Email Exchanges with Toronto Zoo Board of Management, 27-Jul-2012

The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo had a meeting on July 5, 2012. In advance of the meeting I made a written submission to express my concerns about the elephants.

The Chairman did not let me speak at the meeting claiming technical issues, notwithstanding that under the Toronto Zoo's By-laws there is discretion to permit deputants to speak at the meeting and make submissions.

Prior to and after the meeting, I had several email exchanges with Joe Torzsok, Chair of the Toronto Zoo Board of Management, and with the Committee Administrator.

Click here to read the email exchanges. [Updated: 27-Jul-2012]

Important questions still remain unanswered.

About

In a "nutshell", Toronto Zoo decided to close the elephant exhibit. Then Toronto City Council (not Toronto Zoo) decided to send the elephants to PAWS in California. After checking it out, Toronto Zoo found that PAWS has tuberculosis ("TB") issues and the Toronto Zoo elephants may get TB if they go there. The Toronto Zoo elephants do not have TB. Treating TB involves quarantine and about 100 pills per day taken rectally -- yes, that end. So why risk sending them there? There are other places to send the Toronto Zoo elephants. One place is The National Elephant Center (TNEC) in Florida which opens Spring 2013 and is closer. Contact your Toronto City Councillor and ask that City Council listen to the Toronto Zoo's trained professionals and let Toronto Zoo make the animal care decisions.

An overview:

• SaveTheElephants.ca is citizens advocating to: (a) keep the three elephants at the Toronto Zoo, and (b) in the alternative, have them moved to an AZA-accredited facility such as The National Elephant Center (TNEC) in Florida.

• The Toronto Zoo has three female African elephants. The three elephants are approximately aged 32 years, 42 years and 43 years and are being well taken care of by the trained professionals at the Toronto Zoo. Average elephant lifespan is 40-60 years.

• In May 2011, the Toronto Zoo announced that it would close the elephant exhibit. A study showed that it would have taken $16.5 million to renovate and triple the size of the elephant area. And since elephants are social, three is the recommended minimum herd size (although some zoos have less than three). If one of the senior elephants were to pass away, there would probably be a request put forth to move out the other two elephants or to acquire one or more elephants (possible but probably not likely without the renovation).

• The Toronto Zoo and the Toronto Zoo's Board of Management started the lengthy process of exploring the various options of where to send the three elephants. A decision was anticipated around the end of 2011.

• In October 2011 (about two months away from a decision), Toronto City Council took less than 1 hour to decide to pass an urgent motion without notice to send the three Toronto Zoo elephants to a place in California called "Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)"; however, PAWS is not accredited by the nationally recognized Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). When council passed the motion, it took the decision out of the hands of the trained professionals at the Toronto Zoo. Subsequently, the AZA revoked Toronto Zoo's long-standing AZA accreditation because of governance issues.

• Even as of October 2012, the lengthy due diligence process is still being carried out to ensure that the elephants are safely and humanely transported. Due diligence is not an administrative process of simply filing out paperwork. It includes, but is not limited to, examining the procedures and protocols and animal health records of PAWS. If questions remain from the due diligence process, the agreement to transfer the elephants to PAWS can and should be terminated. See:

  • "Several Outstanding Items Remain Including Major Health Concerns Regarding the Transfer of the Toronto Zoo Elephants", Toronto Zoo, 25-Sep-2012

    1. Transportation Plan: PAWS is responsible for transporting the elephants. There currently is no transportation plan in place. PAWS originally wanted to fly the elephants in a partially pressurized cargo bay. PAWS finally agreed that was not safe for the elephants or for the zoo's accompanying personnel.

    2. Crates and Training: Toka's steel transport crate is too small. The door cannot close behind her. And there have been setbacks training Iringa to use a crate. Crate training requires patience and trust. During transport, the elephants will be chained inside their crates by three legs for the entire trip.

    3. Medical and Health Records: There is tuberculosis (TB) at PAWS. Toronto Zoo's senior veterinarian Dr. Crawshaw (30+ years experience) has concerns about the bio-security at PAWS. Imagine if you were sending a loved one to a retirement home where there are active cases of an infectious disease; wouldn't you be concerned?

    4. Permits: There were delays in PAWS supplying the USA import permits which expired 1-Oct-2012. An extension on the import permits will likely be required while the Canadian export permits are being prepared by Environment Canada.

• Toronto Zoo Board member, Councillor Gloria Lindsay Luby, said deciding to send the elephants to PAWS “was the wrong decision” and “now, I just have to be certain we’re not sending them into something they’re going to get sick in and will shorten their life-span” since “because they’re not an accredited institution, they don’t really have any accountability.” (source: Toronto Sun, 26-Apr-2012)

• As of October 2012, PAWS is asking for a deadline to be set and ensure there are no further obstructions and delays. Keep in mind that the delays can be primarily attributed to factors under the responsibility of PAWS. Where's the transportation plan from PAWS? Where are the permits? Where's the bigger crate for Toka? Where are PAWS's answers to the health concerns? And if a deadline is set and the elephants are not ready on that date, would you shove the elephants into the crates kicking and screaming? Of course not. Is it going to be claimed that "the Toronto Zoo is delaying yet again"? A safe and humane transfer can only be done when the elephants are ready.

