The Uncertain Future of Animals on Hollywood Sets

The rise of CGI and ethical concerns have sidelined many animal actors, but some filmmakers still see value in the real thing.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The use of animals in Hollywood productions has declined in recent years due to a mix of factors, including the rise of computer-generated imagery (CGI), animal welfare concerns, and disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent strikes. While some filmmakers still find value in using live animals, the trend is toward reducing their use on sets, with visual effects and CGI providing alternatives. However, this shift has raised new ethical questions about the portrayal of animal cruelty on screen.

Why it matters

The decline in animal actors raises questions about the ethics of using live animals in film and TV, as well as the potential impact on audiences of seeing more computer-generated animal violence. While some argue that CGI is a more humane alternative, others worry that it can desensitize viewers to the real-world consequences of animal cruelty.

The details

Hollywood's adoption of visual effects and CGI has been a major factor in reducing the number of roles for animal actors, with films like "Jurassic Park" pioneering the use of digital creatures. Other factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, recent strikes, and a dip in new TV productions, have also contributed to fewer opportunities for animal performers. Animal welfare organizations have also raised concerns about the treatment of animals on sets, leading to calls for Hollywood to reduce its dependence on live animals. However, some filmmakers still see value in using real animals, arguing that they can provide a more authentic and immersive experience for audiences.

  • In 1993, "Jurassic Park" featured groundbreaking CGI dinosaurs.
  • In 2012, The Hollywood Reporter published an exposé on animal deaths and injuries on film sets.
  • In 2016 and 2024, PETA released investigations documenting neglect of animals used in film and TV production.
  • The 2025 horror film "Primate" used a movement artist in a costume instead of real animals.

The players

Cynthia Chris

A scholar who has studied the use of animals in film and television.

The Hollywood Reporter

A trade magazine that has reported on the decline in animal rentals for film and TV productions.

PETA

An animal rights organization that has conducted investigations into the treatment of animals used in film and TV production.

Birds & Animals Unlimited

A company that operates animal training facilities for film and television, which has been accused of substandard living conditions and untreated medical conditions for the animals in its care.

Atlanta Film Animals

A company that has been accused of neglecting animals in its care for film and TV productions.

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What they’re saying

“Undoubtedly, there are trainers who care deeply for their charges and uphold best practices in animal husbandry. But it stands to reason that the fewer captive animals, the better, and recent advances in AI have made visual effects and CGI even more realistic and easier to model.”

— Cynthia Chris (The Conversation)

“While the effects of violent media on viewers are notoriously hard to study, some evidence suggests that some audiences can become desensitized to the real-world consequences of unhealthy and violent content. It's easy to see how this desensitization could extend to watching cruelty toward animals on screen.”

— Cynthia Chris (The Conversation)

The takeaway

The declining use of live animals in Hollywood productions raises ethical concerns about the portrayal of animal cruelty on screen and the potential desensitization of audiences. While CGI and visual effects offer alternatives, some filmmakers still see value in using real animals, creating a tension between animal welfare and the artistic vision of cinema.