A Few Talley Road Tigers

Posted to Cryer's Facebook page on 3.29.11





Sumner Matthes' Legacy

_____________________________________________________

The family of Sumner “Matt” Matthes sadly announce that he is terminally ill.



He is currently being cared for at Heartland on Sawyer Road, Sarasota.


Matt served 22 years in the United States Air Force and has been an animal rights advocate and activist for over 35 years not only with Sarasota in Defense of Animals (SDA) but also throughout the State of Florida, the United States, and globally as well. In past years, he has served as Treasurer of The Humane Society of Sarasota County, with the Sarasota County Animal Welfare Board, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Animal Services, the World Society for Protection of Animals and on the Board of Directors of The Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio, Texas. He has saved the lives of thousands of wild and exotic animals sometimes having them transported for thousands of miles to give them life in a semi-natural environment in sanctuaries.


For stricter laws for animal protection, he has lobbied in the Florida Legislature and in the U. S. Congress along with notable activists and actresses Tippi Hedren, Mellanie Griffith, and Bo Derek. One of Matt’s amazing achievements that had national media coverage was the dramatic rescue of Texas Cougars that were used by the Florida Fish & Game Commission to re-institute the Florida Panther gene pool and had ended up on a canned hunting ranch in Texas. He not only saved the Cougars and put them in a sanctuary, but his efforts sparked a legislative investigation of the Florida Panther License Plate Fund resulting in exposure of misappropriation and subsequent realignment of the Panther Trust Fund.


On the local scene, Matt worked tirelessly for over 10 years for the building replacement of the Sarasota County Animal Shelter; for securing funding and administering for 5 years the first county spay/neuter program; successfully campaigning for county ordinances banning canned hunts in Sarasota County; lifting restrictions on the number of household pets, and to allow feral and un-owned neighborhood cats to exist under certain rules with care-givers.


In 1988, Matt purchased a 10-acre property in Myakka Valley Ranches in rural Sarasota County and the site of the SDA sanctuary which now provides lifetime care for 365 animals, including goats, ducks, geese, rabbits, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, sheep, and cows. Matt has sacrificed personal luxuries for the past 22 years in order to pay for the sanctuary property, its taxes, insurance, utilities, improvements, etc. and to supplement the income of SDA to provide lifetime comfort and care for the animals to which he has given so much of his life. He has carried heavy responsibilities without complaint and without regret.

On his death bed, his family has tearfully told him that he will soon be going to the Rainbow Bridge and he started naming all the many many precious animals that he has been privileged to care for and know over the past 22 years at the SDA sanctuary.



We MUST NOT let our grief prevent us from continuing Matt’s work. In the coming days, months, and years there will be so many chores and duties that he did without fanfare or the need for giving him credit. His loyal children, Ashley, Kristi, and Russell and I, his wife, will be by his side until the end and hopefully, some of you will step up to help Matt’s family and his SDA family to carry on his unfinished work to make this world a better place for ALL.





Elise M. Matthes
President
Sarasota in Defense of Animals (SDA)
PO Box 15653
Sarasota, FL 34277-1653
Telephone: 941-924-2505
http://www.sdasarasota.com/


SDA is a non-profit IRS 501(c)(3) corporation licensed in the State of Florida, rescuing and providing sanctuary care for animals since 1989

This press release was sent out to various animal-related agencies and Big Cat Rescue carried the release on several of its web posting sites.

 

While I am saddened by the loss of any persons or animals, I will not jump on the band wagon and say what a wonderful advocate he was for all animals.  He may have been successful in saving animals in Florida, but he was an absolute failure when it came to saving the WAO animals.

 

Truth be told, his final legacy will be the destruction of the WAO.  For years, despite numerous problems brought forth to his attention, he refused to address the issues, thereby enabling the WAO directors and staff to essentially "rob the animals blind."  Despite his desire to be a great animal rescuer, hundreds of WAO animals died on his watch--those animals died needlessly--and yet he chose to sit on the sidelines and allow the very people who were accused of the most heinous crimes to continue operating the facility as if nothing was wrong.

 

Sadly, Sumner and all the other WAO Board of Director's final legacy will be marked by the blood of the WAO animals. May God and the WAO animals forgive him for his transgressions against them because I simply cannot.

Former WAO Animal Pictures - Wild Cat Sanctuary

Leyla
March 28, 2011

Kita "painting" - March 28, 2011 

I'm still not thrilled to see Kita "painting" for profit as this is NOT normal behavior for a tiger.  I am happy to see she is doing well and apparently loves the snow!

Carrie the Caracal Had Emergency Surgery!

That goodness God was watching over Carrie this week for it was reported on Wildcat Haven's Blog that the Carrie had emergency surgery today:

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Such a relief

The dreary weather continues to drag on and it seems as if Spring will never come. Today we saw a few glimpses of the sun, only to be replaced with dark clouds that rained huge drops and I think even a bit of hail. Normally I'd be complaining even more, but today the weather was the least of our worries.

