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The Banana Derby is a cruel, abusive spectacle hosted by fairs and festivals across the country. Monkeys are tied to dogs against their will, and the dogs are commanded to run around in a small, fenced area in front of raucous fair crowds. The monkeys are chained or tethered to the dogs and are violently jerked up and down and side to side, putting them at risk of serious physical injury—all in the name of human entertainment.
Monkeys forced to perform in traveling acts like this were taken away from their mothers shortly after birth—a practice that is deeply cruel to both the babies and their mothers. Banana Derby exhibitor Philip Dolci has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to provide animals with adequate space, environmental enrichment, and clean, wholesome food. The monkeys appear to have had their teeth removed—a horrific procedure with lifelong consequences—likely because they are also forced to pose for photos with tourists, and monkeys are known to bite when frightened and stressed during public encounters. Even without teeth, their jaws or sharp nails can seriously injure humans, and direct contact with strangers increases their susceptibility to transmissible diseases.
Displaying monkeys and other wild animals as if they’re nothing more than a midway attraction is extremely stressful for them. Please use the form below to send a polite message to venues hosting the Banana Derby, urging them to stop hosting acts that use monkeys and other wild animals.