April 2, 2007
Carol started her own “certification” program when she and Sumner left ASA. As far as I can tell, the only member of this group is from Cedarhills Sanctuary (where the Hurricane cats were transported in 2006). Carol has already removed her “ACE” from the WAO website.
___________________________________________
April 8, 2007
Shocked. Dr. Ehrlund's web page has pictures of Bubba (white tiger), plus an unknown lion and tiger from the WAO. Makes me wonder if the lion and tiger were killed (as she has killed several perfectly healthy animals on the say-so of Carol Asvestas) shortly after she posted the animals' pictures on the web. This is absolutely horrible.
Thank you Jesus for helping me help the animals. Jesus, the animals need a miracle, so please help the WAO animals remain safe, healthy, and at peace for many years to come.
Let there be a miraculous answer from the USDA, Texas OAG, and TCEQ very soon. Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers. Amen.
April 11, 2007Carol started her own “certification” program when she and Sumner left ASA. As far as I can tell, the only member of this group is from Cedarhills Sanctuary (where the Hurricane cats were transported in 2006). Carol has already removed her “ACE” from the WAO website.
From: CKMcElroy@...
Date: Apr 2, 2007 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: Animal Centers of Excellence
To: garciavirgin@...Virginia,The ACE web site is down temporarily. One of the founding members who also was the webmaster passed away and we are in the process of reorganizing. We will be removing ACE from our web site until we have undergone all of the changes.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals."
C. Kay McElroy
Executive Director
Desk: (662) 356-0084
Cell: (662) 549-5318www.cedrhill.org
___________________________________________
I believe either Carol’s attorney or the OAG recommended this site be taken down. In my opinion, I think it was another scam website.
April 8, 2007
Shocked. Dr. Ehrlund's web page has pictures of Bubba (white tiger), plus an unknown lion and tiger from the WAO. Makes me wonder if the lion and tiger were killed (as she has killed several perfectly healthy animals on the say-so of Carol Asvestas) shortly after she posted the animals' pictures on the web. This is absolutely horrible.
Thank you Jesus for helping me help the animals. Jesus, the animals need a miracle, so please help the WAO animals remain safe, healthy, and at peace for many years to come.
Let there be a miraculous answer from the USDA, Texas OAG, and TCEQ very soon. Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayers. Amen.
From: Kristina Brunner
To: DRCTBD@aol.com
Sent: Wed, April 11, 2007 7:24:05 PM
Subject: Interview Follow-up on the WAO Investigation
Great interview Melody! I cannot thank you and WRFG radio enough!
For nearly a year, U.S. Animal Protection (USAP) has worked on this case and we are very anxious to learn the results of the Federal and State investigations. We hope there will be a positive resolution for the animals and a new Board of Directors running the organization.
You asked about the heat for the primates and the five primates that froze to death. Heat was provided only after the receiving direction from the USDA to provide heat. USAP offered five heaters to the WAO in the dead of winter of 2006 and Carol Asvestas refused them. It was my understanding the primates were very cold and desperately needed heat. In the past at this facility, primates have frozen to death, lost fingers, toes, tail-tips, and suffered many cold nights. These monkeys needed heat last year and she refused our offer of free heaters. When Carol Asvestas turned down our offer of heaters USAP contacted the USDA, informing them of her refusal to take the heaters for the primates.
At the Tally Road facility animals are not exhibited therefore the USDA cannot inspect the premise. The Leslie Road facility is where she exhibits the animals, although there is video of employees transferring animals back and forth between both locations. Therefore, USAP believes the USDA should have jurisdiction to inspect both facilities, thereby; following the laws under the Animal Welfare Act. At this time the Tally Road facility is not inspected by any federal, state or local agency.
One last thing—I would like to mention the animal burial pits. The local media did a fly-over of the Tally Road facility in an attempt to discover any irregularities/problems. What was discovered was shocking—an enormous burial pit! Animals have been dumped and buried in this pit for years. According to Mr. Aleshire, the WAO attorney, there are “scores” of dead animals buried at the Tally Road location.
