USDA Sentences Queenie to the San Antonio Zoo
April 16th, 2010 | 
Author:
The PAWS Asian habitat, where Queenie could have roamed free
IDA has just learned that an agreement has been signed between Will Davenport and the USDA, in which Davenport has agreed to turn Queenie over to the San Antonio Zoo as part of a settlement with the agency regarding charges against him for multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The agency gave Davenport no other choice but the zoo.
Months ago, the PAWS sanctuary sent the USDA a formal offer to provide Queenie with a lifetime home, where she could wander a 40-acre Asian elephant habitat in the company of other elephants. Instead, the USDA made Queenie’s transfer to the San Antonio Zoo a condition the settlement with Davenport. If he did not agree to their terms, he faced significant fines and possibly jail time.
San Antonio Zoo, which has chosen to keep its current elephant Lucky alone for more than three years rather than find a better home for her, has less than a half acre of space, which is not sufficient for one elephant, much less two. And the Zoo has no long-term plans to hold Asian elephants, having stated that it will ship them off as soon as they complete a planned African exhibit for African elephants. Further, Lucky is known to have been aggressive toward her former cage-mate Alport, making introductions in the Zoo’s tiny elephant display dangerous for the elephants. Queenie has displayed similar tendencies, making them a poor match.
You will remember that WIll Davenport’s elephants, Tina and Jewel, were taken from him in August 2009 after years of ongoing and repeated violations of veterinary care and safe handling requirements. Reportedly because of grave concerns over Jewel’s apparently fragile health status, they were taken to the San Diego Zoo where they were provided with needed veterinary care. Although IDA would have preferred that the elephants be retired to one of the two natural-habitat sanctuaries in the country, we were pleased that Tina and Jewel were getting the specialized care they needed for recovery.
San Antonio Zoo enclosure – not fit for one elephant, much less two
At that time, Davenport surrendered his USDA license to exhibit animals, but he kept Queenie, who has been held on his Leggett, TX., property ever since. IDA has been working to get her situation investigated by a law enforcement authority.
What you can do to help
Call Secretary Vilsack today at (202) 720 – 3631
Tell him that his agency ignored the better choice for Queenie. Tell him he MUST remedy this terrible decision now.
This blog was contributed by Deborah Robinson, IDA’s Captive Elephant Specialist.
Posted in Animals in Entertainment, Elephants, Wildlife | 
Tags: Elephants, Endangered Species, Legal, Queenie, Texas, Zoos
147 Responses to “USDA Sentences Queenie to the San Antonio Zoo”
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I cannot the inhumanity of some of us humans! How could they do this? How unforgiving of them. Do they have no feelings for the poor elephant? Please let her go to Paws Sanctuary or the Sanctuary in Tennessee!
I faxed a letter to USDA, Secretary Vilsak since I could not get through to 301-734-4980.
I asked you to please change your “agreement” for the benefit of Queenie, the one to whom it means the MOST! She deserves to live out the last years of her life at PAWS, which so generously offered to give her the care she desperately needs now.
Please do the right and humane thing for this dear one.
Thank you.
Wouldn’t be nice to see Queenie able to roam the sanctuary with her new friends & really be an Elephant ? I am a ssupporter of PAWS & feel all the animals who were forced to spend most of their lives performing & probably being beaten, deserve a peaceful retirement there. Please THINK & send this precious animal to this sanctuary to live out her days in a friendly environment.
Thanks ahead, Alan Serlin
It never ceaces to amaze me just how stupid and cruel and neglient and idiotic the USDA can be. The purpose of getting the Elephant out of the previous owners hands was because of neglience and now you are going to sentence the elephant to another prison who has little capability of providing for this elephant when there was already a facility “PAWS Sanctuary” that was more than willing to take the animal that could more than provide for the elephant ALL of his needs. Hasn’t Queenie served her time? Hasn’t QUEENIE worked and been on display enough? Isn’t it time for her to retire finally to a life of luxery? There is a season to everything. A time to work and a time to play and retire and Queenie has MORE THEN ENOUGH SERVED HER TIME. DO WHAT IS RIGHT and give Queenie to PAWS SANCTUARY. It’s time that she is NO LONGER A VICTIM! FREE QUEENIE! FREE QUEENIE! FREE QUEENIE! FREE QUEENIE! FREE QUEENIE!
