Christmas Eve News

Christmas Eve brought some news -

First off, Lulu is doing much better! The new director took Lulu to the new vet's office for a thorough exam. Her blood tests came out perfect, so the vet recommended they take a look at her stomach to ensure there was no blockage. The new director and staff were allowed to watch the procedure and was able to see the inside of a tiger for the first time.

The new director and vet apparently hit it right off! The new vet was kind enough to take off $1000 off their first bill -- which was a blessing since money is very tight at the sanctuary right now. The cause of the tiger's digestive problem was not found in any test, however she did resume eating once the vitamins were removed from her meat. Instead, the new vet administered a vitamin shot.

Sadly, another tiger at the second property has stopped eating. Madra is an older tiger and she stopped eating yesterday. The two animal caretakers, whom I have written about before in past blogs, wanted to wait until Monday before running any tests so they could leave on time yesterday. Never mind they have the next two days off and then start their vacation time. I am so grateful that the new director insisted the blood work be taken last night. If she is really ill, why would anyone want the animal to suffer for another four days before seeking medical treatment? What kind of animal caretakers are these ladies?

So now we wait for the blood test results -- I was told the blood was very thick and it did not look very good. This cannot be a good sign.

On a positive note, I was told yesterday the new wolf enclosure should be finished by the first week of January 2010. That means the tigers move into their "new" enclosures and the cougars can finally move into a larger enclosure which has a run-off area. It rained hard last night and the temperatures were in the 40s, so I can only imagine how miserable the cougars must be right now. There is no way to get hay into their boxes because there is no run-0ff attached to this cage as it was originally built to house monkeys. The cougars must be so cold and wet. It gets me so mad that the former directors and former board members have the audacity to claim they did the best they could for these animals. How could any board member allow the cougars to be treated so horribly? They should be absolutely ashamed of their actions/in actions.

Speaking of the former directors--it appears the female former director wants to start two new non-profits: Animal Shelter Assistance Program and Auction for Animals. Needless to say, this information was sent up to the Texas Attorney General. In my opinion, this woman should not be allowed to start up another non-profit business after what she did at the sanctuary.

More good news--the County Juvenile Probation Department agreed to send work crews out to the sanctuary again! I'm hoping once a month the youths can help keep the grounds clean and safe for visitors.

So much to be grateful for this year - thank God for his Blessings and Protection. To think, I was thinking of giving up in August because I didn't think this case would ever end. And now look -- thanks to God the animals have another chance. They have a new director that actually cares about them. There are new animal care staff working at the tour property that actually care about the animals. There is a new zoo vet that cares about the animals. There is a community that cares about the animals. And there is a new primate consultant that happens to specialize in HIV chimps that wants to help the animals too! So many new Blessings that have taken place in just a short period of time.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:16

Merry Christmas everyone!!

It was a Very Merry Day

What a blast I had today! I went back to the sanctuary early in the morning to help prepare the grounds for visitors wanting to see the animals receive their Christmas presents. I was fortunate enough to have good friends willing to come out with me to clear brush, mow, pull weeds and perform general grounds clean-up.

The work was exhausting, but it was worth it! We finished just as the tour started and I was able to get some really good video and pictures of the animals receiving their presents.

I'll let the photos tell the story:

This is one of the Bayer macaques enjoying what is left of a paper egg filled with peanuts from Roadhouse, dried fruit and a special cookie.

This is Sebastian, playing with his new boomer ball donated by a friend of mine. He was seen hitting the ball around the enclosure. Sebastian is suprisingly fast!

It wouldn't be a party without Bubba enjoying his scent-filled tire!

Mac is enjoying his new boomer ball. He became very possessive of his new toy and would not even let Shirley approach.

So, Shirley decided to turn her attention to the scent-filled tire. She spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out how to bring the tire down!

Leyla, one of the older tigers living at the touring facility, got her first boomer ball this year. She was having a blast walking backwards, pulling the ball towards her.

Even Carrie got into the act, jumping around the scent-filled blanket. She totally ignored her new mini-boomer ball!

Zeus was absolutely determined to pull down the tire--that is one big "tiger" hug!

Ekaterina with her "mini" tire and Sierra with her large tire!

It truly was a Merry Christmas Day for the animals - and for me as well.

My Big Day to See the Animals

How the big day started: When I woke up this morning, it was raining. It was cold. And I was a very disappointed because it was supposed to be a beautiful clear day with a high of 61 degrees. It was after all my BIG DAY!! For you see, after three long years, I was finally able to visit the touring facility animals. I have been waiting so long for this day, December 17, 2006- 2009; I just wanted this day to be perfect.

A friend of mine’s husband was kind enough to go with me because I was very worried about driving up in my own car as the former directors lived right next store to the touring facility. I don’t know if they would recognize me or my vehicle, but I didn’t want to take any chances.

My anxiety rose a little as we drove closer to the building and I have to admit I felt my first pang of anxiety when we exited the safety of the vehicle to enter the building. But once we were inside the building, I felt much better.

So many changes took place since the last undercover video was taken in July 2009. There was a lot more room to move around and I was surprised at all the games and stuffed toys in the gift shop area.

As it turned out, IFAW was expected at any moment, so everyone was working hard to clean up the building. I think the sanctuary was expecting IFAW the next day, and so it meant a lot to me that the new director took me around to see the animals, while the IFAW representatives waited for her return to the office.

My immediate reaction was the grounds really needed some attention. Sadly, there were weeds, overgrown plants and grasses everywhere. The trails needed clean-up and the barrier fences needed repairs. The workers were working hard in the rain to clean the animal cages, install new tin for the monkeys’ enclosures, and feed the animals.

You could feel a mood change at the sanctuary. The workers were talking to the animals and to each other. People were laughing and enjoying the work instead of viewing the care of the animals as a “chore.”

I was saddened to learn there are only five cougars left and I was appalled as to their current living conditions. I cannot believe the former directors stuffed five cougars in such a small primate cage. The poor cats were living in mud (from the rain) and you could smell the strong stench of urine and feces. Since this former monkey cage does not have a run-off area, there was no way the workers could go in and clean out the enclosure. Thankfully, the new director decided this situation was unacceptable and so the workers were putting the finishing touches on the new tiger enclosure (which ironically used to be the cougars’ ‘compound’). The wolf-hybrids are living in part of the old cougar ‘compound’ and so the workers started the construction of the new wolf enclosure, so the wolves will move into their new home, thereby allowing the tigers to move into the entire “cougar compound,” which in turn will allow the cougars to move into the former tiger enclosure. This enclosure is larger and will allow the cougars the opportunity to run and jump, which they currently cannot do so right now. Whew! I guess this is called the domino effect!

