In most films in Hollywood, especially those that feature animals, you’ve probably noticed the logo of the American Humane Association (AHA) that says during the making of the movie “No Animals Were Harmed.”
For the longest time, or since the AHA was established in the late 19th century, filmmakers are urged to use prosthetics or, with the advent of technology, computer-generated animals in their productions.
But the full scope of animal injuries and deaths in entertainment productions cannot be known unless someone or a support group would push for a thorough investigation since it cannot be initiated by the helpless animals themselves.
This week, we are listing down some of the biggest productions (in recent history) where animals were harmed during filming or while on the set.
Life of Pi (2012)
The Bengal tiger that was a central character in 2012 hit movie. The large cat almost drowned after falling off the boat it was filming on. It was eventually rescued by his handler and suffered no permanent injuries. Yes, Richard Parker was okay.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Based on the report of AHA, fourteen horses were injured during the filming of 2008 fantasy adventure film. Yet it received the “No Animals Were Harmed” credit because, the organization now explains, none of the injuries were serious or due to “intentional harm.”
The Hobbit (2012)
In Peter Jackson’s movie, 27 animals died. Many of them were sheep and goats that drowned or died of exhaustion or dehydration while being housed and trained at a nearby farm. The deaths happened while filming was on hiatus, and no one was monitoring the animals at the time.
Luck (2012)
Thoroughbred horses died during the filming of a racing scene, but the director quickly dismissed the event as “something that happens in real races all the time.” Then, while filming the beginning of season two, another horse suffered horrific head injuries and had to be euthanized.
Zookeeper (2011)
An 18-year-old giraffe died during filming of the comedy movie. The animal apparently died after accidentally eating some blue tarp the crew had used to cover his enclosure during filming.