Dear Ms. Dresler:
In 2008, your predecessor, Tony Vecchio, along with Oregon Zoo spokespeople and
Metro officials, campaigned for the $125 million Oregon Zoo Bond Measure. When
voters learned the measure contained money for an off-site elephant “reserve”,
“preserve” “sanctuary”, where Oregon Zoo elephants would freely roam, almost 60%
voted in favor .
The original intention of the 2008 measure was to provide more humane conditions for
the eight Oregon Zoo elephants. However, your “Master Plan”, violates both the spirit
and intent of the measure by:
Promoting the new “Elephant Lands” exhibit as adequate to restore the health and wellbeing
of the eight Oregon Zoo elephants thereby excusing the zoo from honoring its
promises for an off-site reserve.
Calling for the establishment of an aggressive breeding program with the goal of
bringing scores of baby elephants into lifetimes of captivity.
Changing what was promoted as an elephant “reserve” into a “Remote Elephant
Center” to support the misguided elephant breeding program.
Refusing to allow the elderly, ailing Packy to spend his dwindling years in peace and
freedom at P.A.W.S. Ark 2000 elephant sanctuary.
I am writing to request the Oregon Zoo to immediately begin work on the off-site
elephant reserve, abandon plans for an elephant breeding program and transfer Packy
to the comfort and safety of P.A.W.S Ark 2000.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dear Ms. Dresler:
In 2008, your predecessor, Tony Vecchio, along with Oregon Zoo spokespeople and
Metro officials, campaigned for the $125 million Oregon Zoo Bond Measure. When
voters learned the measure contained money for an off-site elephant “reserve”,
“preserve” “sanctuary”, where Oregon Zoo elephants would freely roam, almost 60%
voted in favor .
The original intention of the 2008 measure was to provide more humane conditions for
the eight Oregon Zoo elephants. However, your “Master Plan”, violates both the spirit
and intent of the measure by:
Promoting the new “Elephant Lands” exhibit as adequate to restore the health and wellbeing
of the eight Oregon Zoo elephants thereby excusing the zoo from honoring its
promises for an off-site reserve.
Calling for the establishment of an aggressive breeding program with the goal of
bringing scores of baby elephants into lifetimes of captivity.
Changing what was promoted as an elephant “reserve” into a “Remote Elephant
Center” to support the misguided elephant breeding program.
Refusing to allow the elderly, ailing Packy to spend his dwindling years in peace and
freedom at P.A.W.S. Ark 2000 elephant sanctuary.
I am writing to request the Oregon Zoo to immediately begin work on the off-site
elephant reserve, abandon plans for an elephant breeding program and transfer Packy
to the comfort and safety of P.A.W.S Ark 2000.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Thank you for writing this excellent letter Diane. Please let us know if you get a response from Teri Dresler.
Thanks for writing this Diane!