Cobby: The Other Side of Cute

Cobby's Hobbies was a beloved 1960s children's show featuring a mischievous chimp, Cobby. For filmmaker Donna McRae, the program offered solace during a lonely childhood. In her documentary, she embarks on a journey to connect with those involved in the show, including Cobby's zoo companions, caretakers, and animal rights advocates. Through their stories, McRae uncovers the troubling history of Cobby, who was taken from his natural habitat to entertain before spending his later years at the San Francisco Zoo. This poignant exploration challenges viewers to reconsider the ethics of animal representation in entertainment today.