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When it comes to weekday talk-show fare, it's no surprise that I'm partial to Ellen and Oprah. Today, however, some props go out to Tyra Banks for following up on a feature that set off alarm bells here at PETA.

A few days ago, The Tyra Banks Show aired a segment about a woman who gushed about her "pet" capuchin monkey. Sure, capuchins are cute and smart, but the "Joe Blows" who buy baby monkeys soon realize that they cannot control the strong animals after they outgrow their diapers. Case in point: Oprah's recent interview with Charla Nash, who barely survived an attack by her friend's 15-year-old chimpanzee, Travis. And while capuchins are much smaller than chimpanzees, they are still very strong and very fast, and they have extremely sharp canines that can quickly do a great deal of damage to an unwitting person.

Consequently, many monkeys are discarded at pseudo-sanctuaries and shoddy roadside zoos because there simply aren't enough reputable sanctuaries to care for them all. Some species can live to be well into their 50s, and many primates who are abandoned by their "owners" face decades of misery in appalling conditions.

We wrote to Tyra Banks to express our concern that some viewers might be tempted to purchase a monkey of their own after seeing the segment on her show. We're heartened to learn that she's added a warning on her Web site stating, "Please note, PETA has contacted the show and does not recommend keeping monkeys as pets."

Folks, please let other people know that when it comes to capuchins and other exotic animals, the most humane action is always: "Monkey see, monkey do … not buy one!"

Posted by Karin Bennett

Last week's season premiere of America's Next Top Model brought something a little different to the fashionable catwalk. Elina, a super-hot Seattleite, is a vegan who is very involved with animal rights! In fact, she went vegan at the age of 7 and has since dedicated her life to avenging the cruelty done to animals in this world. The 18-year-old is the first vegan to appear on ANTM, which is now in its 11th cycle.

As an avid fan of the show, I must admit that I've been a bit bummed that a few episodes have featured fur and leather in some of the shoots, especially since Tyra doesn't wear it and the lovely and lovable Nigel Barker is staunchly anti-fur! How MUCH do we love him?!

We were also bummed when the models were asked to pose wearing meat. Then again, meat is so gross we think that we might have gotten a few extra vegetarians out of it—hope springs eternal. When asked by Tyra if she would have been able to participate in the slaughterhouse photo shoot, Elina unwaveringly said "No!"

It will no doubt be interesting to see what Tyra throws Elina's way this season. We wish you the best of luck, Elina. Go rock the runway with vegan style!

Posted by Jennifer Cierlitsky