The tigers that used to live in the bear enclosure are now located next to the cougars. I cannot get over how big the cats have grown. The last time I saw the tigers, most of them were about 1-2 years of age, they were small and very curious. There were so many tigers living in what used to be a primate cage – too many cats for such a small enclosure—it broke my heart. But the tigers were still very curious and came right up to greet us!

Needless to say, the tigers and cougars mentioned above are hard to see on tour and so visitors cannot see their “living” conditions. If folks could see the animals’ cages, I am sure they would be just as appalled as I was. I sure hope the wolf and tiger cages are finished soon, so the big cats can finally move into cages which are more suited for their body size and type.

Clearly, the former directors did not care one whit about the tigers and cougars – for how can any caring people force these beautiful animals into such small enclosures? Where were the board of directors? How could they allow the animals to be treated in such a deplorable manner?

When I left the sanctuary in 2006, there were 21 cougars. Today there are only 5 cougars left alive. These animals deserved so much better.

I got to see Bubba (my boy!!) and he was ‘gruffing’ and making small talk when I took several pictures of him in his run-off area. What a difference! He put on some weight since last December and I like how his run-off area is boxed in so he can escape from the people and the weather if he so desires. He has a little peep hole built into one of the walls, so he can look out and determine whether or not he wants to make an appearance. But on this cold miserable day, Bubba chose to stay in his enclosed run-off area, so I peeped into his area! His fur is looking better and he has such a sweet attitude! I really missed Bubba and I am so glad he is still at the sanctuary. I just wish his companion, Princess, survived as well.

Tarzan is alive! I would recognize Tarzan anywhere – he still has the habit of licking his chops when getting up or laying down (he has a very distinct way of licking his lips!). The lions looked huge and sadly out of shape. It looks like Sebastian lost a lot of weight at some point because he had a large amount of skin hanging under his very large belly. I’m just so glad new enrichment items have been added to their enclosure to help stimulate their minds and bodies. Sheba didn’t look to bad, but the boys sure could use some muscle toning!

Norman and Marilyn, Patas monkeys, got some more space since the macaws were moved to another facility where they could receive heat during the winter. They have been promised a larger enclosure for years.

Overall, the tigers looked out of shape and thin. Lulu the tiger was apparently not feeling well, throwing up her meals shortly after consumption. I understand she will be seen by the sanctuary’s new vet (assuming the new vet agrees to take on the sanctuary as a client), which will be a blessing as the former vet would have probably recommended to have her killed due to “renal failure.” The new vet has zoo animal experience, something the sanctuary desperately needs. No more “fire fighting” vet care by dog and cat vet specialists. Finally, the sanctuary’s animals will be taken care of (hopefully) by a real zoo vet!

T'Salvo was looking good and a little sleepy! I am so glad the new director took the time to find out what was wrong with her and NOT take the advice of the former sanctuary vet (yep, 'former' -- as her services are now now longer required) and had her put down for "renal failure."

The bobcats, serval, and Carrie the caracal looked good to me. They just need some more toys!

Zeus seemed a little lonely – he is still a 'talker' and it was great seeing him again.

The New York primates looked much better in their new enclosure and I was able to see some of the Bayer primates. As I’m writing this, I just now realized I did not see the remaining Bayer primates in quarantine. I know I was offered the chance to go back into the old “clinic” area but declined due to run-down, abandoned state. I pray the primates in “warehouse” area are doing well. Their enclosure is also under construction at the second property.

I was at the property for about two hours and left happy that many of the original animals survived, saddened that many of them are either thin or living in very small enclosures, but hopeful because of all the new changes I witnessed. The facility has a lot of potential and I just know that with a little T-L-C this place can live up to its full potential.

The new director has offered to take me out to the second property to see the rest of the animals. I figure, baby steps, one visit at a time. Today was a really big day and I have to let everything sink in – so many emotions to work through.

I do know this – I really missed the animals and I hope the new director will allow me to help out now and then…

Baa Hum Bug

I normally try not to write about an event until after some time has passed, whether it’s an hour, a day, or a week, only so I can get a total prospective before writing.

So, I’m hoping enough time has passed to write about today’s events. First off, I learned Fu-Fu, a female baboon, diagnosed with upper respiratory infection, died today. Also, a domestic cat recently died from an upper respiratory infection, but I’m not sure what day the kitty passed away. Needless to say, this news saddens me. So far, since October 1, 2009, Jake died, a baboon died, a rhesus macaque (open wound on side of body) died, and a domestic cat died.

Fortunately, the other animals, the lemur and Sue the chimpanzee, I was told, was doing much better, as they both were diagnosed as having some form of upper respiratory infection..

I’m feeling a little down today, for I believe the interview with the local radio station did not go as great as I thought it would. A friend of mine was kind enough to allow the sanctuary a 30-minute interview to promote the sanctuary.

First off, I felt awkward walking into the radio station interview room with one of the animal caretakers and the new director present. I got the feeling the animal caretaker was not too thrilled to see me, and this may have been a hold over from when the former directors ran the facility. Or maybe it wasn't me at all -- who knows.

It was my intention to just introduce the radio station host to the new director, and then speak with the sales folks about doing a remote at the touring facility next year. Okay, that never happened because I was asked to stay in the room and then asked to join the two ladies for the actual interview. I should have protested harder, but I didn’t want to appear that I was not a team player or not supporting the new management and staff. So I remained in the room. And to be perfectly honest, I wasn’t needed because the two ladies did just fine without me. It made me feel uncomfortable when the animal caretaker said on the radio that it was T’Savo’s former owners fault the lioness was sick today, as she alleged they did not feed the lioness a proper diet. Yikes! This caused me to do a double-take with the new director to see what her reaction would be – and she seemed as surprised as I did that she made this comment.

Perhaps I’m not feeling well or perhaps because it’s a cold and miserable looking day which explains my reason for feeling a little blue right now. I just have a really bad feeling right now and I pray this feeling passes soon and that it is not a prediction of what is yet to come.

