or Immediate Release: For more information:

February 7, 2003 lauren Ornelas 530/759-8482

Adidas: No Friend of Kangaroo Jack

Activists to leaflet moviegoers on the Second International Day of Action

Davis, CaÉ Saturday, February 8 sees Viva! stage the 2nd International Day of Action against Adidas. Animal activists around the world will encourage retailers not to sell any kangaroo skin products by peacefully demonstrating outside sports shops as well as leafleting kangaroo lovers at the movie Kangaroo Jack.

When: Saturday, February 8 at 1pm - 2pm
Location: Davis, Holiday Theatre on 101 F Street

"Most people see kangaroos as the adorable furry creatures they are," said lauren Ornelas, US Campaigns Director for Viva! "Companies like Adidas see them only as shoes."

Hunters in Australia kill kangaroos to supply the leather industry. Hunted in the dead of night, they are stunned by a spotlight and then shot. A Code of Practice that hunters are supposed to follow states that kangaroos should be killed by a single shot to the head, but thousands are shot inaccurately causing them to die a violent, agonizing death. Injured kangaroos often disappear into the night only to die of their injuries. A million baby Ôjoeys' (a "worthless by-product" of the industry), are dragged from their dead or dying mothers' pouches and killed by stomping, beating, or decapitation. Official figures also exclude millions of orphaned Ôroos' who, too young to fend for themselves, hop off terrified into the night to die of starvation or neglect.

"We know that moviegoers will be interested in our message and will hopefully take a stand against Adidas who pays for the bludgeoning of baby kangaroos in order to use kangaroo leather for their products," said Ornelas.

The hunting is legal in Australia. But Viva! and the wildlife and animal protection organizations in Australia are working to end it because of the cruelty it involves.

There are many high-tech, synthetic materials available and used by Adidas in the manufacture of some of its products so there is no need to support such suffering.

A dozen events will take place around the world on Saturday, February 8. In the USA, dozens of events are scheduled.

Viva! is an international campaigning organization with its USA headquarters in California. For more information on the campaign please see www.savethekangaroo.com.

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