Binghamton University Faces Backlash Over Use of Live Binturong as Mascot

Binghamton University recently reversed its practice of blocking and deleting social media comments that criticized its use of a live binturong as a campus mascot. The change followed a cease-and-desist letter from the PETA Foundation, which argued that silencing these comments violated the First Amendment. PETA and Evan Oakley—a critic who was blocked after voicing his concerns—argued that by stifling these opinions, Binghamton was unlawfully limiting free speech on its public Facebook page. “Binghamton University made an unconstitutional attempt to silence its critics, who recognize that wild animals should be respected, not exploited,” said PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel Asher Smith. PETA celebrated the decision, calling it a victory for free speech, and encouraged the university to rely on a human-costumed mascot for events instead of using a live animal.

The controversy centers on Bing, a six-month-old binturong supplied by Animal Adventure Park, a roadside zoo with a reputation for poor animal welfare. Binturongs are naturally solitary and sleep during the day in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, quite different from the high-energy campus events Bing has been used to attend.

Animal Adventure Park, which provided Bing, has faced multiple Animal Welfare Act violations, with accusations including inadequate veterinary care and poor enclosure conditions. This facility, known for exploiting animals such as April, the giraffe, has been criticized by PETA for keeping wild animals in unsuitable environments.

The backlash intensified as supporters of Animal rights, including PETA, highlighted the inherent cruelty of displaying a vulnerable species at public gatherings. Binturongs are listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and many experts agree they are poorly suited to campus activities. For now, PETA and other advocates are calling on Binghamton University to avoid using live animals as mascots and to consider a more humane alternative for future events.

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