If you are reading this blog for the first time, it's best to start this blog from the beginning by clicking here. At the bottom of each post you can navigate forward (newer posts) and backwards (older posts) in time.

The WAO story is made up of several blogs.  To truly have an understanding as to what transpired at the WAO, you will want to start this blog from the beginning by clicking here.

Enjoy!

In Memory of Sabu

The Passing of the Former Owner of the WAO

On February 14, 2018, Carol Asvestas died essentially from lung cancer.  Out of respect for the eldest daughter, I will not go into much detail about this person's passing.  I can say, she died pretty much the same way many of the WAO animals died.  I always said, what goes around comes around.

Too many animals and people died as a result of what happened at the WAO.  Needless to say, I will not be mourning the passing of Carol Asvestas.  In my mind, she will always be a...

It's been 2 years now, and Carol Asvestas' body is still missing.  According to Nicole, there is no death certificate and no body.  The Asvestas property is still in both Ron and Carol's name.  And I heard ASAP is still bringing in the money and Ron spends it.  What the h-e-double tooth pics?  Where is the body?  Buried on the Leslie Road property?

May God Bless Zeus In Heaven

On this day, the last workday of the year, I learned that a special tiger that I bonded with at the now-closed WAO passed away this week.  I am very sad that Zeus passed away because a beautiful soul is no longer on this earth, but happy that he is Heaven with the Lord.

Wildcat Sanctuary

December 29· 

FROM TAMMY:
On Christmas, our tiger angel got his wings...

Family comes in all shapes and forms. This Christmas Day, as many were with family and friends, our sanctuary family sadly had to come together to help tiger Zeus get his wings.

There isn't a day of the year, hour of the night, or a holiday that our staff isn't there for our cats. This Christmas was no different. When Zeus needed us, we were all there to help him on to his new wild life.

At almost 19, Zeus had a good life. But the most special thing about Zeus was all the good memories he gave us.

Even though he was a very calm tiger, he had a big personality and presence. He enjoyed giving joy to others. From the moment we met him in 2006, he became part of our family.

He never missed a moment to say hello, trot along the fence and made sure to put a smile on our faces. He did the same for volunteers, interns and donors. Zeus had as special friendship with every person he met.

Zeus was full of life and happiness. He chuffed continuously, honked hello, and showed us his belly. He made the most out of every day for himself and for us. He loved enrichment, paw painting, and swimming.

But most of all, he loved his transport crate and seeing other areas of the sanctuary. Zeus had lived in many habitats over the years, and had fun in every one. He liked all the neighbors he met, except for Ekaterina - she was naughty to him along the fence, and that was the end of that. He never went near her again.

Even in his last days, Zeus made us happy. We saw him slowing down, he had arthritis and some GI issues. But just a few days before he left us, he had a burst of energy and was playing in his habitat, trotting down the fence and chuffing away.

In that moment, we hoped he was getting better, but in reality, it was his last hurrah. He quickly declined after that day, and pain medication could no longer make him comfortable. Even when we knew it was time to say good-bye, he still had it in him to chuff to us, because that was Zeus.

With the help of our vet team, he left us peacefully and calmly as he led his days. He told us when it was time, another gift he gave us. And we will always have our special memories, but there will never be another Zeus. His contagious joy will be missed every day!

So how did Zeus find his way to TWS to bless us with so many wonderful years?

It was in 2006, when I heard a facility in Texas was financially failing and they had over 60 big cats. Back in 2000, we took in our first tiger, Meme. Other cats, including Meme's son and an intact female, had been placed at this facility.

When I heard of their problems, I flew down to see how I could help. Sadly, the only help I could provide was finding sanctuaries for over 60 big cats. There was no saving the facility.

I asked about Meme's son and companion, and was informed they had passed away. I was introduced to Zeus by very compassionate caregivers. They informed me he was born at the facility, which was unexpected since the animals weren't supposed to be allowed to breed.

I will never know if Zeus is related to Meme, but something brought me to him and to the other big cats in need.

It was one of the largest placement efforts in our industry and was the first time in history we were able to coordinate dozens of sanctuaries working together. I was able to coordinate placement of all the animals through collaboration and support of so many sanctuaries.