Okay, now for a former director ‘update’. The new director noticed several vehicles passing by with loads of furniture and other household stuff. Turns out the former directors are selling their possessions and those that belong to the sanctuary on Craigslist.com.

Some history: In 2005, the former directors claimed they received a “grant” to purchase new furniture for the rental house (which was obtained without the board’s knowledge). Needless to say, once the former directors gave up their “party house,” the furniture went into their own home and that of the youngest daughter. And now, the sanctuary’s purchased furniture is now in the possessions of strangers. I wonder how the new owners would feel they are in possession of stolen property!

When I was asked back in October what the new director should do to retrieve the furniture and equipment like the laptop, digital cameras (which was probably used to take the pictures of the items shown on the web), before something like this occurred, I advised her to seek relief from the local justice of the peace, thereby preventing the former directors from disposing of the “stolen” property. Unfortunately, this never took place and needless to say the local police do not want to get involved in this civil matter. So bye-bye furniture and equipment. Please understand, I'm not critizing the new director, because she has enough issues on her plate--it just burns my beanie that the former directors are getting away with theft.

So, here’s to a dreary looking day which matches my mood right now. Ho Ho Ho and Baa Hum Bug...

Later same day:

I think I figured out why I’m feeling so blue. While the interview was good, it failed to cover all the exciting changes taking place at the facility. Everyone was trying so hard not to mention what happened in the past, the resulting exciting changes now taking place was completely glossed over. Instead there was discussion of people owning ducks, tigers, and dogs, and he cons of exotic wild animal ownership when we should have been talking about the sanctuary’s animals. We should have talked about exciting volunteer opportunities. We should have been talking about all the changes made to the web site. We should have, we should have, we should have…

I pray follow-up interviews will go much smoother and there is more discussion about the exciting changes taking place at both facilities. The past must be discussed, otherwise how can people learn from the mistakes? How can folks learn about all the exciting changes taking place?

Jake's Necropsy Report

Last week I was provided a copy of Jake, the white-crowned mangaby’s necropsy report, so I could see for myself what happened to the animal I fought so hard for the last 3.5 years.


A little history – I first notified the USDA/APHIS of Jake’s situation back in 2006. When Jake arrived in 2005, he was placed in a large natural enclosure for the media’s benefit. For about two months, Jake got to play in a large enclosure which contained toys and fun enrichment obstacles.


Then one day, Jake was moved behind the old falling down “clinic” building into a very small squeeze back cage. He had no toys, no blanket, no straw – nothing to keep him warm during the cold winter days. Meanwhile, his former enclosure remained empty until it was finally dismantled months later.


Jake was not alone in the squeeze-back cages—he lived in just one of the several cages located in the “quarantine” area. I later learned, all the rhesus macaques and capuchins, which lived with Jake for a couple of months, died in their tiny squeeze-back cages. Jake survived only because I raised the alarm he was in danger to the board of directors. The day before the so-called emergency board meeting, January 7, 2006, Jake was moved from the squeeze-back cage and placed into another enclosure next to the patas monkeys. I have no doubt he was moved because the former pseudo-directors believed the media would be accompanying me to the meeting so as to check out his present health condition. Ironically, this move probably saved Jake’s life that year.


After living next to the patas for several months, Jake up and disappeared—allegedly taken to the unregulated property. After some investigation, I learned Jake was living for about 2 years in a transporter cage located in metal warehouse at the unregulated property. I was told Jake rarely received any sunlight as he was virtually forgotten in the warehouse. I tried to get the USDA/APHIS to do something—anything to save Jake’s life, but was told there was nothing they could do to help him. As long as he was provided adequate food, water, and shelter, there was nothing the inspector could do to help him. When the inspector visited Jake, the workers wheeled him outside so it appeared he was getting sunlight, and then when the inspector left, I was told Jake was wheeled back into the warehouse.


Meanwhile, I continued to receive reports that Jake was losing a lot of weight and was not looking too good. Several months before the ousting of the former directors, Jake was finally moved into a new enclosure. The USDA/APHIS inspector reported in the summer of 2009 he was living in this new enclosure which was located near other monkeys, so he wouldn’t be so alone anymore.


After the new director took over the sanctuary, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus monkey chow was given to the primates in the hopes of improving their health condition. Over the last several years a lot of monkeys died and something needed to be done to save the surviving animals. Sadly, by this time, it was too late for Jake.


I am going to paste several portions of the necropsy report into this blog. My intention is not to embarrass the new director, but merely show what happened to one animal that did not receive proper care and attention. When he left the regulated property, Jake looked okay, but after a few years living at the unregulated property, Jake turned into a living skeleton. The workers should have noticed his declining health condition, but because he was just “one” monkey, he did not receive the kind of attention he should have. In my opinion, the workers caring for Jake should have been fired as they contributed to his declining health and then allegedly lied about when his actual symptoms were noticeable (the workers reported to the new directors symptoms were noticeable a couple of days prior to death, but then told the vet that the symptom were noticed about a week prior to his death). After all, how can you trust animal caretakers to care of one animal or several hundred animals, if they lie to their boss regarding their health condition?

Sadly, Jake’s immune system was comprised, no doubt from the treatment he received while living at the unregulated property. By the time the symptoms were reported, it was too late for Jake. What saddens me is that Jake died alone, outside in his cage. I just pray he did not suffer and he deserved so much better than what he received.

Jake looked fine while on tour back in 2005 and early 2006, but a picture taken a couple of months prior to his death showed how much he had changed while living at the unregulated property. How could the workers not see how much weight he lost? How could they have missed the inflammation/infection under his armpits? When his eyes sunk in, wasn’t that a sign to the workers that Jake was near death? It is my opinion the workers were negligent, which goes towards a pattern (some may even call abuse) documented over the last few years.

Yesterday, I learned a chimp named Sue, a baboon, and a lemur are displaying symptoms of upper respiratory infection. The animals were seen by a vet yesterday, and medication was dispensed.


The vet witnessed the same two animal caretakers as referenced above preparing the animals’ food without wearing gloves. This is a big no-no since germs and bacteria can be spread and infect all the animals at the same time. This upsets me greatly as it goes to show the workers have no desire to ensure the health and well-being of the animals are protected from further health contamination.

I also learned a couple of days ago a non-human primate skull was found in one of the enclosures. When the animal caretakers were asked about the skull, they said yes, they knew about the primate that died in the enclosure. No explanation was provided--just that they were aware that a monkey died in the enclosure and that they never pulled it out!


