Joint Motion Between WAO and the Texas OAG & USDA

Finally!!!  It took long enough for Born Free and Texas OAG to come to some sort of agreement regarding the remaining macaques and the one baboon (I had no idea there was one baboon left at WAO).  Below is the agreement filed with the Bankruptcy Court:

WAO Bankruptcy Case - Joint Motion of the Debtor and OAG to Compromise and Settle

WAO Bankruptcy Case - Motion for Expedited Hearing on Joint Motion of the Debtor and OAG to Compromise and ...

Agreement for the Transfer of All Title and Rights of Macaques From WAO to Born Free - Exhibit a - 103111


I'm still awaiting word regarding the relocation of the last three tigers at the WAO.

In the meantime, looks like WAO settled with the USDA as well.  Damn, no one is going to be held accountable for the deaths of hundreds of animals at the WAO.  Figures.

Motion of the Debtor to Compromise and Settle Issues With USDA - 103111



USDA Consent Decision and Order - Docket No 12-0041

Motion for Expedited Hearing Approved - Set for 112111

Motion to Expedite Hearing of the Animals Transfer to Born Free - 103111

So five year of my life I worked diligently to save the WAO animals from the corrupt WAO Board of Directors and its employees, and not one single person will ever be held accountable for all the illegal cr*p that went on at the WAO?  Truly there is no justice for all the animals that died a horrible death at the WAO right under the collective noses of the USDA, OAG, WAO Board and its employees.  Wow.  And to think these same government entities and people have their hands out for blood money expected from the sale of the WAO Estate.

Truly no JUSTICE for the animals.

Former WAO Captive Tiger Used as a Political Statement

I'm not thrilled that one of the former WAO animals was used as part of a political statement regarding "captive tigers."  After all, this organization started off with the founder's private exotic wild animal pets and the sanctuary owns captive tigers!  Crazy!



Zeus

Sierra and Ekatrina



Pumpkin Fun for Sheba and Sebastian - Tarzan Not So Much

How I miss Tarzan, Sheba and Sebastian!  Sebastian and Sheba look like they are having fun with the pumpkins.  Poor Tarzan didn't see his treat under/behind Sebastian.  Bless his heart!  I miss them all!



WAO's September 2011 Operations Report -- Flawed Once Again!

Well, better late than never right, or maybe not...

WAO Operations Report for September 2011

Again, there are serious problems with the September 2011 WAO's Operations Report, and yet, I'll guarantee you that no one, not the OAG nor the Bankruptcy Court even reads these reports anymore.  Probably explains why the WAO continues to take a laissez-faire attitude towards the WAO finances.

So, let's take a look at the problems discovered on this report, shall we?

Well, looky, looky, the responsible party, Michelle Cryer, didn't sign this month's operations report!  Gee, I wonder why.  It wouldn't have something to do with the disclaimer statement above the signature line, would it?  Something about signing under penalty of perjury...hmmm.

Next is the missing Bank of America account (ending in 1386) statement.  The note on the operations reports says "I did not get a statement for this account this month."  I guess the bookkeeper, Kim Meyer, who incidentally was paid $829.89 this month (for what again), couldn't figure out how to contact Bank of America to have either the statement sent via email, downloaded from the Internet, or gee, picked-up a copy from the bank?  What is Cryer and Meyer trying to hide by not obtaining a copy of this statement? 

How about buying brand new refrigerators and freezers for two months worth of use?  What happened to the frig at the Leslie Road property and the two frigs at Talley Road?  Where did they go?  What will happen to the new refrigerators once the "carnivores" leave by the end of this month?

Have you wondered why, with less animals to care for, the WAO continues paying full wages for Mary & Michelle Reininger and Henry Newman.  Does that make any sense (or dollars for that matter).

Gee, this one is my favorite--$3,088.55 was paid to a Boerne truck dealership to have the front end of the WAO truck replaced??  Why replaced?  Is this another truck Jamie Cryer damaged?  Or is this the same truck Cryer crashed, had repaired, even though the insurance company declared it totaled and paid off the bank loan?  What is going on out there at Talley Road?  Oh, and then there's the rental car from Hertz--if Cryer was responsible for damaging the truck, then why is the WAO paying for his rental car?  What is the real story behind this mess?  Something tells me Cryer intends to keep this truck for himself once this case finally ends.

Gotta love this...$186.28 in office supplies from Staples!  What in the world did Meyer need from Staples that could not be purchased at Wal-Mart or Walgreens? 

Then there's the reimbursement for "fuel for Henry using his own truck for WAO."  What do you bet the WAO did not get $48.00 worth of  gas use from Henry's truck?  Especially since $100 in diesel fuel was purchased for the WAO truck two days later!  Where in the world is Cryer driving to that requires $745.20 worth of fuel in one month's time?  There are a lot less animals living on the one property now!

