Protestors to Greet Ethiopian Airlines Flight Reportedly Carrying Monkeys for Experimentation
For Immediate Release:
June 20, 2025
Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382
A group of PETA supporters holding signs reading, “Monkeys on Planes = Deadly Diseases in Our Communities!” and “Ban Monkey Importation,” will meet an incoming Ethiopian Airlines flight tomorrow at Washington Dulles International Airport to alert passengers about who else was reportedly on their plane: crates full of endangered monkeys—some of whom might be infected with deadly pathogens—destined for laboratories where they’ll be poisoned, mutilated, and killed.
Ethiopian Airlines has transported thousands of monkeys destined for U.S. laboratories despite previously telling PETA that it had a policy against the practice. Court evidence also shows the airline flew monkeys allegedly smuggled from Cambodia.
“Ethiopian Airlines flies terrified monkeys who may be carrying infectious diseases halfway around the world to be tormented and killed in pointless experiments,” says PETA Senior Vice President Kathy Guillermo. “PETA calls on Ethiopian Airlines to get out of this deadly business, which endangers human health.”
Where: Washington Dulles International Airport, Departures Zone 1, 1 Saarinen Cir.
When: Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m.
Why: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited Ethiopian Airlines for violating animal protection laws, including failing to provide proper feeding and watering instructions for 336 monkeys crammed inside wooden crates and flown nearly 10,000 miles. Ground transportation left the monkeys on the tarmac of the Atlanta airport for at least 95 minutes in 85-degree heat.
A groundbreaking new report from PETA reveals that multiple strains of infectious tuberculosis have been detected in dozens of monkeys imported for experimentation at laboratories across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also acknowledged that imported monkeys have carried other deadly diseases and pathogens, including Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacterium so dangerous it’s classified as a bioterrorism agent.
In nature, macaques live in large, tight-knit groups and cuddle together in their favorite “sleeping trees” at night.
PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to experiment on”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.
