Sybelle (Cee4life)

I would hide in the diminishing forest I call home. I would try to live with the diminishing prey I have. I would do everything that I knew to do to stay away from people.

But I cannot do that anymore because people have come into my  home and have taken my prey until there is so few left, I am starving.  I am a cat and a carnivore, I am a most skilled survival specialist. I will do anything to live and to protect my children.

You humans and I are the same in some ways, but we are also different in many.  I want to live just as you want to live, but I do not know the boundaries that you humans have set, and sometimes I and my family members cross those invisible boundaries.   And when we do, we die.

Many of my relatives have been killed by humans just because they tried to simply live.  There was a forest that we hunted in for many years, but slowly humans made their way further into it, they took our trees and our prey.  We cannot raise our children, we cannot survive on nothing, so we must hunt, that is our nature.   Over the years my relatives have disappeared. They went into the forest but they never came back.

When the forest guards, found them, some of my family were speared, some were shot, some were electrocuted, some were poisoned,  some were snared, some were blown up with bombs, and there were some that had hunted humans as that was the only food they could find, and they were then beaten and set on fire by people. We could smell their deaths days before the humans found their bodies.

But there was something strange about some of the Tiger bodies.  Some were not complete, they were missing body parts.  Their paws, eyes, whiskers, heart, liver, tail, penis…. etc etc…  You humans took them because you say we are medicine, but that is not true…..we hold no magical medicines in our bodies, no cure for diseases or illness.  We are just Tiger, we only try to live.

You take our land, our food, you kill my family for lies… why would I not want to attack you? why would I not see you as the danger to protect myself and my family from?

In the last 2 years my whole family have been killed.

I wish that I was not born with the fur I have. I wish I was just a plain boring colour that no one wanted, but I suppose even then you humans would still want my claws and eyes etc.

Although my fur is biologically designed to warn of danger, with its stark orange and black, yet you people still do not stay away.!!  Nature gave us creatures these bright or stark colour as a warning to others.  But you will not leave us alone ….. and then when you get too close and when we object, you retaliate by killing us.

Well humans, you have just about killed all of us now. There are only about 3000 of us left in the wild, but probably fewer now,  in the whole world.

Are you happy?

Me, just like other carnivores are classed as “Umbrella” species. This means that we indirectly protect many other species that make up the ecological community of our habitat.

When you take too many of the carnivores out of the ecological system, you kill biodiversity, you kill the eco system, and therefore you damage then ultimately kill any human that is relying on that ecosystem.

When you kill the carnivores, you kill yourself.

Why dont you understand that?

One day I went out to walk, I was not hunting, I was doing what a Tiger does, walking through its territory.   I found a shadey tree to lay beneath to shield me from the sun.  I relaxed and laid myself out, stretching and at ease, when suddenly there was a loud “crack” noise and my leg began to burn.

As the wind changed, I could smell the humans were close by.  I tried to run away but i couldnt run as my back leg was on fire, I could see my blood pouring onto the ground.

I roared in pain, and then I saw the humans.

Another burning pain shot through my front leg, I dropped to the ground, it hurt so badly.

Then I realised that this was what happened to my other family members. This was going to be my death.

I roared loud in the only voice I had to try to tell the humans to stop, to try to tell them that they have been lied to, that I have no medicine in me, to tell them I want a family and to tell them I want to live.

The searing pain began to fade and I did not have the energy to roar anymore. I laid down, and the ground was covered in my red blood.

My eyes focused on the approaching humans, I hiss and try to warn them away. With my last breath I will kill them.

But they know that.

My dangerous colours do not offer me protection, my weakening roar does not frighten them.

I look into the eyes of the humans, panting, I raise one last piece of energy and I roar. “I WANT TO LIVE”

The bullet enters my skull, I am gone.

Tiger number 2999….

Human 6 973 738 433 billion and growing…..

In these last days of the creatures on earth, the battle to save them has become more like a warzone, and very little to do with actually saving an animal purely because of conservation, ecological balance or biodiversity reasons.

That may sound like a dramatic statement, but its not.  Its factual and frightening.  The wild creatures on earth, particularly the ones targeted for Traditional Chinese Medicines, are facing certain extinction because of ego, money and attempts to hide the devastating truth.

Let me tell you a true story ( species of animal, and location withheld).