Oh, how special--Jamie Cryer charged $14.54 to Sonic Drive-in for his meal.  Isn't that nice.  Makes you wonder what other items or meals were charged to the WAO card not related to the operations of the WAO.  Still wearing those Sunglasses Hut sunglasses purchased by the WAO animals, Cryer?

I'd be remiss if I didn't point out all the missing checks from this month's report.  How about check number 1244,45, and 46.  What about 1253,54,55, and 56?  Will any of these show up next month's operations report?

By the way, whatever happened to the WAO's skid loader?  I noticed on 9.15.11, diesel for skid loader was purchased and on 9.26.11 $95 was spent fixing a flat on the skid loader.  So why did the WAO rent a skid loader on 9.27.11? 

Cryer bought expensive new tools?  I guess I know whose garage the tools will end up once the WAO is finally closed.

And then there's the counter credit deposit--"ASK MICHELLE WHAT THIS DEPOSIT IS FROM" comment made on the last page of the report.  Crazy.

Can't wait to see the October 2011 report--should be entertaining to say the least!

Lovely Layla and Kita

Beautiful Layla.  I wonder if she still misses her Lance...

Wildcat Sanctuary
Layla, another one of Wildcat Sanctuary's beauties. Photo taken by volunteer Julie today.

  Beautiful Kita.  I wonder if she misses T'Savo?

Wildcat Sanctuary
Lovely Kita poses for the camera.

What Happened to Kye?

I am greatly concerned that one of the former WAO tigers, Kye, may no longer be alive.  There are many pictures posted by Big Cat Rescue on Facebook of the boys, but none of Kye.

A friend of mine has been posting inquiries, every time he sees a pictures of Andre or Apatha (aka Arthur) on Facebook, asking about Kye (aka Amanda).  Not one single inquiry has produced a response from Big Cat Rescue.

Here are the latest pictures of the boys found on Facebook today.

Big Cat Rescue - Tampa FL
Andre coming over to say hello :)

Big Cat Rescue - Tampa FL
Arthur and Andre exploring different sections of their enclosure after taking a dip in their pools! :)

Again, no Kye.  Oh my goodness, what did they do to beautiful Kye?

I went to check BCR's website to see if there was an animal memorial page, and I was unable to find a link or a list of their current animals at the Florida sanctuary.  This is alarming for how would anyone know if she was dead or alive, unless you worked there?  If she is dead, are the workers keeping this a secret from the donor who committed $10k per year towards the tigers' health care, for fear of losing the money?  

If this is true, than this place is no different than the WAO.  For example, Carol Asvestas didn't want Gloria Frasier to know that Rex died within months of his arrival at the WAO for fear of losing the donations she sent in Rex's name.  So determined was Carol to keep this a secret, she was willing, according to her staff at that time, to offer up Leo as Rex in case Gloria showed up looking for Rex.

I pray Kye is all right, but as more time passes, and no mention is made of her, I fear the worse.

Next day:

Well finally, BCR posted a comment about Kye (aka "Amanda"), but still no pictures:

Big Cat Rescue - Tampa FL Amanda was the first to be re united, but after the last male joined the trio, the boys are the ones who hang together. Amanda is doing operant with her keepers and is VERY smart and coming around from being so shy.



10.24.11 · UnlikeLike · 4 people

Laws Didn't Fail the Animals -- Government Did!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danny-groner/ohio-animal-escape_b_1027093.html

PatA


Democracy has left the building


1119 Fans


15 hours ago (6:26 PM)


"Thompson was the exception: "What Thompson did was selfish and insane; we cannot regulate insanity," says Zuzana Kukol at USA Today. But many other Americans care well for their exotic pets. "If we have the freedom to choose what car to buy, where to live, or what domestic animal to have, why shouldn't we have the same freedom to choose what species of wild or exotic animal to own and to love?" Cutting down on exotic animals because of "a few deranged individual¬s" would be like trying to "ban kids" in hopes of curbing child abuse."


Ignorance can be fixed but stupid is forever.


PatA: "Thompson was the exception: "What Thompson did was selfish and


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/PatA/ohio-animal-escape_b_1027093_114568923.html


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Dh Barr


Bringing Clues to the Clueless


49 Fans


19 hours ago (2:24 PM)


Before we place an outright ban on exotic animal ownership, somebody better have a plan on what to do with those 5,000 tigers in the US. Further, I'd want to know what exemptions are possible - what about animal rescue organizati¬ons? Will they be prevented from treating "wild" animals because of the ban?


I'd be a lot more in favor of having to register ownership and submit to inspection¬s than an outright ban. The last thing I want to see is some misguided ban forcing 5,000 tigers to get sold to some country that turns them into skins.


Dh_Barr: Before we place an outright ban on exotic animal ownership,


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Dh_Barr/ohio-animal-escape_b_1027093_114538487.html


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PatA


Democracy has left the building


1119 Fans


15 hours ago (6:25 PM)


"I''d be a lot more in favor of having to register ownership and submit to inspection¬¬s than an outright ban. The last thing I want to see is some misguided ban forcing 5,000 tigers to get sold to some country that turns them into skins."