5:48PM EST on Monday 4/19/10 – I just called Secretary Vilsack and they have been inundated with so many calls that they are not accepting any more calls/names, but are asking peopleto call a special “Animal Care” hotline. Please call this new # to have your name added to the petition to move Queenie to PAWS!
Animal Care # 301-734-4980. The line opens for calls at 8:30AM EST.
Please reconsider this amazingly unfair option and send poor Dear Queenie to the PAWS Sanctuary NOW !!
Enough is enough for this beautiful creature.
Can we please then turn some attention to poor Lucky
What is Vilsack email??!! I’m going to bombard him with so many emails and get my friends to aswell…
please let queenie live her few good years left at a sanctuary she deserves it!
I just called the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack office at (202) 720-3631 and faxed him at (202) 720-2166. The answer from the receptionist/assistant was: “were are exhausted, were are getting so many phone calls, you need to call The Animal Care division phone number is (301)734-4980″ which I did earlier. Not much of compassion for Queenie. USDA officials please allow Queenie to go to the PAWS sanctuary now.
P.S. I will keep calling and faxing the offices, I promise!
Please send Queenie to a Sanctuary,not a zoo. She deserves to be free and to have all the luxuries that an elephant needs.
No más crueldad con los indefensos e inocentes animales…. Somos el “Infierno” para ellos, debido a tanta crueldad innecesaria diariamente… Basta es Basta !!!!
I have just finally gotten through to the 301-734-4980 phone number and talked to a gal just answering the phones, she wanted my name and number so someone could call me back in a few days. Although I told her that would be great, I also wanted to give her my thoughts about the USDA decision to send Queenie to the S.A. Zoo. I have been there and Lucky is an unlucky gal who should also be sent to PAWS. Don’t bother calling the 202/720-3631 phone number, they want you to call the Animal Care number. I started yesterday and sent emails and today sent letters…..please we must save Queenie from going to S.A. and we must also get the S.A. Zoo to release Lucky.
PLEASE CALL AND VOICE YOUR OPINION TO SAVE QUEENIE FROM GOING TO S.A.
Has anyone got the email address for Secretary Vilsack ?
THIS IS HORRIBLE!! I’m ashamed on two counts now. I was before because the owner of Queenie was a Texan AND I was already ashamed as a citizen of beautiful San Antonio that they refuse to send poor Lucky to a sanctuary. The zoo director there is apparently a man who cares nothing for elephant welfare. I have heard him speak on TV to the issue and know his attitude. NOW he is bringing Queenie here???? I’m just devasted for both elephant girls!! I’ve been to the zoo. To describe the so called elephant exhibit to you would require the use of nasty words! There is no room for Lucky let alone another elephant as well. This zoo director knows that elephants mean money for the zoo and that’s all he cares about….probably money for the new African elephant exhibit. When that’s built what then will happen to Queenie and Lucky if they live that long??? I certainly hope that the USDA comes to its senses and quickly. Not only should Queenie NOT be sent to San Antonio but Lucky must be removed from there as well and sent to a sanctuary!!!! These girls deserve some dignity and peace in the company of their sister elephants and caring people who will love them.
I was referred to the Animal Care office at 301 734-4980.I put my name on the list and expressed my concern for Queenie and for Lucky. The women who answered the phone was nice but didn’t know much about the elephant’s situation. She said that she was just answering the phone and adding the caller’s name to the list.
Hello, Yes, Let’s all help Queenie. Eugenia Renskoff
Hello, I also ask that this decision be reconsidered. Queenie deserves a good life.Eugenia Renskoff
Listen everyone! Do not call the 202# they are giving you this USDA office number to call: 301-734-4980. She works in the USDA office and she is taking everyone’s names and THIS WILL BE BASED on their decision to send her to the sanctuary. I told her that she absolutely MUST be sent to the sanctuary over the zoo.
