Will Robert Irwin Help PETA Cut Cruelty “From I’m a Celebrity”?
Every year, Australian television audiences cringe, and in many instances, vocally complain, as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! airs, subjecting a slew of species to torment and death in the name of “entertainment.”
This year, in an effort to bring a fresh commitment of compassion to the series, PETA has sent a friendly letter to host Robert Irwin asking him to honour his dedication to wildlife conservation by urging show producers to stop exploiting animals.
As someone known for representing wildlife, you have great power – and responsibility – to help animals by steering I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in a kinder direction.
PETA’s letter to Robert Irwin
A Decade of Torment
For a decade, the show has used and abused hundreds of rats, insects, arachnids, and reptiles, who are tossed around, grabbed, and crawled over for touch tank challenges, and even eaten during tucker trials.
So far, celebrities competing in the Australian franchise and international versions have shot a rat, mauled snakes and scorpions, eaten bulls’ penises and drank goats’ blood, and used a critically endangered white lion cub like a stuffed toy.
What horrors await animals this season?
Animals Are People, Not Props
Whether they’re horses being ridden to death at tourist traps in Egypt, dolphins being forced to swim in concrete tanks at Sea World on the Gold Coast, or spiders and insects being thrown about on a game show, every animal is someone, and none deserve to be used and abused so that humans can enjoy a laugh or a thrill.
Some spiders dance for love, and others use air bubbles to create “scuba helmets” to breathe underwater. Frogs can be doting parents, and some glide between trees, while insects routinely work together, using strategy to ensure everyone survives. Regardless of size, every animal is an individual, and, unlike the celebrities who are paid hefty sums to take part, the animals used on this show aren’t there by choice.
Conservation Requires Consistency
Wildlife protection is vital, and Robert Irwin’s work to educate the public on conservation issues and support re-wilding is commendable, which is why we know he has the heart required to change the course of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Just as it’s abhorrent to capture, confine and skin crocodiles for accessories like handbags, it’s wrong to keep a cache of other animals in cages and tanks to use as projectiles or food.
Whileas host, Robert is not designing cruel challenges, he does hold great power to influence the show’s format. As a recognised expert and animal advocate, Robert can make a huge difference to animals by speaking on their behalf.
Conversely, as long as he continues to host the show in its current format, he will send a confusing message to audiences that animals are unimportant and can be used and abused by humans in the name of ratings.
You Can Help Animals!
You don’t have to host a TV show to help animals; you can do so much, even from the comfort of your couch!
Reach out to Network 10 and politely ask them to stop using animals on I’m a Celebrity, and don’t tune in until animals are no longer used as props.
Aside from speaking up for wildlife, the most powerful thing you can do for animals is adopt a vegan lifestyle.
Join our 30-day pledge to get support and tips to help you live a more compassionate life that spares animals from harm.
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