Ever since Hollywood’s inception, animals in entertainment such as Chippy the Chimp, Flipper, Kokomo Jr., Lassie, and Mister Ed, among others, have captivated the hearts and minds of millions. But what happens to these adored animal actors after the curtains are closed and the cameras stop rolling?

Acting Against Their Wills was an Arcus Forum which brought together a panel of leading experts and advocates to explore the range of experiences animals may encounter while entertaining an audience.

The Arcus Forum shed light on this practice and the effects on the very animals loved by audiences worldwide. The panel also explored the promising alternatives to include portrayals of animals in entertainment without compromising their well-being.



Featured Panelists

Marc Bekoff
Acclaimed author and professor
Marc-Bekoff

Stephen Ross
Director, Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes Lincoln Park Zoo
S Ross headshot

Steven Wise
President, Nonhuman Rights Project
Photography by: ©Michael B. Lloyd