Amusement Park Giant Lets Bugs Be

For Immediate Release:
August 12, 2008

Contact:
Kristie Phelps 757-622-7382

Valencia, Calif. -- Live Madagascar hissing cockroaches won't be on the menu this coming Halloween at Six Flags amusement parks. After receiving a letter and several e-mails from PETA, the company has decided not to repeat last year's live-cockroach-eating challenge as part of its Halloween "Fright Fest." PETA explained that encouraging teens and others to cause pain and death to even the smallest life form as part of a promotion can desensitize them to suffering in general.

"We're on to other Fright Fest events that do not include any living creatures!" wrote Six Flags Public Relations Manager Sue Carpenter.

PETA had pointed out to event organizers that Madagascar hissing cockroaches are intriguing animals who, like other insects, value their lives and are important to the ecosystem--regardless of anyone's ignorance about them or attitude toward them. In fact, the film industry has regulations restricting insect abuse. Eating cockroaches also presents health risks, including allergic reactions, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress.

Madagascar hissing cockroaches are large, wingless African insects who have the unusual ability to produce sound. They also have elaborate courtship behaviors and can live up to five years.

"Thanks go to Six Flags for realizing that eating a live cockroach isn't an act of bravery--it's an act of stupidity," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "Child psychologists agree that when you encourage a child to be kind to even the smallest and least popular among us, you are aiding in the development of a more compassionate adult. Even the tiniest insect has a desire to be left alone."

To show its thanks, PETA has sent Carpenter a box of vegan chocolate roaches.

PETA's correspondence with Six Flags is available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.