Once upon a time, there were 3 little wild cats. Their mum was killed by a predator, and they were left alone in the wild. Miraculously they survived the night, but the predators were  closing in on them.  In the area where the wild cats lived, were some wonderful people, who were professional and qualified to rescue them, rehabilitate them, and raise them wild until they were old enough to be released back into the wild.  They were more precious than anyone realised as they were the last of only 6 wild cats subspecies left in that area.  For reasons unknown, at the time, a wildlife service refused to listen to common conservation sense or scientific fact and showed zero concern for the nearly regionally extinct wild cats or protecting their bloodline.  The wildlife service took those wild cats and placed them in the most highly unethical situation.

As this case went along, it became more and more apparent, that the conservation value of these precious wildcats blood lines meant nothing to the wildlife service,  and that the priority of the  wildlife service was to save face to the world.

So the little wild cats were moved into a zoo like environment.  They were put in a cement room, with no sunlight, and were hung up by their tails and thrown around. They lived like that for months.   There were denials of any unethical wrong doing, there were denials about cruelty, and then…. the film of this abuse and unethical care became public.

What happened next – A hunt went on for the people involved who were fighting for conservation and ethical for these wild cats.   A campaign of fear erupted on the zoo like place, innocent people lost their jobs, gruelling interrogations went on over a few weeks, various people recieved threatening phone calls, people were being followed, phones were being tapped, people were made to fear for their lives, and much much more…..

All this was done to save face,  to deflect the real issue of their complete ignorance and take the focus off the mistakes they knew they had made,  to save their pride and inability to say “we did the wrong thing” … everything was done except doing the right conservation action for the little wild cats…. and then one precious regionally critically endangered wild cat died….

The wildlife service got their way and kept the surviving wild cats in the zoo,  but they never saved face….

Then there is another true case where documented film evidence of numerous animals starved to death because a zoo that refuses to feed their animals .. again, after this was investigated and information presented to authorities in that country,  all the denials started again, then the threats, then the intimidation,  all the scare tactics etc  All because this is causing embarrassment to the authorities, or so they say..

So, apparently the embarrassment of horrific animal abuse, whether wild or captive,  must be covered up all to save face for authorities and others….. but again, this is not going to save their face in any way shape or form.

Do they know that doing the right thing would make them shine in the publics eyes?  Get them voted back in…??

Then we can have a look at the virally spiralling to extinction Tigers.  Within the wildlife services in the Tigers range states, there alot of talk about saving Tigers, alot of photos of pumped up chests and heroic statements, but there is very little being done.  Any poaching incidents, particularly ones identified as having involved authority figures or relatives of authority figures, is covered up and written off.   The multi millions of dollars raised to protect the Tigers is yet to find its way to the Tigers to the full capacity that those multi millions of dollars can do.  In fact, less than 5% of funds raised for protecting the Tigers has made its way into Tiger protection.  Meanwhile, the murderous poaching, snaring, shooting, stabbing, beating, setting on fire, grenade attacks on the Tigers continues, and the Tiger popoulation drops.

The even more ridiculous thing is that the public knows all this, and people in (temporary) positions of authority are fooling themselves if they think they can pull the wool over the eyes of the public…. not any more.

So where is that money going?  People in positions of authority or high placed people take their cut and line their pockets (because they want to throw a function or buy a new car or house or have a Tiger skin….. = status, ego = shallow, materialistic etc),  while in the meantime another Tiger is viciously and illegally murdered. Possibly,  run down by a vehicle inside a National Park after closing time, driven by some authorities and their relatives, that attended the function, which the Tigers fundraised money paid for …. the Tigers continue to die…. another true story, Jhurjura Tigress – India.

Now, you try and address that issue,  and you will find yourself in the midst of shocking coverups,  threats, intimidation, people screaming and out of control, hiding everything,  and in some cases it will get to the point where the person trying to address the illegal slaughter suddenly and mysteriously disappears.

Silence the honest, kill the innocent, because of money money money…. it seems to be a running theme throughout wildlife conservation and especially where authorities or people in positions of authorities have been involved.

Save face, save ego,  who cares about the animals…..

Then on top of all those walls, barriers and obstacles, you have the poachers weasling around, the scammers scamming the public for money,  and the multi billion dollar wildlife trade rolling over the earth and sucking it dry, all in the name of greed and the fake mythical traditional medicines.

What an absolute nightmare.

Sometimes I ponder the enormous funds poured into the large conservation organisations and what I could do with those same funds.

For instance – $1 million dollars AU.

Because my org,  is economically staffed and has close to nil administration costs, this is what we would be able to do with 1 million dollars for the Tigers of India.