Truly, the new director has her hands full with the two long-time employed animal caretakers at the second site. I just pray the workers learn from their past mistakes and do something to help the animals.


Anyhoo, here are portions of the necropsy report and an explanation of some of the medical jargon used:


Gross Findings:

External Appearance: Body condition thin; the vertebral column and hips are too prominent. A body conditioning score of 2/5 was assigned. The pelage is in excellent condition. The skin is deeply erythemic in the left axilla, the color extending distally to include the medial surface of the left upper arm. Ecchymoses are present in the skin along the cranial surface of both thighs. A small degree of livor mortis was present on the right medial upper arm.

Definitions from on-line dictionary:

Erythemic in the left axilla : Redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion
of the capillaries, often a sign of inflammation or infection in the
armpit.


Ecchymoses : The passage of blood from ruptured blood vessels into subcutaneous tissue, marked by a purple discoloration of the skin.


Livor mortis: Malignity mortis


A body conditioning score of 1 = emaciated
A body conditioning score of 2 = dangerously thin

Skin: Ecchymoses are present along the left lateral surface.
Pleura: An adhesions is present between the right pleural surface at the fifth rib and the right middle lung lobe. Three adhesions are present between the pleural surface, the pericardium and the right cranial lung lobe. Excessive pleural fluid is present; the character of the fluid is bloody. The amount was not quantified but was characterized as moderate.
Pericardium: NSL, excepting the adhesion mentioned above.
Heart: NSL
Lungs: All lung lobes are diffusely affected. The lobes were overall deep red in color and bleed readily on cut surface. The bronchi and bronchioles are filled with blood which has a mild purulent quality to it. There are white foci ranging in size from pinpoint to 2-3 mm diameter present in all the lobes. The pinpoint foci often assume a linear to archiform pattern, not unlike an archipeligo in appearance. The larger foci are singular and diffusely scattered. The linear to archiform foci are visible only on the caudal surface of the lobes. The larger singular foci are visible on the cranial and caudal lung surfaces. The left diaphragmatic lobe contains a large centrally located area which appeared red-gray in color. When incised, this area appears to have little normal architecture left and was filled with the blood with the mildly purulent quality. There is no caseous material present or firm areas suggesting granulomas.
Trachea: The blood in the trachea is abundant and more purulent in quality at the carina than at the larynx. The carina is almost completely filled with blood of this character.
Esophagus: The serosal surface appears normal; the mucosal surface was not examined.
Vessels: NSL
Lymph nodes: The bronchial nodes appear normal to slightly increased in size but of normal character. The hilar lymph nodes are markedly enlarged and are filled with creamy exudate.

Definitions from on-line dictionary:

Pleura adhesions: Pleura - A thin serous membrane in mammals that envelops each lung and folds back to make a lining for the chest cavity.
a. A condition in which bodily tissues that are normally separate grow together.
b. A fibrous band of scar tissue that binds together normally separate anatomical structures.

Purulent quality: Containing, discharging, or causing the production of pus.

Foci (pl): The region of a localized bodily infection or disease.

Carina: In anatomy, the carina is a cartilaginous ridge within the trachea that runs anteroposteriorly between the two primary bronchi at the site of the tracheal bifurcation at the inferior end of the trachea.

Hilar lymph nodes: In human anatomy, the hilum is part of an organ where structures such as blood vessels and nerves enter.

Exudate: Pus is an example of exudate found in infected wounds that also includes bacteria and high concentrations of white blood cells. Clear blister fluid is an example of an exudate that contains water (and solutes) together with some plasma proteins, but not many blood cells.

ADDENDUM (December 3, 2009)

The diagnosis is severe necrohemorrhagic pneumonia and necrotizing lymphadenitis caused by one of the zygomycotic fungi. The lungs and the draining lymph node were severely affected. Without a culture, the exact identification of the fungal will not be possible but it is a member of a group of environmental fungi which opportunistically invade immuno-compromised individuals, both human and animal. Most who are exposed to this fungus are able to resist disease even if moderately immuno-compromised. Jake had the most severe mycotic pneumonia ever seen by the pathologist and would most like been severely immuno-compromised. The cause for him being immuno-compromised is unknown but may have been viral. There are viruses which cause immune suppression in nonhuman primates, two of which are the two type D oncornaviruses (simian retrovirus D1 and D2) which may cause an immunodeficiency predisposing to a complex of diseases including fibromatosis, atypical mycobacteriosis, intestinal cryptosporidiosis, pneumocystic pneumonia, disseminated cytomegalovirus infection, and candidiasis in colonies of macaques, African green monkeys, and sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys ). Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a lentivirus related to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in humans is also an immunosuppressive virus.

The pulmonary hemorrhage was acute and would have occurred in the last 2-3 days prior to Jake's death. His clinical signs would have been very noticeable at that point. Prior to that, he would have been coughing intermittantly and would not have had a change in appetite or mentation. However, an observant caregiver would have seen the clinical signs (coughing). The clinical course would have been slow and insidious.

There was significant autolysis in the tissue examined, which caused the fungal hyphae to be brought to the surface; the fungus would not have continued to grow post mortem.

This case illustrates the need for close and careful observation of wild animals due to their instinctive nature of hiding illnesses and injury as a means of survival. Any chance for response to treatment would have necessitated early intervention in this case. It is my opinion that treatment more than likely would not have been effective in this case due to the presence of immune suppression.

Dr. Clayton Robison of the Tuberculosis Surveillance Program with the USDA was informed by the NSVL and me of the laboratory results. He, in turn, forwarded the information to [USDA/APHIS investigator].

Jake's Necropsy Results Are In

According to the necropsy and medical test results, Jake died from an environmental fungal pneumonia, and was apparently sick for a very long time. It is undetermined at this time whether Jake became sick four years ago, prior to his arrival at the sanctuary, or if he became sick after his arrival -- regardless, by the time Jake's declining health was discovered, it was too late to save him.

I hold the two animal caretakers that work at the second site responsible for allowing Jake suffer for so long.  Poor baby just wasted away and the animal caretakers just stood by and watched him slowly waste away.  How could they not know something was terribly wrong with Jake?  What kind of people allow animals to suffer alone?  I recommended to the director that the animal caretakers be fired immediately, because if they could do this to Jake, then chances are they will do it again to another animal.  I know this will be a tough decision because these animal caretakers have been working at the sanctuary for years.  However, in light of what we are discovering, I believe it is time for the two ladies to find new jobs elsewhere.

