This is the continuing journal of a former TX exotic animal sanctuary board director. These are my personal accounts and opinions relating to my investigation into the sanctuary. My thoughts and opinions change from time to time—I consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind. This journal is intended to provide a semi-permanent point in time snapshot and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed within older posts may not the same, nor even similar, to those I may hold today.
In honor of Sabu and in memory of Jinx and Okemo, I wrote this letter to the DJ & T Foundation in the hopes of securing funds for a clinic for In-Sync Exotics, so something like the canine distemper virus, can be control much better and animals don't have to travel for care.
I don't know if a grant will be granted by the Foundation. All I can do is pray for their help...
Later: Sent an update letter to the Foundation announcing the date/time change for the FOX News story on the sanctuary's plight. I sure hope they can help save the animals.
Much later:
I received word that ISE received a large check from the Bob Barker Foundation (DJ&T Foundation) on July 23, 2014! I was told the donation should cover the cost of medical equipment for the new ISE on-site clinic! Yay!
Check it out - most of our medical supplies have arrived!! We received a very generous grant, and were able to purchase over $100,000 in supplies for our planned vet clinic! The contractor for the vet clinic is working on permits, so we aren't sure when we'll break ground, but it's great to have so much of the equipment already!
Over the years I have written too many blog posting about animals that have passed away from this earth. Some of the posting were of animals from the Wild Animal Orphanage, and some were of cats and little Nugget from In-Sync Exotics. But the hardest posts I ever wrote were about the passing of one of my own fur babies.
Picture taken in December 2004
Meet Simon. My handsome son. My handsome bun. My handsome one-of-the-kind honey bunny. Or so I used to say to him each night before he passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2013 at around 3:00pm. Simon was about 18 years old when he died.
This picture was taken in January 2011
A long time ago Simon used to live at the Wild Animal Orphanage. He was one of about 50 cats that were relocated to the WAO from a private owner who was labeled a cat hoarder. Because he was an older cat with severe dental problems, resulting in his inability to eat dry food, Lilac, a former WAO employee, asked me to take the boy home. After seeing his adorable face, I decided Simon was going to have a wonderful life with me. It wasn't until years later I learned that I really did save his life. Breaks my heart what happened to the other cats that were taken to the WAO...but that's another story...
Simon's first road trip was to the vet; poor boy required immediate dental surgery where he had several teeth extracted and for years after he had to take antibiotic drops for his gums. Unfortunately, Simon did not have very many teeth left, so he ate his favorite "meaty meals."
Simon was the true patriarch of the cat family, even earning the respect of my dogs Endy, Rex, and Ardy. All my cats loved him, except Arcie, who may have been a little jealous of my relationship with Simon.
Simon served a "father" to my beautiful girl - 2012
Anytime I was feeling blue, Simon would magically appear in my lap, head-butting my chin or kissing my face. He was such a love bug and comfort during the WAO case and when volunteering for In-Sync Exotics. My only regret is I didn't spend enough time with him. I was always too busy on the computer...either writing letters to the OAG, USDA, or some other agency or I was spending hours producing videos or writing blog stories for In-Sync. During those long hours into the night, Simon would lay next to my computer or he would try and jump into my lap. After several years of this routine, I guess he got tired of watching me on the computer, so he would patiently wait for me to finish my business in the living room near his favorite food dish.
My baby girl took good care of my Simon - 2013
Simon loved food. I mean, he REALLY loved food. He continued to eat his special food up until the day he died. I don't know how I could have pursued the WAO case or wrote the sad blog postings of animals passing without his strong and loving presence. When I cried, he was there. When I cheered, he was there. He was always there for me. He was a beautiful friend and I miss him terribly.
After his passing, it broke my heart to return home and see his empty kitty bed, so I put it up. Now the "space" is too empty and it reminds me even more that he is gone.