Please call the 301-734-4980… she is getting alot of calls but will get your information on the petition!
Thanks
The decision by Secretary Vilsack to send Queenie to a cramped, bleak, concrete enclosure, instead of the Paw’s Sanctuary is simply wrong. Queenie has been tortured for a lifetime and we finally have the opportunity to do the right thing. The only humane choice is to let her spend her remaining years wandering on real dirt and grass in a bit of open land, with other Asian elephants. Please award custody to the Paw’s Sanctuary forever and as soon as possible. This has taken far too long and her final rescue must be the correct one.
please let Queenie go to the Sanctuary for retired elephants,she deserves to live out her life being happy and comfortable and she wouldn’t be in the zoo in San Antonio.Have a heart let her go to the sanctuary where she belongs,not to a zoo in San Antonio thats over crowded and to small to have another elephant housed there.So be kind to Queenie she’s gone through enough in her life already,give her some TLC NOW!!
The agregious decision by my government to send Queenie to a cramped, unsuitable, concrete prison, instead of the Paws Sanctuary is simply wrong. Queenie has been tortured for a lifetime and we finally have the opportunity to do the right thing. The only humane choice is to let her spend her remaining years wandering on real dirt and grass in a bit of open land, with other Asian elephants. Please award custody to the Paw’s Sanctuary forever and as soon as possible. This has taken far too long and her final rescue must be the correct one.
The agregious decision by MY government to send Queenie to a cramped, unsuitable, concrete prison, instead of the Paws Sanctuary is simply wrong. Queenie has been tortured for a lifetime and WE finally have the opportunity to do the right thing. The only humane choice is to let her spend her limited, remaining years wandering on real dirt and grass, in a bit open land, with other Asian elephants. Please award custody to the Paw’s Sanctuary forever and as soon as possible. This has taken far too long and her final rescue must be the correct one.
Please send Queenie to a Sanctuary!
Please send Queenie to a Sanctuary not a zoo!
When people quite using animals as money-makers and entertainment, there will be significant drop in need for shelters and sanctuaries.
I called the # listed above 202 720-3631 and the people taking the calls are saying that they can’t do anything and told me to call animal care at 301 734-4980. Has anyone else who’s called been told this as well? I think this is their way of blowing me off.
How do we get linked to that petition? Thank you!
I just called and it was easy and too only about one minute. Make those phone calls as well! Phone calls always have more impact when they hear a human voice!
Doesn’t this magnificent creature deserve to live out her life somewhere that she’d be happy – I think so!
Please let Queenie go to the home she deserves! The beautiful animals deserve so much better. This is heartbreaking! Let Queenie live the rest of her life with the love of other Elephants and the chance to roam at PAWS santuary.
JUST TO CLARIFY: The Animal Care Division IS taking names, at the above number (although frankly, I thought the woman who answered didn’t seem to be paying much attention so I wondered if she’s really writing them down (most people have a little trouble with my last name but she didn’t query me on the spelling, etc.) which is why I got the email address for Sec’y. Vilsack, just in case they’re underreporting the calls…
I don’t know if I’d exactly call it a ‘slave’ thing;, and I don’t see anything wrong with breeding, since the wild populations are still in danger. But the zoo still isn’t the best option and the decision needs to be changed.
I called Senator Vilsak’s number, but they gave me a number for the Animal Division…. (301) 734-4980. I left a message requesting that Queenie get sent to PAWS Sanctuary. The lady who took my message was very nice!
Here is my letter I’m faxing:
Tom Vilsack
USDA Secretary
Re: Queenie Referral to San Antonio Zoo
Dear Mr. Vilsack:
The purpose of this letter is to request that this wonderful animal be allowed to go to the PAWS Sanctuary, who has generously offered to provide Queenie with a lifetime home.
There would only be negatives for Queenie’s transfer to the San Antonio Zoo. I have been to this zoo, and there is simply no room for the elephant they have, which has proven to be aggressive, much less the addition of another elephant. One of the reasons Lucky, the elephant at the San Antonio Zoo, is so aggressive is that her habitat is far too small for a large animal who should be free roaming. The only reason zoos exit is for the education of the public. The only educational result of placing Queenie in the San Antonio Zoo environment is that of teaching the public the horrors of overcrowding animals. These horrors include OCD behavior, aggressiveness, depression, anorexia, and death.