The new director plans to take Jake's body to Paws in Heaven to have his body cremated and he will be returned to the sanctuary.

I wish I could have done more for Jake, but I know he is in Heaven, free of cages and disease. I miss him.  I just don't know if I can ever forgive myself for not going out to the Talley Road sooner.  I should have gone out there as soon as Nicole invited me.  Perhaps I could have...

Should have, could have, didn't.  Now I have to live with my decision.  Lesson learned.  Never let your fear of the unknown stop you from doing what you know in your heart is the right decision.  I should have gone.  I could have gone.  I didn't.  God forgive me.


Necropsy Report Jake WAO



Later:

Photo taken in 2009

The workers claimed they did not know Jake was in severe distress.

Whaaat??

How in the world could you guys miss all the signs Jake exhibited that he was in distress?  He looked like a walking skeleton. I decided it was time to educate all the animal care staff on the general signs an animal may be seriously ill.  I pray this message is distributed to all the workers before they put another animal's life in danger.

From: Kristina Brunner

To: Nicole Garcia
Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 4:22 PM

FYI - In light of what happened to Jake, perhaps the animal caretakers should be made aware of the symptoms a primate may show when in severe distress:

Signs for Evaluating Morbidity in Animals

Note: this list is not exhaustive.
Hunched posture

Sunken eyes, with or without discharge

Respiration that has increased, decreased, or appears labored

Rapid weight loss (more than 10% of body weight within a 1-week period)

Total weight loss from baseline (>20%) Note: Weight loss criteria for young, growing animals is different than for adult animals. In general weight loss is not acceptable for growing animals; rather, a "reduced weight gain" protocol will be established on a case –by- case basis depending on the study and species.
Decreased body condition score (2.5 or less on a scale of 1 – 5; see species-specific guidelines for assigning a body condition score).
Decreased or no intake of food

Hypothermia or hyperthermia

Ruffled hair coat, erection of hair or fur, lack of grooming behavior

Diarrhea or constipation

Vomiting

Unsteady gait or lameness not induced by experimental manipulation

Ulcerated tumors

Severe or ulcerative dermatitis
A Moribund state is defined as a state of dying. Any animal exhibiting these characteristics would be considered to have end-stage illness and should be euthanized immediately.

For more info: http://www.bu.edu/research/compliance/oversight-committee/iacuc/policies/policy-for-humane-endpoints.shtml 

Hang in there, tiger - 

Kris

God Speed Parrots and Tortoises

I received word earlier today that the 4 parrots (Gonzo, Sergeant, and the two blue and gold macaws) are leaving the sanctuary today so they can live in an indoor facility located at the Austin Zoo.

Also, the three tortoises are leaving on Saturday to live in a heated barn especially designated for tortoises at a tortoise sanctuary. I've been worried about the tortoises living on tour right now because of the cold weather South Texas has been experiencing for the last several days.

I am sad to see these animals go, but I pray their move is for the best interest of the animals. They need a chance to grow and thrive in environments suited for their physiology.

While I did not know the tortoises, I fought like heck to make sure they were treated right by the previous directors and staff. The birds I have known for years and I will miss their whistles and 'hello's' when I walked by. God Speed little critters -- I will miss you!

The After-Thanksgiving Event

On the day Jake died, the sanctuary held its first After-Thanksgiving party for the animals. What a bitter sweet day for the animals and the workers. During the special event, the tigers and bears received pumpkins, which they prompted tossed and rolled around their enclosures according to friends that attended the event.

Bubba received a hot pink blanket, donated by a friend of mine at work, and a boomer ball donated by a County office which funded raised the dollar amount to purchase this gift for the white tiger.

T’Salvo also received a large bright red boomer ball which she grabbed and dragged back to her den so as to play with it.

The monkeys, from all accounts, loved their treat boxes, opening them carefully at its tab and then promptly reaching in and dragging out the hay mixed with peanuts, dried fruit, and a special cookie shaped as a peanut.

The wolf pups loved their tug a ball toy, proceeding to enter into a tug a war over the new item.

I only wish there were enough toys for all the animals at the sanctuary. Sadly, not everyone received a present, but I’m hoping folks will donate towards the animals toys this Christmas. So far, we have two large boomer balls (14”); two medium boomer balls (10”) and three smaller boomer balls. The big balls will go to tigers and lions, while the smaller balls will go to the cougars and the bobcats/serval/caracal.

Since I am still hesitant to go to the sanctuary at this time, the sanctuary taped the animals receiving their presents, and I was told a copy of the tape would be provided to me soon. I need to work on getting toys for the second property’s animals as they did not receive as many toys as the touring property’s animals.

All the animals went through so much in the last several years; they deserve some treats and toys!

The USDA inspector visited the property today and was shown a copy of the After Thanksgiving video. Apparently she liked what she saw for she asked for a copy of the video so as to pass it on to another veterinarian. The inspector was told that Jake died and concerned the inspector asked if I was aware of his death. The director let her know that I did indeed know about his death and I was told the inspector seemed relieved. Apparently the USDA is happy I am no longer sending any more complaint emails to them! I was told the new director provided the inspector with an animal inventory listings for both properties and gave her an update on the required repairs needed at both facilities. Since the perimeter fence is not complete yet, the USDA will work with the sanctuary and give them a reasonable time frame to install the fence. Also, the USDA inspector was pleased with the way Bubba was looking, saying he looked much better since her last visit and wanted to know what the staff was doing to improve his health. By all accounts, it appears this was a successful USDA/APHIS visit.

The new director said she is still waiting for Jake’s necropsy report. There was some concerns he may have died from a highly contagious disease; however, the USDA inspector told the new director she felt Jake may not have actually died from this disease--so now only time and the test results will tell.

The new director directed staff to winterize the animal enclosures since the cold winter weather is upon us. Propane heaters were started up and several enclosures were winterized with insulation boards and lots of hay/straw. It was reported to me the big cats’ enclosures received hay in each shelter box. The USDA inspector was pleased the facility was working hard to winterize the animals' enclosures.

Oh, and the President of the Board elected not to resign just yet and the OAG approved the nomination of a new board member based on his employment resume -- it should be interesting to see if this new member, if approved by the board, will bring life to the board of directors.

