An Attitude of Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude is important to maintain in the course of any animal investigation. The passing of this Thanksgiving was more difficult than last year because of the devastating news we received last week.

There has been an update on Sabu, the lion that was taken from the touring facility and placed at the non-inspected, non-regulated property. It was reported that Sabu, if not already dead, may be seriously ill and very thin--apparently he is (or was) a mere shell of what he used to look like when he was first brought to the "pseudo-sanctuary" three years ago. The pseudo-sanctuary director claimed when he first disappeared in 2006 that he was taken to the second property so he could live in a "lion pride" established in a large natural enclosure. As suspected back then, Sabu was not living in a "lion pride," but rather it appears Sabu was living with just one small, non-aggressive lioness in a much smaller cage.

We also received word that Princess, Bubba's cage mate, disappeared from the touring facility (presumed dead), and Bubba is extremely thin and may not survive a cold winter since he seems to lack the body fat needed to keep him warm. Bubba is the most warm and loving tiger one could ever have the pleasure of knowing, and despite how thin he looks, he still comes up to tours and greats them with a "gruff."

Another tiger, Athena, may also be missing from the touring property, as she was not seen in her enclosure with Dee Dobbins and Apollo.

Based on pictures and videos I have seen, many of the tigers at the touring facility looked very thin--one could see the "bowing" of the animals' backs, their rear back bones sticking out, and a lot of skin hanging underneath their bodies.

The monkeys, in my opinion, also looked thin and based on what I saw, I am concerned many of them may not survive if the temperature drops below freezing level.

Sadly, we also received a report which alleged monkeys sedated in 100 degree weather last summer (2008) consequently died due improper sedation and that the animal caretakers failed to provide post sedation care. It is further alleged one primate suffered for over 12-hours following the sedation before it finally died the next day. Where were the veterinarians?

Serious questions arose regarding how Princess, Tag, and Tarzan died this year--was it due to improper sedation and post sedation care or did the sanctuary decide to euthanize the animals to make room for new arrivals? What happened to Rumby--Tag's former mate? She was not seen on a recent tour either--was she killed so as to free up "valuable" cage space? Since the tour guide made a point to avoid Mac and Shirley's (tigers), Rumby's (tiger), and Lulu's (tiger) enclosures, one might suspect a cover-up of some sorts. Were the tigers hiding in the back of their enclosures or did the tour guide purposely skip the cages because they were empty? The tour reported empty cages, but until we receive firm confirmation, we are praying that Rumby, Mac, Shirley, and Lulu are okay.

It is times like this when my faith is tested. I keep asking why God would allow these "people" to stay in business. Then I remember that we all have free will and it is up to each and every one of us to stop animal abuse. God has been by my side, every step of the way, helping me get through the days when I learn of another animal death. I know He is caring for the animals that died at the pseudo-sanctuary—for it will only be in Heaven where these animals finally receive the mercy and grace they so richly deserve.

So needless to say, I am grateful for His love and mercy and the strength He gives me to carry on with this case. He sent me the right people at the right time to help me and for that I am truly grateful. I could not carry on without the wonderful support I received from individuals desiring to save the animals from further harm. So with an attitude of gratitude I press on -

May God bless you and yours on this Thanksgiving Day.

Life is Full of Disappointments

"Life is full of disappointments" -- a cliché I am certainly well versed with, for this animal case has been nothing but one disappointment after another.

If anyone decides to try and "do the right thing" by reporting to the authorities alleged misappropriation of funds or animal abuse, be prepared for endless heartaches and disappointments.

Case in point:

February 2006, I provided the authorities evidence supporting my allegations of misappropriation of funds and animal abuse resulting in the death of several animals by the pseudo-sanctuary. The evidence was clear, leaving one with very little doubt what was transpiring at this facility. Open records obtained from several agencies revealed serious past and on-going problems at the pseudo-sanctuary.

Sadly, it will be three years from the day I submitted my complaints, and the "directors" still operate as "business as usual." Sure, they are "closely monitored" by several agencies, but what is currently happening to the money and the animals is absolutely horrific.

I tried to get national and local animal organizations involved with saving the pseudo-sanctuary’s animals, but to no avail. For you see, there is no money involved when it comes to saving these Texas animals.

I e-mailed/called:

Humane Society of the United States - what was their response? Please, keep us informed of the situation. In other words - I am not to expect any help from this organization. I guess there is no money or publicity to warrant an investigation into the pseudo-sanctuary by HSUS. Else the simply don't want to go after one of their "own."