I or Kristina would like to speak about this burial pit in our next interview. I feel when Asvestas was allowed to remove the animals from this burial pit she destroyed valuable evidence. It is time the world knows the fate of so many animals that have ended up at the Wild Animal Orphanage.
There is a house bill in Texas that could have prevented this situation but the state did not fund House Bill (HB) 1362, therefore; we need to bring this travesty of justice to light and ensure this bill has some teeth behind it. Right now, the HB is a “fluff” bill and no one will ever take it seriously until something tragically happens to the animals or the people in the large subdivisions surrounding the two facilities.
I cannot thank you enough for getting this story out to the public, Melody! You are an angel!
Thank you,Dawn BechtoldU.S. Animal Protection
April 15, 2007
[Present day: So, why did Alshire quit representing the WAO? Can you believe it was because of moral and ethical reasons? Truly!
And then there's Cryers letter attached to the board meeting minutes. Talk about unenlightened! Cindy Carrasco was correct in her assessments and she did the right thing by walking away from the WAO unethical board of directors. Bravo Cindy!]
April 16, 2007
From: "Robert.M.Gibbens@usda.gov" <Robert.M.Gibbens@usda.gov>
To: "kbrunner@...
Sent: Mon, April 16, 2007 8:54:28 AM
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
Ms. Brunner:
APHIS has provided the findings of the investigation to WAO with the Agency's proposed actions. WAO has a short period to respond, and that response will determine the course of action the agency will pursue. Until the final action has been completed, the case remains open and we are limited as to the information we can share. The reason for this practice (on all of the Agency's cases) is to maintain control of any evidence that may be used should the case go to an administrative law hearing. I do not believe the WAO case will wind up at a hearing, but it is possible.
At such time that the case is considered "closed," you can acquire a copy of the investigative report through FOIA. The FOIA office will not release it until that time. Feel free to check back with me every few weeks and I'll be happy to provide any updates that I can.
Robert M. Gibbens, DVM
Director, Western Region
USDA, APHIS, Animal Care
2150 Centre Ave., Bldg B
Ft. Collins, CO 80526
(970)494-7478
April 22, 2007
Yesterday I received an email from Brian. He wanted to know if I could assist Marcus with information pertaining to the WAO problems. I sent him a email with web links that should help him with his research. Unfortunately there is not just one site with all the information pertaining to the WAO situation. Many of the links I used in the past are no longer operational.
Today I received an email from Marcus. He is hoping to expose crooked sanctuaries on FOX News. Now this should be interesting.
April 27, 2007
Yesterday I received an email from Brian. He wanted to know if I could assist Marcus with information pertaining to the WAO problems. I sent him a email with web links that should help him with his research. Unfortunately there is not just one site with all the information pertaining to the WAO situation. Many of the links I used in the past are no longer operational.
Today I received an email from Marcus. He is hoping to expose crooked sanctuaries on FOX News. Now this should be interesting.
April 27, 2007
From: Melissa Story <MSTORY@tceq.state.tx.us>
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Fri, April 27, 2007 5:31:27 PM
Subject: Re: WAO Status Check
Ms. Brunner -
Although I have not conducted a recent follow-up inspection, we have been in touch with WAO via telephone and through correspondence.
There really isn't anything that I have as of late to report on. Once we are able to schedule a follow-up investigation, I will let you know our findings of that inspection.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Melissa StoryEnvironmental InvestigatorSan Antonio Region Office(210) 403-4071
May 2, 2007
From: Melissa Story <MSTORY@tceq.state.tx.us>
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Wed, May 2, 2007 2:02:23 PM
Subject: Re: WAO Status Check
Ms. Brunner -
The last follow-up investigation showed some of the waste was removed. Their attorney at that time was not agreeable to the releasing of records and we did not obtain some of the records we requested.
These violations will be revisited once a final follow-up visit is conducted.
Thank You -
Melissa Story -
>>> Kristina Brunner 4/27/2007 6:14 PM >>>Greetings Melissa:
Thanks for the update, Melissa. Can you tell me whether or not the WAO complied with the Summary of Investigation Findings dated 7/25/06, Additional Issues, #3, by providing the requested records?