TWS became home to 9 of the cats including Zeus, Sierra, Ekaterina, Layla, Lakota, Harley and Salem.

Our family always changes with each passing. Luckily, our hearts are limitless. There is always capacity to show another animal our human compassion.

Thank you for being a very special part of Zeus' family. We know how much Zeus meant to you, too.

******************************************************************************************************************

On a personal note, I'm still upset that thieving Theis was awarded the WAO tigers, lioness, and bobcats.  She has a history of making stuff up; lying to the public when it serves her purpose.  Her story about how she "saved" the WAO's big cats is a crock. She only helped some of the cats she thought would do well in their new homes, leaving big cats like Sabu, Okemo, and Lance behind because she didn't think they were worthy to live their lives at wonderful new homes.  Oh, and according to WAO records, Zeus was born on 5/19/98, which makes him 19 yrs 7 months old.  Zeus relocated from Texas to the WCS in the month of September 2010 (not 2006).  Again, thieving Thies is trying to re-write history; else she just makes up facts to suit her "story."

May God bless Zeus in Heaven.  I pray I'll see him again some day.

I Just Found this Facebook Posting -- Thank You Global Wildlife Warriors!

Global Wildlife Warriors

July 13, 2013 · 

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.

In-Sync Exoctics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center
https://www.facebook.com/insyncexotics?ref=ts&fref=ts

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
https://www.facebook.com/ifaw?ref=ts&fref=ts

A Simple Adieu

Well, this is it!  Finally!  Believe it or not, this final posting has been in the making since January 2006; and now that the end of the WAO case is finally upon me, I have so much to reflect and ponder upon.  

There are still a lot of questions that were never answered such as "why didn't the Texas OAG/Charitable Trust Division prosecute the WAO board of directors when there was overwhelming proof of misappropriate of funds" and "why didn't the USDA/APHIS prosecute the WAO board of directors when there was overwhelming proof that the WAO violated the Animal Welfare Act numerous times?"  I am frequently asked these questions and all I can say is that there was no justice for the WAO animals that died because of apathy and greed.

I am haunted by so many WAO animal faces--I see them everywhere and I still tear up when I talk about the amazing animals that lived at the WAO. I don't think my heart will ever be completely healed until I see them again in Heaven someday.  I've been assured by my Heavenly Father that I will see them again.  Only then will my heart will be completely restored.  For you see, God knows how much I love the WAO animals and how much they mean to me. The Bible doesn't directly address whether animals will be with us in Heaven, but I do know that God loves us and wants us to be happy. The Bible says, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11, NKJV). I  can trust God that Heaven will be a place filled with everything necessary for my happiness--and that includes the WAO animals and my pets that passed away!

I want to thank all the wonderful people who helped me with this case!  I cannot thank each and every person enough for their contributions over the last eight years:

Thank you to all who wrote and called the Texas OAG and USDA in support of the WAO animals;

Thank you to all who went on undercover tours at the WAO, documenting the life and loss of so many WAO animals--especially the lady who traveled all the way from New York;

Thank you to the gentlman who put me in touch with several key people who helped me with the WAO case;  

Thank you to lady who helped save the CU monkeys from coming to San Antonio and who gave me encouragement to carry on -- my fellow animal warrior!

Thank you to the people who wrote to the WAO to obtain valuable information needed as part of the WAO investigation; 

Thank you to all who gave me wonderful advice on how to proceed in this case;

Thank you to all who listened to my cause and gave me the encouragement to continue on;

Special thank you's to Fatima M., WOAI (Maritza Nunez Salazar), KSAT-12 (Shari St. Clair), San Antonio Current (Enrique Lopetegui), and KONO 101.1 radio--all were an amazing group of people who helped me get the WAO story out to the public; 

Thank you to the folks who sent me WAO newsletters so I could track the false statements made by the WAO board of directors to the general public--your help from CA, CO, and TX was very instrumental! 

 A huge thank you to Laurie R. and Jan M. who went above and beyond the call to help me and the WAO animals--you ladies were fantastic;

I want to thank all who provided me intel on the inner workings of the WAO at great cost to either their employment, health and personal safety--you made a difference; 

Thank you so much to my NC friend, Sue B., who stayed in contact with me until the end of the case (and beyond) and was willing to listen to me almost every day of the week for many years!  I just want you to know that your friendship means the world to me!

