Statement From PETA President Ingrid Newkirk re the Passing of PETA Honorary Director Sam Simon

For Immediate Release:
March 9, 2015

I think Sam died with a smile on his face, knowing that elephants were on their way out of the circus, something that, together with the closure of SeaWorld, he dreamt of and talked about all the time. He said the last two years of his life, since his diagnosis, were his happiest, as he used them to help animals who had nothing, and it gave him great joy to see chimpanzees, elephants, and even a “gay” bull find freedom from harm because he had worked with PETA to get them all out of hideous circumstances. One day, people will realize that Sam knew what PETA says is right: “Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way.” I hope everyone who knew Sam or hears about his great kindness to veterans, to animals, and to all will do something kind themselves in his honor. It’s a very sad day for us at the Sam Simon Center, PETA’s Norfolk, Virginia, headquarters. PETA’s video tribute to Sam can be seen here.