Today was the first day I was able to tweet about my boy. I figured no one would be on the computer, in the middle of the day, on a Saturday, tweeting. Boy was I wrong. I tweeted for about two or so hours about my boy. I've been locked out twice by Twitter for going over my allotted tweets and I still have a lot of tweets to respond to later tonight. There is just something very special about my boy that my fellow tweeter see too. The outpouring of love and support from my tweeting friends was overwhelming and I am very humbled. I have the best twitter pals ever...
So it's with a tearful adieu I pray my handsome son Simon is with my Lord and Savior, sitting next to his brother Piewacket and his loving doggy brothers Endy, Ardy, and Rex. May they all live in peace and harmony in Heaven, forever and ever. Amen.
Taken shortly before he passed away...God Bless you Simon
Harley, one of my favorite non-WAO tigers passed away on July 17, 2013 (Wednesday). When I visited In-Sync Exotics on November 5, 2011, I had an opportunity to spend some time with the boy. He was situated close to Okemo at the time, before he relocated to the other side of the sanctuary, so I got a chance to meet and get a few close-up shots of the boy.
Such happier times. This was the best visit I had with In-Sync Exotics...yep...happier times.
I created this video for In-Sync's Cat Tales Blog last summer of Harley, Apollo (he was in the tub playing with his dinner), and Tacoma (playing in his pool at the end of the video). It's hard to believe both Harley and Apollo are gone and Tacoma is still fighting for his life...
I'm afraid I have yet more tragic news to share. We lost our big, beautiful, funny, playful, chuffing, magnificent Abrams today. This horrible virus has taken another victim. We are all beyond devastated. Please keep our other cats in your thoughts and prayers, as well as all of us who love them so deeply.
Even though I am no longer a part of In-Sync Exotics, I still want to help them raise enough funds so they don't have to worry about the cost of medical care and medicines. Since IFAW refused to help the WAO animals in 2006, I thought they might like to "redeem" themselves by helping a sanctuary who took in three of the WAO's big cats.
From:
Kristina Brunner
To:
"gabrunzo@ifaw.org"
Sent:
Tuesday, July 2, 2013 7:02 PM
Subject:
Important Request Regarding a Former WAO Lion
Dear
Ms. Gail A'Brunzo:
Your
kind consideration to this urgent plea would be greatly appreciated. Please let
me know if there is something IFAW can do to help this sanctuary. Thank you -
Hmmm...no response. Not a surprise. Time for a follow-up email:
From:
Kristina Brunner
Sent:
Tuesday, July 09, 2013 7:25 PM
To:
A’Brunzo, Gail
Subject:
Re: Important Request Regarding a Former WAO Lion
Ms.
A'Brunzo:
I
don't know if you looked at the urgent plea I sent you last week. I just wanted to update you on the
situation. Two big cats, Apollo (tiger)
and Layla (lioness) died on Sunday and Monday, respectively. [Link:
Two Big Cats Die at In-Sync Exotics From Distemper]
The
volunteers and staff are grief stricken.
Several more cats are on the critical care list. If IFAW plans on helping In-Sync Exotics, I'd
say now is the time to provide them financial assistance so they can continue
to provide the level of care these cats deserve. The last thing the volunteers and staff
should be worrying about is how to pay the vet and medication bills.
Please
do not turn your back on these exotic big cats when they need your help the
most. It's that important.
Regards,
Kristina
Brunner
Finally! A response.
From:
"A’Brunzo, Gail"
To:
Kristina Brunner
Sent:
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 8:18 AM
Subject:
RE: Important Request Regarding a Former WAO Lion
Dear
Ms. Brunner,
Thank
you for your email. IFAW has been in ongoing communications with InSync Exotics
regarding the outbreak. Between the two organizations, we are in the process of
determining how best to assist.
Good news! I was told yesterday by International Fund for Animal Welfare - IFAW that they have been communicating with ISE regarding the distemper outbreak and is determining on how best to assist. I pray that IFAW will provide much needed financial support to ISE so they can continue to provide the level of care these cats deserve. The last thing the volunteers and staff should be worrying about is how to pay the vet and medication bills! Please thank IFAW for assisting ISE!