Our newest Caracal, Carrie hasn't been feeling good and hasn't wanted to eat for the past two days. Renee has been keeping a close eye on her, but after two days it was time to take her in to the vet. It never pays to wait and once again, we were right. An x-ray showed a bone lodged in her intestine, so she went in for immediate surgery. Thankfully everything went well, and she is now home. Although a little woozy, she's feeling no pain and we expect a full recovery. I have to say, I'm happy to go back to only having the weather to complain about :)

Posted by wildcat haven Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz 

When I first started reading the blog, I couldn't help but think, "oh, no--not Carrie too."  Thankfully she is A-OK.  I pray the staff is a little more careful in letting the small cats digest bones--especially chicken bones (if that is what kind of bone got stuck in her intestines).  I wonder what Sebastian thought of all the drama happening today!

Zeus Moves Into New Enclosure Today!

I was very happy to learn that Zeus moved into his new enclosure today.  Hopefully Leyla will be moving soon too.

Zeus is a BIG boy... and moving him from one end of the property to the other isn't an easy task. Thanks to the Schmitts - as they donated our lovely UTV which made his move MUCH MUCH easier!!! p.s. Zeus ♥ ed his drive down to Wild Woodlands!!

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Zeus moved into his free roaming enclosure today!!!! We are so happy for him and he is having a blast running around like a cub!! Thank you everyone who have helped give Zeus this great new life at TWS!!

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Zeus is listening to Layla, the tiger, as she calls for him. She has been calling for the big guy since the moment he left! Please help us get her down next to him as quick as possible- all we need is $500 so we can make a perch and add some finishing touches. Help Layla and Zeus rekindle their romance as they live next to one another in Wild Woodlands and donate today!!



What?  Rekindle their romance?  Are you kidding me?  Don't you just hate it when people attribute human emotions onto wild animals?  Leyla is simply missing his companionship as Zeus is her last link to the WAO animals.

We are so excited!!!! The welder is here and we are putting on the double doors to the 2 new tiger habitats. It's only days now before Zeus and Layla move into the new areas! She's resting up for the big day.
Yesterday

Ron and Carol Have TWO More Assumed Name Certificates!

This has truly been a wild week.  Case in point:  I just learned today that the Asvestas have two more proprietorships under their name and home address.  The certificates were filed with Bexar County and thus far the IRS and the Texas Secretary of States do not have any files pertaining to these two organizations.  I checked to see if there was a registered web site for the two new businesses, but thus far, I have not found any information.  Both certificates were filed last year on December 2, 2010:

Camp Compassion for Kids and Critters

UNEEKE - Asvestas

A "Google" search of Carol Asvestas' earlier venture, "Animal Shelter Assistance Program" is now listed all over the web as a "humane shelter."  ASAP even has a new telephone number:  (210) 688-3343. 

This is so surreal to me right now.

God Bless Java Soul in Heaven

I'm sad to report that another former WAO tiger, Java, whom was relocated to Carolina Tiger Rescue, was euthanized on Tuesday, March 22, 2010.

This following comments were posted on Carolina Tiger Rescue's Facebook page:

Java, one of our most recent arrivals, passed away on Tuesday. She had slowly been losing control of her hind legs, most likely due to a ruptured disk. As there was no course of treatment for her condition, the Carolina Tiger family embraced her last few months as she continued to decline. When she lost nearly all function in her hind legs, the decision was made that her quality of life was too compromised, and she was euthanized.

Although Java only spent a short time with us, the Carolina Tiger family quickly came to love her feisty spirit and talkative nature. Java did live to a very ripe old age of 18, and we were very glad to share her last few months and make them as wonderful as possible.

From: Kathryn Bertok

To: kbrunner@...
Sent: Thu, March 24, 2011 9:47:59 AM
Subject: RE: Java's Passing


Dear Kristina,


Thank you for all of your hard work helping to get these animals cared for. It does seem that they have a lot of animals that still need homes. We are keeping our eyes and ears open for any placement opportunities.


Concerning Java, we did complete a necropsy. We are awaiting the histopath from the lab, but on gross necropsy we did not find any indication of disease. Her heart, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, liver, et al looked healthy, especially given her age. We did not find any tumors or other abnormalities. Her teeth looked good but she did have two ulcers on the roof of her mouth (possible the start of more advanced kidney disease?). Her entry blood work showed some signs of early stage kidney disease but it had not progressed to the stage of being visible on gross necropsy. Otherwise her blood work looked good. Our vet believes that she either had a ruptured disk or degenerative disk disease, but neither being caused by lack of care. Given her age either could be expected.


I realize that this may not help you with getting additional care for the animals that are still at WAO. Please let me know if there are any questions that I can help with.


Sincerely,


Kathryn Bertok
Curator of Animals
Carolina Tiger Rescue
CarolinaTigerRescue.org
919.542.4684 ext 32

I am greatly relieved Java died due to age related issues as opposed to the other issues I am learning about from other sanctuaries that took in WAO animals.  I am not surprised Java developed the early signs of renal failure seeing how she was on a chicken only diet, without the added benefit of vitamins and minerals.  Java was a strong cat and she was a fighter to the very end.

