PETA Statement on Pirates of the Caribbean Monkey Biting a Woman on Set

For Immediate Release:
June 30, 2015

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

PETA is not surprised that a capuchin monkey reportedly lashed out and bit someone at the Australian studio where the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie is being filmed. As we wrote to Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer earlier this year, these intelligent, highly social animals are notoriously high-strung and become easily stressed on set or location. Bright lights, a lack of all that is natural to them, loud noises, and interactions with people (something monkeys in the wild shy away from) can cause them to lash out in frustration and self-protection. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Noah, and Jurassic World, the summer’s biggest blockbuster, have already proved that the key to engaging animal characters (and dinosaurs!) is stunning computer-generated imagery—not subjecting animals to the stress of filmmaking.

— Senior Vice President Lisa Lange