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It is hard to believe the three-year anniversary of when I left the pseudo-sanctuary was about two weeks ago. Now that the case enters its third year, I would like to update the "victory" list from last year:
1. The monkeys were seen eating monkey chow for the first time this month!
2. The USDA/APHIS checked on animals in distress twice this month; and
3. The AG's Office continues to look into the business practices of the pseudo-sanctuary.
Interesting to note, the 2006 990 (tax return) was finally posted to GuideStar.com, but the date the IRS indicated receipt of the return was September 2008! Talk about an overdue tax return! No doubt there is a story behind this late posting... So far, the 2007 990 has not been posted to GuideStar, but from what I understand, there is a story behind this tax return. As more information comes available, I will post the findings right away.
In any case, I hope and pray (as I did last year) that this case will come to a close and the animals receive the help they so desperately need. There were so many deaths this year, so I pray the animals can hang on just a little longer. I am just so grateful this Christmas the local temperature was not at or below freezing levels!
So Merry Christmas everyone--and please, pray for the pseudo-sanctuary animals!
[Present Day: I was going through some old postings and found this article I wrote two years ago on the Internet (it's now December 31, 2010). Looks like a lot of people read this article:
Animal Planet’s “Growing Up Lion” – Was There a Happy End?
Posted on December 21st, 2008
by REXANO
Read 3,466 times.
Editorial by Anonymous
Animal Planet recently released its five DVD gift, which includes “Growing Up Wildcats”. One of the episode features lions at the Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO) in Texas.
The film critics make you believe that:
“Carol and Ron Asvestas own the Wild Animal Orphanage near San Antonio, Texas, and spent a year raising four lion cubs. Beautiful animals facing their share of joys and challenges, including being sick. But this pride survives.”
And another synopses claims:
“Growing Up Lion”
"Experience a pivotal and emotional year with Carol and Ron Asvestas, owners of Wild Animal Orphanage near San Antonio, Texas, as they raise four lion cubs. There’s Amy, a tiny newborn and three cubs - Rex, Sheba and Leo - babies quickly growing in size, strength and curiosity. Every day brings new joys, adventures and discoveries. The lion cubs also face their share of challenges - from serious illness to natural disasters. But with abundant, tender-loving care from their human family, the cubs embark on a remarkable journey toward the formation of lion cub pride.”
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| Baby Lion - Rex (Photo taken 2002) |
However, the touching story of Rex, Sheba and Leo portrayed in “Growing Up Lion” is just that—a very nice tug-at-your-heart story. Shortly after the film crew left San Antonio, the lion cubs were removed from their large natural enclosure and returned to the property where they were raised. They were placed in a much smaller enclosure where Rex was killed by his cage mates (as documented by the USDA/APHIS on 10-10-06). Jambo, the father of Amy, died under unusual circumstances at the same facility in 2007. Sheba and Leo can be seen on tour at the original site where they were raised along with Sebastian—but the cage they live in now is a far cry from the spacious enclosure shown on “Growing Up Lion.” Amy’s current health status is currently unknown.
"The WAO is under investigation by the USDA/APHIS and the Texas Office of the Attorney General for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act and misappropriation of funds for the last 2 ½ years."
Unfortunately, the “Growing Up Lions” remarkable journey ended when the film crew left the property
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Cheetah said,in January 17th, 2009 at 10:44 am I am very distressed to learn of this news. Big cats are indeed my favourite of all exotic animals and while I have enjoyed watching this Animal Planet special on many occasions, I was under the impression that the lion’s care was assured - especially after the show’s filming. We must do all we can to help all exotic animals who are treated so poorly. It breaks my heart to hear of stories like this and hope that it proves indeed to be a rare event.
spy gear said,in August 3rd, 2010 at 9:28 pm I have never something like this.Your post is amazing.
Carol Asvestas lied to a lot of people, including me, on how Rexy died. Here are just two examples of how Carol lied to anyone inquiring on little Rexy:
Rex reported death - email 021209
And here is the newsletter appeal that was used to deceive the public by showing Leo picture as Rex's "after" picture! What a scam!
Little Rex and Monkey Appeal
How did Rexy really die?
USDA Report on Death of Rex - 112806
You know what is really sad is that the two animal caretakers, Mary & Michelle Reininger, whom told me exactly how Rexy died in December 2005, seemed to have suddenly developed amnesia less than one year later. Michelle claimed she thought Rex died from an "accident?" Mary claimed she thought Rex died from a "fight?" It's really upsets me to learn that Mary & Michelle allegedly provided false statements to the USDA Investigators. I will learn the truth when this case closes and I will pull FOIA records to see who said what and when.
Ironically, the one person who actually told the truth to the investigators was Carol Asvestas -- "Rex was killed by a cage mate."
God Bless little Rexy's soul in Heaven...he was absolutely adorable in spirit as well as in body...