Inspection¬s are the place to start. Put the state veterinary associatio¬ns in charge and give them 6 months to put in place a program and then get it done. If a 'collector¬' fails to meet the criteria for keeping an exotic animal safe and avoids letting it be a danger to others, seize it. Have a 'refuge' for the animals and have a plan in place to find a more suitable home. Ban the 'collector¬' from housing any more exotics. If the government can ban child pornograph¬ers from using computers; then states should be able to ban exotic animal ownership.

Eventually (sooner than later, I hope) this would put a halt to owning animals that one couldn't/s¬houldn't care for.



In the long run, NO one needs to own exotics in a private setting. No roadside 'parks'...-..nada!

I included these comments made by PatA to show how ignorant people can be when it comes to this topic.

Let’s go over why I believe this to be true:

1. Inspections fail because people fail. USDA/APHIS inspected the WAO, for instance, for years and not once did the “inspector” cite the numerous problems at its facilities.  And yet over 1,000 animals died (that I know of) during a 10-year period!

2. State veterinary boards are much like an accreditation agency—the type of inspections performed are veterinarian malpractice cases, etc. They have no such animal “inspection” programs available to the public and without significant funding from the government, it will never happen in the future. And just where would this funding come from? Increased taxes from hard working Americans, of course.  I say we tax people like PatA for the money.

3. To compare child porno to owning exotic wild animals is like comparing cars to oranges. A reasonable person cannot win an argument with this type of comparison.  It's just plain stupid.

4. As to starting a “refuge” for confiscated exotics; okay, where will the money come from to start this refuge? Will there be a refuge in every state? Who will run it? The veterinary boards? How will the seizures take place? Will they go through our legal system…etc., etc., etc.

The laws didn’t fail the 49+ animals. The officer in charge of upholding the laws did. To think government laws will save exotic animals from this type of horrific disaster from happening in the future is foolish. I just pray that next time animals are left suffering, someone, anyone, will stand up and go toe-to-toe against the government, whether it be local, state, or federal, to make sure the animals are safe and secure.  Citizens need to be vigalent -- they need to get involved!

I went toe-to-toe with the federal and state government and I have never regretted my actions. I would have regretted not doing everything possible to save the WAO animals from further harm administered by the WAO’s Board of Directors and its employees. This same type of Ohio disaster could easily have happened at the WAO. Thank God the animals were spared this kind of misery.

Later:


http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2011/12/01/Plan-would-force-owners-to-give-up-exotic-animals.html

Published: 12/1/2011 - Updated: 19 minutes ago

Plan would force owners to give up exotic animals

BY JIM PROVANCE

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COLUMBUS -- "Casual owners'' of tigers, apes, bears, venomous snakes, and other "dangerous wild animals'' would have to register them with the state, knowing they'll eventually have to surrender them under proposed rules submitted to Gov. John Kasich Wednesday.

A working group submitted its final report amid national criticism after a Zanesville man in October unleashed unregulated lions, Bengal tigers, monkeys, leopards, and other wild animals from his farm before killing himself.

Most of the creatures were killed by law enforcement. The few survivors -- a grizzly bear, three leopards, and two monkeys -- remain in quarantine at the Columbus Zoo despite an attempt by the farmer's widow to reclaim them.

The final report does not include a "grandfather clause'' that would have allowed current owners of such animals to keep them. Instead, anyone who isn't a zoo, wildlife sanctuary, research facility, circus, or a licensed "propagator'' would have to register the animals within 60 days of the law's effective date and meet fencing, animal care, and temporary public safety standards within six months.

If they haven't found an approved owner to take possession of the animals by Jan. 1, 2014, the state would confiscate them.

"We're working with zoos and sanctuaries to increase their capacity for surrendered and confiscated species,'' said Jim Zehringer, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The state has no good estimate on how many of these animals are out there. Neither Mr. Zehringer nor Dr. Tony Forshey, interim director and former state veterinarian at the state Department of Agriculture, would say what would happen to confiscated or surrendered animals if approved homes aren't found.

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, said it would be impossible for existing zoos and sanctuaries to absorb the expected large inventory of these animals.

"New capacity would have to be created,'' he said. "I would imagine that some euthanasia will occur. It's not a good outcome for the animal, but it may be an inevitable circumstance given that this problem spiraled out of control in Ohio for so many years. Our greatest hope is we find a place for these animals to live out the remainder of their natural lives.''

It was the Humane Society's threatened constitutional amendment dealing with the care of agricultural livestock in Ohio that led to a broader agreement with former Gov. Ted Strickland that included a temporary ban on the ownership of such animals.

Governor Kasich allowed Mr. Strickland's order to expire last spring while he set up the task force to establish rules to replace it. The Kasich panel stepped up its discussions after the Zanesville incident.