Thank you for you quick response and I look forward to hearing from you again soon! Take care -
Kind Regards,
Kristina Brunner
May 8, 2007
May 14, 2007
Kind Regards,
May 21, 2007
Greetings All:
Or how about the proposed projects listed for 2004!
(5,000 sq. ft.)..........$225,000
This clinic is badly needed. We now have an on-site veterinarian that needs an area to work in. This clinic will be used to spay/neuter and treat domestic/feral cats, exotic animals and hoof stock. It will also serve as a nursery and rehabilitation area for injured and displaced native wildlife.
Two chimpanzee indoor and outdoor areas need renovating. Recent heavy rains and flooding created several leaks in the roofs of the indoor buildings. The indoor and outdoor areas need re-painting and climbing apparatus and sleep benches needs replacing. These two areas are home to 24 chimpanzees that were retired from medical research; six of these wonderful chimps are HIV-infected.
3. (1) 1-acre enclosure for baboons..........$33,000
16 Baboons are currently being housed in an indoor grouping area in two social groups. They are currently being integrated into one group. These unfortunate animals lived under horrific conditions at a defunct wildlife park; they were literally dropped off on our doorstep.
4. (2) 1-acre enclosures for macaques..........$66,000
32 Long-tailed macaques and 18 rhesus macaques recently retired from medical research have been successfully integrated into two social groups and are currently being housed in a temporary area. These little ones need large natural living quarters.
5. (2) primate caregivers (2 yrs)..........$50,000
62 Big cats have been brought back to health and socially grouped; they now need to be transferred into large natural areas at the 102-acre sanctuary where they can comfortably live out the remainder of their lives.
Feral cats can be rehabilitated/re-domesticated and adopted into responsible homes through an exchange program that exists between us and area animal shelters. These areas will facilitate up to 300 cats.
The sanctuary is currently caring for: llamas, horses, cows, donkeys, chickens and rabbits. We have a waiting list for incoming animals and need this area in order to upgrade the living conditions for the animals we currently house and to allow for additional animals.
From: <kbrunner@
Sent: 05/08/2007 08:13 PM
To: Robert Gibbens
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal
Orphanage
Greetings Dr. Gibbens:
I am just checking in to see if there have been any new developments
regarding the WAO case. Can you tell me whether or not the WAO responded
to the findings yet?
Needless to say, I am still concerned about Bubba (white tiger), Princess
(Bengal tiger with foreleg lameness), and Zabu (lion with large mane). The
first two animals were last seen at Leslie Road this year and did not look
to good according to two visitors. Zabu, unfortunately, was removed to
Talley Road and no one seems to know what happened to him. Is Jake (White
Crowned Mangabey) still alive at Talley Road? Last I heard he was living
in another squeeze back cage located behind a "shed."
Please forgive me for inquiring on the status of the animals. They mean
a lot to me and I pray they are healthy and doing well. Any information
you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. Not know their fate is
disheartening, especially since the Asvestas originally planned to
euthanize the big cats (according to the staff) and refused to properly
care for the primate. I thank you for your kind consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristina Brunner
From: Robert.M.Gibbens@aphis.usda.gov [mailto:Robert.M.Gibbens@aphis.usda.gov]
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 8:40 AM
To: kbrunner@
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 8:40 AM
To: kbrunner@
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
WAO requested an extension to review and respond to the case. They have
time remaining on the extension.
Our inspector recalls, from the most recent visits, that Princess was
undergoing treatment for arthrits. She remembers a white tiger but did not
know the name. She does not recall Zabu. When she last visited Talley Road,
she remembers seeing the Managbey in a large cage in a metal building (due
to the cold weather).
Robert M. Gibbens, DVM
Director, Western Region
USDA, APHIS, Animal Care
May 14, 2007
From: Kristina Brunner
To: Robert.M.Gibbens@aphis.usda.gov
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 8:06:58 PM
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
Dear Dr. Gibbens:
Thank you for responding to my e-mail. I appreciate you letting me know the status of the animals. Bubba, Princess, Jake, and Sabu are the main reasons why I contacted your Office last year. This may sound silly, but I made a promise to these animals to help them. With the exception of Jake, Norma (WAO animal caretaker) told me the WAO planned to euthanize these big cats in 2005/06 and this is what catapulted me to action.
