This summer, my 11-year-old son, Zelic, and I embarked on a journey that was as enriching as it was eye-opening. We spent several weeks in Nairobi, immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture, where Zelic attended a local summer camp, making friends and learning about Kenyan traditions. Our time in Nairobi was unforgettable, filled with the warmth of the people and the rich heritage of the region.
One of the highlights of our trip was going on a safari in Kenya. It was an awe-inspiring experience for both of us, especially when we encountered monkeys in their natural habitat.
Seeing these intelligent animals living freely, without the threat of capture or experimentation, only reinforced our commitment to animal rights. But our summer took an unexpected turn when we decided to travel to Ethiopia for a cause close to our hearts.
I’ve long been passionate about animal rights, and Zelic has grown up sharing that commitment.
Ethiopian Airlines Monkey Business
We learned that Ethiopian Airlines, a government-owned carrier, has resumed the cruel practice of transporting monkeys to laboratories for painful and often deadly experiments, despite previous assurances to PETA that it would stop. This was a betrayal, and we felt compelled to take action.
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We cut our time in Nairobi short and flew to Addis Ababa, determined to raise awareness and speak out against this inhumane practice.
We handed out leaflets at Ethiopian Airlines’ sales offices and placed a sticker reading “Stop Cruel Monkey Transport” on the door of one office near the national theater.
Unfortunately, our peaceful protest led to us being detained by the police. Zelic and I spent 30 hours in a cell—a stark contrast to our time in Nairobi, but we were unharmed and undeterred.
Animal Cruelty
The cruelty these monkeys endure is unimaginable. They are torn from their families, packed into tiny crates, and subjected to grueling flights in squalid conditions.
Once they arrive at laboratories, they face a horrific fate—deprived of food and water, mutilated, poisoned, and ultimately killed, all for experiments that have a 90% failure rate in leading to human treatments.
This isn’t just about animal rights; it’s about Ethiopia’s global image. Years ago, at PETA’s urging, Kenya Airways made the progressive decision to stop transporting monkeys for these experiments.
The airline’s chairman said he was “horrified” to learn that his company was complicit in this cruel trade and immediately did the right thing.
It was a smart business decision: He recognized the damage it could do to Kenya Airways’ reputation and the message it sent about its values.
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Nearly every major airline in the world also refuses to ship these sensitive beings to laboratories.
Rallying Call
Ethiopian Airlines must follow suit. Shipping monkeys for experimentation not only perpetuates cruelty but also tarnishes the image of a country known for its rich culture and hospitality.
After our release, my son and I were deported—back to Kenya. We couldn’t have been happier when we landed in Nairobi.
Returning to the place where we had shared so many positive experiences was a relief and a reminder of the freedom we were fighting for.
Our stand against Ethiopian Airlines will continue until it stops shipping monkeys to their deaths in laboratories. It’s time for the airline to listen to its customers and the global community and to make a choice that reflects the values of compassion and progress.
This article was authored by Jason Baker, senior vice president of international campaigns for PETA.
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