Drugs, Alcohol, and Suicides -- Where are the "Happy" Rescuers

The follow exerts are from Animal People's article titled Unusual Histories Are Almost the Norm Among Exotic Animal Keepers (date written unknown)

"Enthusiasts of exotic and dangerous animals are almost by definition unusual people--and that poses one of the perennial complications of the sanctuary dilemma.

Many and perhaps most sanctuarians became involved with dangerous and exotic animals through breeding, trafficking, exhibiting, and/or performing with them. They may obtain nonprofit status, and may actually do a significant amount of animal rescuing between continuing previous activities under the name of a sanctuary, yet even then may contribute more to the proliferation of dangerous and exotic wildlife in private hands than to containing it.

Some people calling themselves sanctuarians still breed and sell animals, some still admit unescorted members of the public to their facilities just as roadside zoos would, some continue to exhibit animals on tour, and some continue to perform with animals, all of which are contrary to the philosophies of The Association of Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association.

Several of the most prominent were performers, including Pat Derby of the Performing Animal Welfare Society and Tippi Hedren of the Shambala Sanctuary. Others were exotic petkeepers with breeding ambitions, like [former female director of pseudo-sanctuary] a.k.a. the [exotic wild animal sanctuary]., who changed their directions and outlooks upon becoming aware of the surplus of exotic and dangerous animals, and the miserable fates of many of them.

The ex-performers and breeders are often the strongest voices in opposition to compromise. Both Derby and [former pseudo-sanctuary directors], in conversations with ANIMAL PEOPLE nearly eight years apart, likened keeping exotic and dangerous animals for exploited purposes to drug addiction. "

Wow! The very last line, "...likened keeping exotic and dangerous animals for exploited purposes to drug addiction" really hit the nail on the head. I've been told over the last few years that some members of the Asvestas family used illegal drugs for a long time. For years I wondered where all the sanctuary's money went -- guess it's not too much of a stretch to guess where it all went after all -- either up in smoke or up someone's nose.

I have been amazed to learn over the years how many "rescuers" and "sanctuarians" abuse alcohol and drugs. Talk about a deadly combination -- drugs, alcohol, and exotic wild animals. The next startling thing I learned is the high number of suicides involving animal rescuers. I grew up believing animal rescuers were happy and prosperous people--after all, they were following their heart's desire. The investigation into this case revealed just the opposite. Don't get me wrong, there are incredibly strong and ethically bound animal rescuers out there -- it's just this case revealed to me a different side I did not expect--a side I'm willing to bet no one has investigated or certainly reported.

Why do people exploit the elderly, children and animals? Because there is money in it and because there are people out there that have no conscious, no moral center. Is this taught from generation to generation or is this a learned behavior? Who knows. All I know is that people are willing to exploit others for a quick buck and the ones that suffer are the ones that get in their way. So, those individuals that "used to breed" animals--did they quit because they felt ethically bound to quit the breeding business, or did they quit because there was more money in a non-profit business? You decide.