GAcoaster Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 Press Release from PETA: Amusement Park Giant Lets Bugs Be Valencia, Calif. -- Live Madagascar hissing cockroaches won't be on the menu this coming Halloween at Six Flags amusement parks. After receiving a letter and several e-mails from PETA, the company has decided not to repeat last year's live-cockroach-eating challenge as part of its Halloween "Fright Fest." PETA explained that encouraging teens and others to cause pain and death to even the smallest life form as part of a promotion can desensitize them to suffering in general. "We're on to other Fright Fest events that do not include any living creatures!" wrote Six Flags Public Relations Manager Sue Carpenter. PETA had pointed out to event organizers that Madagascar hissing cockroaches are intriguing animals who, like other insects, value their lives and are important to the ecosystem--regardless of anyone's ignorance about them or attitude toward them. In fact, the film industry has regulations restricting insect abuse. Eating cockroaches also presents health risks, including allergic reactions, nausea, and gastrointestinal distress. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are large, wingless African insects who have the unusual ability to produce sound. They also have elaborate courtship behaviors and can live up to five years. "Thanks go to Six Flags for realizing that eating a live cockroach isn't an act of bravery--it's an act of stupidity," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "Child psychologists agree that when you encourage a child to be kind to even the smallest and least popular among us, you are aiding in the development of a more compassionate adult. Even the tiniest insect has a desire to be left alone." To show its thanks, PETA has sent Carpenter a box of vegan chocolate roaches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
29yrswithaGApass Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 And a sigh of relief is heard from the Safari Exploration Station! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Railer Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 I'm happy about this. I always thought it was kind of stupid anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAcoaster Posted August 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 That whole "Fear Factor" thing kind of ran its course by now...they probably wouldn't have done it even without PETA getting involved. Maybe this was a trade off to stop their constant protests at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CycloneMan Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 I've fead these guys to the reptiles at the Zoo (my job) when we have too many. I'd never eat one of them...but they are fun to play with, and they tickle your hand! They should make them a prize at a game specifically for Fright Fest, like when people take Gold Fish or Lizards home from carnivals! -Dainan "grrr to PETA" Rafferty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted August 13, 2008 Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 (edited) Those roach eating shows for FF was always a really dumb idea of SF. Edited August 13, 2008 by The Master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsDevs4Lyf Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 I must have been in the minorty here. I kind of enjoyed the Coffin of Fear and other Fear Factorish stuff they did last year, though was not lucky enough to be chosen for any of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x Million Miles Away x Posted August 22, 2008 Report Share Posted August 22, 2008 I was supposed to be in the game show fear factor thing...but I was like hells no and made my boyfriend do it. he ate the bull testicle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest warnerleroy Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 I don't know what's scarier, the line for Nitro during Frightfest or eating a coachroach to skip it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsDevs4Lyf Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 only thing scarier than the line for major attractions during FF are the lines for things like the Teacups during FF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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