I give thanks to those people who are no longer with me to see the end of this case.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for Linda, Jeanette, and RG; 

Thank you Zuzana for posting the WAO story on your website.  Thanks to your website, a lot of animals were SAVED from being shipped to the overcrowded WAO. We were also able to inform folks on what was happening at the WAO--something no one else was willing to do.  Because of you, LIVES were SAVED.  

(http://www.rexano.org/WAO.htm).  Thank you!

I also want to thank In-Sync Exotics for taking in Sabu, giving him a loving home when no one else would.

And a huge thanks to K-Love radio and its supporters.  Without all the inspirational songs and words spoken at the right time when I needed encouragement the most, I don't know if I could have gotten through the "fire" without you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I also want to thank all the local law enforcement and government workers who provided me valuable insight and information regarding the WAO case.  I learned so much from each and every person who took the time to educate me on how to prepare statements, conduct investigations, and most importantly, conduct research into the WAO.  I spent hours and hours and hours of research and thankfully I had some really great guides who pointed me in the right direction.  These amazing folks wanted to see justice for the WAO animals and were just as disappointed as I that the Texas OAG and USDA failed to protect donors and animals alike. I still cannot believe the Texas OAG agreed to close the WAO case without prosecuting the criminals in exchange for the WAO's closure.  All that money, gone.  All those lives, lost.  And the criminals got away, scott-free. 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks to the Lord that many of the WAO animals have a second chance at happiness.  I pray several times a week for the WAO animals, on Earth, and in Heaven, that they are happy,  healthy, and strong.  While I still check for story updates former WAO animals on Facebook, I find that I spend less and less time doing so and spending my time enjoying life again.

I plan on releasing this blog very soon; between now and then I plan on rereading the blog and perhaps clean it up a bit.  While I am concerned that this blog will upset a lot of people, I hope that it will serve as a guide for those individuals who are facing a similar situation on what to do and not to do.  If you wondered what happens behind the scenes at a wild animal sanctuary, well here ya go--this blog will give you this type of information...and then some.

Anyhoo, as I look back at this case, I've come to realize I only have three regrets.  Many years ago, a person who was instrumental in the beginning of the WAO case gave me a bottle of wine.  I was suppose to toast a happy ending for the WAO case whenever that took place.  Sadly, I never got to enjoy the wine because my foster dogs knocked it off the shelf, shattering it into hundreds of little pieces on my tile floor.  My point in sharing this with you is this; if you are waiting for a special occasion to enjoy a certain bottle of wine, open it today!  For you see, the special occasion may never come. 

My other two regrets are personal and are between me and the Lord.

Other tips I learned from the WAO case include:

• Never rely on the government to do the right thing;
• Learn to forgive those who will tell lies and half truths to the public and government regarding your personal character and actions;
• Don't take "no" sitting down;
• Never stop believing in miracles--know that God has a plan and it it may not be the one you are praying for;
• Measure good deeds not by words, but by actions; 
• Accept the things you can change, and let go of the rest;
• Network, network, network -- you don't have to connect with animal groups, just with like-minded people willing to seek justice for the animals; and
• When the case is over, move on with your life.

Here's my final tip for individuals that may be facing a similar situation that I went through for the last eight years => if you are on the fence and you don't know whether or not you should go forward with an investigation for fear of what may happen to you or the animals, all I can say is go with your heart.  If the good Lord is nudging you in a certain direction, you really should get off the fence, do the right thing, and save the animals--for if not you--then who?  

Well, enough said for now--it's time to move on with my life.  If I learn additional WAO information in the future, I will be sure to post it to the blog.  I consider this blog a work in progress, and I have a feeling that it will never truly end...

So until later, I bid you a simple adieu...

I have fought a good fight, 

I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith.

May God Bless You.

Oh, and remember that despite all the pain, suffering, and apathy you see directed at God's creatures, you have the ability to 

#SpeakLife, 

#SpeakLove, 

#SpeakCompassion...

...you just have to #SpeakUp!