International Fund for Animal Welfare - what was their response? They looked into the complaints and found nothing wrong at the pseudo-sanctuary. Oh, and they are sorry I had a bad experience with the facility. No one from this organization wanted to see my evidence or discuss the case with me. Their beloved pseudo-sanctuary partner is under investigation by the USDA/APHIS and the Texas OAG, and yet to this day, IFAW continues to tout this place as a great organization to send animals--this speaks volumes about IFAWs' business practices.

PETA - what was their response? Sure, they know what is going on at the pseudo-sanctuary, but right now they are not interested in taking on another Texas sanctuary case (think PPI). I guess they've done the "Texas-thing" and are no longer interested in making positive changes in this great state.

ASPCA - what was their response? More than one e-mail was sent to the ASPCA and only one person received a response - while the ASPCA is a national organization in many respects, by law, our powers to enforce animal cruelty statutes are limited to the State of New York, you may want to contact the World Society For the Protection of Animals for assistance. Nice, real nice. Let's just pass the buck on this one, shall we?

Voice for Animals (local chapter) - what was their response? The group had heard of similar complaints from others - but when I asked for help, I was shut out completely. This year, the group refused to respond to my pleas for volunteer help in documenting the animals living at the tour facility. I guess they are too busy trying to relocate one elephant than to try and save over 300 exotic wild animals. It's all in the priorities, you see...

Okay folks, let's bottom line this -- these large animal "rescue" organizations are not in the business of helping animals in need at the local level. They are in the business of making money (think cash donations) and making legislative changes (think spay and neuter your pets or California Prop 2). That is why pseudo-sanctuaries are able to get away with the most heinous acts--there is no one looking out for the health and welfare of animals living at these mega-animal warehouses.

As to finding animal rights volunteers willing to help with you with your case--well, good luck in finding one willing to give up an hour on a weekend for your cause without the fanfare of cameras and video equipment. Oh, they are great at sounding off in various forums, such as Yahoo! groups, but to find someone actually willing to do more than type a forum response--well you get the idea. You'd be better off hiring private investigators -- but remember, you get what you pay for and hiring private investigators can be expensive-- normally they get paid by the hour, with a 2-3 hour minimum charge.

There will be times when you feel completely alone in trying to save the animals. Like a roller coaster ride, you will experience some highs (victories for the animals) and lows (frustration in all the delays or not getting anything done because no one will help you). Sadly, there will be a lot more "lows" than "highs" because quiet frankly there is no real support in saving animals that live in mega-animal warehouses called pseudo-sanctuaries. Animal "causes" have become big business and pseudo-sanctuaries don't even make a blip on the radar.

So after writing all this, why do I continue on with this case?

Because it is the right thing to do. Period.

2007 990 Tax Return Due November 15th

It has been confirmed--the pseudo-sanctuary did receive another extension for filing the 2007 990 with the IRS. The 2007 tax return was originally due on May 15, 2008. The first extension was granted on August 15, 2008 and now the new due date is set for November 15, 2008 (Saturday). I wonder, in light of the medical crisis last week, will the IRS grant yet another extension for this organization?

Medical Crisis?

One of the pseudo-sanctuary's "directors" was recently hospitalized due to a serious health condition and is currently in the ICU of a local medical facility. I was able to confirm this information today (Wednesday) by contacting the hospital's patient information line.

Meanwhile, the facility closed its doors to the public and it is uncertain when tours will resume at the touring facility. It was also reported on the Internet that the facility recently suffered a "fire disaster." This story has not been confirmed yet and it is unknown if anyone or any animal was hurt or killed in this "fire disaster." In light of all the allegations and problems plaguing this facility-- including winter chills projected to arrive this weekend--prayers are needed to protect the surviving animals at the pseudo-sanctuary. More details to follow...

Update: As of this morning (Friday), the hospital's patient information operator indicated the "director" was moved out of the ICU and into a shared hospital room. I was able to confirm the director underwent major heart surgery and will not be able to return to work until possibly next year. Something tells me the director will continue to receive paychecks from the sanctuary (maybe even double checks!) just so he can pay for the expensive heart surgery and hospital stay. I'm sure the OAG will audit the pseudo-sanctuary's pay records to confirm whether or not the male director received paychecks for work not performed! 

[Later:  Learned there was a small fire started at the rear of the touring property due to welding sparks!  Fortunately, as far as I know, there was no loss of life.  What is really scary is there were no fire extinguishers on site, not that it would have done much good if the fire grew out of control near the animal cages.]

[Much Later:  Learned the male "director" was in the hospital for 30 days and on convalescent leave for 90 days.  I also learned he never missed a paycheck during that time--apparently receiving double his usual weekly salary.  More thievery?]