How Much Time Does the Unwanted WAO Have Left?

For the last several weeks, I've been working hard to add video, audio, and pictures to all three blogs.  Working in the November 2006 blog brought back a lot of memories -- memories of hope and determination to save the WAO animals.

Four years later, the hope and determination is gone.  Many of the WAO animals have moved on -- some have already died at their new homes -- and others have simply disappeared from public view.

As far as I know, a couple dozen big cats, the chimps, baboons, and lots of macaques still live at the WAO.  How long will the OAG allow the sanctuary to exist?  One more day, one more month?  What if the remaining animals cannot find homes?   Will the sanctuary's veterinarians be forced to kill these "unwanted" animals. 

Yes, I mean kill -- not euthanize.  According to Dictionary.com, euthanize means kill painlessly to relieve suffering from an incurable illness (also known as 'Mercy Killing').  It does not mean to kill painlessly a healthy or older animal!

If IFAW does not assume receivership of the animals, then I believe the remaining animals may not live to see the next year.  I pray IFAW does not walk away, once again, from the WAO animals--especially since they need help now more than ever.

I will continue to report on the WAO animals.  I have to accept that I can do nothing to save or protect them from harm.  This breaks my heart, and yet, I will continue on to the end...

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such

a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith,

let us strip off every weight that slows us down,

especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And

let us run with endurance the race God has set

before us."  Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Cougars and Macaques Relocate to WRR!

I found these updates on the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Facebook pages:

November 23, 2010

Two new mountain lions will call WRR home today! We took in one male and one female. We are in the process of getting them acclimated to their surroundings and introducing them to their new enclosure companions.

Sarah, the cougar that escaped the WAO now calls WRR home.  The WAO no longer has any more cougars on its property.

October 28, 2010

Today WRR received 8 new residents! We agreed to rescue 6 macaques and 2 mountain lions after a large animal facility closed recently. We think that we will be able to give these amazing animals the life they deserve. Join us in welcoming them to the WRR family. Take a look at their transport album in our "photos" section (see below):

Taz and Little Joe Arrive at Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary!

What a lot of people do not know is that Pat Craig  transported several WAO animals to various sanctuaries throughout the United States.  I've learned each time he arrives at the WAO, to pick up the animals, he brings with him free meat for the remaining Orphanage animals.  Thank you for your generous service, Pat.

Later: 

Taz and Little Joe arrive at Cedarhill…..

On Thursday morning, November 11th at 8:30 am, Pat Craig backed a 62” rig into the drive at Cedarhill. His hauler was so long, that it couldn’t be turned around inside the sanctuary compound, so he had to back in. (Not an easy feat off of a high traffic road. The hauler was totally enclosed…I was extremely impressed with this hauler.

Taz and Little Joe were in the first rolling cage inside the back door right in front of five caged lions, (all from WAO) Now these cats are 15 and 16 years old and I could see how difficult the trip had been for them.. They had previously lived in a 60’ x 60’ cage on limestone substrate.

Their first experience with the grass, that we had laid especially for them, brought tears. Little Joe really has trouble walking due to a botched declaw job, so walking on this soft grass was a great experience for him. I guess I can say that these are two of the nicest cougars I’ve ever known. I had one cougar in particular that literally had his mind snap due to his inhumane treatment. He had been locked in a closet and just never learned to trust us. Taz and Little Joe almost immediately came up to us and purred and chirped to us…..I don’t know if they were immediately grateful for their rescue or if they were just naturally happy boys.

I am glad the cougars were moved out of the hard ground (with dead trees) enclosure and on to soft grass.  I just pray the cougars do not have worms or any other problems reported by other sanctuaries that took in the WAO big cats. 

BTW - Taz and Little Joe are very friendly cougars as they were raised by humans, but I have no doubt they are enjoying their new surroundings...

Exotic Feline Rescue Center Posts Pictures of the WAO Tigers

 Here are a few pictures of the 13 WAO tigers that went to Center Point, Indiana:

I've tried asking for additional pictures of the remaining tigers not pictured, but thus far, I have not been successful in obtaining information regarding the WAO tigers.  I have no idea how they are doing in their first snow fall this year and how they getting along in their new enclosures.  It breaks my heart this facility is not "open" when it comes to sharing information about  the tigers they acquired from the WAO.

Barbary and Stumptailed Macaques Relocate to Mindy's Memory!

From: Linda Barcklay [mailto:mmprimatersq@pldi.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 3:13 PM
To: Kristina Brunner
Subject: Re: WAO Barbary Macaques


Kristina,


We took in Cinnamon and her son, Jethro. They have adjusted fairly well, Jethro is not consistent in his kindness to his Mom-she came with huge scars and one half healed wound to her back. These have since healed (one was a scar and healed already)-the other is healed and just a scar remains. We were informed Jethro was the culprit but was hard to believe he would attack his Mother so viciously. Saw for ourselves today he can and did. Not a bad bite but drew blood. He is not predictable with her. I am going to try and separate them and allow Jethro to co habitat with an unrelated female we have named Sunshine.Cinnamon will be divided by wire so she can still see them but be safe from any more wounds. We have pictures somewhere in our computer files. I will mention to staff to get them to you. Video is difficult as the two go to the extreme back of their habitat when a camera of any sort is brought out.