I want to thank you for checking on Bubba and Princess. For over one year, these tigers lived in a small cage behind the office building suffering from osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. It is my understanding Princess was not seen by a vet (Dr. Ehrlund) until 9/27/06, at which time she was finally prescribed arthritic pain medications. It is also my understanding Bubba was not prescribed an NSAID until 5/10/06 (by the way, you can see pictures of Dr. Ehrlund and her vet tech posing with sedated Bubba on her website at www.heritageanimalhospitalsa.com). I truly believe if your Office did not check up on the tigers, they would either have been destroyed or still living in pain. I am grateful they are finally receiving medical care so they can live out a somewhat normal life.
Ms. Asvestas told more than one person Sabu is currently living in a large natural enclosure, at Talley Road, with other lions. I am hoping that when your investigator checks on the animals at Talley Road, she will find Sabu alive and well. Drs. Henry and Lambert confirmed in December 2005 Sabu was scheduled for euthanasia, however; they did not know why Ms. Asvestas wanted him destroyed. Sabu's previous owner confirmed, in writing, that Sabu was in excellent in health when he left her facility to live at WAO. She is understandably concerned about his current health and welfare. WAO told the previous owner that Sabu and her other relocated animals would all live in large natural enclosures, paid for by International Fund for Animal Welfare. Sadly, upon arrival, several of the animals were destroyed. I was there the day Ms. Asvestas went around each transporter and determined which animals would live and which animals would die. She took pictures of the animals that she destroyed and I have copies of those pictures. The previous owner said she would never have turned her animals over to the WAO if she knew her former animals would be destroyed upon arrival in San Antonio. IFAW and WAO assured her the animals would live in large 1/2 acre natural enclosures--sadly, I was told in 2005, shortly after the animals arrived, there would be no new large natural enclosures built for the animals from Nevada. The surviving animals would all be moved into existing cages.
As to Jake, he moved at least four times since his arrival at the WAO. I have the original Corpus Christi news video footage showing where he used to live and pictures of his first "new" enclosure at the WAO. When he first arrived in 2005 he lived in a large enclosure at Leslie Road (as seen on the video). On November 9, 2005, approximately three months later (and the camera crews are now gone), Jake was moved into a squeeze-back cage along side "quarantined" macaques. Then in Feb/early March 2006, he was moved back on tour in a small cage with Patas monkeys living right next to him. Finally, I learned he was moved to Talley Road. When the local news camera crew asked in November 2006 where Jake was, Terry Minchew (tour guide) replied he was moved to the second site until such time that he could be relocated to a facility where there were other white crowned managbeys.
I really want to thank you for keeping me updated on this case. Even though I cannot do anything to protect these animals from harm, I can live knowing I kept my promise to help them.
Kindest Regards,
Kristina Brunner
From: Robert.M.Gibbens@aphis.usda.govTo: kbrunner@...
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 8:40:29 AM
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary , dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
Ms. Brunner:
WAO requested an extension to review and respond to the case. They have
time remaining on the extension.
Our inspector recalls, from the most recent visits, that Princess was
undergoing treatment for arthrits. She remembers a white tiger but did not
know the name. She does not recall Zabu. When she last visited Talley Road,
she remembers seeing the Managbey in a large cage in a metal building (due
to the cold weather).
Robert M. Gibbens, DVM
Director, Western Region
USDA, APHIS, Animal Care
----- Original Message -----
From: <kbrunner@...
Sent: 05/08/2007 08:13 PM
To: Robert Gibbens
Subject: Re: Follow-up on the Animal Sanctuary, dba The Wild Animal Orphanage
Greetings Dr. Gibbens:
I am just checking in to see if there have been any new developments
regarding the WAO case. Can you tell me whether or not the WAO responded
to the findings yet?