Fully equip, pay wages to antipoaching team members, and totally run 10 - 15 anti poaching and rescue teams constiting of 9 - 12 members each team, plus veterinary staff throughout India hot spots for the next 2 years, and build a holding centre for any human/animal conflict animals for rehab and release back into the wild.

In effect, that would protect millions of dollars in tourism revenue, ( had to say that first because it is all about money…. disgracefully) and therefore finally securing the safety of the Tigers.

Give us 1 million dollars and I will show you a miracle.

But you know what, even if this occurred, I know without doubt, there would be some bastard somewhere that would have his ego all in knots because anti-poaching teams and protection teams may mean the end to his lucrative little money making illegal wildlife scheme…..

Its so dangerous to try and simply protect the last of the creatures on earth, to the point of frightening.

But what else can we do? We must protect them.

The creatures on our earth are our survival, if you kill them all you will annihilate human life too.

We are the keepers of our earth.

The simple act of saying “please save these animals” or “please implement ethical care for those animals” causes intense warzones littered with the most vile human ingredients that you can imagine.  It is shocking what conservation has become, and what good people must deal with.

Money is what these animals are being killed and die for, and sadly, it is only Money that will also save them.

But,  the Money has to be placed in the hands of the good, honest, and brave.

Sybelle

Cee4life

www.cee4life.org

When I was born, I was not strong

I tried to run, but my legs were wrong

My mother, my siblings had to say goodbye

The predators would kill them, if for me they had to fight

I sat in the grass and night time fell

Shaddows moved, a friend? I couldnt tell

In the morning sunshine, I heard children talking

So I sat up high, I began calling

They carried me gentley to a house nearby

A kind lady smoothed me, and looked into my eyes

“Hello little one, help is on its way”

Now I had a home, a safe place to stay

As I got older my legs became more bent

But I still swam and rolled and leapt

These things that walk around on two legs

Were pretty nice and made sure I was fed

There was a favourite place where I could be king

On top of the anthill, I could see everything

I might have been bent and strange in shape

But I galloped, not ran, through all the landscape

When my legs got tired, two hands carried me

The pain would ease, until I would sleep

These strange two legged things it seems

Was what I had for my family

One morning I woke up and the Lady was crying

There were three other people, a small cage, I felt I was dying

They took me away, I feel so ill

I look out the cage to see my last anthill

Where am I now, where is my home

My river, my grasses, my mountains are gone

Im crying now, my legs hurt so bad

What did I do that made them so mad

Now days and nights flow endlessly

I try to be quiet, but my legs hurt greatly

Where are two hands to comfort me

I wish someone would help me

We hear you calling Tumbo, we’re trying hard

Please be strong, the world hears your heart

If you get lonely, look to your left

The two Mara boys will be your friend

You see, some people dont understand that animals feel

They dont know a small cage is not what you need

There’s thousands of people who love you Tumbo

We will be your voice, we promise, we wont let go

Please sign and share Tumbo’s petition –
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/962/725/234/tumbo-this-disabled-cheetah-cub-of-kenya-cee4life/

On the morning of March 1st, 2012 three young wild cheetah cubs of 2 months old played with their mother in the grasses near Mara Triangle situated in the Western section of the Masai Mara and managed by the Mara Conservancy.  The mother left her cubs and was observed hunting in the core of lion territory, a high risk and dangerous place for a lone Cheetah to be. As dusk arrived she did not return to her cubs.

*

By the morning of March 2nd, the mother had still not returned and the three cubs were found alone and calling out for their mother. The Mara Conservancy rangers quickly sent a report to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Veterinarian Dr. Dominic Mijele stationed at the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve.  Dr Mijele then called the Mara Conservancy (MC) asked MC directly to go out and rescue the cubs. The MC relayed that their five patrol vehicles were out looking for the mother in the surrounding area and would not capture the young cubs until last light – if the mother was not located, the cubs would be rescued. In the event that the mother was found in the days following, the Conservancy would attempt to reunite the cubs with their mother.At last light, MC patrol vehicles still could not locate the missing mother.

Once widespread across the African plains, the cheetah has lost 76% of its historical range state and has continued to be threatened by further habitat loss, competition with rival carnivores and persecution by farmers.  The cheetah is listed on the IUCN Redlist as a vulnerable and are a CITES Appendix 1 species meaning they are the highest protected and endangered of species.  Population estimates place between 9000 to 15,000 cheetahs remaining in Africa, and in 2012 it is estimated that there are just eight cheetah in this particular area of the Mara Triangle.