In the meantime, there isn't agreement among lawmakers as to whether a total ban on ownership of such animals is the right way to go.

Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said the working group's final report is in line with the governor's thinking. "We're studying the details and reserve the right to seek minor changes, but the governor is looking forward to working with the General Assembly to see enforceable laws enacted quickly," he said.

Most animals covered under the proposed rules are non-native species, but ODNR stressed the ban does not apply to all nonnative species. While the definitions of some restricted animals exempt native species in some cases, including the black bear and timber rattlesnake, a separate portion of the report recommends that state law be changed to also restrict them.

The long list of "dangerous wild animals'' or "restricted species'' for which casual ownership would be denied includes but is not limited to big cats such as lions, tigers, panthers, and leopards; apes; elephants; gray wolves, and African buffalo. It bans venomous snakes, prohibits certain constrictors such as anacondas and pythons but not boa constrictors, and bans alligators and crocodiles but not dwarf caiman.

"Most of these species were selected by working with the working group,'' Mr. Zehringer said. "We took a lot of faith in their advice on this.''

Among those in the working group were representatives from zoos, the Humane Society of the United States, prosecutors, animal owners, inspectors, farmers, veterinarians, and sportsmen.

The report does not specify the criminal penalties that would be associated with violations of the new ownership, registration, or safety rules.

"That will be up to the legislature, but they will be severe,'' Dr. Forshey said. "They will probably be a felony.''

Mr. Pacelle said he believes the working group came up with the right list of animals that should be banned, but he questioned the allowance of two years for people to sell or transfer their animals elsewhere, including out of state.

"Governor Kasich had created a task force and he was going to do something,'' Mr. Pacelle said. "But the [Zanesville] incident made it plain to everyone, including the governor, that we needed to take immediate action, and we needed something that was meaningful. Simply regulating trade and possession wasn't going to work. These animals don't belong in people's basements and backyards.''

For more information or to read the final report, visit dangerouswildanimals.ohio.gov.

Contact Jim Provance at: jprovance@theblade.com or 614-221-0496.

If you have been reading this blog from the beginning, then you know that HSUS' input and response to the Ohio incident is not surprising. So what if big cats and other exotics are "euthanized" (really, don't you mean killed?) because they cannot find homes in overcrowded zoos or sanctuaries? Afterall, zealots believe that animals living in captivity are better off dead, even if they are very well cared for -- better dead than fed or bred in captivity, right?.

What do you bet HSUS decides to open up an HSUS-sponsored sanctuary for confiscated animals in 2014? What a great way to bring in more money to HSUS coffers! Imagine all the "rescue" stories that would come out of this partnership with the State! That way, the decision to destroy the confiscated animals would be out of Ohio's hands, and given to HSUS. HSUS seems to have no problem announcing the killing of these animals, so the destruction act could be quietly instituted behind closed doors. What a nightmare.

What may also happen is that several private owners will be forced to turn their land and animals into "non-profit" sanctuaries, just so they can keep their animals in Ohio; else be forced to relocate their animals to another state.

What happened in Ohio was absolutely terrible. The animals were the ones that suffered--but not because there weren't laws on the books, but because law enforcement supposedly refused to relocate the animals at the start of this year. So now Ohio State will create more animal victims--this time with the blessings of HSUS.

The more I learn about this animal controversy, the more I wonder who is actually out there defending the animals--like their God-given right to live.

Slow Bankruptcy Court Proceedings

Well, the WAO case is moving slowly through the bankruptcy court.  Here are the latest documents filed:  (1)  Looks like the Asvestas no longer want to pursue their own "reorganization" of the WAO-- big whoop whoop and (2) Looks like it is time to sell the Talley Road property.  Makes me wonder when the Born Free will start pushing the contract to acquire the monks through the bankrupcty court.

Bankruptcy Court - Motion to Withdraw Leave to Offer Plan of Reog - 101911

Bankruptcy Court - Applicatio for Approval of Real Estate Company to Sell Talley Road - 101811

Bankruptcy Court - Applicatio for Approval of Real Estate Company to Sell Talley Road - Disclosure of Compe...

Interesting to note, the WAO is late is submitting their September "Operations" Report.  Gee, I wonder why.

The Problem is Not the Laws on the Books--It's Our Own Government

Now that sufficient time has passed in regards to the horrific deaths of 49 Ohio exotic wild animals, I believe I can answer the question, “Why did the authorities allow this man to keep the exotic animals after he was convicted of animal abuse?”

The quick and simple answer? Money.

Sadly, the general public has the same illusion as I used to have back when I first filed my WAO complaints of animal abuse with the USDA/APHIS and Texas OAG/Charitable Trust Division. You see, I thought that the government would never stand by and let people who abused animals to remain in their non-profit charitable positions or be allowed to continue caring for the very type of animals they were accused of harming! I imagined the government riding into San Antonio on a white horse, ready to save the day, removing the animals from corrupt and abusive board of directors and staff and turn them all over to a new board of directors and employees! Boy was I naïve.

