Chimp “Whisperer” Slammed for Footage of Animals Grooming Her

Aya Katz, a 64-year-old woman from Licking, Missouri, is facing growing calls to relinquish her pet chimpanzee, Bow, and seek professional help for the animal. Katz, who holds a PhD in linguistics and describes herself as an ape language researcher, has been sharing videos on her YouTube channel for years, showing her engaging in grooming rituals with Bow. These videos, some of which have garnered millions of views, have drawn the attention of Animal rights organizations, particularly PETA.

PETA has been tracking Katz’s activities for several years, expressing concern over her treatment of Bow. The organization argues that keeping a highly social and psychologically complex animal like a chimpanzee in isolation is cruel and violates the Endangered Species Act. PETA also claims that Katz violates the federal Animal Welfare Act by monetizing her videos without the proper license, a charge supported by a USDA citation for illegal exhibition.

Despite attempts by the USDA to inspect Katz’s property, they have been unable to do so, further heightening concerns about Bow’s welfare. PETA is now pushing for the USDA to take more stringent action, including removing Bow from Katz’s care and placing him in a professionally run sanctuary where he can live with other chimpanzees.

The situation has also raised alarms about the potential dangers of keeping chimpanzees as pets, citing previous cases where chimps have become violent, sometimes resulting in tragic outcomes. PETA continues to urge Katz to surrender Bow for his own well-being, warning that her current actions are driven by ego rather than concern for the animal’s needs.

Please sign this petition to Help Hold Animal Sanctuary Accountable for Abuse and Neglect!

Related Content:

• The Controversial Life of Tonia Haddix and Her Chimpanzee Obsession
• The Intelligent Tool Use of Chimpanzees: Using Sticks to Extract Termites and Crack Nuts
• Rescued Chimpanzees Released: 10 Inspiring Stories of Freedom and Rehabilitation
• New Documentary “Chimp Crazy” is About a Woman Who Cares for a Menagerie of Captive Chimps

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!