Way to Go Sumner Matthes

Way to go Sumner Matthes. Thanks to you the Talley Road bears will not be moving into their new expanded enclosures any time soon—if ever. For you see, the three Cryer criminals are selling the bears’ enclosure panels for cash!

If Matthes had not made such a horrendous decision to put Michelle Cryer in charge, the bears currently living in the tiny quarantine cages at Talley Road would be enjoying grass and natural vegetation because we had welders lined up and ready to finish the bears enclosures!!! I had hoped to have this project finished by the end of May along with one other project – giving Sabu the lion the space he needs so he too is no longer living in a tiny run-off cage (he was placed with Atti, a lioness with a serious Atti-tude).

Yeah, way to go Sumner. In just one 6-minute board meeting you ruined the animals’ chances for a new lease on life. This is the wonderful legacy you left the WAO.

I guess the Cryers are getting desperate for cash because they are selling old chain link material, rusted metal pieces, and the collapsible animal cages. What are they going to sell next when they run out of metal? The animals?

Meanwhile, I learned from a friend of mine who helped me arrange free fruits and vegetables for the WAO, the Leslie Road office is closed during the week and so two deliveries of produce, one from my friend’s company and one from River City Produce were turned away. Instead the fruits and veggies went to the San Antonio Zoo! The WAO, by not opening its doors turned away free boxes of oranges, apples, bananas, cabbage, lettuce, and cucumbers! Free food turned away! Disgusting.

I want to write the OAG and the USDA about this latest developments, but heck, what would they do? Nothing! Since no one is making a move to oust these criminals, running the WAO with no LEGAL board of directors, there is no point and saying “hey – do something about this situation” because as far as I can tell, they simply do not care.

I cannot believe this is happening to the animals! Ever since Nicole was removed, the property has gone down hill fast. I am really, really scared for the animals.

Please Lord, save the WAO animals before it is too late.

Trying to Keep Positive

Well, it didn't take long for the word to get out that Jamie Cryer's brother, Alex, is also a convicted criminal and working at the WAO. This is truly a disappointing situation.

I came across a moral to a story sent to me by a friend in an email, which I found very enlightning:

Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively.

When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret.

Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.

The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling

And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it!!!

Amen!

I learned earlier today that Dr. Pannill from the USDA/APHIS will visit the WAO animals on a weekly basis. I will continue to pray for the health and safety of the WAO animals during this most difficult financial times.

Another Criminal in the Family

Again, I think this follow-up email to the Texas OAG/Charitable Trust Division says it all:

VIA E- MAIL :
TO: james.anthony@oag.state.tx.us
CC: christopher.krhovjak@oag.state.tx.us

Robert.M.Gibbens@usda.gov

elizabeth.c.pannill@usda.gov

May 19, 2010

Please accept this email as a letter of concern pertaining to the newly formed corporation, Animal Shelter Assistance Program, Inc., d/b/a Auction for Animals, established by the former director, Ms. Carol A. Asvestas, of the Animals Sanctuary of the United States, d/b/a/ Wild Animals Orphanage and the alleged continued mismanagement of the Wild Animal Orphanage.

In the email I sent yesterday, I made reference to Jamie Cryer's brother who is allegedly working at the WAO. After some research, I discovered Alexander Paul Cryer, brother of Jamie Cryer, living in San Antonio. Alexander Cryer, like his brothers, has an extensive criminal record in Bexar and Comal County. It is my understanding Alexander Cryer worked for the WAO in 2005-2006 as a paid "contract" employee in support of the Hurricane Rita and Katrina animal acquisitions.

Unless there was another change in management recently, the three Cryers, all with criminal records are now in control of the WAO, its animals, and its assets. The Cryers are reportedly selling a lot of the WAO's assets, and I would not be surprised if a portion of the assets' sale went directly towards the three family members. Based on their history, I cannot image all three family members are working for "free" at the WAO.

The timing of Ms. Carol Asvestas' new non-profit corporation also has me concerned. It would not surprise me in the least if she submits a proposal to your Office, requesting all charges against the WAO dropped and in exchange she would be happy to return to the WAO as CEO, bring with her funds raised from her new non-profit company.

In the meantime, it was reported to me that the animal caretakers only care for the Leslie Road animals 5 days a week. That means the animals requiring daily food (cats, dogs, and primates) and animals requiring medication (Bubba, T'Savo, injured primate) are not receiving the care required on a daily basis.

I was able to confirm Mr. and Mrs. Matthes decided to walk away from the WAO over a week ago. I anticipate Mr. Sherwood will also walk away from the WAO very soon.

I respectfully request the Texas Attorney General’s Office assume temporary custodianship and remove the current board of directors and its members of Animal Sanctuary of the United States, d/b/a Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO), until such time new management and a new board of directors can be established to provide proper care for the animals and responsible stewardship of donations sent to the organization.

Kindest Regards,  
Kristina Brunner

Turns out the Cyers have another brother, but it seems he does not live in San Antonio, thankfully.

I am at a loss as to why the OAG and the USDA does nothing to save the WAO animals and property.


From: Elizabeth.C.Pannill@aphis.usda.gov
Subject: Re: Additional Information Pertaining to the Wild Animal Orphanage/Animal Shelter Assistance Program
To: kbrunner@...
Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 10:37 PM

I continue to check on things each week. Dr. F did come to see primates. I have talked to her. Bubba greeted me on monday. Seems to be ok for bubba.

Subject:	Re: Additional Information Pertaining to the Wild Animal Orphanage/Animal Shelter Assistance Program
From:	Kristina Brunner
To:	Elizabeth.C.Pannill@aphis.usda.gov;
Date:	Friday, May 21, 2010 2:53 PM

Not that it makes any difference, but a friend of mine who worked real hard to get free produced delivered to the WAO told me two separate deliveries of free fresh produce was turned away on two separate occasions because there was no one working at the Leslie Road facility. The drivers tried to deliver the free fresh produce during what used to be the WAO's former operating hours during the workweek.  One of the deliveries was re-directed to the San Antonio Zoo.   Also, prior to Nicole Garcia's departure, I had volunteer welders willing to finish one of the Talley Road bear enclosures this month.  I learned today, the bears' enclosure panels were taken away and presumably sold for scrap along with chain link fence material, and collapsible animal cages.  This breaks my heart because I had hoped to have 1/2 the Talley Rd bears enjoying one of their large natural enclosures promised to them over five years ago.    Question:  Once they finish selling off all things metal, what will they sell next?   It goes without saying, in detail, that I am very disappointed and saddened with recent events transpiring at the WAO;   Kindest Regards, Kristina