Everyone must remember one thing – government operates on tax-payer dollars. Salaries and benefits are paid from our taxes. The last thing the government wants to do is take over any wild animal “zoo” or “sanctuary” without private dollars supporting the receivership. Government is not in the business of expending money to take over the care and financial responsibilities of large animal organizations (either private or non-profit) simply because it costs a lot of “unbudgeted” money to take on such ventures.

Instead, government entities such as the Texas OAG and USDA/APHIS, would rather fine the organization over and over again, thereby bringing in revenue into the government coffers. The OAG and USDA will not close a facility (laboratory, sanctuary, zoo, or private owner) unless there is gross (and I really mean gross) animal care negligence. Now think back—how many facilities have you heard about in the news within the last five years that were closed by the USDA or OAG for violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)?

Now think back and remember within the same time period how many media reported fines were either issued to private or non-profit organizations? Chances are you probably heard more about private owners being fined than non-profit corporations, and yet there is a back log of cases filed by the USDA against licensed facilities with the Federal courts!

WAO has a record of being fined by the USDA on more than one occasion. As far as I know, there is only one WAO fine that was made public:

In 1999, the USDA charged WAO with numerous violations of the Welfare Animal Act for its role in the death of three big cats it acquired and transported from the Spokane Washington Zoo in 1996. The acquired cats were flown from Washington to Texas and when they finally arrived at the WAO facility, two tigers and a cougar were dead. The USDA reported that among the violations committed by the WAO were failures to ventilate the too-small containers and to provide veterinary care for the animals.

“At no time did I feel the crates used were too small as to cause the deaths of the animals, even though they were slightly cramped,” said Carol Asvestas in a 1997 affidavit. At the time, she told the Express-News that she considered the charges “ridiculous” but didn’t want to fight the $12,000 fine and a 90-day suspension of her exhibitor’s license in court.

So what were the lives of three big cats worth to the USDA? $12,000. And just who paid for the fines? And just who paid for the fines? Donors of course! Not the directors, not the Board—donors!

The other case took place in October 17, 2003 and I can assure you, the entire board of directors was not told of the $750 fine for WAO’s failure to provide post procedural veterinary care to a male tiger that was transported to the WAO in accordance with established vet medical and nursing procedures. For you see, prior to the animal being transported, the tiger was heavily sedated and neutered just a few hours before he was moved to San Antonio. After the tiger was moved into his enclosure, no one bothered to check on the tiger during the evening hours. What is worse is no one thought it was strange that the tiger did not revive later in the morning/early afternoon from all the drugs given to him. He should have been alert by the time he arrived at the WAO. This poor tiger died a needless and tragic death.

What was the loss of this tiger valued at by the USDA? $750 fine. And just who paid for the fine? Once again, the Donors! Not the Directors, not the Board—Donors!

If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know all about my frustration as to the proposed $25k fine the OAG wanted to levy against WAO for misappropriation of funds and violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices. And why the USDA wanted to originally fine the WAO $5,175 for violations of the AWA instead of closing the facility down! And again, who was going to pay for all these proposed fines? Yep, you guessed it—Donors! Not the directors, not the Board—donors!

The OAG and USDA have no problems “fining” an owner or organization over and over again, just as long as there is money to collect. Once the owner’s piggy bank is busted, then the government is forced to take action. This is a sad, but true reality.

A few years ago, Dr. Pannill from the USDA/APHIS told me that there were a lot worse places she was checking on than the WAO. I shudder to think what could be worse than denying sick or injured animals’ medical care resulting in animals dying very slow, painful deaths. I cannot imagine a worse situation where escaping WAO bears and wolves are shot to death and buried in one of the two large 12’x12’ burial pits. I cannot image a worse situation where WAO foxes, caracals, wolves and wolf-hybrids, cougars, and monkeys escaped their enclosures and some never seen again. I cannot imagine a worse situation where the majority of the big cats suffered from vitamin A deficiency resulting in severe neurological problems and ultimately an untimely death. I cannot imagine a worse situation where non-human primates are allowed to slowly freeze to death when the temperatures dropped below 38 degrees and the WAO’s own vet believed they were sufficiently acclimated to survive in temperatures as low as 17 degrees. I cannot imagine a worse situation where…well, I think you know where I am going with this.  Oh, and remember that escaped from the WAO, Hanna, who was shot over 16 times by sheriff deputies?  What people don't know is that Carol Asvestas didn't just fall back onto a large fallen tree branch (as I was told), but rather Hanna bit her on her backside.  I was told this by someone who was there and apparently Carol Asvestas' medical records will confirm this story that she was bit by the lioness and purposely covered up this information for fear of a full investigation into the incident.  I was told Hanna died from human error and not from the false story the Asvestas' tried to circulate that a former "disgruntled ex-employee" released just Hanna for some imagined reason, out of all the animals living at the Talley Road facility.

