PETA Global 2022 Issue 1

Torn paper: © iStock.com/yasinguneysu

TAMMY AFTER

TAMMY BEFORE

MIKAYLA

PERSISTENCE PAYS

New Life for Tammy, Connor, and Six of Their Friends PETA Secures a

CRYSTAL

Thank you to Craig and Tayna Morganson for contributing to PETA’s “Save the Chimpanzees” campaign.

T ammy’s grief was palpable. According to a volunteer, each time her newborn babies were taken away from her, the distraught chimpanzee would scream, throw objects around her cage, search in vain for her kidnapped infant, and curl up in a blanket and refuse to eat. For years, 36-year old Tammy was used as a breeding machine at the craftily renamed Missouri Primate Foundation (or MPF, formerly Chimparty), once the largest breeder of chimpanzees for the entertainment industry and exotic pet trade. Misery inMissouri Back in 2014, a PETA investigation revealed just how miserable – and illegal – conditions were for the primates there. Tammy and the others were warehoused in cramped cells strewn with trash. The stench of urine was so overwhelming that US Department of Agriculture inspectors reported that it irritated their nasal passageways. Some animals exhibited signs of psychological distress. One chimpanzee, Joey, was kept in solitary confinement.

volunteer disclosed that she had seen the owner’s ex-husband punching chimpanzees as well as workers stealing 3-day-old babies by drugging their mothers. One of Tammy’s kidnapped daughters is believed to be Lisa Marie, who was exploited in the entertainment industry – and who lived as a “pet” in a basement cage for years before PETA persuaded her owners to transfer her to an accredited sanctuary in 2015. PETA Files Landmark Lawsuit In 2017, PETA’s attorneys filed an Endangered Species Act lawsuit against MPF and its owner, Connie Casey, alleging that the conditions in which the chimpanzees were being held violated federal law. Actor Alan Cumming, who appeared in the 1997 film Buddy with Tonka – one of the chimpanzees imprisoned at MPF – sent a heartfelt plea to Casey, calling on her to release the chimpanzees to a sanctuary, but no dice. PETA’s lawsuit won a reprieve for two chimpanzees boarded at the facility, Allie and Chloe, who were surrendered to sanctuaries, where they’re both thriving today. Then, in 2018, Casey transferred ownership of the seven remaining chimpanzees to Tonia Haddix, an exotic animal dealer. PETA negotiated a consent agreement

bit his handler and tried to attack three other people. At PETA’s urging, American Greetings pulled all cards featuring Connor but, along with Hallmark, is still selling cards featuring exploited chimpanzees. Swinging in the Sun at Last PETA has saved Connor, Tammy, and six other former MPF captives who are now safe and happy at true sanctuaries in Florida.

and secure his release, too. Tonka’s daughter, Mikayla, was born at MPF and used as entertainment for parties. Today, she is enjoying life at a sanctuary. Hallmark Cards Show Fear Showing a fear grimace that people mistake for a grin, a photo of Connor, one of the chimpanzees PETA rescued, is still being used on greeting cards that Hallmark sells. On the set of his final photo shoot, Connor reportedly “Tonka and I developed a close camaraderie during the months we filmed.” – Alan Cumming

Take Action Now Go to PETA.org/Hallmark to urge Hallmark and American Greetings to stop selling

cards featuring clownish images of exploited chimpanzees.

Deprived of a normal life, Connor repeatedly pushed a barrel to relieve his frustration.

that allowed Haddix to keep only three, if she met strict conditions, but when Haddix failed to meet the conditions, the court ordered all the chimpanzees to be transferred to a sanctuary, and Casey and Haddix were barred from ever again possessing chimpanzees. Where Is Tonka? Tonka was supposed to be headed to a sanctuary, but he’s missing: Haddix claims that he died but has provided no reliable proof. PETA went back before the judge and is determined to find Tonka, if he’s still alive,

Hallmark is still exploiting Connor's image.

Beatings, Kidnappings, and Intensive Confinement After PETA’s investigation broke, a former MPF

23 Global

CAPTION 22 FROM EXPLOITATION TO EXPLORATION