Needless to say, I am still concerned about Bubba (white tiger), Princess
(Bengal tiger with foreleg lameness), and Zabu (lion with large mane). The
first two animals were last seen at Leslie Road this year and did not look
to good according to two visitors. Zabu, unfortunately, was removed to
Talley Road and no one seems to know what happened to him. Is Jake (White
Crowned Mangabey) still alive at Talley Road? Last I heard he was living
in another squeeze back cage located behind a "shed."
Please forgive me for inquiring on the status of the animals. They mean
a lot to me and I pray they are healthy and doing well. Any information
you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. Not know their fate is
disheartening, especially since the Asvestas originally planned to
euthanize the big cats (according to the staff) and refused to properly
care for the primate. I thank you for your kind consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristina Brunner
May 14, 2007
From: "Blankenship, Mark" <mblankenship@cbbb.bbb.org>
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 9:12:29 AM
Subject: RE: Wild Animal Orphanage
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 9:12:29 AM
Subject: RE: Wild Animal Orphanage
Subject: Clarification
Dear Ms. Brunner:
We are in the process of preparing a request for additional information from Animal Sanctuary of the United States/Wild Animal Orphanage in conjunction with our current evaluation of the organization in relation to our Standards for Charity Accountability. One of the major areas that we need to address are the questions raised in your emails. In December of 2006 and January of this year you sent us four emails, the dates of which were 12/6, 12/13, 12/16, and 1/19. Our impression is that you shared the information with no intention of restricting who we might extend access to it, but at the end of each of the messages is a confidentiality notice stating that “this electronic transmission and any attachments…is intended only for the named recipient(s)…and should not be forwarded to anyone unless permission is granted from the sender.” With our letter where we cite the additional information being asked for from the organization, we would like to forward hard copies of the aforementioned emails for purposes of reference. Thank you for your consideration and advising us of your decision on this matter.
Respectfully,
Mark Blankenship| Research Analyst
Tel: 703-247-9324
Fax: 703-525-8277
Email: mblankenship@cbbb.bbb.org
BBB Wise Giving Alliance
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
Give with Confidence.SM
From: Kristina Brunner
To: "Blankenship, Mark" <mblankenship@cbbb.bbb.org>
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 7:14 PM
Subject: RE: Wild Animal Orphanage
To: "Blankenship, Mark" <mblankenship@cbbb.bbb.org>
Sent: Monday, May 14, 2007 7:14 PM
Subject: RE: Wild Animal Orphanage
Dear Mr. Blankenship:
I would prefer the WAO not receive any correspondence copies from my e-mail account. Ms. Avestas and her attorney made comments they plans to take me to court once this is all over and while I have no doubt this may be an attempt to intimate me from contacting law enforcement agencies, I would prefer investigative agencies refrain from placing me in the forefront of the investigation. So, on the advice of my attorney, I respectfully request my e-mails not be sent to the WAO. However, you may use them internally, as part of your investigation process and you may use them in conjunction with other law enforcement investigations. Quotes from my e-mails may be sent to the WAO as long as the exert does not contain my personal information (name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, etc.).
If you require documentation showing the WAO is under investigation by the Texas Attorney General's Office, USDA/AHIS, and the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, I would be more than happy to provide your office such documentation.
Kind Regards,
Kristina Brunner
From: "DRCTBD@...>
To: kbrunner...
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 8:57:17 PM
Subject: Check out Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Animal neglect at sanctu
To: kbrunner...
Sent: Mon, May 14, 2007 8:57:17 PM
Subject: Check out Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Animal neglect at sanctu
Animal neglect at sanctuary
San Antonio, TX (US)
San Antonio, TX (US)
Incident Date: Thursday, Nov 9, 2006
County: Bexar
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Carol Asvestas
County: Bexar
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Carol Asvestas
Over the years, the Wild Animal Orphanage in northwest Bexar County has rescued many animals from certain death. But that facility is now being investigated by at least two agencies, one of which is looking into possible violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
"Mistakes are probably being made." Mistakes that could be putting some wild animals in danger, according to Kristina Brunner, a former board member of the Wild Animal Orphanage.
For ten years, Brunner volunteered there, until last December when she saw something she couldn't believe.
"I even told one of the workers, this monkey is not going to survive if he doesn't get heat right away," said Brunner.