Mark HernandezThat's very odd! Ms. Gail A'Brunzo fromInternational Fund for Animal Welfare - IFAW said in an email dated yesterday "Thank you for your email. IFAW has been in ongoing communications with InSync Exotics regarding the outbreak. Between the two organizations, we are in the process of determining how best to assist." There must be an explanation... Kristina
Figures! Looks like IFAW lied to me! I am not pleased -- Ms. A'Brunzo should not lie about a topic that is literally a matter of life and death.
From:
Kristina Brunner
To:
"A’Brunzo, Gail"
Sent:
Thursday, July 11, 2013 1:45 PM
Subject:
Re: Important Request Regarding a Former WAO Lion
Ms.
A'Brunzo:
Can
you explain why In-Sync Exotics says they have not heard from IFAW yet? You told me in your email below that you've
had "on-going communications with InSync Exotics." According to In-Sync Exotics, they have not
heard from IFAW yet.
Great news! The International Fund for Animal Welfare - IFAW will donate $10,000 to In-Sync Exotics, to help us with all our medical expenses right now, and to help with another project that we will be announcing soon. Please join us in expressing our appreciation to this wonderful group!
Thank you, IFAW for not letting Sabu down! Wait a minute...help with another "project"? Egad, I'm thinking IFAW wants them to take in another animal, what-do-you-bet-me? If I remember correctly from my WAO days, $10k meant you took in two big cats for IFAW. Since In-Sync has sick tigers and lions, I doubt they would be foolish enough to send more big cats to In-Sync. Right? I hope In-Sync has the fortitude to say "no" to IFAW when they come a-knocking at their door to take in their so-called rescued animals.
Please join us in welcoming little Luna to our family! Luna is a female serval, who arrived last night.
We were recently contacted by IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) about this little one. Apparently, she was found wandering in Oklahoma, and was taken to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility. This facility didn't really have experience with cats, as their normal rescues are squirrels, raccoons, deer, etc., so they contacted IFAW for help in placing her where she would be safe and loved. IFAW contacted us, and here she is!
We don't know much about her yet, but she will go to our vet on Monday for a full check-up. Her front left leg appears to have been broken in the past, and perhaps healed badly, so she'll get x-rays on that as well. We'll keep you posted on her medical checkup.
She is a very chatty, happy little girl, who readily approaches anyone who nears her cage, and meows for attention. We're very happy to be able to offer her a home, and she is lifting our somewhat battered spirits.
****
Well, wouldn't you know it...the serval is not well...
Little Luna visited the vet yesterday! She has a skin infection, her left front leg has a severe break in the upper area between the two joints, and the ligament in that shoulder is torn. Her leg x-rays have been sent to an orthopedic sur...geon to determine what can be done for her. Blood was drawn for viral testing and we should get results by Friday. She has a spot on her tail which we will have to watch closely to make sure it heals. Our vet said if it doesn't heal well, we may have to remove part of her tail. We also had her micro-chipped (she did not have one previously). She was a very good girl during her visit, and she continues to love company. Due to the location where she was found, and how old the break in her leg is (6-8 weeks), it is likely that she was a victim of the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Poor little thing! Well, she's safe now, and we're so glad!
...and there's more...
The orthopedic vet has recommended that Luna's front left leg be removed. So, we're still waiting on blood test results for, and we'll have to get her healthier before she could have the surgery, but she will most likely have that leg removed in the future.
***
I wonder if IFAW is paying for this cat's medical bills...hmmm...they should!
As you may recall, the Wild Animal Orphanage closed its doors in 2010 and many of its animals were rehomed. All but one sanctuary received a large amount of money to care for the animals—the only one who was awarded money from the WAO trust was Born Free in the amount of $500k because they took in the last of the WAO macaques.
Sadly, many of the animals that were relocated throughout the US died within two years of their rehoming from various diseases, including cancer, all attributed from their time spent at the WAO. None of these sanctuaries received a dime from the WAO trust or any other animal rescue organization.