Additional information regarding the conditions of the three lions and three tigers as they arrived at Carolina Tiger Rescue:

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 11:03 AM
To: Kathryn Bertok
Subject: Re: Java's Passing

Dear Kathryn:
Thank you very much for this information. I am greatly relieved that Java did not suffer from tumors, cysts, or growths and that her passing was related to age versus improper care.

Several facilities reported the animals they received from the WAO either had parasites, worms, fleas, or ticks. May I ask what condition did Sebastian, Sheba, Tarzan, Titan, and Bali arrived in? Were they all in good physical and mental condition? Well fed?

Based on several reports from other sanctuaries, the majority of the WAO animals were shipped away without a medical examination by the WAO's vet resulting in surprising medical problems and bills. Do you know if the six cats received a medical exam prior to relocating to your facility?

Again, thank you for the information about Java. I will miss her. If you happen to have any pictures or videos you'd like to share with me (other than what's already on the Internet) or fun stories of the former WAO animals, I'd love to see/read them. After all they have been through, I am relived the animals are finally receiving the care they desperately needed from your organization.

Kindest Regards,

Kris

From: Kathryn Bertok
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, March 24, 2011 10:15:53 AM
Subject: RE: Java's Passing

Kris,
We did treat everyone for parasites and because we had heard that some of the animals having fleas, we did some preventative treatment but did not see any fleas. We also did not see any ticks during their entry exam. They did not received any pre-shipment physicals but we knew that ahead of time and were prepared to get them knocked down quickly after arrival. Thankfully everyone’s blood work came back fairly normal. Certainly given the ages of the tigers we were expecting some kidney and liver concerns. While they were slightly elevated they were not in major failure. Everyone’s weight was either good or overweight. We have been working on getting Sebastian’s weight down especially.

The lions were very unconcerned about their arrival. Sheba walked around quarantine to check everything out but after that they all laid down and napped. The tigers were a little more upset by the move, but again we were told to expect that. I guess Bali can get upset by change and Java needs a bit to adjust to new circumstances. After a day Java was up and chuffling and after about a week, Bali was up too.

It has been a while since we had a lion pride so it’s been fun to watch them interact with one another. In Quarantine we have two sections so that we can shift them back and forth. For their exams, we shifted Sebastian over first and completed his knock down. He was still feeling very loopy and hadn’t yet stood up but was sternal. After watching the other two pace at the door we decided to go ahead and let them over. Normally we wait until everyone is up and moving well. Immediately Sheba sniffed him from head to tail and back again. Tarzan came and laid down right next to his head. After Sheba was done checking him out, she wanted to lay down right next to him too. There were some words exchanged (grumblings) between Tarzan and Sheba but they finally worked it out so that they were both right on top of Sebastian while he recovered. It was the same with the other two. What a great group of lions!

Best of luck,
Kathryn Bertok
Curator of Animals
Carolina Tiger Rescue
CarolinaTigerRescue.org
919.542.4684 ext 32

Java was loved and she is missed. May the Lord Bless and Protect her soul forever.

A Blizzard of Court Paperwork

Well, it appears the WAO's bankruptcy attorney earned his pay this week as he filed several objections with the Western District Bankruptcy Court yesterday:

Bankruptcy Notice - 032311 ASUS Objection - Byron-Marasek

Bankruptcy Notice - 032311 ASUS Objection - Hoffmann

Bankruptcy Notice - 032311 ASUS Objection - C. Asvestas

Bankruptcy Notice - 032311 ASUS Objection - R. Asvestas

It should be interesting to see how the judge rules in regards to the ASUS attorney's objections.  I never did receive a response from the attorney representing the WAO relating to the paperwork I sent him last week.  Am I shocked?  No.

Hello Mac!

Posted to  the Wild Cat Haven's Facebook Page

Posted on WCH's Facebook page on March 24, 2011

WCH Sanctuary - March 25, 2011
Mac says 'Like' WCH or the tree gets it:)

Okay, so where are Shirley's pictures?

Ron Selling WAO Office Furniture on Craigs List!

Shocking!  Ron is openly selling WAO office furniture on the Internet.  I thought of sending this Craig List posting to the OAG/Charitable Trust Division, but I figured, why bother.  Mr. Anthony will just "file" this away like he did with the rest of the material I sent him.

Asvestas Selling WAO Office Furniture - 030811

I'd recognize the WAO titled floor and window blinds anywhere!  This is shameful profiteering off the backs of the animals. 

Jinxie Recovering from Surgery

Last night I came home to a voice message from Vicky (In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center's director) letting me know that Jinx's spay went well, but her vet did find a few health problems. Turns out, Jinxie had a mass growing in her uterus, a growth on her left shoulder, and a cyst on her mammary gland. The vet is running a culture on the tissue mass found in her uterus to determine whether or not the mass is benign or malignant. Fluid from the cyst was taken and examined and the growth was removed from her shoulder.  

So while I was not thrilled Jinxie was spayed--as I still believe this is a high risk surgery for a big cat-- I am thrilled, in this case, she was spayed, for if she had not undergone the surgery, the other health issues would have gone on unnoticed for years; health issues that may have been life threatening to her!