Concerned about the conditions, Brunner says she snapped pictures back in December when we had freezing temperatures. The pictures show small cages with monkeys inside, a wet concrete floor, and plywood leaning against the cages to keep the freezing winds out. Brunner claims some of the monkeys subjected to these conditions later froze to death.
"How many of the monkeys froze to death?" asked News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Tanji Patton.
"I have records showing over five. But five, for sure, died," answered Brunner.
Outraged at what she saw, Brunner left the board and filed a number of complaints against the sanctuary. Both the state and USDA are now investigating.
Carol Asvestas, who runs the orphanage, denied local news request for an interview. She referred them to her lawyer, Bill Aleshire. He calls Brunner's allegations "outrageous and vengeful."
When Patton asked about the allegations, Aleshire answered, "I don't know what the conditions of those monkeys were and I don't know that these monkeys were in those cages and neither do you."
Aleshire later admitted the monkeys died, but not from the cold or the conditions. He says they all had blankets and claims they were suffering from other health problems.
Late Wednesday, the Trouble Shooters received two inspections performed by veterinarians affiliated with the Wild Animal Orphanage. They show the conditions of the animals to be adequate for South Texas winters.
We traveled to another wildlife refuge, this one in Kendalia, to see how it protects animals from the cold.
Lynn Cuny operates Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Kendalia. When it is cold outside the animals there stay warm inside heated buildings.
"As you can feel, it's already warm in here," describes Cuny.
We showed the photos to Dr. Craig Brestrup. "Obviously, there's a lot of space between the plywood and the cage."
The City of San Antonio appointed Brestrup to temporarily run the city pound for the summer. He's currently Director of Development at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Kendalia.
"If these are, in fact, the cages the way they were the nights it froze back in December, was that adequate protection for those animals?" asked Patton.
"Would you or I like to be in there if it was freezing? No, there's no way in the world that could be adequate," answered Brestrup.
While the USDA investigates the monkey deaths, the state (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) is investigating what it calls two animal burial pits located in remote area of the Wild Animal Orphanage. An area that houses many animals, some of which are primates infected with H.I.V. and hepatitis.
When asked how many animals were buried in the pits, Aleshire responded, "There were scores of animals over the last several years."
State investigators cited the Wild Animal Orphanage for burying animal remains without the proper permits and they have asked for the dead animals' health records.
"There were no animals that would have been where there might be any issue about any disease that were buried there," said Aleshire.
"If you have that documentation, why wouldn't you make it available?" asked Patton.
"We'll make it available to the regulatory agencies that are entitled to see that information and whose job it is to see that," replied Aleshire.
The Trouble Shooters obtained a letter from the Wild Animal Orphanage to the state (TCEQ), admitting the dead animals' remains "may be in a floodplain" and stating the facility plans to "remediate the site by removing the carcasses and depositing them in a permitted landfill."
The USDA and TCEQ investigations are ongoing.
"Mistakes are probably being made." Mistakes that could be putting some wild animals in danger, according to Kristina Brunner, a former board member of the Wild Animal Orphanage.
For ten years, Brunner volunteered there, until last December when she saw something she couldn't believe.
"I even told one of the workers, this monkey is not going to survive if he doesn't get heat right away," said Brunner.
Concerned about the conditions, Brunner says she snapped pictures back in December when we had freezing temperatures. The pictures show small cages with monkeys inside, a wet concrete floor, and plywood leaning against the cages to keep the freezing winds out. Brunner claims some of the monkeys subjected to these conditions later froze to death.
"How many of the monkeys froze to death?" asked News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Tanji Patton.
"I have records showing over five. But five, for sure, died," answered Brunner.
Outraged at what she saw, Brunner left the board and filed a number of complaints against the sanctuary. Both the state and USDA are now investigating.
Carol Asvestas, who runs the orphanage, denied local news request for an interview. She referred them to her lawyer, Bill Aleshire. He calls Brunner's allegations "outrageous and vengeful."
When Patton asked about the allegations, Aleshire answered, "I don't know what the conditions of those monkeys were and I don't know that these monkeys were in those cages and neither do you."