I'm ending this post on a grateful note; for if it was not for the kind donations received by several County employees, the animals above would not have received presents at their After-Thanksgiving event. Thank you so much my friends for helping me help the animals! I am grateful for my friends and I am grateful the sanctuary is now under new management!

God Bless Jake and Joel

This weekend it was my intention to review some case history, to include new information previously not reported on the blog. I wanted to write about how grateful I was the sanctuary is now under new management. I wanted to post a truly uplifting Thanksgiving message. This was not meant to be, however.

For you see, yesterday I was informed that Jake, the white crowned mangabey, was ill. According to the new director, the non-regulated animal caretakers informed her yesterday that Jake had been ill a couple of days and they already called the sanctuary's vet for assistance. Since the vet was out of town, she recommended he be given Benadryl and a liquid antacid. The new director was never informed he was ill until yesterday and according to other animal caretakers, Jake had shown signs of being ill (lethargic, congested, dehydrated) for over a week. Sadly, no one bothered to inform the new directors and so she was unable to seek medical care for him in time. I am heartbroken to report, Jake died either last night or early this morning.

The two animal caretakers simply sent a text message stating "Jake died" early this morning around 8:40am. When the director texted back for them to call her, she received a return text message they would call her later. The new director tried calling me around 9:00am to let me know what happened to Jake, but I did not arrive home to around 9:30am--it was after that time I received the sad news.

The new director and I are absolutely devastated. The new director plans to conduct an investigation into the Jake's cause of death to determine if he was sick and for how long. That means a necropsy of course. Statements will be collected from all the caretakers that worked or were in contact with Jake for the last week to determine how long Jake was sick and what action was taken to save him.

Regardless, it is my opinion, the two animal caretakers, responsible for Jake's care, should be made accountable for neglecting their duties and failing to obtain medical care which could have saved Jake's life. If the two animal caretakers purposely failed to notify the director of his declining health, they should be fired immediately. It makes one wonder how many other animals may have needlessly died at the sanctuary (besides the bear left to suffer with a stroke for two weeks and the primates left to die in the hot summer sun after sedation). It also makes one wonder how many other animals may be sick and dying right now at the second site! I heard the two animal caretakers spend way too much time in the warehouse and not enough time caring of the animals. If this allegation is true, they should be fired immediately for theft since they are stealing time and money from the animals by not executing their assigned duties and responsibilities. 

What breaks my heart is when I saw Jake's picture (above), I noticed how skinny he looked as compared to how he looked in 2005.  I wish I had gone out to see him personally when I was first invited back to the sanctuary by the new director.  Perhaps I could have saved his life.  If not, I would have at least made sure he did not die alone.  This is going to be one of the greatest regrets I will have to shoulder for the rest of my life.

The new director has so much on her plate (AG, TCEQ, fund raising, purchasing supplies, employee issues, bills, vet care, etc.) there is no way she can do every one's job.

Sadly, a second animal died this week, Joel, a marmoset was found dead in his enclosure which he shared with this mate. Cause of death was unknown for he was seen moving around in the morning, and by the evening hour he was dead. I do not have an individual picture of Joel, but from all accounts he was quite the character and very adorable.

So I close this blog with a these words --may Justice is found for Jake, may Peace be found for Joel, and may the Lord Judge those who fail in their duty to protect the sanctuary's animals. Jake went through so much since his arrival and he deserved better than he received. He was loved by many and he will never be forgotten. God Bless the animals' souls into Heaven, forever and ever -- Amen.

Toys for Animals

Where to begin? Okay, let's start with some good news. The sanctuary received its donated toys, blankets, and treats collected by county employees for the sanctuary animals' to be given out after Thanksgiving Day (Sunday event). For the first time, Bubba will receive a boomer ball. And T'Savo will also receive a boomer ball! Finally, toys for the animals whom are under constant medical care! Yea!

The wolves will receive small balls with a tug-a-war rope attached. The primates will receive lots of treat boxes and toys. The chimps will receive blankets and clothes to play with including several treat boxes and toys. And finally, the fox will receive a treat dispensing toy. The bears and the tigers will receive pumpkins to play with too. I wish I had more donated gifts for the animals, but considering the short turn around time, I think we did pretty good!

Over the weekend, I learned one of the board members may have resigned from the board due to a family medical situation. If true, that means there are only three board members left. I also learned the OAG just approved the candidacy of a new board member. I read his resume, and it looked great to me--I just pray he can provide the direction the board truly needs at this time.

The CPA that was supposed to meet the new director on Monday to go over the terrible 2008 990, failed to show up. One hour after the scheduled meeting time, he called the director to inform her that he was still out of town and would not return until Wednesday (day before Thanksgiving). So much for getting out a corrected return before the end of this week!

I also learned the board member whom attempted to take over the sanctuary is not happy I plan to visit the sanctuary next month (December). Gee I wonder why? It continually astounds me the lack of director or assistance the board provided the new director thus far. Perhaps they should be more worried about the 2008 990, dwindling finances, adding new board members to the Board of Directors, etc, than wondering what I plan to say when I go visit the animals, with the media in tow. I have done nothing but attempt to save the animals, and now they are worried I might say something that would close the facility down? Sounds like the former female director talking and not a rational board member, to me. I am very much aware the former female director poisoned the minds of the directors and the workers against me. One would think, after all that is coming out, that they would have realized by now who truly was the enemy of the sanctuary. And that enemy is NOT me. I guess old hatreds are hard to get over. Too bad, because I could have been their greatest ally. Instead I chose to help the new director, who has demonstrated a true desire to save the animals.

USDA Double Talk

A whole lot of double talk from the USDA.  Anyone surprised?  Not me.  

http://www.sacurrent.com/sanantonio/the-wao-files-the-usdas-dave-sacks-confirms-there-is-an-investigation-against-wao/Content?oid=2377601

The WAO Files: The USDA's Dave Sacks confirms there is an investigation against WAO 

By Enrique Lopetegui

elopetegui@sacurrent.com

“There is no case, there is no investigation,” former Wild Animal Orphanage attorney Eric Turton (and other Carol Asvestas supporters) repeatedly told the Current and anyone asking about the status of the WAO cases with the USDA.

Well, it seems that, after all, yes, there is (or was until very recently) an investigation going on, according to USDA spokesperson Dave Sacks.