We have also four stump tail macaques from WAO. Madonna, Pike, Solo and Juvvy. They are doing magnificently together.They really appreciate the fresh fruits and Veggies they receive daily and of course monkey chow and peanut browse. We have some video of them too I believe.


Thank you for asking about the primates. Thank you for your hard work for their welfare too. I can relate to that.....


Best wishes,


Linda Barcklay Founder/Director
http://www.mindysmem.org/

Today, I received pictures of the macaques from Beth (thank you Beth!).  I've requested a picture of Jethro and an update on Cinnamon in my return communiqué.  I think the picture of Cinnamon shown below may be of her when she first arrived at Mindy's Memory, but I am not sure.  In any case, it breaks my heart that Jethro would hurt his mother in such a manner.  Ever since Jethro's father died, I noticed, before I was asked to leave in May 2010, that Jethro was acting very aggressive, almost shaking his enclosure a part on one particular visit.  I just pray Cinnamon is doing much better today.  She looks so different than how I remembered - May God Bless her speedy recovery -



Cinnamon - Barbary Macaque



Juvey - Stumptailed Macaque - University of Wisconsin Troop

Madonna - Stumptailed Macaque - University of Wisconsin Troop

Pike - Stumptailed Macaque - University of Wisconsin Troop

Solo - Stumptailed Macaque - University of Wisconsin Troop

Thanksgiving's Operation Homecooking

This Thanksgiving Day was one of the best days I can remember since starting the "animal case."  I was blessed to have two of my friends join me for dinner at my home along with two Airmen from Lackland AFB.  The program is called "Operation Homecooking" and it is described as "in its 35th year, the program provides the opportunity for families to share their traditional Thanksgiving celebrations with Air Force basic military trainees and technical school students, recognizing that many of them are away from home for the first time.

Brian and Brian are from Illinois and Utah and are currently in their 3rd week of Basic Military Training.  Guys, if you are reading this blog -- thank you for sharing your stories with us -- as ex-militiary member representing the Air Force, Army, and Navy, the three of us enjoyed our time with you for it brought back some terrific memories!  We salute you and your families for your service to our great Nation!  Be safe and take care -  Kristina, Mary, and Tony

If you live in the San Antonio area, I cannot tell you how wonderful this program is and if you can open your home to Lackland AFB Airmen next year, I encourage you to do so.  I have no doubt you will be blessed by the experience and will want to particiapte in Operation Homecooking again the following year!

Later:

Not only does it mean a lot to our service men and women, but it also means a lot to their families!

Hi Kristina,


I do not know you but I would like to say thank you so much for volunteering a great meal for my fiance and his wing man!! We could not thank you enough -- you are doing a wonderful thing for those guys and I'm sure they would all say the same! Brian is a great guy and for you letting him call home to IIllinois to speak to me and our daughter was awesome! Once again thanks -- if there's anything we can do let us know :):) Thanks...Nicky

A Lioness Death Was Politically Correct

I still cannot get over the loss of T’Savo. I just could not understand why another sanctuary would choose to have their female big cats undergo such an invasive surgery when the animals would not be in contact with any intact males. For you see, I thought all sanctuaries had their male cats neutered so as to reduce their testosterone level resulting in a calmer kitty and ensure no big cat pregnancies.

I was lamenting my woes with a friend when he explained to me why many sanctuaries choose to have the female cats, more specifically lionesses, are spayed and the males are left intact.

Apparently, many sanctuaries do not want to neuter their male lions because, like the WAO lions, the animals’ testosterone levels drops significantly resulting in the loss of their “majestic” manes. So, instead, they elect to have the lionesses undergo this dangerous invasive surgery (yes dangerous because whenever an animal undergoes anesthesia, there is a risk of death) just so the male manes are left intact for those all important photos for soliciting donations. When a male lion is neutered, the surgery is much less invasive and the post-op recovery time is significantly reduced.

T’Savo had serious health conditions due to her diet she received while living at the WAO (vitamin A deficiency resulting in seizures). But regardless of severity of her health issues, moving T’Savo from TX to MN was undoubtedly a traumatic event in her life, and she needed at least 6+ months to adjust to her new environment before she was doped up and the vet began to chop away at her with surgical knives.

One thing I noticed was how many comments people made on the sanctuary’s Facebook announcement of T’Savo’s death. No one seemed overtly concerned as to how she died. I had heard the AR mantra "better dead than bred" said before, but I just could not believe how easy people accept the death of a lioness due to “spaying.”

