Lemur inhumanely showcased during a VIP Encounters experience.

Marc Ayers/Humane World for Animals

California: Help wild animals who are forced to endure interactions with the public

The California State Assembly is considering a bill that would end public encounters with nonhuman primates, elephants and bears.

Animals used for public handling are typically pulled from their mothers shortly after birth to be exploited, a practice that denies newborns critical maternal care. Premature maternal separation causes considerable anxiety to fiercely protective mothers who experience a sense of loss after their infants are removed. And infant animals with weak immune systems are subjected to stress, neglect and mistreatment associated with public handling.

Once they become too big or hard to manage, these animals are often moved to backyard menageries or in poorly run facilities. Primates end up in the hands of private owners where they continue to suffer.

The misguided demand for close encounters with wild animals fuels the private pet trade, an industry that decimates wildlife across the U.S. and around the world. These activities may be promoted as immersion exhibits, close encounters, interactive exhibits, ambassador animal experiences, meet and greets, or simply opportunities to feed, pet, hold or play with various types of wild animals. Forcing wild animals to interact with the public subjects animals to physical and psychological distress for human entertainment.

TAKE ACTION

Please send a message to your state assemblymember today and urge them to vote in support of AB 892, using the form below.

This action alert is for U.S. residents.

Your Message

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Dear Assemblymember, 

As a Californian who cares deeply about wildlife and public safety, I urge you to vote in support of AB 892 which would end public encounters with nonhuman primates, elephants and bears.

Public contact with captive wild animals is on the rise, jeopardizing animal welfare, endangering public health and safety, and undermining true conservation work. 

The misguided demand for close encounters with wild animals fuels the private pet trade, an industry that decimates and harasses wildlife across the U.S. and around the world. These activities may be promoted as immersion exhibits, close encounters, interactive exhibits, ambassador animal experiences, or a meet and greet with various types of wild animals. Interactions between wild animals and the public pose a public safety risk and subject animals to physical and psychological distress for human entertainment. 

Animals used for public handling are typically pulled from their mothers shortly after birth to be exploited, a practice that denies newborns critical maternal care. Premature maternal separation causes considerable anxiety to fiercely protective mothers who experience a sense of loss after their infants are removed. And infant animals with weak immune systems are subjected to stress, neglect and mistreatment associated with public handling.  

Please stand with wildlife and vote AYE on AB 892. This bill would align California with other states leading the nation in protecting the public and ending the exploitation of wild animals forced to engage in interactions with the paying public.

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