to the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL.
The AP reported on comments made by Dr. Steve Ross, assistant director of the zoo's Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. Dr. Ross is not claiming that the company is abuses the performing chimps. His concern is about public perception.
"...Wild populations are being harmed by this frivolous use of an endangered species. These commercials are negatively affecting people's decisions about how they support conservation."
Ross added, "This advertisement teaches them there is a market for these animals, that there are some crazy people in America and Europe who would want them as pets,"
Careerbuilder responded in the only way it could, which was to assure the public and Dr. Ross that the Humane Society observed the filming, but could not add anything to the public perception issue.
Link to the CareerBuilder commercial here. Video posted below is the company's 2011 commercial, featuring more chimpanzees. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