When a concerned former WAO member learned Canine Distemper swept through a Texas exotic cat sanctuary, where a favorite lion of hers currently resides, she immediately contacted @International Fund for Animal Welfare for help.
Some back history:
In 2006, IFAW failed to respond to a whistleblower’s complaint to IFAW that the WAO misappropriated donated public funds and failed to provide even the most animal care (such as food, water, shelter, health care) to its animals. Instead, IFAW chose to take the side of the corrupt board of directors and essentially made fun of the whistleblower’s complaints. In 2012, the USDA substantiated the whistleblower’s allegations, but not before over 80 animals died during the course of their investigation (USDA, TCEQ, Texas OAG). IFAW “loaned” about $60k to the WAO for food and basic health care treatments until all the animals were eventually rehomed in 2012.
Fast Forward:
The former whistleblower contacted IFAW this month to see if they could help the In-Sync Exotics with their canine distemper outbreak. It seemed reasonable, that the $60k loaned to the WAO could be granted to In-Sync Exotics so they would be able to pay off current and future medical bills (about $50K)
An email from IFAW’s Animal Rescue Manager stated IFAW was “ in ongoing communications with InSync Exotics regarding the outbreak. Between the two organizations, we are in the process of determining how best to assist.” This “good news” was posted on In-Sync’s webpage. To everyone’s chagrin, it turns IFAW did not contact In-Sync Exotics, but the sanctuary is hopeful that they will call very soon.
This type of playing “fast and loose” with the lives of In-Sync Exotics big cats is deplorable and should be condemned. IFAW failed the WAO animals in 2006 – let’s encourage IFAW to do right by the In-Sync Exotics cats affected by canine distemper.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Layla. She died from Canine Distemper last night.
Layla was a Poetry Cat and she is survived by her "sisters", Eve and Aurora (Eve really was her sister). I cannot imagine how lonely the two girls must be right now without their sister.
The following video is of the Poetry cats from their rescue day to July 2012. I made this video in celebration of the cats first year at In-Sync Exotics and you can read the corresponding Cat Tales blog story I wrote here. We were so happy the Poetry lions were doing great in their new home, that we wanted to celebrate their one year anniversary. So much has happened one year later... Anyway, I wanted you to see this video so the cats will live in our hearts and minds forever. Quick note: Aramis and Spike died earlier this year, so that means the only Poetry Cats left at In-Sync Exotics are Eve, Aurora, and Chloe. May God Bless and protect them all.
God Bless You, Layla. May you be free from disease and discomfort, running wild and carefree in Heaven with Aramis.
Apollo, who lived next to Harley, in Okemo's old enclosure, had a seizure that lasted quite awhile Saturday night, and his temp spiked at 108.7. It took the staff and volunteers about an hour to get his temperature back down to normal.
On Sunday, Apollo was rushed to emergency surgery for a "twisted gut". It appeared that he came out of the surgery okay, but he was not out of the woods. It was recommended that he be kept sedated for about five days because another seizure could make him twist up again.
Apollo returned home and ten minutes later, he passed away.
Apollo was the first casualty of the canine distemper virus. I just pray he's the last; however, the news coming out of In-Sync is not promising. Handsome Harley and lovely Layla are not moving other than twitching. Iced gel packs are keeping the cats cool during the heat of the day, but I am very concerned the two may not make it, unless for an amazing miracle. I am praying for a lot of miracles to cure the cats right now.
I will always remember Apollo as a funny mud and barrel lover. Here's a video I created for In-Sync's Cat Tales Blog last year -- he was, and always will be, an adorable tiger.
May the Lord Bless and keep you in Heaven, forever and ever more, sweet Apollo -- you are loved!
I've been keeping close tabs on the big cats living at In-Sync Exotics to make sure Sabu does not get the distemper virus that is sweeping through the sanctuary. I've been praying for Sabu's good health and happiness pretty much every day since I stopped volunteering at In-Sync. I know Jesus will bless and protect him--after all, Sabu has been through "hell and back" and the Lord has been with him, every step of the way. I have faith the Jesus is keeping a close eye on my precious boy. I feel terrible that In-Sync is going through this unbelievable disaster. I wish I could help, but the good Lord already told me know that this was not my fight.