Jinxie's health problems are eerily similar to the health issues Beauty (liger) was euthanized for in 2010. As best as I can remember, Beast (male liger) had a cancerous mass growing on his shoulder (he died in 2008), one of the WAO cougar had a mass growing on her shoulder (she's still alive I think), then there was Beauty, euthanized because the vet found, during an exam ordered by the USDA/APHIS, a mammary tumor and large masses in her abdomen. According to the USDA/APHIS inspector, Beauty also had two ovarian tumors the size of cantaloupes.

I pray Jinxie will recover swiftly from her surgery. She is being monitored by staff, around the clock, to make sure she does not pull out her stiches. Armed with water hoses and vinegar spray bottles,  the workers are ready to distract Jinx from licking at her healing sutures. 

Jinx and Denari (male lion) are planned to be re-introduced (it's a wedding) once again on April 1, 2011. I laughing told Vickie I plan to send Jinx and her soon-to-be new cagemate a "wedding present" which they can both enjoy.  Apparently when first introduced in the same enclosure, (essentially a  one-day play date), Jinx was a little aggressive towards Denari as she liked biting him on the butt.  Denari, the sweetheart that he is, did not retalitate against her (thank goodness).

In speaking with Vickie, I asked how Denari was doing since the loss of his brother. I found this posting on In-Sync's Facebook page which better explains his situation:

Please keep Dinari in your thoughts. He is going to OSU tomorrow for some tests. Ever since we lost his brother Malikai, last Oct, Dinari hasn't been eating well, and we are getting very concerned about him. Nothing we have tried has helped, so we are going to see if they can come up with a diagnosis, and hopefully something that will help him.  March 17 at 1:19pm

Vickie indicated that there were a few health concerns with Dinari and right now she is waiting for the test results, plus Dinari is exhibiting all the signs of depression -- he is one very sad kitty right now:

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Educational Center  - They did find some issues with his stomach, intestines, and liver, but we will have to wait a week or so for test results. Dinari did well today, and will be coming home as soon as he wakes up.  March 18 at 4:11pm

Turns out Dinari missed Jinxie while she was away for the surgery and she missed him:

Paul Chambers -  It was so cute to see Jinx come to the entry and waiting for her Dinari.  Dinari, hope you get to feeling better.  March 19 at 3:08pm

I pray both lions will recover together.  I would hate for Jinx to lose Dinari after the trageic death of her life long companion, Jambo, so many years ago.  She has been sad and living alone for long time and I don't think both lions can handle another heartbreak.  May God Bless and Protect both lions.

Here are a few more pictures of Jinxie:

Jinxie - what a gorgeous girl!
Picture taken by Kelli Malone on 11.21.10



Picture taken by Kelli Malone on 11.21.10



Jinx when she first arrived on 11.15.10



Jinx when she first arrived on 11.15.10

Poor baby looks so sad
Jinx when she first arrived on 11.15.10

I miss Jinx! She was (and still is) a very sweet lion. I pray she does very well at In-sync. I was told video would be taken of Jinx and her soon-to-be new cagemate and it will be posted on Facebook next month! I'm looking forward to seeing how she is doing in her new enclosure with her new special friend.  I'm hoping they can heal each other's lonely hearts.

Update:

From: Vicky 
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Wed, March 23, 2011 6:04:02 PM
Subject: Re: Wedding Gift is being processed

Hi Kris,

Thank you so much for the info on Jynxie. I had no idea she had any cubs. I don't get to watch much tv so I've not seen any of the growing up shows.

Jynxie is doing very well minding her manners & not messing with her stitches. She.s probably going to get upset by the time her week is up because she can't go out to the playground but we'll just have to make it up to her.

Dinari & Jynxie say thank you for the wedding gift & they said they really hope it's not another toaster.

Come by & see her anytime.

Thanks again! Vicky

The "wedding" gift was sent in memory of Jeanette Ferro's rescued 100+ adult and baby potbellied pigs that disappeared from the WAO and for the WAO animals I was unable to save during the WAO investigation.  Thank you Jeanette Ferro for continued support of the former WAO animals!  Jeanette and I both pray Jinx and Dinari enjoy their gift for many years to come...

Later:  

Leslie Mays Biskamp - Facebook

I sat with Jynxie 16 out of 24 hours starting Wed at 11 pm (do I get Volunteer of the month?) and she and Dinari went nose to nose at the gate several times. Last night I had to spray Jynxie with vinegar when she absolutely refused a good talking to about bothering her stitches, and she walked over to Dinari and started rubbing her head against the gate. And he was sniffing like, "what is that awful smell?" but then he rubbed his head against hers! It was so sweet, and I tried to get a picture but it was too dark.   March 25 at 1:05pm

Thank you, Leslie, for keeping a close eye on Jinxie! 
 

Here are a few pictures of Jinxie after her surgery...

 

My sweet Jinxie -- I pray she is very happy in her new home... with Dinari!

 

Dinari is already smitten as he watches Jinxie sleep!

 

February WAO Financial Report

The WAO's financial income and expenditures report was posted last night on line.  After careful review of this report, I discovered several interesting expenditures.  First take a look at the report:

Bankruptcy Court - February WAO Operations Report - 2011

As I read through the report, I noticed that the big cats received a mixture of red meat and chicken (What?  No added vitamins or minerals?).  Apparently the non-human primates and chimps (all of them were present in February) received only monkey chow as their regular diet.  Except... on February 4, 2011, two trips were made to the local grocery stores (HEB and Wal-mart) to purchase produce and water for the animals.

