Primate‑horror Misframes Animal Violence

Mainstream horror films routinely depict apes as willfully vengeful slasher villains, but primatologists emphasize that real primate aggression is context‑dependent, often defensive or social, and amplified by captivity or disease. Misleading portrayals can increase fear, justify harsh policy (culling, pet‑bans), and erode support for conservation and welfare. — Correcting cinematic myths about animal intentionality matters because false fear changes public attitudes and can prompt bad policy toward wildlife, zoos, pets, and public‑safety responses.