You certainly can not use substitutes in zoos or circuses, or as pets. YES Western cultures may particularly covet primates since they are not indigenous to our part of the world. The Hollywood culture popularized orangutans through two movies with Clint Eastwood and an orangutan named Clyde and King Kong is known to millions of people. It obviously makes for quite a conversation piece simply because they are so exotic and not many people have access to primates. Likewise, zoos are a major cultural event.
Every parent takes their kid to the zoo, and the same goes for the circus.
We are used to having these animals as part of our entertainment. In addition, we love big mahogany desks and other furniture which adds to the habitat destruction of primates in South-East Asia. Many contend that these closest relatives of humans are often treated inhumanely and that other animals in research can be used for acceptable results. Relevant Literature Anderson, Christopher. Primate imports confusion.