Cobby: The Other Side of Cute

Cobby: The Other Side of Cute explores the legacy of the 1960s children's TV show Cobby's Hobbies, featuring a chimpanzee. The documentary follows filmmaker Donna McRae as she connects with people involved in the show, including zoo keepers and animal rights activists. It reflects on the story of Cobby, a chimp stolen from his natural habitat and later retired to the San Francisco Zoo.

The film sheds light on the often tragic fate of primates in entertainment, many of whom end up as research subjects or confined in poor conditions. By examining our perception of animals in media, the documentary raises important questions about how society addresses the treatment of these creatures today. It offers a critical viewpoint on the ethics of animal representation in entertainment and the responsibilities we hold towards them.