Of course, the irony is not lost on me when I report that not only did the USDA and OAG file a claim against the WAO Talley Road estate in the Western District Bankruptcy Court, but so did just about every player that was responsible in the WAO downfall! Oh, and just who bought the WAO land? WAO and IFAW Donors. So who is really paying off the government and the people involved in the demise of the WAO? Donors! Hey former WAO and IFAW donors, do you feel like you have been taxed twice by your government?

Let me make this very clear – our government reacts to problems. Government is not proactive. Unless something horrific occurs on their watch, nothing will ever be done to protect animals from abusive owners. The laws aren’t the problem – our own government is the problem. So if you expect this tragedy to make a difference in how animal abusers are prosecuted, think again. It’s never about the animal. It is always about the money.

Later:

More developments regarding the Ohio tragedy. 

I learned that in January several organizations, after learning about 80+ animals were starving in Ohio, approached the Sheriff requesting the animals be rehomed before they all starved to death.

The Sheriff allegedly replied that no one was going to enter Mr. Thompson's property without the man's permission and remove his property.  Apparently, the Sheriff made it very clear that until Mr. Thompson returned from prison, no one was going to relocate his animals.  If the Sheriff truly made these statements, why would he refuse to check on and ultimately relocate the animals? I cannot imagine any resonable person going out and see dead animals on the property and NOT do something about the situation.  Well, I was told the Sheriff and Mr. Thompson were part of the good ole boys club--in other words, they were old friends.

I asked how the 49 animals survived all this time without food and I was told several hunters and a shelter provided food for the animals for some time, but less and less food was provided as it became clear the woman was not going to relocate the animals and Mr. Thompson's release was eminent.  The woman supposedly did not want to relocate the animals while her husband was in jail because she had been threatened by Mr. Thompson, telling her that she had better take care of his animals until he returned or else.

Again, assuming this is all true, we witnessed another example of laws working, but people failing.  Laws are only as good as they are enforced and thanks to the good ole boy mentality the animals paid the ultimate price.

Later:

This is an excellent write-up about what happened in Ohio.  I doubt it was popular with groups like HSUS, but let's face it, it's the truth!

Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation & Sanctuary

To all our friends and animal lovers,

The release of animals in Ohio was a sad and tragic event committed by a mentally disturbed individual. I have been answering questions non stop and the distinction some people have trouble grasping is none of us can prevent a crazy from doing something crazy in any arena. The animals were released, they did not escape and most likely only strayed far from their enclosures when pursued because the only home and safety they know is their enclosure.The animals paid the ultimate price and there was really no other way to handle it. My experience says the animals were probably not looking to hurt anyone, they were most likely scared and confused which does make them more volitile and law enforcement had no way to contain them except with guns.


This isolated event in no way reflects on the hundreds of Sanctuaries and animal owners who would never put their animals or the public at risk. If what I read is correct, the authorites should have been on top of this facility when the owner was incarcerated to be sure the care and caging were up to standard and a licensed person was in charge. That may have been the case and it still doesn't prevent the owner from going off the rails.


As I pointed out in an interview, large exotic animals ,on the extremely rare occasion that it happens ,mostly only hurt their keepers, people who have accepted the risk. You do not read about any of the public being hurt but I frequently do read about people being hurt or even killed by dogs. The public is in much more danger from agressive dogs, unfortunately usually made that way by their owners.


Just after my interview regarding this event , I had a 6th grade class book a field trip and we are giving educational tours almost every day. There is real educational value on nature, conservation, different species, geography and proper animal care that is imparted to future animal conservators thru visits to our facility.  Friday at 6:33am, October 21, 2011.

Silence is a Killer

On January 12, 2011, I received the following emails from a friend of mine.  I have only included the relevant portion of the emails sent to me, and my responses:

To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Wed, January 12, 2011 8:51:00 PM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr


Hey,
Sorry I went quiet there. I am now dealing with a situation in Ohio. It's a real mess. Starving, dying tigers, lions, cougars, primates, and lots of horses. Big cats piled in a garbage heap. :(


Got to figure out a way to start making something happen there, without the big AR's rushing in to try to make big bucks off this tragedy, and euthing everything 

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 8:07:56 AM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr

I'm sorry to read about what is going on in Ohio. Is this a sanctuary or
private ownership? I cannot understand how people can allow their big cats die
from starvation and then toss them out with the trash. Sounds like another WAO.

To: Kristina Brunner

Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 9:45:29 AM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr


It's a private owner. The husband is in prison on federal gun charges. The wife is not doing much to keep up all the animals.


They are dying right and left. None even have shelter. Starving and freezing...

I am thinking of calling IFAW, along with the US Fish and Wildlife

To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 4:41:30 PM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr
If I someone wanted to help the lady, how would one contact her? I think I may
have someone who can really make a difference to the surviving animals, if
private owner is willing. No AR person or group.