You may recall it was on February 1, 2011 when I contacted the USDA/APHIS to inform the agency that the San Antonio area was under a severe winter warning.  I requested a visit by the USDA to check on the animals living at Talley and Leslie Road to ensure they were okay during the hard freeze.  Since I never heard back from the USDA, I concluded investigators visited the property to make sure the animals were properly cared for during the freeze. 

I find it interesting that even though the now defunct WAO failed to make any produce purchases in January, suddenly two runs to the grocery store was made to buy water, produce, and bananas, three days after I sent my emergency appeal to the USDA. 

Sadly, there were no more produce purchases made after that date for the animals.  I guess the produce was only for show while the USDA was in town? 

As usual, the gas purchases were rather high in February.  It appears that on at least three occasions where gas was purchased for a WAO truck and a smaller vehicle (requiring less gas than the truck) on the same dates (2/1/11; 2/14/11; 2/28/11).  Interesting...

What was not surprising was to see that the WAO paid for "dinner" prepared by Pizza Hut.  Something tells me the pizzas were not for the chimps.  This is a non-profit business going through bankruptcy due to the inept ability of the employees and board of directors to protect the WAO assets.  So, these people get pizza and the primates/monks get monkey biscuits.  Is that fair?

Then there's the food and snacks for the animals journal entry.  Yeah, sure it was for the animals.  Was this produce?  No?  Then what?  Sugary snacks for the primates?  Chips? Sodas?  What was purchased, Myer?  You were specific on other journal entries, but somewhat vague with this particular item.

Walgreens still seems to be the place of choice to purchase office supplies (what??) and of course there's the mystery check (#1143) that Kim Myer, after over a month it was cashed, has no idea where the check was written nor does she know what the check was used for.  For a paid WAO "accountant" this is unacceptable and it leads me to believe, that once again, Kim Myer is covering for someone at the WAO making unidentified purchases--whether it be for $3k or for $28.  Is the court keeping track of these mystery purchases?

So this month alone, IFAW paid the WAO $21, 800.  I wonder how long IFAW plans to continue carrying the WAO seeing how paypal donations are almost non-existent now that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays have passed.

Next month's statement should be just as entertaining as this month's seeing how the weather is starting to warm up some.  What's next?  WAO treats employees to a lake resort party? 

Would not surprise me in the least.

Later:  It struck me late last night that from November 2010 - February 2011, the WAO has not paid for the services of a veterinarian--no visits and no medication.  This leads me to believe that either (1) the WAO is no longer providing any medical care to its remaining 120+ animals and Mary/Michelle Reininger are once again forced to practice vet medicine without a license or (2) someone else is receiving and paying for all the WAO veterinarian bills.  I am praying for option '2' for I cannot believe the USDA/APHIS would allow the WAO not to give pain and inflammation medication to the older animals (such as Lance, Lady, Sabu, and Dobbins) or medical treatment for the monks that sustain injuries from fighting, falling, etc.  I am greatly concerned animals such as Lance, Lady, and Dobbins may have been killed by the WAO simply because it would cost the now defunct organization too much money to provide them medication to keep them confortable during the cold weather. 

I guess I will only find out the truth once the Cryers are out and a new facility director takes over or from USDA FOIA documents.

TOPS is Back!

In 2006, I received a message to call Joan Byron Marasek, who lives in New Jersey, regarding my case against the WAO. You may recall, Joan Marasek's 24 tigers were removed from her possession and trucked to the WAO under a flurry of news cameras and IFAW staff.

For more details regarding this case, you may want to visit this site:

http://www.susanorlean.com/articles/lady_and_tigers.html

Joan wanted to know if I would write certifications regarding animal care and "quality" of the animal enclosures, so she could submit the documentation to the New Jersey courts. If I remember correctly, she was in the process of losing her home to the State for fees incurred transfer the tigers from NJ to TX and she needed the information to prove to the court that her animals were sent to a substandard facility and she should not be penalized for the State's actions.

Joan and I had a "falling out" in September 2006 when I came into possession of the Talley Road gains and losses document allegedly prepared by the Reiningers and given to Carol Asvestas. I called Joan shortly after I received the document and asked her to provide me the names of her tigers. Joan did not want to give me the names of her former animals, rather she wanted me to fax the document to her right away.

Past experiences with Joan told me she would never give me the names of the tigers if I provided her this listing, so I told her that I would give her the listing if she provided me the names of her tigers and after I sent the listing to the USDA. I wanted to make sure the USDA knew how many TOPS tigers were left at the WAO and the conditions of their living quarters. By submitting the document to the USDA, I believed would best serve this case against the WAO directors and Asvestas' and I believed it to be a key piece of evidence and I wanted to make sure it was part of the investigative file.

When I made my request, Joan did not speak for several seconds. When she did, she said something like "I won't be blackmailed by you or anyone else." I asked her what was she talking about. Joan told me she felt I was blackmailing her for the names of her tigers and that she no longer wanted anything to do with me and then hung up the phone.