• On 26-Oct-2012, a Toronto Zoo press release stated that the Toronto Zoo has received a letter from PAWS's American attorneys threatening legal action against the Toronto Zoo and certain individuals arising from a Status Report update in September.

• On 5-Nov-2012, the City of Toronto's Executive Committee passed a motion ordering the three elephants be moved “as soon as possible” to a facility zoo staff “determine is the best location.” This motion is significant and takes things in a positive direction. See: Summary of committee meeting.

• On 27-Nov-2012, Toronto City Council discussed the elephants again. Despite the professional advice of the Toronto Zoo professionals, Toronto City Council decided 32-8 to send the three Toronto Zoo elephants to the PAWS facility. See: Summary of Council meeting.

• After you consider all the facts, you have to conclude that the professionals at the Toronto Zoo really are looking out for the well-being of these elephants. It's time that this entire elephant transfer be reconsidered. It's about the health and safety of the elephants. Always has been. Always will be.

• The National Elephant Center (TNEC) in Florida and other AZA-accredited facilities should be considered. See Toronto Star: "Zoo's elephants: Could another retirement option be Florida?"

For additional information, see:

• The Saga of Toka, Thika, and Iringa
• Getting to Know Toka, Thika and Iringa
• Questions that need to be answered
• The Florida Option
• How you can help
• How to contact Mayor Ford and your Toronto City Councillor
• Sign the petition

For latest updates and more information, see the home page.

Email Exchanges with Toronto Zoo Board of Management

The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo had a meeting on July 5, 2012. In advance of the meeting I made a written submission to express my concerns about the elephants.

The Chairman did not let me speak at the meeting claiming technical issues, notwithstanding that under the Toronto Zoo's By-laws there is discretion to permit deputants to speak at the meeting and make submissions.

Prior to and after the meeting, I had several email exchanges with Joe Torzsok, Chair of the Toronto Zoo Board of Management, and with the Committee Administrator.

Click here to read the email exchanges. [Updated: 26-Jul-2012]

URGENT: Make Your Submissions to Council Today

Let Toronto City Council know your thoughts.

If you wish to be heard at the July 11/12, 2012 Toronto City Council meeting, you must submit a written submission (verbal presentations won’t be allowed). As such you can send a written submission to the City Clerk.

Here is a sample email that you can send:

To: clerk@toronto.ca CC: mayor_ford@toronto.ca Subject: Written Submission regarding anticipated Motion re Toronto Elephants I understand that Councillor Berardinetti or another Councillor may be bringing a motion to Council at the July 11/12 meeting in regards to the Toronto elephants. In the event that Ms. Berardinetti or another Councillor brings such a motion without notice or on an urgent basis, then I would like to have the attached written submission distributed to all the Councillors for their consideration of such motion. Please see attachment. Please confirm receipt.

If you have any written materials, attach them to your email. If not, then attach (or type in the email directly) a bullet list of your thoughts.

Send your email to clerk@toronto.ca and copy to Mayor Ford (cc: mayor_ford@toronto.ca) and also copy to your local Councillor. See: contact information (scroll down the page).

Related: Is an Urgent Motion Without Notice Planned?

Is an Urgent Motion Without Notice Planned?

Is an urgent motion without notice planned for the July 2012 Toronto City Council meeting?

InsideToronto.com: "Tug of war over Toronto Zoo elephants continues", 20-Jun-2012

"Should the zoo management find reason to keep the elephants in Toronto, the two councillors [Scarborough councillors Glenn De Baeremaeker and Michelle Berardinetti] said they're preparing a motion for the July meeting of Toronto Council to ensure that the transfer goes ahead."

Toronto Sun: "Berardinetti asks council to approve summer elephant transfer", 5-Jul-2012

"Councillor Michelle Berardinetti said she will be asking councillors at their July meeting to lock in the transfer of the elephants to a California sanctuary this summer."

Agenda of City Council Meeting, July 11-12, 2012

However, the Agenda for the July 11-12, 2012 Toronto City Council meeting does not appear to contain any motion in regards to the Elephants. It is unclear whether Councillor Berardinetti or Councillor Baeremaeker or another Councillor may propose an urgent motion without notice as was done on October 25, 2011.

Related: URGENT: Make Your Submissions to Council Today

Councillor Parker Gets It Right

Following the October 25, 2011 City Council meeting vote against the motion, Councillor Parker posted the following article on his website:

• "Parker Enews: Why I did NOT vote to send the Toronto Zoo elephants to the California PAWS sanctuary", 28-Oct-2011.