I spent six long years, crying over the loss of over 80 animals that I knew of from the WAO--each month brought the news of another animal death and a lot more tears and heartaches. As hard as I worked on the case, I was helpless in saving Princess, Jake, Bubba, Tag, Rumby, Sebastian, Milly, Molly, Zena, Melia, Lance, Leo, Jambo, Nala, Beast, Beauty, Mindy, Freckles, Mesquite, Freddy, No-tail, Little Bit, and Pooh Bear, as they are all dead now, along with so many other animals that used to call the WAO home. It's time that I find my way back from a state of tears and terrible memories to a place where I can be happy again.
As a close friend of mine said to be once, "you spent six years saving over 300 animals, now it's time you save your own life." She was right.
So I've decided not to contact In-Sync Exotics (even though it's clear they need a lot of help fundraising and communicating what is happening to the In-Sync animals) because I cannot go back down to the pool of tears and bad memories. Instead, I sent them $50 and a box of Omega-3 fish and DHA capsules (9lbs worth) because I read on their Facebook page they needed fish oil capsules. Quick praise to a great friend: I could not have sent the capsules without the kind assistance from my friend at work, who just happened to have a family member that works for a supplement company. Thank you very much, my friend!
So lately, in addition to Sabu, I've been praying for the sick cats at In-Sync--especially for Harley as he holds a special place in my heart--the big softie... I pray they are all healed without any lasting neurological damage. What a true miracle and blessing this would be.
May God Bless and Protect Sabu and Heal the Sick Cats at In-Sync Exotics. Amen.
A lot of folks are asking for updates on the sick cats. Unfortunately, right now I don't have a lot of news to report. We are continuing our fight to get the sick cats to eat, and to take their meds. We are going through an astonishing amount of meat, in our efforts, and any help with monetary donations or meat continue to be very much appreciated. Thanks, and I'll keep you posted.
A girl has left several messages on our phone at the
sanctuary, asking if Jett is ok, but she has never left her name or phone
number so that we can call her back. If she sees this, Jett is fine! He's not
sick at all. Please call us back and leave your name and number, so we can
return your messages, thanks!
Mark Hernandez Are any of the lions sick? Is Sabu sick too?
Diana Ramadani I don't know anything, but I have to wonder if Tacoma's relative lack of mobility (and Sabu's lack of desire to get up and romp about!) have been their saving grace for this situation, but I will also FIRMLY mention that I have no idea if those particular cats have gotten canine distemper.
Erin Hallman The cougars, bobcats, cheetahs and servals don't get canine distemper, so they should be ok. I'm not speaking as an official InSync rep, just a concerned kitty lover. It is good to know Jett is ok!
Donaldson Ang R DonaldsonWould love to know how everything is going over there with the cats & all v of you? How long does it take to fight off this distemper?
Jennifer Overholt I'd kinda like to know too how they are doing if u can post a blanket post. Yes Khan, Smuggler, Tacoma, all of em! Since '09 I've loved ur home!
Linda Mclean i too, would like to know which ones are sick and their status. we all have our favorites. sabu is mine!
Sandra Jean Beddow I know you are all so busy and stressed so it is understandable if you don't have the time to talk about each and every cat. It's just that we all have favorites in addition to concern for all the cats. You guys are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Later:
Tacoma and Kiro seem to be missing from this list...
A lot of folks are asking which cats are sick, how they are
doing, etc. Right now, our sickest cats (showing the worst symptoms) are:
Abrams, Kazuri, Harley, Kshama, Iona, Emma, Stryker, Aurora. There are some who
seem to be feeling a bit better: Lucca, Saber, Jazz, Shazam, Eve, Amol, Mohan,
Kaiya. There are others who seem to have good days and bad days, so can't
really say about them yet. Please keep all our cats in your thoughts and
prayers. They really need them.