I was shocked. After all the documents I provided to her in support of her court case, I could not believe Joan could be so rude to me. I tried calling her back, but I was never able to get through. Joan then changed her email address. That day was the last day I had contact with Joan Marasek.

It wasn't until years later that I learned Joan wrote to the OAG and accused me of working with Carol Asvestas and that I should be prosecuted right along with the WAO Board of Directors! That's another posting I shall add later as I am still bitter about how Joan portrayed me to the OAG.  In any case, Joan knew I was never working with Carol because she had been reading my blog posts before I shut it down to the public in 2009; Joan was one of my regular readers!

In any case, just when I thought I would never hear that woman's name again, lo and behold, Joan filed a creditor claim with the bankruptcy court. Check it out for yourself...I think you'll be surprised at the amount she claims the WAO owes her!

Bankruptcy Court - TOPS Claim against ASUS

Just when I thought this case could not get any stranger.  This case is so unbelievable that it should be made into a TV movie! 

I'll say this for the WAO case...it has finally come full circle.

More Info on Amarillo Zoo's New Tigers - Sabrina and Savannah

 http://www.amarillomagonline.com/article/347

Zoo Welcomes Bengals
Posted March 18, 2011 5:14 p.m.
by Drew Belle Zerby


Amarillo Zoo presents two tigers, renovated exhibit

As Sabrina emerged from her house and entered her habitat, she didn’t seem to notice the surrounding crowd and flashing cameras. She didn’t seem to notice that her lifelong companion, Savannah, stayed behind, either.


A year-a-half after Amarillo’s resident Bengal tiger, Holly, passed away, the Amarillo Zoo welcomed two six-year-old Bengal beauties to the community as well as a renovated exhibit March 11.

“We knew once we lost Holly we wanted to bring tigers back,” says Rhonda Votino, zoo curator. “The plan was we wanted to enlarge the exhibit. The exhibit now is at least double, maybe almost triple the size of what we had before. We had the opportunity to get two tigers and that’s what we’ve gone with. We’re just happy to have tigers back on.”

Sabrina and Savannah arrived in January from the Wild Animal Orphanage, a rescue facility in San Antonio forced to close as a result of overpopulation. The duo, which was born and brought up together at the secluded sanctuary, have never been exposed to crowds, but Rhonda is confident they will adapt to their new environment quickly.

“I think they’ll be fine,” Rhonda assures. “Once they get used to it, I’m hoping they’ll take advantage of their sleeping platform and come out and sun themselves. Tigers really love water so I’m really hoping they’ll take to the pool. We’ll come up with all sorts of activities to keep them entertained and active.”


While Sabrina took to her home well, her hesitant other half decided to postpone her premiere, which didn’t surprise Rhonda one bit.


“Savannah is a lot more apprehensive,” Rhonda explains. “It may take her even a couple days before she shows her face. I keep seeing Sabrina going back into the tunnel like ‘It’s OK. We can go out.’ But Savannah’s not having any of it,’” she chuckles. “Sabrina is definitely the more people-oriented. I kind of figured she’d be the first one to come out.”


But Savannah has no problem showing her stripes when it’s feeding time. The aggressive cats must be separated during their daily, evening meal. Five days out of the week, the two eat 7-8 pounds of commercially-prepared meat which contains vitamins and minerals specifically designated for exotic cats. The other two days, they either feed on rabbits or fast.


“In the wild they wouldn’t necessarily eat every day,” Rhonda says. “These guys would take down a kill, feed off of it and it might be another week or so before they feed again. In captivity, you kind of simulate that same type of behavior.”


While the cats are aggressive animals, they can still be quite playful. When the crew leaves empty boxes in the tigers’ home, they go to town. Sometimes Rhonda adds different scents to the boxes or even includes an edible treat inside.


“Just about anything they’ll make a toy out of it. If I’m not careful, when I’m hosing the building, they’ll try to grab my hose, Rhonda exclaims.”


Rhonda, who worked at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans before moving to Amarillo six years ago, is hopeful Sabrina and Savannah will attract larger crowds to the Zoo.


“Tigers are very popular. I think they’ll be a big draw,” Rhonda says. “When we had the single tiger, people loved her. They always came to see Holly. There are certain species when people come to a zoo they want to see and with cats it’s always the lions and tigers. Everybody loves the lions and tigers. I think people will really enjoy seeing the cats. The zoo has a lot of potential,” she continues. “It’s a small zoo, but there’s just a lot that can be done here. We’re always very excited we can add new exhibits like this for the community.”


In addition to the tiger exhibit, the is reopening the leopard exhibit, which will house the black leopard, Maverick, who also came from the Wild Animal Orphanage. An education center is also in the works.


“We know an education center would be a great addition,” Rhonda says, “especially for all the school groups that come here. Right now we can do programs but it’s really weather-dependent. We have no inside place to do classroom stuff. We’ll be very excited to get an education center.”