"My vote in opposition to the move to the San Andreas sanctuary was not a reflection of any lack of appreciation for the merits of that recommendation; it was a reflection of my reluctance to impose the passionate will of council on a process that had not been allowed to run its proper course, under circumstances that did not justify the sense of urgency that had overtaken the matter."

Questions that need to be answered about the future of Toronto's 3 elephants Toka, Thika and Iringa

Questions that need to be answered about the future of #Toronto's 3 elephants Toka, Thika and Iringa

Issues of Concern in the Matter of the Three Toronto Elephants:
(.pdf document)

1. In the opinion of Toronto Zoo veterinarian professionals are the three elephants at the Toronto Zoo currently in an immediate health risk that they absolutely need to be relocated?
2. If there is no health risk, (a) what is professional reason why the Toronto Zoo is planning to move the elephants and, (b) is there an internal professional recommendation of the Toronto Zoo veterinarian professionals that the three elephants be relocated when there is no need from a health risk perspective for them to even be relocated?
3. If the Toronto Zoo is of the opinion that three elephants absolutely need to be moved due to a health risk, what assessment was taken as to the options that are available to best look after the long term interests of the elephants?
4. What are the results of the due diligence that the Toronto Zoo has obtained regarding the PAWS facility and were they reviewed by the veterinarian professionals at the Zoo?
5. What assessment has been done that these elephants can survive a long distance trip? In particular, reference is made to the case of Wanky that died in transport in 2005 from the Chicago Zoo. Please make public a copy of the proposed plan to move the three Toronto elephants to PAWS.
6. Please certify that: (a) the PAWS facility is a disease free environment including tuberculosis free (including instances where TB results are reactive and positive) and (b) the PAWS facility is an environment equal to or better as currently exists at the Toronto Zoo for the three elephants.
7. Confirm whether the agreement between the City of Toronto/Toronto Zoo and PAWS permits the City of Toronto/Toronto Zoo to object to the transfer to the PAWS facility if in the opinion of the Toronto Zoo veterinarian professionals the move to the PAWS facility is not in the best interests of the three elephants, and if so, confirm whether the City of Toronto/Toronto Zoo is prepared to exercise its rights in this regard.
8. If a move is absolutely necessary, provide explanation why the three elephants cannot be relocated to The National Elephant Center in Florida or a similar AZA approved facility.
9. If a decision to reconsider was made, from the perspective of the health of the elephants, in the opinion the veterinarian professionals at the Toronto Zoo, would the elephants be adequately cared for at Toronto Zoo to allow sufficient time for the full Toronto City Council to properly debate and properly assess the options and the current facts.
10. Zoo officials make readily available to all City of Toronto Councillors all files in its possession or control relating to the matters of the Toronto Zoo and the PAWS facility.
11. Zoo officials permit all City of Toronto Councillors who wish to do so to be able to speak directly and frankly with the veterinarian professionals at the Toronto Zoo to obtain their opinion and to ensure that the Councillors are fully informed about:
    1. the three elephants,
    2. the PAWS facilities,
    3. the issues regarding TB,
    4. alternative facilities such as The National Elephant Center,
    5. the risks involved in transporting elephants including the case of Wanky who died during transportation in 2005,
    6. the cancellation of the Zoo’s accreditation with AZA and the impact on the Zoo programs including the upcoming Giant Pandas exhibit,
    7. the options available to the Councillors including:
       1. deferring the matter for reconsideration at a future date
       2. improving the Toronto Zoo elephant facility
       3. moving the elephants to The National Elephant Center
       4. any other options available
12. Zoo officials immediately make publicly available:
    1. the information obtained during the due diligence,
    2. the agreement with PAWS regarding the three elephants,
    3. the staff recommendation report from the Toronto Zoo staff referred to in the Toronto Star article by Donovan Vincent dated Thursday May 12, 2011 wherein it is stated in the article:

       “a Toronto zoo staff recommendation suggested there are numerous questions about the standard of care at that facility and another sanctuary in Tennessee that also isn’t AZA approved.”

       “There are too many unknowns involved as far as I’m concerned,” Eric Cole, supervisor of the zoo’s elephant enclosure told reporters.

       “The sanctuaries don’t have any standards that they publish that are equivalent to AZA standards,” Cole said.

       (source: Click here)
       

Written Submission to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo

• "Written Submission by Peter Cusimano to the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo on July 5, 2012 in the matter of the Three Toronto Zoo Elephants." Click here for Written Submission
• The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo is meeting on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 2:00pm at Toronto City Hall committee room 2. This meeting is open to the public and you are encouraged to attend. No prior registration required to attend. Click here for Agenda
• Board of Management Resolutions Status Report 2012-06-22. Click here for Status Report

The Three Ladies: Toka, Thika and Iringa

Email Mayor Rob Ford and Your City Councillor

Let Mayor Rob Ford and your Toronto City Councillor know that Toka, Thika and Iringa are important to you.