To: Kristina Brunner

Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 4:55:31 PM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr


She has to want help. She has been offered free food for the animals,, and she turned it down.


Some people went there over a year ago, and repaired everything and cleaned up the premises. Now it's back the way it was, but worse.


If I can get a chance to talk to her, I will see what's amicable. She and her hubby are pretty redneck though.


Plus, there's so much back taxes owed on the property, she is also facing losing the property. Yet she continues to feel she is doing right by the animals.


She says she is keeping all the animals there, for when her husband gets out of prison, but people fear there will be none left alive by then
 

From: Kristina Brunner

Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 5:02:00 PM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr


Oh geez... what should I tell my contact...hold off until after you talk to her? k

To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, January 13, 2011 6:48:11 PM
Subject: Re: Brrrrr


yes, or until I talk to someone who has authority to force her to do something

This was the last thing I heard on the situation--until today.

I woke up to the horrific news that 56 exotic animals were released from their cages Tuesday evening from Terry Thompson’s farm outside Zanesville, OH, and the owner later committed suicide in his home.

As of Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported killing 49 animals -- 18 tigers, 17 lions, 6 black bears, 2 grizzly bears, 3 mountain lions, 2 wolves and a baboon.

Six animals (1 grizzly bear, 3 leopards and 2 monkeys) were safely captured and taken to the Columbus zoo. That left one non-human primate still on the loose.

Animal-related Facebook pages were quick to blame authorities for killing so many animals instead of using tranquilizer darts. Animal Rights groups were quick to denounce private “exotic” pet ownership, demanding a crackdown on private exotic animal ownership.

Often times, snap emotional judgments are made without hearing the facts of the case. For instance, as horrible as it was for the law enforcement officers to shoot these magnificent animals in the dark, they essentially had no choice—human safety must come first.

Can you just image the 911 emergency calls made to the local police department that Tuesday evening? One such call came from the mother whose son lived near the Thompson’s farm reporting that her son saw lions and bears running free and that a tiger chased her son’s horse! Thankfully the horse was saved and placed in the owner’s barn.

What is the most tragic part of this entire story is that it could have been prevented.  The situation was grim 10 months ago; I can only imagine how terrible the situation was when the man came home from prison [yes, prison] and learned that his wife left him, there was no money to feed the animals, and current state of the "farm" was deplorable.  Authorities knew what was going on at this facility, and no one did anything to help the animals.  Thompson's wife, who allegedly left him when he got out of jail, knew how bad the situation was while her spouse was incarcerated and did nothing to help the animals.  I'm even willing to bet several animal organizations knew how bad the situation was at this facility for the last year or so, and chose not to tackle this horrific problem. 

You know what will be the final twist to this story? The remaining animals given back to the wife because, after all, they are her "babies" and she did nothing wrong!  Yeah, right.  Nothing wrong.  The wife could have saved these animals a year ago, but she made the conscious decision to leave the animals in deplorable conditions.  In my opinion, this woman shouldn't be allowed to own a goldfish, let a lone a big cat or primate!

At the end of the day, folks are left to mourn the loss of 49 magnificent animals that died needlessly.  I'm left with a lot of "why's" and "how comes" when I think about how many people knew about this "ticking time bomb" in Zanesville, Ohio, and did nothing to get in there and save them.  Their silence killed these animals.

Dear Jesus, please bless the souls of the animals that died needlessly in Ohio yesterday and today.  Please hold them in your loving arms forever and ever.  Amen.

Later: 

To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, October 20, 2011 2:22:03 PM
Subject: Re:


I was on my way home from Nebraska all day yesterday, listening to updates about Ohio all the way. I am really bummed out over that. I talked with a bunch of people up there, about getting those animals out of there, and was stonewalled all the way. That was 8 months ago..

Friday:

The media is reporting:

...The dead animals were buried on the 73-acre Thompson property. The six surviving animals were the only ones not freed. They were taken to the Columbus Zoo, where they were reported in good health Thursday.





The animals are now the property of Thompson's widow, Marian, who helped care for them and is reluctant to give them up.


"These animals were like kids to her," Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz says. "She probably spent more time with these animals than some parents spend with their kids."


Jack Hanna, Columbus Zoo director emeritus, says he tried to explain to Marian Thompson why the surviving animals had to be removed from the property. The retired sixth-grade teacher was estranged from her husband and not living on the property when he turned the animals loose.

"She was confused and sad," Hanna says. "I said, 'I'm not taking your babies or children. I'm taking your animals to the zoo.'"

"She was very distraught," Lutz says.


The leopards and young grizzly were thin, says Doug Warmolts, director of animal care at the Columbus Zoo.


The monkeys — Celebes macaques, native to Indonesia — were in good health.


The zoo has been in contact with many accredited zoos ready to care for the animals, Warmolts said. He said it's up to legal authorities in Muskingum County to determine what happens to the animals. "If it's determined that the animals go back to the owner, we'll do that," he says.