But this phone conversation from October 2009 is not only about that, but about the animal laws (or lack of) in this country. Next time you hear, "There is no case against WAO," send him/her this link.

Did WAO ever show the USDA records of animal deaths?

I can give you some information, but my hands are tight, because this case is still open. So, as such, no government public affairs office isâ?¦

Ohâ?¦ The case is still open? Since when?

I believe January of 2007. An investigation is our formal way of officially documenting the facts surrounding allegations of Animal Welfare Act violation. A complaint, on the other hand, these are submitted by any individual at all, a regular citizen, animal rights worker, or what have you. They have a concern about an alleged violation and they contact us and, then, we take them all seriously across the board and we look at them that way. But an investigation is a formal way of documenting the facts surrounding allegations. A complaint is just the very first step where someone says, “Hey, there is something hereâ?¦ This looks like some alleged improper animal condition,” and that sort of thing. This investigationâ?¦ It was a result of our inspection findings rather than any complaint that came in, so we actuallyâ?¦

So there is an investigation?

Wellâ?¦ We did look into it formally. It was a result of our official fact checking and the process came after our inspection findings. So, when we conduct inspections and we see things that are not to our liking according to the Animal Welfare Act, then we canâ?¦ It's kind of a step-up to possible enforcement actions. You knowâ?¦ It can come from a complaint or our own inspections. In this case it was from our own findings.

Is that a yes? Is there is an investigation going on?

Correct.

An early agreement between the USDA and WAO included a monkey care violation. Why was that violation erased from the final agreement?

Again I don't have that information because I'm limited on what I can say and what information I can dig in my end of things. Again, I don't have that because the case is still open. I couldn'tâ?¦ Even if I had that information I wouldn't be able to comment on that until `the case` is completely closed. At which point a reporter, like yourself, or a member of the general public, can file a Freedom of Information Act request for all of the completed paper work and the all the documents related to the case.

Well, I didâ?¦ But I was surprised to find that I and get all kinds of personal information except, precisely, anything related with official WAO animal deaths. Why don't they make records of animal deaths public?

Just to give you some information regarding that: The Animal Welfare Act does not require license holders to notify us of every animal death. I meanâ?¦ You have to realize all the license holders that we inspect across the country, and all the animals that are involved, and all the zoos, and all the exhibitors, and all the circusesâ?¦ That's a lot of animals. So when we go in we are basically checking on the health and the well-being of the animals that are there on-site the days that we make our inspections. Nowâ?¦ A lot of the license holders self-report deaths to usâ?¦

So, if you kill them, it's OK?

I'm not saying it's OK. Weâ?¦ There are different ways we can find out about animal deaths. Sometimes, like I said, the license holder will self-report it to us and then we go in there and our inspectors will look to see, to their best of their knowledge, if the animal died of natural cause or that sort of thing. We can sometime find out through the press, that's happened before. We sometimes have been tipped-off by people within the facility itself. So you know, there are different ways we find out. The zoo keepers and the license holders keep their logs of animals that come in and leave their facilities. So, they keep records of things. But the Animal Welfare Act, which is what we enforce, that specific legislation does not required them to file with us of every single death. Now, if there is some alleged animal abuse or something like that, then you can bet we're going to go on there and take a look at things.

Do you know when the case will be completed?

The closest I can come to getting information about that for you is possibly in two weeks.

`After two weeks, he wrote me back saying that I should submit another FOIA request`

What good are the inspections if you don't have access to animal records?

Like I said, the AWA doesn't require license holders to submit to us animal deaths; some of them do, but they are not required. So, when our inspectors go into these facilities, you knowâ?¦ We're looking at the animals that are there, we're looking to see if they are being properly taking care of, if they're getting the nutrition they need, if they are protected from the elements of extreme weather, if they are separated from potentialâ?¦

What's the point of the Act then?

It's a numbers game. If you are an inspector and you're going into the San Antonio Zoo, sayâ?¦ And again, that's a lot of animals in thereâ?¦ That's a lot ofâ?¦ And the fact of the matter isâ?¦ You knowâ?¦ I meanâ?¦ The fact remains: Animals die. And you know, it's not something whereâ?¦

But when you don't have crystal-clear and public animal record, then you rely on independent studies, and one claims that 1,000 animals died in 10 years at WAO. That's 100 animals per year!

Again, they are not obliged to `reveal animal deaths` â?¦ But many of them do self-report. If you have a bat exhibit and you have 150 bats in there, wellâ?¦ Some of those bats are going to die just from natural causes and from competition and all that regular stuff, you knowâ?¦ It will take an enormous amount of time for an inspector to go in there and match those records. Now, what we do is we work with these license holders, we educate them. We don't come in there, it's not Us vs Them, so to speak. We work with them to try to pull them to full compliance with the AWA. We're not turning a blind eye to animal deaths; we're not turning a blind eye to animal mistreat, but it's justâ?¦ You knowâ?¦ That Act covers a wide range of things, it's does not specify `anything` about the animal deaths.

If 50 animals died a preventable death, what's the value of the inspection then?

If we go in there and we see that there is a lot less animals than there were `before`, that's going to raise some flags to our inspectors and they are going to look into the matter. They'll talk to the veterinarians in that facility, they'll talk with the license holders themselves.

Did you do that at WAO?

Like I said, that case is open so, you knowâ?¦ You can't ask me about that, I can't comment about that.

Bottom line is: A bunch of monkeys allegedly freeze to death, and nobody knows what happens and WAO gets slapped in the wristâ?¦

You keep saying “nobody knows.” It's going through the legal process right now. I think you'll see a much more clear picture once this case runs its course. We don't want to tamper on with an ongoing investigation, so we don't release any of that information until that case is officially closed.

Jump to comments

The Ups and Downs of a Crazy Week

The ups and downs of the continuing roller coaster ride now is shared with someone other than myself for a change!

The new director, in just one week, experienced a lot of highs and lows. To start off, the pseudo-sanctuary’s CPA for over 10 years, apparently did not want the new director to review the 2008 990 for more than 15 minutes prior to its mail time, else the document would be late to the IRS. So the director and its new CPA only had about 15 minutes to review and sign the document before it had to be taken to the post office.

When it was sent to me, after the fact for my opinion, I was shocked and dismayed. It was ½ completed and there was a lot of conflicting information on the return. It was absolutely terrible. To make matters worse, there were no schedules attached to the document which was sent to the IRS.