Send an email to your Toronto City Council member and CC it to Mayor Rob Ford. If you live outside of Toronto, send your email directly to Mayor Rob Ford.

Here is a sample email that you can send:

Subject: Toronto Zoo Elephants To: (see email list below) CC: mayor_ford@toronto.ca I am writing to ask that the City of Toronto and the Toronto Zoo reconsider the decision to send the three Toronto Zoo elephants to PAWS in California, and instead consider sending the elephants to The National Elephant Center (TNEC) in Florida. Please watch the short video "The Three Ladies: Toka, Thika and Iringa" at http://youtu.be/vKqC0a4wRAU Thank you.

If you don't know who your City Council is:Find your City Council member.

Rob Ford, City of Toronto Mayor      mayor_ford@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-397-FORD (3673)

Paul Ainslie, Ward 43 Scarborough East      councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4008

Maria Augimeri, Ward 9 York Centre      councillor_augimeri@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4021

Ana Bailão, Ward 18 Davenport      councillor_bailao@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7012

Michelle Berardinetti, Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest      councillor_berardinetti@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0213

Shelley Carroll, Ward 33 Don Valley East      councillor_carroll@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4038

Raymond Cho, Ward 42 Scarborough-Rouge River      councillor_cho@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4076

Josh Colle, Ward 15 Eglinton-Lawrence      councillor_colle@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4027

Gary Crawford, Ward 36 Scarborough Southwest      councillor_crawford@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4052

Vincent Crisanti, Ward 1 Etobicoke North      councillor_crisanti@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0205

Janet Davis, Ward 31 Beaches-East York      councillor_davis@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4035

Glenn De Baeremaeker, Ward 38 Scarborough Centre      councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0204

Mike Del Grande, Ward 39 Scarborough-Agincourt      councillor_delgrande@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1374

Frank Di Giorgio, Ward 12 York South-Weston      councillor_digiorgio@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4066

Sarah Doucette, Ward 13 Parkdale-High Park      councillor_doucette@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4072

John Filion, Ward 23 Willowdale      councillor_filion@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0210

Paula Fletcher, Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth      councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4060

Doug Ford, Ward 2 Etobicoke North      councillor_dford@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-397-9255

Mary Fragedakis, Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth      councillor_fragedakis@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4032

Mark Grimes, Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore      councillor_grimes@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-397-9273

Doug Holyday, Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre      councillor_holyday@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4002

Norm Kelly, Ward 40 Scarborough Agincourt      councillor_kelly@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4047

Mike Layton, Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina      councillor_layton@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4009

Chin Lee, Ward 41 Scarborough-Rouge River      councillor_lee@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1375

Gloria Lindsay Luby, Ward 4 Etobicoke Centre      councillor_lindsay_luby@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1369

Giorgio Mammoliti, Ward 7 York West      councillor_mammoliti@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-395-6401

Josh Matlow, Ward 22 St. Paul's      councillor_matlow@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7906

Pam McConnell, Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale      councillor_mcconnell@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7916

Mary-Margaret McMahon, Ward 32 Beaches-East York      councillor_mcmahon@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1376

Joe Mihevc, Ward 21 St. Paul's      councillor_mihevc@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0208

Peter Milczyn, Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore      councillor_milczyn@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4040

Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ward 34 Don Valley East      councillor_minnan-wong@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-397-9256

Ron Moeser, Ward 44 Scarborough East      councillor_moeser@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1373

Frances Nunziata, Ward 11 York South-Weston      councillor_nunziata@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4091

Cesar Palacio, Ward 17 Davenport      councillor_palacio@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7011

John Parker, Ward 26 Don Valley West      councillor_parker@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-0215

James Pasternak, Ward 10 York Centre      councillor_pasternak@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-1371

Gord Perks, Ward 14 Parkdale-High Park      councillor_perks@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7919

Anthony Perruzza, Ward 8 York West      councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-338-5335

Jaye Robinson, Ward 25 Don Valley West      councillor_robinson@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-395-6408

David Shiner, Ward 24 Willowdale      councillor_shiner@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-395-6413

Karen Stintz, Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence      councillor_stintz@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4090

Michael Thompson, Ward 37 Scarborough Centre      councillor_thompson@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-397-9274

Adam Vaughan, Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina      councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-4044

Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale      councillor_wongtam@toronto.ca, Phone: 416-392-7903

Nature's Great Masterpiece

Nature's great masterpiece, an elephant,
The only harmless great thing.
      -- John Donne, poet.

Iringa and Toka Dust Bathing Together

Best friends Iringa and Toka dust bathing together at the Toronto Zoo.