Aleshire later admitted the monkeys died, but not from the cold or the conditions. He says they all had blankets and claims they were suffering from other health problems.
Late Wednesday, the Trouble Shooters received two inspections performed by veterinarians affiliated with the Wild Animal Orphanage. They show the conditions of the animals to be adequate for South Texas winters.
We traveled to another wildlife refuge, this one in Kendalia, to see how it protects animals from the cold.
Lynn Cuny operates Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Kendalia. When it is cold outside the animals there stay warm inside heated buildings.
"As you can feel, it's already warm in here," describes Cuny.
We showed the photos to Dr. Craig Brestrup. "Obviously, there's a lot of space between the plywood and the cage."
The City of San Antonio appointed Brestrup to temporarily run the city pound for the summer. He's currently Director of Development at Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Kendalia.
"If these are, in fact, the cages the way they were the nights it froze back in December, was that adequate protection for those animals?" asked Patton.
"Would you or I like to be in there if it was freezing? No, there's no way in the world that could be adequate," answered Brestrup.
While the USDA investigates the monkey deaths, the state (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) is investigating what it calls two animal burial pits located in remote area of the Wild Animal Orphanage. An area that houses many animals, some of which are primates infected with H.I.V. and hepatitis.
When asked how many animals were buried in the pits, Aleshire responded, "There were scores of animals over the last several years."
State investigators cited the Wild Animal Orphanage for burying animal remains without the proper permits and they have asked for the dead animals' health records.
"There were no animals that would have been where there might be any issue about any disease that were buried there," said Aleshire.
"If you have that documentation, why wouldn't you make it available?" asked Patton.
"We'll make it available to the regulatory agencies that are entitled to see that information and whose job it is to see that," replied Aleshire.
The Trouble Shooters obtained a letter from the Wild Animal Orphanage to the state (TCEQ), admitting the dead animals' remains "may be in a floodplain" and stating the facility plans to "remediate the site by removing the carcasses and depositing them in a permitted landfill."
The USDA and TCEQ investigations are ongoing.
References
- WOAI - Nov 9, 2006
Read more: Pet-Abuse.Com - Animal Abuse Case Details: Animal neglect at sanctuary - San Antonio, TX (US) http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/10181/TX/US/#ixzz18rAhhyTM
May 21, 2007
From: Kristina Brunner
To: kbrunner@...
Sent: Mon, May 21, 2007 8:15:49 PM
Subject: Archieve Wayback Machine
To: kbrunner@...
Sent: Mon, May 21, 2007 8:15:49 PM
Subject: Archieve Wayback Machine
Greetings All:
If you want to compare the WAO's web pages from the mid 1990's to today, then go to this web link: http://www.archive.org/web/web.php and insert wildanimalorphanage.org in the url box.
You will be amazed on how much the WAO's web pages changed over the years. Remember, at the end of 2005 the WAO was forced to remove a lot of false information from its web pages, so really take a look at the stuff from 2004-2005. I still cringe at all the false information on the web pages from that period. Click on "how you can help - board members, staff "(yep, Ron was Director of Animal Care and Director of Construction and he did it all with a driver's license!!), etc...Even the primate, chimp, and feral cat tabs are in tact... I still can't get over Carol advertised on the net that the Texas Parks and Wildlife and USDA inspected the second site - regularly!
Carol's bio posted on the earlier pages was interesting (see board members). She says she worked as a vet tech for four years, yet her oral deposition in 2004 states she worked several jobs including retail (shoes), waitressing, dog kennel and she worked at a vetereinary office for a while along with other "interim jobs." At 17 she worked in the "entertainment field." She then states that at 22 yrs old she entered into a nursing training program for 4-7 years...she can't remember the exact number of years because her "memory is failing." 9 years of nursing in England, specializing in OR, ER, Terminal ward and is a Registered Nurse for the Mentally Subnormal...yeah, right!
Anyhoo, I noticed updates from 2006 are not listed...keeps showing data from 2005, so I guess that means the WAO did something so caches cannot be stored...oh well...
