The video campaign features an animated puppet rabbit called Ralph, who introduces himself “I’m a tester. My daddy was a tester, my mum, my brothers, my sisters, my kids. All testers.” 

The video was created and launched the by Humane Society International with the hashtag #SaveRalph on 6 April. Humanising the rabbit, brings the real animals used in cosmetic testing to life and has a greater lasting impact on viewers

Andy Gent, puppet master and set designer for the campaign, says “I think the beauty of animation is that you can tell very complex stories and bring them to life in a non-threatening and educational way. In our miniature world of models and puppets using stop motion filmmaking we hope to bring attention to this mission to stop animal testing for cosmetics.”

The impact is the satire, with a seemingly upbeat rabbit narrating in a documentary style interview, Ralph proudly tells the viewer that his whole family “died doing their job” and “I will too.”

Ralph goes on to say “But it’s okay! Testing is what we were born to do. It makes us happy…” before taking a long and weighted pause.

A human hand pulls Ralph from the home, bringing the viewers attention back to animal testing as a human issue and social responsibility. Unilever is committing to work with lawmakers, animal protection organisations and other companies to bring forward this change.

As a brand with over 40 years of expertise in pioneering alternatives to animal testing, Unilever is perfectly placed in the cosmetics industry to partner with and share Humane Society International’s short impactful film.

Unilever is also using the hashtag #UseScienceNotAnimals to promote the campaign. This brings attention to the organisations wider efforts to find alternatives to animal testing.

Taika Waititi, Ricky Gervais and Zac Efron are among the celebrities featured in the animated film. It was written and directed by Spence Susser and produced by Jeff Vespa. 

The longer 3-minute documentary style video following Ralph around for a day at work was posted on Humane Society International’s YouTube. It has been viewed over 3 million times since being posted on 6 April 2021.

A shorter version of the video was shared across Unilever’s social channels last week, linking to the company website, where users can find more information on the organisation’s efforts to promote responsible and ethical business.