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Escape to Chimp Eden

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Eugene Cussons, Where to watch: Animal Planet, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Primate rescue tales too intense for little kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–13

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series spotlights the plight of chimpanzees in particular (and endangered animals in general), emphasizing the need for world involvement in protecting those whose populations are dwindling. Though tempers often flare in tense situations, the rescuers' focus is always on the chimps' emotional and physical well-being.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Chimps occasionally scratch and bite their rescuers. Sedatives are administered by syringes and blow darts. Officials carry guns during some rescue efforts. Cussons often talks about chimps being euthanized or "getting a bullet."
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    "Ass" and "damn" are used infrequently.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some bystanders are shown smoking or drinking, and rescuers discuss the fact that beer and cigarettes are often used as incentives for chimps in captivity. Sedatives are used to ease the chimps' relocation process.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Escape to Chimp Eden

Parents need to know that this intense docuseries is likely to upset young and sensitive viewers, as it shows captive chimpanzees in devastating living conditions and very poor health. The host/star describes in detail how they've been neglected and abused by their owners, and he commonly mentions that particular animals would have been euthanized without his intervention. Sedatives are administered by blow darts, and officials carry weapons during tense confrontations with uncooperative chimp owners. Though the host usually explains his actions, be prepared to answer kids' and tweens' questions about what they see.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media uses visual shock value to emphasize specific points or messages. How do pictures and video footage tell stories that words alone can't? Would you have been as affected by the stories in this series if you simply read about them? What role does editing play in a show's impact? Who do you think are the show's target viewers? Why?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    We LOVE this show!

    This show provides a wonderful glimpse into the world of chimps. We have learned so much about the reality of chimp abuse, how rehabiliation works, how similar they are to humans, and how we CAN make a difference in the world! I would highly recommend this show to families with children above age 11. Watch it... you'll be glad you did!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Rhode Island
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    This is not good

    I do not think this is a wholesome show. It's full of violence and alcohol, and Mr. Cussons swears sometimes. Chimps are violent creatures, and a show depicting their ferocious behavior should not be watched by kids. I say it's for 17+. I would definitely reccomend Meerkat Manor and Lemur Kingdom. No swearing, violence, or alcohol in those shows.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    I cried

    Animal abuse is heart wrenching and this show foregrounds it. It offers a dramatic and nerve wrecking illustration of the plight of abused primates. This is an important show for many of us. (I would recommend it for the 10+ crowd.) There are dramatic rescue scenes; however, there are also heartwarming depictions of the chimp's recovery process. I think this show is a must for anyone concerned w/ the plight of animals.

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