Summary:
1. Lemurs should not be kept as pets and are wild animals.
2. The Duke Lemur Center’s Adopt a Lemur program supports lemurs and their conservation programs in Madagascar.
3. John Cleese, the legendary British comedian and Monty Python, co-founder, returns to voice a charity commercial for the Duke Lemur Center.
4. The commercial was conceived and produced by Joe Whelski of Secret Station Films and animated by Titmouse, Inc.
5. The article expresses gratitude to all involved in the project and provides links to learn more about John Cleese and the lemurs of the DLC.
NOT CUDDLY
Lemurs are undeniably adorable creatures that capture our hearts with their big, soulful eyes and playful nature. It’s no wonder they have become symbolic adoptees through programs like the Duke Lemur Center’s Adopt a Lemur program. However, it is important to remember that lemurs are unsuitable as “real” pets. They are wild animals, and like the famed Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they are not as cuddly as they may appear.
The Duke Lemur Center takes the welfare of lemurs seriously. They would never film a commercial showcasing a live-action interaction between a lemur and a human because it would not be in the best interest of the lemur’s health and well-being. As much as we may wish to have a lemur as a pet, it’s crucial to remember that they belong in their natural habitats, not domesticated in our homes.
When you adopt a lemur symbolically through the Adopt a Lemur program, “your” lemur remains at the Duke Lemur Center, where they receive top-notch care, high-quality food, and daily enrichment to meet their innate behavioral needs. As an adopter, you will receive a personalized adoption packet and regular updates about your adoptee’s life at the Lemur Center. You won’t have to worry about cleaning up after them or dealing with their “nasty, big, pointy teeth,” as John Cleese humorously alluded to in Monty Python’s sketches. It’s a wonderful way to support these remarkable creatures’ welfare and conservation efforts without infringing upon their freedom and natural habitats.
To learn why lemurs should not be kept as pets, visit lemur.duke.edu/not-a-pet.
WITH GRATITUDE
The creation of the charity commercial featuring John Cleese and his dedication to lemur conservation is truly a labor of love. Conceived and produced by Joe Whelski, the founder of Secret Station Films, this project has been a collaborative effort by talented individuals who have generously lent their time and expertise without charge to support the Duke Lemur Center and their crucial work.
The animation for the commercial was expertly produced by the renowned animation studio, Titmouse, Inc., under the direction and animation of Parker Simmons. Lauren Siller served as the animation producer, ensuring the smooth execution of the project. Steve Gallant contributed as the digital compositor, seamlessly weaving together the various elements.
The script for the commercial was written by Alyssa Bridges, Nick Goodey, and Joe Whelski, capturing the essence of John Cleese’s trademark humor while conveying the importance of supporting the Duke Lemur Center. The sound design, courtesy of Marcus Rice and Charlie Pelling of Hungry Tapes, adds depth and enhances the viewing experience. The voiceover was recorded by BtOven Music in New York City, ensuring the captivating delivery of John Cleese’s narration.
The commercial also owes its magic to the hard work of associate producers Mila Milosevic and Alan J. Carmona, who provided essential support throughout the project. The music for the commercial, courtesy of Audio Network, adds a delightful touch to the final product. Last but not least, special thanks go to Sara Sorraia, the DLC team, and Margaret Doyle, whose dedication and partnership made this endeavor possible.
The Duke Lemur Center, John Cleese, and all those involved in this charity commercial immensely appreciate the support and enthusiasm from viewers like you. The collective effort to raise awareness and funds for the care of lemurs at the DLC and their conservation programs in Madagascar is a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared passion for wildlife welfare. We hope you, too, will be captivated by the commercial and feel inspired to contribute to this important cause.
To learn more about John Cleese and his connection to the lemurs of the Duke Lemur Center, please visit lemur.duke.edu/cleese. Your support and interest are invaluable in protecting these unique and fascinating creatures for generations.
In conclusion, the partnership between John Cleese, the Duke Lemur Center, and Secret Station Films brings attention to the vital work to support lemurs’ conservation while reminding us to admire them from afar and support their well-being in their natural habitats. With the help of symbolic adoptions through the Adopt a Lemur program, we can all play a part in ensuring a brighter future for these incredible animals. So, let’s come together, celebrate World Lemur Day 2022, and make a difference in the lives of lemurs and the conservation efforts that protect them.
*****
Source Description
Legendary British comedian Monty Python co-founder and lemur aficionado John Cleese returns this year to voice his second semi-annual charity commercial supporting the Duke Lemur Center’s Adopt a Lemur program!
Symbolic lemur adoptions help support animal care at the Duke Lemur Center and the DLC’s conservation programs in Madagascar: lemur.duke.edu/adopt.
Subtitled version: lemur.duke.edu/cleese
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NOT CUDDLY
While lemurs make wonderful symbolic adoptees, lemurs should never be kept as “real” pets. Trust us, they’re wild animals—and like the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog, they’re not as cuddly as they look! We’d never film a commercial like this as a live-action video for the lemur’s health and well-being and the human’s.
When you adopt, “your” lemur stays here at the DLC, where we provide high-quality food, top-notch care, and daily enrichment. We’ll send you a customized adoption packet and quarterly photos and updates about your adoptee and his or her life here at the Lemur Center, but you won’t have to scoop the poop—or worry about those “nasty, big, pointy teeth”!
Learn more: lemur.duke.edu/not-a-pet.
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WITH GRATITUDE
Conceived and produced by Secret Station Films founder Joe Whelski, the project is a labor of love for all involved—and all have lent their time and talent to the commercial pro bono, without charge to the DLC. We are incredibly grateful, and we hope you love the final result as much as we do!
Voiceover: John Cleese
Conceived and produced by Joe Whelski of Secret Station Films
Animation produced by Titmouse, Inc.
Director/Animator: Parker Simmons
Animation Producer: Lauren Siller
Digital Compositor: Steve Gallant
Written by Alyssa Bridges, Nick Goodey, and Joe Whelski
Sound design by Marcus Rice and Charlie Pelling of Hungry Tapes
VO sound recording by BtOven Music, NYC
Associate Producers: Mila Milosevic and Alan J. Carmona
Music courtesy of Audio Network
Special thanks to Sara Sorraia and the DLC team and Margaret Doyle
Read more about John Cleese and the lemurs of the DLC: lemur.duke.edu/cleese.
