Help Give Queenie the Gift of Safety
- Monday, January 18, 2010, 9:26
- Elephants in Zoos, In the News
- 324 views
In Defense of Animals (IDA) has spent the past two years following the lives of Tina, Jewel and Queenie, three Asian elephants that were part of the Shrine Circus under the care of Will Davenport.
Davenport has been cited with multiple USDA violations and failure to properly care for the three elephants.
Thanks to IDA’s work and public outcry, Tina and Jewel were finally removed and sent to the San Diego Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Elephant Care Center where they’re reportedly doing well.
Sadly, and unbelievably, Queenie was left behind with Davenport in Texas when Tina and Jewel were taken away.
From IDA:
The USDA filed serious charges against Davenport in October, and we expected the agency to negotiate a prompt settlement which would result in Queenie going to a sanctuary. It now appears that Davenport intends to fight the charges, and no settlement has been announced. Queenie is still in his hands, although he is not permitted to exhibit her or to move her without the USDA’s consent. No governmental authority will acknowledge responsibility for her well-being.
IDA continues to monitor the situation closely, as we have for over two years. We continue to explore all legal options for helping Queenie. And we continue work to persuade the USDA that they have both the ability and the obligation to get Queenie to safety.
It is frustrating to contact the USDA only to be rebuffed by their claim that they have no jurisdiction – but the truth is that they are Queenie’s best hope for a happy ending. The USDA can – as it has in many previous cases, including the Hawthorn elephants – reach a settlement with Davenport, who faces substantial fines and possible jail time for the violations alleged against him. Sanctuary for Queenie should be a part of that settlement.
Both the PAWS sanctuary in California and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee are ready and willing to take Queenie into their facilities and care for her for the rest of her life.
IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048
4 Comments on “Help Give Queenie the Gift of Safety”
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I have made many phone calls, to the Secretary of Agriculture’s office and APHIS. I have also sent faxes and many e-mails to the acting APHIS administrator. I have also e-mailed one of my NC representatives and my senator. There are too many sad situations regarding elephants, but Queenie’s story really touches me. It saddens me to think of her lonely existence in an abusive environment. I will continue to follow this situation and write/call often on Queenie’s behalf. I hope and pray that she can live out her days in a sanctuary with her own kind.
I too have sent many emails, letters and given financial support to help Queenie. I still send correspondence to Shea and other representatives to let them know people are not giving up on Queenie. My heart breaks for her and hope she is finally rescued and put into a beautiful sanctuary reunited with Tina and Jewel,her life long companions. I pray for her and Tina and Jewel. Amen.
Where can we send donations to help support the fight for Queenie?
You can donate to IDA, and specify the campaign to which you’d like to donate, here:
https://secure2.convio.net/ida/site/Donation2?df_id=1940&1940.donation=form1
(Elephants is a choice in the drop-down). Thank you for all you do for the animals!