For more information on the Amarillo Zoo, visit amarillozoo.org

Sabrina and Savannah Are At the Amarrillo Zoo

http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2011-03-12/tigers-make-debut

Tigers make debut


Big cat addition also includes black leopard

Posted: March 12, 2011 - 1:27am


Six-year-old Bengal tiger Sabrina tries out her new digs Friday in the tiger exhibit at the Amarillo Zoo. Two female tigers from a tiger rescue in San Antonio were donated to the zoo.


E.J. Scott, 3, watches Friday as Sabrina, a 6-year-old Bengal tiger, tries out her new exhibit at the Amarillo Zoo.


Stephen Spillman / Amarillo Globe-News

Six-year-old Bengal tiger Sabrina tries out her new digs



By Cheryl Berzanskis


Sabrina strolled the fenced runway out of her house and into the yard like a graceful queen greeting her public Friday. The 6-year-old Bengal tiger and her shy companion, Savannah, are two of the Amarillo Zoo's latest acquisitions.


Visitors can see Sabrina and Savannah today in their new home on the east side of the zoo, neighboring the lions and bobcats. The zoo's other new resident, a black leopard named Maverick, will live on the north side of the cat compound across from the coyotes on the zoo's northern edge.


The trio arrived in January from the Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio, a rescue facility for exotic animals that announced last year it would place as many exotics as possible before closing due to financial difficulties.


Sabrina, Savannah and Maverick were free to the Amarillo Zoo; donations paid for their food and veterinary care before transport to Amarillo. The cats were vaccinated against rabies and distemper and quarantined 30 days for observation.


Bringing the felines to Amarillo contributes to animal conservation through education about the species, said Rhonda Votino, zoo curator.


"They make good ambassadors, and you can educate people about the tiger species," she said.


It isn't easy for the zoo to find exotic animals to host because it lacks accreditation from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The association creates standards and inspects more than 200 zoos and aquariums.


The zoo is working toward the goal of accreditation. By doing so, the zoo would be able to host animals from other zoos and participate in animal-breeding programs.


Holly, the zoo's last Bengal tiger, was euthanized in August 2009 at age 19 because of severe seizures. Raven, a black leopard, died last year of age-related kidney failure.


While Sabrina strolled her new yard, Savannah, described by Votino as "more apprehensive," kept to herself inside their barn. City workers expected to complete Maverick's enclosure Friday.


While Sabrina explored her new digs, three lions from next door crowded into the corner closest to the tiger cage. The big cats exchanged low rumbles, then dispersed to other pursuits, the lions to their naps and the tiger to further explore. Three bobcats on the north side of the tiger cage watched the goings on perched in trees in their cage.


Henry Janhsen, president of the Amarillo Zoological Society, which conducts fundraising and promotion of the zoo, noted visitors could get within a few feet of the orange and black animal as she strolled her enclosure just inside the fence and only a few steps from the pedestrian walkway.


"I think they have a natural attraction to people. They are beautiful animals," he said.


Meg O'Brien brought her 2-year-old daughter Laurel to see the big cat debut.


"She loves animals," O'Brien said. "The bobcats, and the coyotes when they howl, and she really likes the monkey exhibit."


Her hopes for the zoo's future include children's classes in the planned education center, which is in the cost estimation stage, and an aquarium.


Amarillo Zoo


When: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas


Where: Inside Thompson Park at Northeast 24th Avenue and U.S. Highway 287


Cost: $3 for ages 13-61; $2 for ages 62 and up; $1 for children 3-12; ages 2 and under free. Admission is free on Mondays.


Information: 806-381-5605


On the Web: www.amarillozoo.orgSabrina and Savannah


• Female Bengal tigers


• Each is 6 years old.


• Each weighs between 300 and 350 pounds.


• Tigers eat 7 to 8 pounds of beef-based food five days per week, a rabbit once a week and a beef leg once a week. The diet is designed to mimic that of tigers living in the wild.


• Most Bengals living in the wild are in India; others are in Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, western Myanmar and Nepal. They are endangered by habitat fragmentation, decline in prey, poaching and retaliation killing. The estimated number of Bengals in the wild is 4,000, according to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.


Source: Amarillo ZooMaverick


• Male black leopard


• 17 years old


• Weighs about 100 pounds


• He eats about 2 pounds of food each day on the same schedule as the tigers.


• Scientists don't know how many leopards live in the wild, but they are found in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Leopard Conservation Project.


Source: Amarillo Zoo

Cryer Blew Off BCR

I found this article on the Internet. I wish I knew who placed it on 911 Animal Abuse, for it appears this person may have been part of the "new management group" and may have additional inside information to share.

In any case, I was aware of the BCR incident as it was told to me verbally by a person who also operates a sanctuary. Since I had no proof of what transpired, I figured it would go down as just one more story unreported.

Since someone else has come forward and posted the event on 911 Animal Abuse, I thought I'd post it so you can read it for yourself:

This account seems to confirm the stories I heard last year...right down to Cryer's demand for money from those who wanted to help the animals. Even though this is an old post, it is still relevant as to how the Cryers operated at the WAO.

http://www.911animalabuse.com/index.php/search-abusers/31-browse-by-name/173-asvestas-carol-a-ron

Wild Animal Orphanage 60 Days to Close

Pseudo sanctuaries make their money by rescuing more animals than they can take care of long term. While it seems there was also a considerable amount of mismanagement in this case, it would have imploded regardless.