If T’Savo was never going to be introduced to an intact male, then why was she spayed? Was it because the sanctuary feared if people found out the sanctuary had an intact female on the property, that the assumption would be that this sanctuary was breeding its animals? Or did they intend to introduce her to an intact male? What about Kira, her cage mate? What will happen to her now? Will she be “spayed” too? If so, are they risking her life needless too?

I just pray if anyone reading this blog is contemplating whether or not he/she should have their intact lioness “fixed,” that he or she considers the pros and cons of this invasive surgery. A lioness should not die just to be “politically correct.”

What the USDA/APHIS Does Not Want You to Know!

Last week I covered what the OAG/Charitable Trust Division did not want you to know about this case.

Just like the OAG/Charitable Trust Division, the USDA/APHIS doesn’t want anyone to learn how far they bent over backwards to give the Asvestas’ and the WAO a “pass.”

As reported in the June 24, 2009 blog posted titled “USDA Caves Under Pressure,” the USDA, like the OAG, took more of a “wait and see” approach towards this case, rather than conduct a full-fledged investigation into the WAO's management activities.

One would think that when the Asvestas’ refused to turn over past and current animal records to the TCEQ, USDA, and OAG, claiming they did not have the right to see the records, red flags would have been flying all over the “field.”

Let’s examine the USDA/APHIS case against the WAO:

In October 2006, the WAO’s own attorneys expressed concern regarding the transfer of animals between the Leslie and Talley Road properties. Carol Asvestas was well aware that she could not transfer animals between a regulated and an unregulated property without written consent from the USDA since she requested Boris (Russian Brown Bear) be transferred back from the Talley to Leslie Road facility.

Even when the WAO was under investigation for transferring animals back and forth from the two properties, Carol Asvestas elected to move more animals without the USDA/APHIS approval, much to the chagrin of the WAO attorneys.

Even when the WAO attorney encouraged Carol Asvestas to turn over the dead animals buried at Talley Road to their office, Carol refused to do so, claiming the information, if made public, would be embarrassing to the WAO.

So, instead of turning over the animal records (assuming there were even records kept on file), Carol Asvestas had the attorney’s claim that the records were destroyed in a flood of June 2002. Needless to say, there were no records “destroyed” during the 2002 flood as “Big Cats in Crisis” was filmed during and after the flood. Not once did the camera person show any flood waters on the floor. You can see everyone moving around the office without any problems. Plus, an OSHA complaint indicated the only water that entered the WAO office was in one office corner whereas the water rose about an inch off the floor. Since the animal records were kept in a metal four-drawer cabinet (located in the center of the office), even if the records were in the bottom drawer, the records would have still been dry.

In September 2006, the WAO received a federal subpoena from the USDA for animal care records from October 1, 2003 to September 6, 2006. The WAO gave up the records for the Leslie Road property, but refused to provide any animal care records for the Talley Road property. Apparently, Carol Asvestas claimed the USDA did not have the right to these records because she “believed” that the Talley Road property was not covered under the WAO exhibitor’s license, and therefore the USDA did not have the right to know what animals lived and died on this property. I was told when the USDA first asked for animal care records for animals living even at Leslie Road, Carol Asvestas told the inspectors that the records were located at Talley Road, as so they were not entitled to the records! Then, Carol moved animals from Leslie Road to Talley Road, so she could hide some of the Leslie Road animals from the inspectors (example: Sabu the lion and Jake the White Crowned Mangabey).

You may be asking, what was Carol Asvestas hiding at Talley Road? The animal burial pits? Unaccountable animals? Whatever the reason, Carol Asvestas did not want the public to know what was happening to the animals once they went to Talley Road. The WAO attorney challenged the USDA’s jurisdiction over the unregulated property’s records, so the matter was turned over to the USDA’s legal division. The WAO’s attorney warned the WAO directors that if they continued to refuse to turn over the requested records, it is likely that the USDA would open up an administrative case based on their refusal. It was the advice of the WAO’s attorney that Carol Asvestas turn over the records so as to avoid this legal action against the WAO.

What I do not understand is why the USDA renewed the WAO’s exhibitor’s permit (it was up for renewal in February 2007) since the WAO kept stalling in providing the animal inventory listing and refused inspectors on the Talley Road property, even into 2008!

USDA - Jan 2008 

So, back in December 2006, Carol Asvestas  refuse to provide documents regarding the WAO animal inventory for both Leslie and Talley Road (alive and deceased) to the Texas OAG and USDA/APHIS.

In January 2007, the USDA/APHIS’ main concern was whether or not little Rex’s (lion cub) death was accidental or the result of incompatible grouping; whether monkeys need to be provided heat when temperatures drop below 45F degrees; and whether or not the Talley Road property is subject to USDA regulations.

Okay, now let’s take a look at some of the issues that concerned the WAO attorney in January and February 2007:


USDA Exhibitor’s License

Maintain a file of renewal license applications and other governmental correspondences;

Allow the USDA access to the WAO facilities, animals, and records for both properties;

Fully comply with the USDA subpoena by providing the requested Talley Road animal records.

