Darwin Was Wrong; It's Survival of the Cutest

CHICAGO, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ogilvy & Mather Chicago recently launched a cause marketing video on behalf of pro bono client APES (a project of The Conservation Trust), to highlight the importance of protecting all primates, not simply the "cute" ones.

In recent years, a popular trend amongst wildlife organizations has emerged to 'save the pandas.' Pandas, however, are just one species of primates that need our protection. Ogilvy Chicago decided to deviate from this trend by calling it out — brought to life in the striking image of a gorilla painting himself white to appear more like the lovable panda.

"The mission of APES is to raise awareness around all endangered animals, versus putting the emphasis on just one particular species," said Lee Theisen-Watt, founder of APES. "By exposing the contrast certain animals receive in conservation efforts, we hope to give other primates – like the gorilla – a stronger shot at survival."

"A panda is the 'poster child' for wildlife conservation — and when it comes to preservation and protection, it really is survival of the cutest, not the fittest," explained Joe Sciarrotta, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy & Mather Chicago. "We wanted to shine light on the 'forgotten' primates, centering our story around a gorilla who sadly knows his chances of protection are greater if he appears more like a panda."

Founded in 2003, APES is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife with a concentrated focus on the rehabilitation of primates. The organization is committed to the welfare of all animals, and has successfully rehabilitated and released hundreds of injured and orphaned wildlife back into the wild.

All proceeds raised directly fund the conservation and rehabilitation of over thousands of animals globally in addition to education and awareness around conservation.

The film — directed by Paul Dektor, with production by Cartel— can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/p3RdreUHC3g

Ogilvy & Mather 
Ogilvy & Mather is one of the largest marketing communications companies in the world. In 2012, O&M was named Cannes Lions Network of the Year and Most Effective Agency Network by the Effies Global Effectiveness Index. The company is comprised of industry leading units in all of the following disciplines: advertising; public relations and public affairs; branding and identity; shopper and retail marketing; healthcare communications; direct, digital, promotion and relationship marketing; consulting, research and analytics capabilities; branded content and entertainment; and specialist communications. O&M services Fortune Global 500 companies as well as local businesses through its network of more than 450 offices in 120 countries. It is a WPP company (NASDAQ: WPPGY). For more information, visit www.ogilvy.com.

Follow Ogilvy Chicago on Twitter at @OgilvyChicago and on Facebook.com/OgilvyChicago

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APES, a project of The Conservation Trust
Founded in 2003, APES, a project of the Conservation Trust, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of all wildlife, and more specifically, the rehabilitation of primates.

If you believe in conserving wildlife, please donate to A-P-E-S www.A-P-E-S.org

SOURCE Ogilvy & Mather Chicago

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