I'm A Celebrity 2025: Animal charity PETA slams Aitch's 'cruel' Bushtucker Trial for using 'defenceless young crocodiles'
Aitch screamed as the angry crocs pounced towards himI’m A Celebrity has been accused by animal charity PETA of using “defenceless young crocodiles for laughs”.
The baby crocs featured in Aitch’s Bushtucker Trial last night and they appeared to have their mouths taped shut.
Unhappy fans raised their concerns on social media when the ITV show was on air.
Animal welfare organisation PETA has now spoken out. It insists trials that use live animals “inflicts severe stress and trauma” on them. The charity has also previously called for I’m A Celebrity to be “taken off air” – and is standing by this today.
I’m A Celebrity 2025: PETA brands show ‘cruel’
Elisa Allen, PETA’s Vice President of Programmes, exclusively tells TVGuide: “Last night’s episode, which saw defenceless young crocodiles with their mouths taped shut being taunted for laughs, made it clear once again that I’m a Celebrity is a show for and by ignorant people who demonstrate their lack of knowledge and understanding of other forms of life and have no kindness in their hearts.
“As it inflicts severe stress and trauma on sensitive animals, manhandled or crushed while exposed to screaming humans, and it succeeds only in debasing our own species.
“Such cruelty, masquerading as entertainment, should be taken off the air. PETA calls on the British public, still mourning wildlife protector Jane Goodall, to join our campaign and demand that ITV stop tormenting animals, no matter how small or scary to some.”
Aitch’s Bushtucker Trial
Viewers watched Aitch come face-to-face with young crocodiles during Tuesday night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity. He had entered a ‘vault’ in Jungle Doomsday and had to collect 10 stars for camp.
The crocs were in a cubby hole in the vault and one in particular seemed rather agitated. I’m A Celebrity hosts, Ant and Dec, even jumped in shock as it lurched towards the rapper.
Watching at home, one viewer wrote on X: “That baby croc’s mouth was taped up! Not good.” Another added: “Anyone spot the tape keeping the crocs’ jaws together?”
As Aitch peered in the cubby hole and spotted the crocs, he gasped. He then told one of the angry animals: “You, behave yourself.” But a split-second later, it jumped angrily towards him.
He then screamed, shouting to Ant and Dec: “What am I supposed to do there?!” Ant told him: “You just need to crawl in. Be really slow with your movements.”
But as he tried again, the crocodile leaped at Aitch once more. Aitch said to it: “Are you taking the (bleep) out of me?” The musician then attempted to coax it out while he made a grab for the dangling star.
I’m A Celebrity responds to PETA
I’m A Celebrity has responded to PETA’s criticism of its use of crocodiles and other animals in the show’s trials. In a statement, bosses insist the production teams complies with all of Australia’s regional and national animal laws.
It also insists “welfare and safety” is the show’s “primary priority”.
A spokesperson for the show tells TVGuide: “As a production, I’m A Celebrity complies with all regional and national laws concerning the use of all animals, including reptiles and insects. We inform the RSPCA NSW of all of our activities on the show and they have an open invitation to attend the site at any time.
“At each of the Bushtucker Trials which feature animals, we have qualified and experienced animal handlers on site.”
The spokesperson continues: “The team at I’m A Celebrity have many years of experience in producing the show and have rigorous protocols in place to ensure that animals are handled safely before, during and after filming, in compliance with all regional and national laws. Welfare and safety is always our primary priority.”
Read more: I’m A Celebrity star Eddie Kadi struggles in first look at tonight’s Bushtucker Trial