Animal care records

Basic animal care records were kept on the Leslie Road animals, but the Talley Road animal records were not routinely kept and updated. WAO should create and maintain a uniform system of animal care records (from intake to death) for both properties;

A review of the Animal Welfare Act by the animal caretakers should take place immediately to ensure animal records include all the required information.

Use USDA/APHIS forms to keep records of the dogs and cats up for adoption;

Identify dogs and cats with official USDA tag and keep the required animal records for each tagged animal.

Veterinary Issues

Establish a written animal care agreement between the WAO and attending veterinarians;

Partner with the veterinarians to write a program of veterinary care that addresses standards set forth in the Animal Welfare Act regulation;

Create, with the assistance from attending veterinarians, an enrichment program for the non-human and human primates as defined by the Animal Welfare Act;

Schedule, at a minimum, a visit by the attending veterinarian on an annual basis to provide a physical exam for each animal and document the visits in the animal care records.

Animal Housing Issues

Ensure animal housing at both the Talley and Leslie Road facilities, meet the standards with regard to temperature, construction, and cleanliness as set forth in the Animal Welfare Act regulation;

Provide heat to non-humane and human primates when the temperature drops to 45F or below.

Disposal of Dead Animals

Dig up and properly dispose of the dead animals currently buried on the Talley Road property (2 pits at 12 feet x 12 feet each);

Properly dispose of dead animals in accordance with TCEQ regulations.

Needless to say, this is just a small itemized list of actions that needed to be corrected so the WAO would be in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. What is ironic is that the WAO attorney was more concerned about these items, than apparently the USDA!

After all, the USDA went from four significant finding in its initial March 2007 Settlement Agreement to just one charge in its 2009 Settlement Agreement. All animal related charges were dropped, essentially telling me this agency did not care one bit about all the animals that either froze to death, or the animals that were not compatible forced to live together resulting in severe injuries and deaths. And what about the unseemly number of animals that died at the WAO within a three year period? Shouldn’t someone memoralize those precious lives that died during the USDA/APHIS’ “investigation?”

If you thought the USDA/APHIS’ mission is to protect and defend animals kept in captivity, then think again.

I provided a rather extensive list of Animal Welfare Act violations to the USDA/APHIS over the years to include the items listed above, along with several pages of additional violations.  I found it interesting that the WAO attorney had a lot more insight of the WAO violations than the WAO Board of Directors. 

As Karen Maxfield admitted in February 2007, all these legal issues are "over my head."  I have no doubt these issues were way over everyone's head and it appears everyone hoped someone else would magically correct the animal and operational issues based on the lack of board interest in this case.

2007 was the year the WAO began it's descent towards closure.  What is so sad is that the WAO could have been saved if qualified members sat on the board and not a box of rocks.

Animal Exploitation at Its Worst

On the same day that Tammy Thies posts T'Savo's death notice, she posts pictures of Sierra and Ekaterina "face" paintings.  Once again, this sanctuary director is exploiting the white tiger, Sierra, by having this TIGER face paint.  This is not a natural activity for a tiger.  So why in the world is Wildcat Sanctuary auctioning off the tigers' art work on E-Bay?  For money of course.  Now there is nothing wrong about fundraising for your cause.  But I just draw the line when it comes to exploiting animals to make money, albeit horse racing, dog racing, etc.  If this was a natural behavior, I'd say great -- go for it.  But this is not natural at all for these exotic WILD animals.  And to post these pictures the same day that our beloved T'Savo died is a slap in the face to those who really cared about the WAO animals.  I wish Sierra and Ekaterina never went to this place too--I hate it when people exploit WAO animals! 

I followed the link on the Facebook page and found these pictures of the former WAO animals.

http://www.facebook.com/search.php?q&init=quick&tas=0.5434748741633315#!/album.php?aid=244818&id=185864382182

Wildcat Sanctuary's Photos - Wild One Paw Painting On-Line Holiday Auction

Ekaterina - November 2010

It's Kira not Kita!

Sierra "art" for sale

Sierra with blue paint on her body - November 2010

This is NOT natural - Sierra - November 2010

Oh my goodness. There is even T'Savo "art" for sale.  At least
it's better than the face paintings.

Zeus "art" for sale

Zeus "painting"

I just want to cry after seeing how the former WAO animals are being used for unnatural commercial purposes -- especially after seeing the T'Savo "art" for sale.  I could not help but notice there is no "Leyla" art.  This does not bode well for Leyla.  God, please help the surviving WAO animals. 

Later:

It appears Wildcat Sanctuary decided to change the former WAO's Sierra and Ekatrina's history by posting this information to its Mission web page:
http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/about/our-mission/ 

Captive Wildlife Crisis



Ekaterina and Sierra, two tigers who call TWS home, were once victims of the captive wildlife crisis. Declawed and chained to the ground for public photos, Ekaterina and Sierra were used for profit by their owner with complete disregard for human and animal well-being alike. The Humane Society of the United States estimates there are as many as 10,000 large wildcats in private ownership today in the country.

