Latest Episode Of 30 Rock Exploits Primates For Laughs

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by Michael Parrish DuDell May 1, 2009
Categories: Animals, Film/TV
Tags: .

Now my first instinct is to say: “Alec Baldwin -- totally not cool!” But in the past I’ve learned that sometimes cast members have zero choice in production choices, so I’ll rephrase my statement. “30 Rock producers — totally not cool!”

In the latest episode of NBC hit 30 Rock, Tracy Jordan replaces himself with a “White Whiskered Gibbon” to help prove a point.  A Gibbon is a member of the ape family and has no business in the entertainment world.

According to NoMoreMonkeyBusiness.com: 

“In order to force them to perform, trainers often beat young chimpanzees with their fists, clubs, or even broom handles. Shock devices may also be used. This systematic pattern of abuse and dominance causes the animals to be constantly anxious and fearful, always anticipating the next blow.” 

Learn more about why monkeys should never be used in entertainment at NoMoreMonkeyBusiness.com.

Check out the clip from 30 rock below.


Categories: Animals, Film/TV
Tags: .
  • http://empathyforanimals.blogspot.com/ oneandonlyhypnos

    Sounds interesting, but nobody outside the united states is probably able to view this clip on Hulutube…I certainly can’t.

  • hil

    at least Kenneth was a voice of reason. :)

  • http://RawfoodsRetreat.com Erin @ RawfoodsRetreat.com

    They deserve 30 rocks dumped on their heads. dumb producers and I would think baldwin could have tried and stopped it.

    E

  • Whoever…

    How pathetic!!

    Who in their right mind likes to watch animals ‘perform’?

    It’s like seeing animals in circuses! Only ignorant and not very evolved people like to watch animals do ‘tricks’ for their selfish and childish amusement!!

    Stupid people…!!! Arghhh!!! :(

  • s

    using animals for entertainment is totally wrong, but, if we’re being fair, kennith did point out a few times that it’s a wild animal and shouldn’t be forced to do people stuff. still, big points off for 30 rock.

  • Ashley

    Ok, so some chimps are alledgly beaten. Shame on the trainers. But is there any proof that this Gibbon was beaten? This particular primate seems so fragile, I can’t picture someone hurting it.

  • http://snapLA.net angelica

    The measure of a society is how it treats it’s monkeys. We’re obviously not on a up trend…

  • Sonia

    I was hoping you would do a piece on this. I love the show and I was pissed when I saw that poor monkey. I thought Alec Baldwin was a spokesperson for PETA too. Why would he let them do something like this?

  • http://www.onoursleeve.com Leanne Mai-ly (Vaute Couture)

    I saw this. Ridiculous- did we not learn anything from Travis?

  • Voice of Reason

    The animal was in no way harmed or exploited. I was a PA on set during this episode. You’re being irrational and outspoken only in the name of vanity. This post is strictly emotionally driven and void of any logical context. You should be embarrassed for your ignorance.

    • don_miguelo

      HOLY CRAP! The “Voice of Reason” is a PA on 30 Rock?!! Ok that’s kinda awesome if it’s true. I mean did you hear any insider info, did Alec or Tina even protest a bit, or was it all assumed fine? You must have more info than just this, as a Production Assistant!

      You said the animal was ‘in no way harmed or exploited’ which I am sure is the case while you were on set. But people here, with the backdrop of historical experience, are rightfully suspicious of how the gibbon was treated when you are not around, BEFORE it gets to the set. It is actually only logical and informed to question that, given the history of animals and trainers for the entertainment industry.

  • Bibi

    I am and was appalled at the tastelessness of this episode. These animals are not sources of entertainment. I thought we had progressed beyond this…obviously not. 30Rock needs to hear from all of us.

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