Would you rather play with Conan or a chimp?

freddy Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 02:16 PM EST

Julia's comment is a bit over the top, I believe. I was on that shoot, and Louie is the kindest, most well behaved, sweetest animal I have ever seen. His teachers and handlers were very kind and patient. I don't think she needs to include little Louie in her message - he's no way been beaten or abused. He's a sweet sweet boy.

Julia Gallucci Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 10:19 PM EST

The behind-the-scenes story on chimpanzees in entertainment is very dark. Baby chimpanzees used for this purpose are taken away from their mothers at birth, causing irreversible psychological harm. In the wild, chimpanzees nurse until they are 4-6 years old, so you can imagine how important the mother-infant bond is for them. Chimpanzees are very strong and cannot be trained by positive reinforcement alone, so trainers use physically and psychologically brutal methods to literally beat them into submission. By the time they are between 5 and 7 years old they become too strong to be dominated, and “retirement” usually means being cast off to a roadside zoo or other substandard facility. Chimpanzees usually live into their 60s.

Anjelica Huston just did a Public Service Announcement about this subject, you can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99ymi-Bh6nY or here: http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=anjelica_huston

Swiss Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

Conan wins BY FAR!!!

Raven_Moon Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 04:59 PM EST

I'd much rather spend time with Conan than a chimp.

Dita Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

Aww. You can tell Annie's a little freaked despite the convincing thumbs up. Mandi, next time go with her for moral support and to cover the "animals" beat.

Ep Sato Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Wait, she's in the picture with a chimp? Dude, I thought Annie was in the picture with Conan!

Scott Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST

Judging from the picture, that chimp sure looks like a barrel of monkeys.

Martha Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Conan. While the chimp looks charming, and I'm sure he's an awesome conversationalist, I'm not worried about flying feces when hanging out with Conan. ;-)

mscisluv Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

I'd rather hang out with Annie!

Urs Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

CONAN, then Annie, then the chimp.

Kathleen Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 08:29 AM EST

The chimp. Didn't even have to think about it. Conan's hilarious and all - but, hello? A chimp?

BrandonK Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 08:17 AM EST

Conan, for sure...he can do more than stupid pet (or even wild animal) tricks and I bet he smells better.