Before calling TWS home, Liberty the cougar, was privately owned on a rural farm in Minnesota.  She was bought as a cub, and with little knowledge on how to care for a wild animal, Liberty’s owner caused her to have a severe and life-long condition called metabolic bone disease.  Exotic animals can be easy to obtain through internet purchase, local breeders and game farms and now with over breeding are advertised as free to good home.  Humane Society president Wayne Pacelle stated in a CNN report “the exotic pet trade is second only to the drug trade.  It’s literally billions of dollars exchanged in the exotic animal trade.”

Where is the discussion about how people operate wild animal sanctuary scams?  Why is there no mention about the WAO in this paragraph?  Looks like the former WAO cats were used for political reasons to me.  Are the WAO cats now victims of political propaganda? 

I'm not saying the former WAO cats were not treated harshly prior to their arrival at the WAO, as I was not there to witness the atrocities.  I was, however, present at the WAO and I saw how many of the WAO animals were treated.  Where is the discussion about how some animals are treated in "scamuaries?"  Where is the outrage?  Where is the concern for these animals?  Is this the new way to exploit "captive" sanctuary animals?  I'm just asking.  

 See page 2, Captive Wildlife Crisis.Wild at Heart Brochure

Second WAO Animal Death at Wild Cat Sanctuary - T'Savo

Once again, I learned of yet another WAO animal death at Wild Cat Sanctuary, MN, on Facebook.  Now I understand why the Wild Cat Sanctuary director refused to send me pictures of T'Savo.  I am really scared Layla may either be dead or may be seriously ill since the director refused to send her pictures to me as well.  This is just horrible news.  Nicole is going to be very upset because T'Savo was her baby.  I remember when Nicole used to talk to T'Savo when I was catching up with Nicole on the day's events.  I could hear T'Savo making cute noices to Nicole--T'Savo really liked it when Nicole came out to see her.   I will miss T'Savo's antics -- especially when she played with her boomer ball, played hide-and-seek behind the feed bin, or tried to catch the attention of the juvenile workers placing mulch in her enclosure.  She was such a ham and she will be missed.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5577920&l=f818854c2d&id=185864382182

Our hearts are breaking at TWS. We lost Tsavo, the most precious lioness, this morning. We are just devestated beyond belief. This is a loss that feels impossible to ever overcome.


We love you so much Tsavo and were blessed to have you at the Sanctuary. Please visit us and Kita often.

Thank you to all the staff and critical care vets who did everything to try and keep her here with us longer. Your efforts and compassion are truly appreciated.

I wish Lakota, T'Savo, Kira, and Leyla never went to this "sanctuary."

This is how I will remember T'Savo:

Nicole's baby girl

Christmas 2009

Last time I saw T'Savo alive - May 1, 2010

Here is a link to the WAO's newsletter featuring T'Savo:  http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=c95107a9f0dc5a47c9dca4cc7&id=25fb2323e8
May God Bless T'Savo's soul in Heaven forever and ever -- Amen.

Later:  Well, I sent Tammy Theis an email asking how T'Savo died tonight.  I knew something was wrong when I saw all the photos on the Internet of Kira playing in the snow and T'Savo was no where to be found.  I now believe Tammy Theis lied to me when she said she was "too busy" to send me pictures of T'Savo and Leyla.  I now believe there was something very wrong with the two cats.  I will post any response I receive from Theis to this blog.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010:

Below is the complete email exchange between Tammy Theis and I.  I wonder, why (why!) did this sanctuary "spay" T'Savo when she housed with a female tiger?  Why did she have to undergo an unnecessary invasive surgery when she was such a sweet and loving lioness and not an aggressive animal?  If she was ever to be placed with a male, then why not neuter the male which is a lot less risky for the cat?  Why did Theis have T'Savo undergo a surgery so soon after her arrival?  What was the rush?  Couldn't the surgery have waited until after she acclimated to her new home?

I cannot even respond to this email because I am too upset right now. Emails should be read from the bottom of this page..up.
________________________________________

From: Tammy Thies
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Tue, November 23, 2010 9:27:39 AM
Subject: RE: WAO Animals

Kristina -

We are beyond sad today and need time to mourn. I posted this on our FB page on the comments section. Please continue to read those.

This is the saddest day of my life and it is so hard to relive it over and over again. Tsavo was spayed and there were no complications.

A week after the spay she pulled out both layers of stitches. She punctured her intestines doing this. She was rushed into a 3 hr surgergy and was sedated an ICU for 2 days. We all thought we could save her but she passed away in her sleep yesterday morning.

It is the lowest day of ever running a sanctuary. It was not her time to go. She was a happy cat and very special to everyone. This is the most difficult loss I have ever encountered and will play it back over and over in my head.