Please reconsider the offer provided by PAWS, please do the right thing by this great animal now dependent on human care and compassion, and send her to the life she deserves.
I just got through to Secretary Vilsack’s office. The office person there said HIS OFFICE IS NOT TAKING NAMES AND REFERRED ME TO THE NUMBER FOR THE USDA ANIMAL CARE DIVISION, WHICH IS 301-734-4980.
HIS OFFICE SAID THAT THAT THE ANIMAL CARE DIVISION REPORTS TO THE SECRETARY (VILSACK).
SECRETARY VILSACK’S EMAIL IS: agsec@usda.gov (I’m not sure re caps or lower case).
I just called Sec. Vilsack’s office and since they are getting so many calls, referred me to 301-734-4980 to add my name to the petition. I was told they are getting so many calls that the phone doesn’t stop ringing.
Please please please send Queenie to a better facility and end the senseless cruelty. We are compelled to act responsibly and humanely or the legacy we leave on this earth will condemn us all.
Karen, when I called the Animal Care number you gave, I got the message that that number has been disconnected. I did get through to Vilsack’s number that IDA gave in their action alert however.
This is terrible. I’ve been following Queenie’s story for years, and can’t believe anyone would consider this to be acceptable. She is a sensitive, intelligent, feeling being and she needs to be able to live out the rest of her life at the PAWS sanctuary or the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
There’s another number to call in Fort Collins, too, after you call (301) 734-4980. It’s the western region number: (940) 494-7478. Please call both numbers and speak up for Queenie today.
I am so disappointed and sad.How can anyone in such a responsible position make such an irresponsible decision and “sentence” Queenie to that inadequate zoo! It is a no brainer that this is NOT best for Queenie.It smells like another now all to common federal government “good ole boy” deals to me.With this decision in mind, I am scared. They sure will have fun, at our expense, with our new health care plan! Explain your decision Mr. Valsack. I will be calling Animal Care and the Secretary’s office today.
i called the 202 number and they gave me a number for animal care who is now taking comments 301-734-4980. i hope queenie gets to go the sanctuary. most zoos are ill-equipped to keep animals. and then they end up deprived of everything that is natural. call people call.
I have just called the Animal Care and left my name and number.
I am not sure that the person who is answering the phone in writing down callers’ information. She seemed annoyed because (and I quote) “everybody has the same complaint”.
Hi,
We called Sec. Vilsack’s office and were redirected to a number that is taking comments, etc..
The number is 301-734-4980. It may ring for quite a while; just be patient!
Let’s all get this egregious action corrected ASAP!
Just called – they are still making a list of names FOR Queenie’s “salvation”…I added my daughter’s name as well. Can anyone add this to Facebook or other sites — ask your kids !!
I just called the Animal Care division phone number (301)734-4980 and after adding my name to the petition, asked that someone return my call and explain the USDA’s reasoning for choosing the zoo over a sanctuary.
The Animal Care number is busy. Which is good because it is being flooded with calls for Queenie but it is now very difficult to get through. Does anyone know another alternate number to call beside this one and Tom Vilsack’s?
Just called and said my protest would be turned over to the regional office. Does any one know who that is and does anyone have a phone number.? This truly is a no brainer. Enough already.
I’ve just called the USDA Animal Care Division and left my name on the petition, and got a busy at Vilsack’s office (but will keep trying!). This is utterly appalling.
This poor elephant has been through enough torture.
She needs to live a life which she was created to live, — free with other elephants and room enough to roam.
Jan Fredericks
President, God’s Creatures Ministry
Chairman, Catholic Concern for Animals-USA
This poor elephant has been through enough torture.
She needs to live a live she was created to live, — free with other elephants and room enough to roam.
Jan Fredericks
President, God’s Creatures Ministry
Chairman, Catholic Concern for Animals-USA