Big Cat Rescue had been in phone contact with Jamie Cryer, the President for the past couple of months after he called asking if they would take 5 cougars, a caracal and some bobcats. They told him they could take the smaller cats and maybe the cougars, but asked if they could come assess the situation first. He had invited them to do so saying they wouldn't believe how awful things were there. Then he quit returning their calls and emails.

Big Cat Rescue President, Jamie Veronica, stopped by on her way back from her vacation last week to see if she could talk to Jamie C. She went to the zoo and Mike told her they only had 4 people taking care of 400 animals. He wouldn't let her in saying he didn't want to get involved in the "politics" whatever that meant.

Jamie V. called Jamie C. who told her he was busy off site and couldn't come to let her in the zoo nor the sanctuary. He said he would send her a list of animals they want to place later but wouldn't make arrangements for her to see the cougars. He said he placed the small cats already and that there were only a couple of cougars left.

Jamie C. said he had 200 tigers to place.

An investigator contacted Suzanne Staw at WAO and reported that WAO insisted he pay them to rescue the animals. He said Scott Lope was there filming a rescue right now and that the production company had a lot of money. He seemed to feel like the production company was outbidding him for the right to film a rescue. The investigator said Scott was filming another rescue in TX a couple weeks ago taking two tiger pets from a couple and placing them at In-Sync Exotics. (small concrete cells adjoining one shared grassy play yard) Scott hasn't asked Big Cat Rescue to assist in either of his recent episodes. The investigator said he had gotten a place in TN (presumable Tiger Haven) to commit to taking tigers but that WAO wouldn't let them go unless the TN group paid for the cats. As you can see in the letter from WAO they are asking other non profits to fundraise for them so they can keep paying themselves without continuing to be on the board of their own non profit which is in serious trouble.

It could be legal suicide to help them as those helping could be perceived as aiding and abetting. At the very least it doesn't make sense to try and deal with those who have already shown such contempt toward previous efforts to help. There are plenty of big cats in need of help elsewhere that are more compelling than bailing out a sanctuary who got itself into this mess by being irresponsible and giving all of us in the rescue community a black eye in the process.

Letter from WAO

September, 6, 2010

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

We are writing to all of you to let you know that Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio, Texas “WAO” is officially closing its doors. The Board of Directors unanimously voted on August 31, 2010 to dissolve WAO and place our beloved animals in other sanctuaries. We wanted to let you know as soon as possible so you have the facts to dispel any rumors and to ask for your help. We are attaching a copy of our Board resolution, which sets forth our intention and an overview of the time line.

Here are the highlights:

1) Beginning May 1, 2010 the current Board of Directors of WAO assumed responsibility for the management of WAO after prior management was dismissed for failing to provide proper management of WAO.

2) We have been cooperating with the office of the Texas Attorney General, Charitable Trusts Division, (the “AG”) in their investigation of WAO. This investigation has been going on for many years, as some of you know. Although the AG predicated agency support upon this dissolution resolution, the Board and animal keepers agreed that closure is in the best interest of the animals at WAO.

3) Our goal is to place all 323 animals within the next 60 days. We know that is an ambitious goal. However, let us be clear: we will not euthanize any animals unless a veterinarian determines it is medically necessary, and we will not close our doors until every last animal has a home.

4) There has been some talk of a person putting together a coalition of donors who would be a part of a nonprofit organization, buy the property, and acquire the USDA licenses from us to care for the animals. We are open to such offers, provided that an offer (a) involves entirely separate leadership with a track record in animal care and organizational management; (b) involves a facility and animal care plan that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act; (c) has the support of the USDA and IFAW; and (d) is backed by a substantial financial base. Since such plans are not inconsistent with our Board resolution, and in the absence of a firm offer, we are proceeding with the plan set forth in the Board resolution. Regardless of any offers, any animals whom we have committed to be placed with another sanctuary will be placed with such sanctuary.

5) We greatly need your support. About 1/3 of our animals are on the list to be placed (although some are still pending approval from the receiving sanctuary). Therefore we need to find homes for at least 2/3 of our population. In addition, we need financial support to continue to feed and prepare the animals for transport (ie, veterinary care and tests); to pay our animal caretakers; and to keep the lights on.

6) We are looking for a nonprofit organization who will receive donations on our behalf and disburse them to us as needed to pay for the expenses mentioned in #5 above. We believe we will be able to fund raise in these final moments if we have an established, reputable intermediary. Please let us know if you can serve in this capacity.

Thank you in advance for your support. We deeply appreciate it. For those of you who have already reached out with your support of medicines and food, thank you so much. Our hearts are warmed with your kindness and support during this difficult transition.

Please direct all offers to help and any questions about this letter or Board resolution to Michelle, and please direct all media inquiries to Suzanne.

Please forward this email to your friends and colleagues who are not on this email list but who might be able to help in some capacity.

Warm regards,

Michelle Anthony-Cryer, President

Chris Smith, Vice President

Suzanne Straw, Secretary