I am sooo devastated and need time to deal with this. This is not an easy one.

Thank you for understanding.

________________________________________

From:Kristina Brunner

Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010
To: cat@wildcatsanctuary.org
Subject: Re: WAO Animals


> Tammy:

> What was T'Savo's cause of death?
________________________________________

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: "cat@wildcatsanctuary.org"

To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Mon, November 15, 2010 10:05:16 AM
Subject: RE: WAO Animals

Here is a few of Layla.

Kristina – I know you care, but I have to put the 100 plus animals in our care first.

We have so much to do given it is winter.

There was one of Tsavo on FB – it seems you found that one.

Thanks.

Tammy Thies

Director

http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/

PO Box314

Sandstone, MN 55072

(320) 245-6871

Watch our latest cat videos on Wildcat TV:
http://www.youtube.com/user/WildcatSanctuary

________________________________

From:Kristina Brunner
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 9:44 AM
To: cat@wildcatsanctuary.org
Subject: Re: WAO Animals

Hi Tammy -

I was only able to find one picture of Layla on the wall and two pictures of

T'Savo at WAO. Can you provide me the FB link of T'Savo at Wild Cat Sanctuary

and any additional pictures you may have of Layla?

Many thanks -

Kristina

________________________________

From:"cat@wildcatsanctuary.org"

To: Kristina Brunner

Sent: Mon, November 15, 2010 9:02:21 AM

Subject: RE: WAO Animals


Hi Kristina –

There are few pictures of Tsavo and Layla on our FB page wall as well.

We just had a big vet day yesterday so won’t have time for photos for awhile as
we are building another tiger pen.

All the patients did well.

They all love the snow – even Tsavo – she’s such a fun goof.

Layla is such a doll and is so calm.

We are also having an ebay auction that includes some of the cats’ artwork.
You’ll want to watch that on FB as well.

Tammy Thies

Director

http://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/

PO Box314

Sandstone, MN 55072

(320) 245-6871

Watch our latest cat videos on Wildcat TV:
http://www.youtube.com/user/WildcatSanctuary

________________________________

From:Kristina Brunner
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010
To: cat@wildcatsanctuary.org
Subject: Re: WAO Animals


Greetings Tammy:

By chance, would you have any pictures of T'Savo and Leyla. I saw the photos of

Kita and Sierra enjoying the snow and two photos of Ekaterina. Would you also

happen to have photos of Ekaterina in the snow?

How are the cats doing? Are they staying warm? Do they like the snow?

any thanks in advance for sharing pictures and details about the cats!

Regards,

Kristina

Thanksgiving Boomer Balls on Their Way to Safe Haven Rescue Zoo!

Last week, with all the drama of the missing cougar, I did not mention that Jeanette Ferro and I purchased boomer balls for Lulu, Kovu, and Ifaw.  We are hoping the gifts will arrive either the day before Thanksgiving or the day after.  I am very grateful to Dave (owner) of Boomerball for giving us a 10% donation discount on the purchase as the balls .  The gifts were made in memory of past and present WAO animals and Jeanette and I hope the Lulu and the lions receive a lot of joy from playing with the boomer balls!

I found this update on the Safe Haven Rescue Zoo website:  http://www.safehavenwildlife.com/

EMERGENCY RESCUE UPDATE—

BARRICK MINING FUNDS TIGER ENCLOSURE!

Safe Haven's newest residents are a pair of African lions and a Siberian tiger that arrived on October 16. They were transferred from the Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO) in San Antonio, TX.


Thanks to an extremely generous donation from Barrick Mining, we will be able to provide a new enclosure for Siberian tiger Lulu (left). Barrick’s gift of $25,000 is earmarked for the construction of the enclosure and the expansion of our solar power installation.

Barrick Mining/Turquoise Ridge has been one of our most important supporters, and we are gratified that they have presented us with such a generous gift. The support of our donors has made it possible for us to continue to fulfill our mission in an economic climate in which other sanctuaries are struggling—as the recent rescues demonstrate.

We chose Safe Haven as the recipient of the gifts because (1) it was clear this sanctuary would benefit the most from the balls and I have no doubt they will go to the intended recipients and (2) Safe Haven was the only facility which invited me to visit the animals any time.  Even though I probably will not be able to travel to Nevada, the offer to see the tiger and lions meant a lot to me.  Thanks, Safe Haven!

Now on to the politic side of the house.  The Safe Haven website also had the following statement:

WAO has fallen on hard times. Citing overpopulation, inadequate housing and lack of funding, the board of directors voted on August 31 to close the facility and find placement for the remaining animals.

I am sure the folks from Safe Haven know the truth about what really transpired at the WAO.  The WAO closed not necessarily due to "lack of funding and overpopulation" but rather from misappropriation of funds and mismanagement. 

What continues to astound me is how every sanctuary touts the IFAW/WAO party line and refuses to print the truth.  And to make matters worse, it appears many sanctuaries are saying that the WAO closed due to the exotic wild pet trade, which is absolutely ludicrous!

