And some of the sanctuaries that we were aware of, we thought that our care was much better than what they got at the sanctuaries. So we were looking at a place in Arkansas, which just never did come about. Read More
And because there was some thought that elephants oughta go to some of these, I don’t know what they call them, not a rehab center, but a- Sanctuaries?… Read More
Was that, that was not just St. Louis, that was with group of zoos?… Read More
That’s when I think we had a few protestors, and we were part of a group that was looking at getting facility in Arkansas that has some elephants down there in large open spaces. I don’t know exactly how big they are, but acreage. Read More
I think when I got involved with a little bit, I said I was on some committees with animal rights people, it was actually dealing, for the city of St. Louis, because their animal control group was considering some different things. And I think trying to understand where they’re coming… Read More
I think we can do better.” Did you have an issue with animal rights people when the St. Louis Zoo wanted to purchase an elephants facility in Arkansas to turn it into a breeding facility?… Read More
Yes, I recall being on a couple committees actually with some animal, I guess you’d call them animal rights people. But because we had such a close relationship with the Humane Society that it was, you know, we had them really supporting us. Read More
Did you find it, do you think there’s a way for zoos to achieve some relationship with animal activists or animal rights?… Read More
If they were complaining, you know we, in 2006?… Read More
Have you had to have dialogue with animal activists while you were in your leadership position at the zoo?… Read More
Because we already had built the River’s Edge, much earlier than that, and had very large exhibits when we changed from our old elephant house to that. And I would’ve agreed with our old elephant house, that they needed a lot more space. Read More
No, we didn’t. We had a close relationship with the Humane Society. I mentioned that I used to work there, and we continued to utilize them, that they were always very supportive of us. We did not have issues with animal rights in St. Louis. Which is, I mean again,… Read More
I think there were four or six people who showed up for it. So there weren’t very many that were, I’m not sure, the animal rights group was not in St. Louis. They were complaining about the elephants and their lack of space in your zoo. Read More
And I think again, times have changed. And what we were able to provide, today almost all of the exhibits are much larger than they were before, more space, more natural surroundings instead of the bars and sanitary concrete floors. So those things have tried to provide for the animals… Read More
Did we have problems with animal welfare or animal rights people from the outside?… Read More
What’s the best thing that we can offer these animals, and what’s the best thing that we can do for them?… Read More
I mean we were, I think within our own staff we had, I mean, everybody is concerned about the animal welfare, and is it, you know, the best?… Read More
Now, did animal activism or animal rights affect the St. Louis Zoo?… Read More
Well, I think attitudes are changing of the general public, the visitor. I mean you know, you have to have the funding to continue to do the various programs at the zoo. And so, I guess fundraising is part of it there. But the attitudes of the general public is… Read More
Very little. Read More