Tag Archives: Bill Oddie

Celebrity wildlife hero Brian May supports BUAV's call for an end to the UK's role in cruel monkey trade.

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Rock guitarist Brian May and TV wildlife expert Bill Oddie have joined the BUAV in its call on the UK Government to stop supporting the cruel trade in wild-caught monkeys. Brian May and Bill Oddie joined a host of MPs, primatologists and other scientists who attended an event at the House of Commons for the BUAV’s Stop the Baby Trade campaign to end the cruel trade in monkeys for research. The event was hosted by Leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas MP, with guest speaker, field biologist and conservationist Ian Redmond OBE.

Brian May and Bill Oddie were shocked to learn about the cruelty and suffering involved in the capture of wild primates. Despite a UK ban on the import of wild-caught primates since 1997, there is not a similar ban on their offspring. Since 2009, over 2,000 monkeys born to wild-caught parents have been imported into the UK. The majority of these came from Mauritius which is the UK’s main supplier of primates.

Dr Brian May CBE said:

“The imprisonment and abuse of wild animals must stop. BUAV has uncovered evidence of monkeys ripped from their jungle homes and families, and forced to produce babies who will be shipped to laboratories around the world. The UK plays a major part in allowing this cruel trade to continue by importing monkeys from countries such as Mauritius for British laboratories. On behalf of the Save-Me foundation, I call on the Government to cut all ties with this cruel trade immediately, and fully support the BUAV’s campaign to Stop the Baby Trade.”

Bill Oddie OBE said:

“To me this issue is not whether or not animals should ever be used in medical research, it is about the utterly unacceptable and blatantly cruel conditions in which monkeys are trapped, transported and kept. I fully support the BUAV’s campaign to Stop the Baby Trade.”

Caroline Lucas MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 957) calling on the Government to completely disassociate the UK from the cruel trade by banning the use of primates born to wild-caught parents, as well as those from facilities which trap wild primates for breeding purposes. The EDM has to date been signed by 80 MPs.

Other famous supporters of the campaign include comedian Ricky Gervais and celebrity designer Meg Mathews.

http://www.stopthebabytrade.org

EDM:

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=41946&SESSION=905

Next Weeks TV Picks

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Monday 10th
Ah Mediums, in my humble opinion, people who profit from loss and sadness and should be banned. With this mindset I’m sure I shall enjoy Derren Brown Investigates: The Man Who Can Contacts the Dead on Channel 4 at 22:00. The first in a series in which self confessed non-magical magician Brown delves into the world of the supernatural and into the lives of the people who claim they can contact those who dwell within it. Expect annoyed mystics and pissed of psychics….will make me laugh anyway!

Tuesday 11th
As a child of the 80’s (‘83 represent) I have fond memories of our first Microwave Oven and the Soda Stream, these memories will be bought back to life at 21:00 on Channel 4 in Heston’ 80’s Feast. From the Yuppies choice of nouvelle cuisine to the kid’s favourite of the brain freezing Slush Puppy, Heston will once again be serving up an ever so slightly insane meal to his awaiting diners.

Wednesday 12th
Those who know will me would probably tell you that I’m bit of a geek, I am a big fan of Sci-Fi, even when its parodied, which is why Galaxy Quest is my selection for today. 21:45 on Sky Movies Family, Quest follows the mishaps, the degradation and eventual worship of the crew of a now defunct 70’s science fiction show in which a brave team of explorers trek through the stars and whose Captain has many amorous encounters with alien women (I’m sure you can guess who the film are ribbing on!). After meeting a band of actual aliens in need of help, the Captain (played superbly by Tim Allen) decides to take on their monstrous enemy in an attempt to heal old wounds with his now aging 70’s co-stars and give his life some validation. A very funny film for everyone, even if you don’t notice the nods and winks to that other show.

Thursday 13th
I am bit of a city dweller, I’ve spent most of life in London, and when not, I’ve been just a short train ride away. My knowledge of British wildlife is pretty much straggly foxes going through my bins and fat pigeons walking around like little lost commuters. This is why I’m planning on hearing the fantastic Mr Bill Oddie teach me about all things flora and fauna in Bill Oddies Top Ten Aliens at 20:00 on BBC2. However, this is not your usual ‘lets-look-at-badgers-in-the-night-time’ wildlife show; Oddie will be telling us about the plants and animals most of us believe are truly British and lets us know where they actually came from. Education and fun…..they can mix!

Friday 14th
Sam Raimi, creator of the cult classic Evil Dead series returns to his horror roots with Drag Me to Hell playing at 20:00 on Sky Movies Premier (and again an hour later on Sky Movies Premier +1). After the shiny Hollywood made Spider-Man films, we get a taste of Raimi’s first love. Jumpy, gross and scary, Drag Me to Hell is the story of Loan Officer Christine (Alison Lohman) who, after humiliating a gypsy in public, has a foul curse placed upon her. In one week she must change her beliefs, go up against a tormenting demon and lift the curse before, as the title states, she is dragged to hell. If I were the type of guy who would award stars, Drag Me to Hell would get 4…actually, that stars thing wouldn’t be a bad idea, I could make like I was a proper critic!

Saturday 15th
I think I might be told off by some folk if I don’t say ITV1, 13:10, Chelsea are playing football against Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final to see who wins a big shiny jug with ribbons on it or something…..so there’s that. But let’s have a look at what else is on shall we. BBC1 at 18:25 We find Doctor Who battling a man who calls himself the Dream Lord (a possible nod to next seasons Neil Gaimen written episode perhaps, for those in the comic book know) or Guitar Heroes at the BBC on BBC2 at 23:15 a show promising to bring us shredding and riffing and god like posturing galore from the 60’s onwards. But I’m suggesting what follows Guitar Heroes. The 80’s bought us so many fantastic film’s, there are few that define the 80’s and one that does it so much more than all the others. At 12:15 BBC2 brings us the brilliance of The Breakfast Club, its cheesy, it’s over the top, it’s on after everyone’s bedtime, but it is also stupendous. Watch as five teenagers; a brain, an athlete, a basketcase, a princess and a criminal, fill the time during detention by sharing their problems, their fears, their loves and all other aspects of their lives in this John Hughes classic. If you’re a true fan of cinema, you won’t be disappointed. Oh…..and 5 stars!

Sunday 16th
I’ve spoken before about my relatively newly acquired love for westerns, and today at 21:00 I’m reminded of that thanks to Channel Five. 3:10 To Yuma tells the tale of a Rancher named Dan Evans who agrees to escort the outlaw Ben Wade to a train that will send Wade off to the hangman in Yuma for a $200 reward. With Wades gang constantly on their tail, Evans’ job soon becomes less about the reward and more about winning the love of his sons. With outstanding performances by both Christian Bale and Russell Crowe, 3:10 to Yuma is not one to be missed….erm…a handful of stars for this one.