Hey everyone, Kasey the Vet Tech here!
Today, I want to dive into a topic that's been bugging me lately: animals in advertising. Specifically, I want to focus on the use of reptiles in recent marketing campaigns and how, unfortunately, some of these portrayals can negatively impact the reptile community.
We all know that animals can be an eye-catching way to grab attention in advertisements, but what happens when the animals are misrepresented or used irresponsibly? As a reptile enthusiast and advocate, I’m seeing a concerning trend in recent ads that not only misinform the public but also have the potential to harm these amazing creatures. Let’s break down three recent examples that really got under my scales.
1. Department Store's Leopard Gecko Commercial: Impulse Purchases Aren't Cool
First up is a recent commercial by a popular department store that featured a leopard gecko. In the ad, the gecko is shown as a cute, easy pet that you can just pick up on a whim. It’s the classic “Oh, look how cute, I want one!” scenario that encourages impulse buying of live animals. The problem here is that impulse buying pets often leads to uninformed owners who aren't prepared for the specific needs of the animal. Leopard geckos may be low maintenance compared to some other reptiles, but they still require proper heating, diet, and habitat to thrive. This type of advertising sends the wrong message: that animals are accessories you can just grab and go.
2. The Cellphone Commercial That Got Snakes All Wrong
Next, let's talk about a cellphone commercial that featured a corn snake. The ad shows the snake in a glass case with a phone, and when the snake bites a man, he reacts as if it were venomous, complete with a dramatic scene of swelling and panic. Not only is this portrayal factually incorrect—corn snakes are non-venomous and generally quite docile—but it also reinforces the stereotype that all snakes are dangerous. This kind of misinformation fuels fear and misunderstanding about reptiles, making people less likely to see them as the fascinating creatures they are.
3. Shoe Company and the Ill Ball Python
Lastly, we need to address a recent campaign by a shoe company featuring a ball python that was clearly in poor health. As someone who works closely with reptiles, it was disheartening to see an animal used as a prop without regard for its well-being. The python appeared underweight and dehydrated, signs that it wasn’t receiving proper care. This raises a crucial point: when brands use animals in their marketing, they have a responsibility to ensure those animals are healthy and treated ethically. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case here, and it sets a poor example for how these animals should be cared for.
The Importance of Working with Animal Experts
These examples highlight why it’s so important for brands to work with animal experts when featuring animals in their ads. Reptiles, like any other animal, have specific needs and care requirements that must be met to ensure their health and safety. Partnering with experts not only ensures the animals are treated well, but it also provides an opportunity to educate the public accurately about these amazing creatures.
By using experts, companies can avoid harmful misrepresentations and set a positive example. We’ve seen enough misinformation and poor treatment of reptiles in media—it's time for a change. If brands want to feature animals in their advertising, they should be prepared to do it right. After all, with great marketing power comes great responsibility!
Let’s all do our part to advocate for the responsible use of animals in advertising, and make sure our scaly friends are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Thanks for reading, and as always, keep advocating for the animals you love!