Here's the reality -- there are good animal owners and bad animal owners.  There are good sanctuaries and there are bad sanctuaries.  You only hear about the bad animal owners, because quite simply, these people do horrific things to their animals.  You never hear about the really good animal owners, and they are out there!

I hate the fact that people are trying to cover-up the actions of bad sanctuary directors who operate substandard animal sanctuaries, and yet are quick to announce how bad it is to privately own an animal.  It is too hypocritical.  Sanctuaries should not be the business of politics.  Sanctuaries should focus on one thing and one thing only -- caring for the animals placed in their charge. 

When you mix politics and animals, you get people willing to lie for a cause that is not just.

My Take on the Escaped Cougar Issue

I've been asked by several people what was my opinion regarding the cougar's great escape.  At first, I believed it to be the act of a disgruntled ex-director(s) or a family member who broke in and "liberated" the cougar.  For you see, after all that has been transpired over the last four years, it would not have surprised me in the least of the cougar had some "human" help to escape.

However, my opinion changed based on the information I have received from various sources.  Turns out the cougar did have some "human" help, but not the kind I'd thought. 

Here is what I have learned thus far:

Henry Newman (pictured left) was apparently tearing down empty enclosures next to the occupied cougar cage with a bobcat vehicle (mistake #1).  I was told that Henry backed into the cougar cage, damaging the structure of the enclosure (mistake #2).  I also learned that he damaged the perimeter fence separating the WAO and the Asvestas properties (mistake #3). 

Henry apparently failed to notify anyone of the damage he caused to the cougar and fences-line structure, resulting in the cougar escaping (mistake #4).  And for whatever reason, no animal caretaker checked on the cougars at the end of the day, to make sure they were okay with all the construction activity next to their enclosure (mistake #5).  Based on USDA/APHIS reports, the Leslie Road perimeter fence had several damaged areas which were never fixed (mistake #6).  So it was only a matter of time before an animal escaped the property.

Henry Newman, a self-proclaimed bull rider has quite a criminal record with Bexar County and by no means should have been operating a bobcat vehicle, let a lone a shotgun.

Based on my weekend observations from January - April 2010, I recommended to Nicole, right before the hostile takeover, that Henry Newman's employment at the WAO be terminated, as I believed he was incompetent and a risk to the WAO animals.  How ironic that he was one of the few employees still allowed to work around the animals despite his criminal and work history.  And how ironic that my prediction, he would be a risk to the animals, came true.

I also heard that Michelle Cryer ran up to Carol Asvestas and gave her a big hug, saying over and over again how sorry she was about this incident.  If I remember correctly, Carol said something like, "let's focus on finding the cougar for now." 

Then to make matters worse, Suzanne Straw went on the news comparing the cougar's escape to that of a dog or cat escaping a private owner's property. Ouch!  Comparing apples to oranges -- for there is a big difference a dog getting loose and a cougar getting loose for if my dog gets loose, no one is going to call the Sheriff's Office, SAPD, or Texas Parks & Wildlife to hunt my animal down and possibly shoot him with a dart or firearm.

And why did Suszanne Straw have to say at the end of one interview "but what happened today is a perfect example of why people should not have exotic pets."  That was really stupid to say because the animal escaped from a sanctuary, not a private owner!!  Is she trying to deflect the  poor management of the WAO onto private exotic wild animal owners instead? 

So, now I find myself agreeing with Carol Asvestas--the WAO is being mismanaged (in my opinion, seriously mismanaged).  As long as the Cryers keep around their "friends" who have absolutely no business working around animals, events such as this may very well happen again.

I am just relieved no human was hurt or injured because Sarah would have surely been killed.

I am also saddened that there was an animal casualty -- the small dog that was attacked by the cougar.  Regardless of who the owner was, the puppy did not deserve to be attacked by a cougar.  I blame the incompetent WAO management and workers for the suffering they have caused this poor little animal.  No doubt the directors will be paying for this mistake--a very expensive mistake.

Dear Jesus, please heal this puppy's wounds, both physically and mentally, as the result of an attack by a cougar.  This dog truly needs Your healing powers.  In Your Magnificent Name, I pray and ask it - Amen.

Additional Stories on Sarah, the Wandering Cougar

Loose Cougar Located, Sedated

News Report: http://www.ksat.com/news/25852551/detail.html
News Video: http://www.ksat.com/news/25852551/detail.html#video

Spokeswoman Sandy Gutierrez said the around 3 p.m., "Sarah," the cougar, was found in a wooded area near the intersection of Leslie Road and Loop 1604.

She said the cougar is no longer a danger to the community.

Carol Asvestas, the former director of the animal facility, told KSAT 12 News that the cougar showed up on the deck of her home in the 9600 block of Leslie Road and dragged a puppy away. An adult dog chased off the cougar and led Asvestas to a dry creek bed, where the puppy was. The puppy was injured and was being treated at a veterinary hospital.

