 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Escape to Chimp Eden
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Primate rescue tales too intense for little kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
South African native Eugene Cussons is on a mission to rescue chimpanzees suffering cruelty and neglect at the hands of their human captors. He travels through his homeland and surrounding countries, following leads on abused animals and relocating them to the safety of the Jane Goodall Institute's Chimpanzee Eden, a rehabilitation center in South Africa where the rescued primates are exposed to their natural habitat and taught the basics of living on their own in the hopes that they can be reintroduced into the wild.
Is it any good?
If ESCAPE TO CHIMP EDEN's intent is to shock viewers into action on behalf of the world's captive chimpanzees, it might just succeed. Much of the footage of animals in dire captivity is heart-wrenching, and for viewers with limited experience with cases of animal abuse, the show will be an eye opener.
It's easy to feel uplifted by scenes of recovering chimps swinging through trees and socializing with each other, but, like the thematically similar show Animal Cops, this isn't a series for the whole family. Young kids and sensitive viewers -- not to mention animal lovers of all ages -- are likely to find the rescue scenes very disturbing. Add to that the tension that builds during confrontations between rescuers and neglectful owners, the many references to animals being killed or euthanized, and it's clear that this one is best reserved for sturdy older tweens and up.
What 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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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AGE
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!
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AGE
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.
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Cast: | Eugene Cussons |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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