Thought you might be interested in this site for future reference...enjoy...k
[Present Day: I shudder everytime I think of the domestic animals "retired" at the WAO because of this statement placed on the WAO's website:
Please consider the animals in your will
You can continue helping the animals long after you have left this world by leaving your real estate or land (anywhere in the United States) and any other tangible items to the sanctuary.
Pet Retirement Project
IF YOU HAVE PETS!
Please make provisions in your will today for the care of your animals after you leave this world. ASUS/WAO will accept your domestic animals and care for them for the rest of their natural lives.
For more information call: 210-688-9038
(Contact: Carol Asvestas)
The care provided to the domestic animals were deplorable. Breaks my heart to think that folks may have left their possessions and animals with the WAO in the hopes that Carol Asvestas and the WAO would provide life-long care for the rest of their animals' natural lives.
Or how about the "key staff" listing! Talk about hyper-inflated and false!
Dr. Rachelle Gaza
In-House Veterinarian
Tenure: 2 years
Ron Asvestas
Director of Animal Care
Director of Construction
Tenure: 23 Years
Carol Asvestas
Chief Executive Officer
Director of Animal Care
Director of Administration
Tenure: 23 Years
Michelle Reininger
Assistant Director of Animal Care
Tenure: 9 Years
Mary Reininger
Assistant Director of Animal Care
Tenure: 9 Years
Norma Lagutchik
Sanctuary Manager
Tenure: 2 years
Or how about the proposed projects listed for 2004!
NATIVE WILDLIFE
1. Construction of an animal clinic/nursery for wildlife rehabilitation and indoor/outdoor quarantine facility at the 102-acre sanctuary (5,000 sq. ft.)..........$225,000
This clinic is badly needed. We now have an on-site veterinarian that needs an area to work in. This clinic will be used to spay/neuter and treat domestic/feral cats, exotic animals and hoof stock. It will also serve as a nursery and rehabilitation area for injured and displaced native wildlife.
PRIMATES
2. (2) chimpanzee housing areas..........$150,000 Two chimpanzee indoor and outdoor areas need renovating. Recent heavy rains and flooding created several leaks in the roofs of the indoor buildings. The indoor and outdoor areas need re-painting and climbing apparatus and sleep benches needs replacing. These two areas are home to 24 chimpanzees that were retired from medical research; six of these wonderful chimps are HIV-infected.
3. (1) 1-acre enclosure for baboons..........$33,000
16 Baboons are currently being housed in an indoor grouping area in two social groups. They are currently being integrated into one group. These unfortunate animals lived under horrific conditions at a defunct wildlife park; they were literally dropped off on our doorstep.
4. (2) 1-acre enclosures for macaques..........$66,000
32 Long-tailed macaques and 18 rhesus macaques recently retired from medical research have been successfully integrated into two social groups and are currently being housed in a temporary area. These little ones need large natural living quarters.
5. (2) primate caregivers (2 yrs)..........$50,000
BIG CATS
6. (20) 1-acre tract natural enclosures in which to transfer and permanently house 62 big cats from the 10-acre facility..........$660,000 62 Big cats have been brought back to health and socially grouped; they now need to be transferred into large natural areas at the 102-acre sanctuary where they can comfortably live out the remainder of their lives.
FERAL CATS
7. (6) Large natural outdoor areas with access to indoor buildings in which to house and re-domesticate feral cats..........$175,000 Feral cats can be rehabilitated/re-domesticated and adopted into responsible homes through an exchange program that exists between us and area animal shelters. These areas will facilitate up to 300 cats.
HOOFED & FARM ANIMALS
8. The hoof stock and farm animals need an area consisting of: feed shed, barn, storage area and ten horse stalls. We also need to cross fence (4), 5-acre pastures..........$95,000 The sanctuary is currently caring for: llamas, horses, cows, donkeys, chickens and rabbits. We have a waiting list for incoming animals and need this area in order to upgrade the living conditions for the animals we currently house and to allow for additional animals.
Total cost of projects $1,454,000
Take a guess as to how many building projects were actually completed! Try none! If anyone donated money towards these programs, then he or she should demand their money back.
May 25, 2007
I learned today that the 2006 990 will be delayed until the "first part of June." Financial reports are late again.
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