Asvestas said the cougar escaped from a hole in an enclosure it was being kept in.

"She's a wild animal but her natural instinct to be afraid of people has been taken away from her because she was raised in captivity," Asvestas said.

Jamie Cryer, of the Wild Animal Orphanage, said he and orphanage staff walked up on Sarah in a dry creekbed behind the property.

He said after the fired the tranquilizer dart, they walked her back on a stretcher and she was checked out by a veterinarian, who said she was fine.

Cryer said he was relieved Sarah was shot by the dart and not by the bullets armed officers had at the ready.

Reporter Jessie Degollado contributed to this story.

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Cougar caged after escape from northwest-side sanctuary
by Brian New and James Muñoz / KENS 5

kens5.com
Posted on November 19, 2010 at 12:23 PM

Updated yesterday at 7:32 PM

UPDATE -- A cougar that had escape from an animal sanctuary in northwest San Antonio has been captured.

The Wild Animal Orphanage is located at 9626 Leslie Road just outside Loop 1604 near Helotes. It is inside San Antonio city limits.

A neighbor said the cougar attacked a puppy at around 8 a.m. Friday and left it near death. She said one of her bigger dogs attacked the cougar, driving it away.

While officers conducted a search, area schools were on the alert and elementary school administrators canceled recess Friday afternoon.

The shelter is in the process of moving, and staff believe the cougar got out as cages were moved around. All along, they said they didn't think the animal would wander far.

Suzanne Straw with the Wild Animal Orphanage said she thought the cougar would return to its home at the sanctuary because the animal was not very mobile and that its mate was housed at the sanctuary. She believed the cougar would return to where her food source is, and that would be the shelter.

After an eight-hour search, law enforcement officers spotted the cougar around 3:30 p.m. and shot him with a dart gun. With a sigh of relief, the animal was returned to the sanctuary.

Since 1990, there have been 11 deadly cougar attacks in the United States. So, authorities say the cats are very dangerous.

WOAI Video

Anxious hours end in cougar's capture

By Peter J. Holley - Express-News Web Posted: 11/20/2010 12:00 AM CST

Sara the cougar is carried back into the Wild Animal Orphanage on Friday after being caught near the facility on Leslie Road. The cougar had escaped earlier in the day. ROBIN JERSTAD/SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Police recovered an escaped cougar after several hours of anxious searching in which more than half a dozen schools on the far Northwest Side kept students indoors, officials said.

Animal caretakers accompanied by police located the cat around 3 p.m. Friday and quickly shot it with a tranquilizer dart, authorities said.

The cougar — a 12-year-old named Sarah — was lying in brush about 100 yards from the Wild Animal Orphanage, where she slipped out of a gap in her enclosure earlier in the day, authorities said.

“She's awake and we're just waiting for her to be a little less groggy,” said Suzanne Straw, a volunteer board member at WAO. “Veterinarians are looking her over to make sure she's recovering smoothly from the tranquilizer.”

Authorities believe she slipped out of her pen after the wall of a nearby enclosure was demolished, creating an opening she could get through.

Carol Asvestas, who ran the sanctuary for 30 years and lives next door, said she alerted police about the escaped cat after it attacked her dog Friday morning.

“My first reaction was to save the puppy,” she said. “I kicked the cougar in the head, but that did nothing. It ran ... off my property and into the creek with the puppy in its mouth,”

Following a blood trail, Asvestas located the puppy and got it to a veterinarian. It's expected to recover.

In the search for the cat, police established a search quadrant of several square miles and had urged residents near Leslie Road and Loop 1604 to remain indoors.

A helicopter was deployed for hours, using an infrared camera to try to spot the fugitive.

Five elementary schools and one middle school brought kids inside after reports of the cougar's escape but released them to parents at the end of the school day without incident, Northside Independent School District spokeswoman Monica Faulkenbery said.

The principal at Galm Elementary, which was outside the search area, said his school also brought students inside from recess and locked them in classrooms after a reported sighting nearby, but police later told school officials it was a mistake.

A woman had reported seeing the cougar blocks from Galm, but her description persuaded authorities that she had seen a bobcat or large house cat instead, principal Ben Muir said.

Straw said Sara was declawed and feeble with arthritis, had no history of being aggressive, and had lived at the facility for five years.

The wildlife orphanage consists of two parcels, a seven-acre lot on Leslie Road and a 102-acre property on Talley Road, according to the organization's website. A message on the website says the facility is in the process of shutting down and relocating its animals to other facilities across the country.

Authorities said many of the facility's cages are being disassembled and shipped elsewhere as well.

Nearly 200 animals remain at the WAO, including 20 tigers, three lions, one black leopard and more than 100 monkeys.

“It's been heartbreaking to see them go,” Straw said, noting many of the animals housed at WAO come from private owners who no longer can take care of them. “But what happened today is a perfect example of why people should not have exotic pets.”