Lutz says it hasn't been decided where the animals will go.

Gee, what shock...

Former WAO Wolfdogs Look Good In Their New Home!

Here are some recent photos of the wolfdogs now living at Lockwood, California:



Lucien and Shiloh



Lucien in his new enclosure

Maggabee

Squirt

Squirt and his Igloo

Squirt's enclosure

I am very happy for the wolfdogs as it seems they have a wonderful new home at Lockwood Animal Rescue Center!

Konan is dead...Kineisha lives

I just received word today that the three tigers going to Carson  Springs Wildlife Sanctuary are all female.  That means Konan died at the WAO, not Kineisha.  This is heartbreaking to learn.  So, it looks like Kineisha, Misha and Shaniah are Florida bound as soon as their new enclosure is built.



Konan (top)
and the Ladies

God only knows what happened to Konan.  I guess I will never know what they did to him. 

 

May the Lord bless and keep him in Heaven forever.

Former WAO Monks Provide Comfort to Monk Babies

October 14, 2011 Visit Website

Watch the video of Dylan and Timmy
A Must See!




Watch the VIP

Inteviews

Very Important Primates!

Dear Kristina,

When we were first asked to house Timmy and Dylan, we were told that they were malnourished, could barely lift their tiny heads and were not healthy enough for travel.


We learned that Timmy and Dylan were just babies who only weeks earlier were stolen from their mother monkey’s arms and sold into the notorious exotic pet trade.


Fortunately for these two monkeys, the people who bought them did not realize they were illegal in their area, so the monkeys were confiscated.


When baby monkeys are born, they naturally cling to their mothers. Unfortunately these babies were taken from their mothers when they were just a few days old and placed on an inanimate object. When Timmy and Dylan first arrived, they were clinging to a stuffed animal and rocking - baby monkeys need mother monkeys!

Dylan on Zumie's (former WAO monk) Back

Luckily for Timmy and Dylan, they were welcomed into another group of monkeys here at the sanctuary! Monkers, a young adult, actually carries Dylan on her back and so does Zumie, an adolescent monkey. Mochi enjoys outlandish rough and tumble play with both Timmy and Dylan. It has been a heartwarming journey watching these babies turn into happy healthy monkeys!


Our job now, is to be sure both Timmy and Dylan stay here at Jungle Friends. The ‘owners’ want these monkeys back and now we are facing a law suit to keep these youngsters in the only home they know, Jungle Friends.


They have been uprooted so many times in their young lives, they need stability, they have been living at Jungle Friends most of their lives, and we plan to keep them safe and out of harm’s way for the rest of their lives. To do that, we need your help. Please make a generous donation today and consider a monkey sponsorship for Timmy or Dylan.


Lots of monkey love,

Kari and the monks

Three Tigers Still at WAO!

I was totally surprised last night to learn that the Konan group (Konan, Misha, & Shaniah) are no longer going to Joe Taft's place.  Heck, we all thought the tigers were already at their new home.  Instead, it appears the tigers are going to Carson Spring Wildlife Foundation in Florida!

Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation & Sanctuary

Waiting for a home.

We have agreed to take the last three Tigers from bankrupt WAO in San Antonio Texas and give them a home. They have been waiting over a year depending on other charities and the USDA to step in and keep them safe and fed. We are working to get a big grassy enclosure done. Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation has a Pay Pay account if anyone would, could, help give a life to these animals. Even a small monthly donation helps so much.
 October 6 via mobile

I know nothing about this organization (which is hopefully a good sign) except from what I learned on Facebook and their website.  It appears to be a small sanctuary, so I believe the Konan tiger group will get the one-on-one attention they deserve.  These three tigers are so playful and so cute, I cannot understand why they were the last tigers to leave the WAO.  

Five Chimps Call Chimp Haven Home

Thank goodness the chimps were able to find a home, finally leaving the WAO behind them!  Now they will truly have a wonderful life.  Thank you Chimp Haven and thank you Bob Barker for giving these animals a second chance at life.

And thank goodness the Reiningers and the Cryers will soon be out of the animals' daily lives for good!!

I've heard the Talley Road property looks like a dump now.  Based on what little I've seen by way of video and pictures, I'd say it was true.  Sad.

Sabu's Vitamin A Level Improved Last Week!

As you may recall, Sabu arrived at In-Sync Exotics with a severe Vitamin A deficiency.  His first test result showed his level at 16, when it should have been closer to 200!

Every month, Sabu undergoes testing to see whether or not his Vitamin A level increase or decreases.  I am happy to report for the month of September 2011, Sabu' Vitamin A level increased to 137!  Yea!

I have learned Sabu is running more often now, still with a little swing to his hind legs, but improving each month.  I am so relieved Sabu is doing much better at In-Sync.   

Makes me wonder how many other former WAO tigers and lions suffered from Vitamin A deficiency and how are they faring today.