The sanctuary director called the CPA, who just happened to be out of town, for an explanation. After hearing her concerns, his only response was he made a mistake; he brought the “draft” to the sanctuary for signature and not the “original” document which should have been signed and sent to the IRS.

How can any legitimate CPA make such a mistake? He allegedly prepared the 990 with attachments, and he did not bother to take the time to make sure he brought the right forms to the sanctuary for the new director’s signature?

The so-called professional CPA was hired to produce a professional document which the board members rely upon to be true and correct to the best of his knowledge, and he let everyone down. Not only that, he did not have the 2008 financial statements prepared—allegedly claiming he would submit them at a later time! What??? How can you complete the 2008 990 without the financial statements?

Now the IRS will really go nuts over this return because the core information was simply left off. Granted, the CPA said he would go over the corrected copy with the new director next week, but sadly, it will be late—really late. And with the Thanksgiving Holiday week thrown in, mail time will further delay the amended document to the IRS.

I cannot imagine the OAG will be happy with this latest turn of events.

So, this was the first major challenge. Next was the director’s decision to speak with an employee, whom initially showed potential working at the facility, but for some reason, started taking advantage of the new director and staff, resulting in his decision to voluntary leave the facility yesterday. After sending the director a couple of heated emails after he resigned, a strange call was made to a local news station, claiming one of the sanctuary’s baboons was loose and someone should cover the story. Dubious, the news station called to verify whether or not the sanctuary was missing a baboon. The director contacted the animal care takers and they conducted an animal head count, confirming all primates were present and accounted for. This got me thinking, a legitimate call would have been made to law enforcement (i.e. police or sheriff) claiming the concerned citizen saw a monkey running around and was wondering if someone lost their pet, not to the one of the local media outlets. Interesting to note, that not many people know how to identify a particular type of non-human primate—especially if the animal is on the move and moving fast!

The week did have some positive results – the animal enrichment toys were delivered last and this week—thanks to the kind donations received from County employees! The sanctuary plans to hold an after-Thanksgiving event, where Bubba (white tiger), T’Savo (lioness), the wolf pups and wolf group, and monkeys will receive special treats! I’m so excited Bubba will finally receive his first-ever toy at the sanctuary! He really needs something fun to play with which will keep him physically active and mentally motivated. One of the local television stations said they would cover the event, assuming they are not short of cameramen to cover the event.

Also, one of our local radio stations plans to interview the new director for 30 minutes and air the program in December, one week before the Animals’ Christmas Party! This will be great exposure because it will be aired on three other radio stations at the same time.

Now, hold on to your hat, because the ride is going down again.

One of the former board members that left the sanctuary’s board of directors in protest when the former male pseudo-sanctuary director was fired (as the female former director thankfully quit and walked out of the board meeting) posted the most off-the-wall comments on the local newspaper’s comment section of the original on-line article.

Here are some snippets from his posted comments:

“It is remarkable how the fact that [new director] went after her own family is being down played. Any descent family member would stand by their parents not attack them. This shows that she has no loyalty other to herself. Sad but true. "I do it for the animals" that is the classic phrase she hides behind.”

Wow! This guy just doesn’t get it, does he?

“This is really the sad story of an upset daughter throwing a temper tantrum and hurting her parents to get self-satisfaction. It is really pathetic. Unfortunately the remaining board members at the [sanctuary] are not going to admit that they have made a mistake by believing [new director’s] accusations. The [pseudo-sanctuary] is what it is today thanks to [former pseudo-sanctuary directors], never forget that.”

I love the comments made by the next commenter:

“What concerns me greatly is [the former board member] reference to "loyalty." What of the loyalty to the animals that lived at the [sanctuary]? It appears [the former board member] was on the board for over a year and during that period, did he at any time look into the investigations conducted by the State and Federal offices, or did he rely on his "loyalty" to his friends, the [former pseudo-sanctuary directors], that everything would be “okay?” Did he ever file an Open Records request to obtain the documents on file with the government offices or did he abrogate his responsibilities to the animals? I would love to read his explanation in an upcoming article as to why he turned the other way and did not fulfill his responsibility as a board member to protect and defend the sanctuary’s animals.

What ever [new director’s] motivations, and least she understood the difference between right and wrong. Hypothetically, if someone is committing an illegal act, causing the deaths of many, do you just stand-by, or do you collect evidence to support your allegations and then go to the authorities? Or, do you just sit back and look the other way, and "hope" things will just get miraculously better?

It takes courage to stand up to one’s family in the face of serious transgressions made against the very ones the [sanctuary] was supposed to protect and defend [the former board member] never made any reference to what HE DID to protect the animals, what investigative action he took in light of the serious allegations made against the [former pseudo-sanctuary directors], to ensure the funds and the animals were protected. His failure to act as a “legitimate” board member leads one to believe he was an active participant in the “Animal Wrongs” committed at this sanctuary. Shame on you, [former board member]. Shame on you. Like Anonymous wrote on 11-10-09, “Learn the truth before speaking out.””

The former board member truly displays his ignorance in the next thread he posted after the newspaper editor requests the former board member contact him so he can interview him for a follow-up story. The former board member’s response to the writer?

“We can communicate through this thread for now, if you do not mind.”

What a coward! It appears he was afraid to answer some really tough questions regarding his actions (more like in actions) when it came to protecting the sanctuary’s animals! Instead of explaining what he did during the investigative process to protect the animals and the incoming donations, he purposely choose to side stepped the issue and attacked the new director, claiming he never saw any wrong doings at the pseudo-sanctuary during his time he was on the board for approximately 2 1/2 years. He also had the audacity to claim all but one of the investigations by federal or state agencies were closed. Yikes! Either he is totally delusional, a crazed liar, or just simply uninformed. Why chose? I go with all three choices!

The newspaper writer asked numerous times for the former board member to call him and set up an appointment to discuss this case on the record. Needless to say, the former board member refused and instead chose to use this comment forum as an opportunity to bash the sanctuary's board of director members and the new director. In frustration, the magazine writer wrote:

"I'm not going to debate with you here. This is the last time I write to you about this. This is a forum for readers. If you have something to show me, show your face and show me what you got, and we'll talk for as long as you want, and I'll record and publish every single word of it. I'm not the one trying to avoid anything.

So far, no response from the former board member. Buc...Buc...Buc...bucacccck!