Every wild Cheetah counts.

*
After searching and waiting for the return of the mother for a few more hours and as the death of these cubs was imminent if left to fend for themselves in the wild surrounded by carnivores, the rangers rescued the cubs and transported them to Mara Conservancy (MC)Headquarters.  From the outset, MC’s goal was to raise the cubs with as little human contact or interaction as possible and return them to the wild when they reached 12-18 months and are able to hunt for themselves.  Mara Triangle is a gazette “protected area” and cheetahs were kept in a manner where cubs were prepared to be released.

*
A program was designed for this re introduction into the wild in conjunction with Kenyan Wildlife Service in line with previous successful cheetah release programs. A safety specific enclosure was made of predator proof cattle fencing to protect the cubs from the nightly visits from the surrounding local hyena, leopard, lion and baboons, and human exposure was restricted to 3 people who fed and cleaned the enclosure.

*
During the first month of the cub’s rehabilitation, KWS vet Dr. Mijele, came to inspect the young cheetahs and to assess their health.  They also discussed the steps and program of rehabilitation and release in to the wild. He noted that the cubs are in good health condition and the ensured that the enclosure was correct. It was agreed between MC and KWS Vet that when the cubs reached 6 months old they would be moved into the next stage enclosure.  A 100 hectare area of cheetah prime habitat was identified and consisted of savannah grasslands, water sources and plenty of prey. In the meantime they would be released into progressively larger enclosures.
This is documented on the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website.
http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/mobilevet/vetfielddetail_new.asp

It was also noted that MC would maintain the cub’s wildness as much as possible and restrict all visitors. The cubs have never been bottle-fed in order to avoid human dependency and have retained their naturally wild nature.

*
On the 3rd May 2012 when the cubs turned 4 months old, for reasons unknown, at the time, KWS contacted Mara Conservancy and informed MC that they would be coming to pick up the cubs for relocation to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. The Nairobi Animal Orphanage currently keeps 12 cheetahs and 26 lions and is over crowded with little room left. Its alledged that no animals that have arrived in the Nairobi Animal Orphanage have ever been released back into the wild. The Mara Conservancy CEO requested a meeting at KWS HQ and an agreement was reached that Mara Conservancy will submit a official proposal to the KWS director Julius Kipng’etich for the rehabilitation of these cheetah cubs.

The proposal was sent on the 5th May 2012.

On the 6th May 2012, Mara Conservancy was informed that the submitted proposal will apply for future incidents and not for the current three cubs. In a further statement, KWS Senior Assistant Director (Head of the Species)sent a the letter stating that the movement of orphaned cheetahs to Nairobi Orphanage is authorized.  On 7th May, the reply from the KWS director stated that cheetah rehabilitation back to the wild is not scientifically proven to be successful and until the day the science does prove this, the cheetahs will kept at the orphanage for educational purpose.

However, the scientifically documented cases of Africat’s cheetah and cat release programme is very well known world-wide, 1000 cats rescue and a 86% successful release rate, addtionally stated on Africat website.
Mara Conservancy was notified by KWS that the cubs will be taken to the orphanage on 8th May 2012.
Mara Conservancy was reliably informed by the Head of Hyena Research Project, that one of their students had taken photographs of the cubs soon after they had been rescued and while the initial enclosure was being built.  An informant came forward and alledged that this information was sent onto Mary Wykstra of Action for Cheetah who then wrote to KWS Carnivore Committee and forwarded on a news letter stating her views on private owners with cheetahs asking for reform.  She claims that she has been informed that people were letting visitors to see the cubs and allowing them to play with the cubs, when in reality cubs are wild and not even approachable by human.  It was confirmed that Ms Wykstra has never been to the Mara Conservancy in 6 years.  Hyena Research Project apologised immensely to Mara for this students, innocent/unknowing behaviour and resulting outcome.

On the evening of the 7th May 2012, Australian Conservation organisation Cee4life CEO, Sybelle Foxcroft, wildlife biologist and cat specialist, was contacted and informed of the situation.  Cee4life was asked to assist in any way possible to allow the cheetah cubs the opportunity to be released into wild. The Cee4life CEO contacted IFAW HQ USA and forwarded on all information.  IFAW responded immediately and Cee4life was informed that this information was passed onto IFAW Nairobi who had begun discussions with all relevant parties involved with the decision to cage the cheetahs. Cee4life issued an urgent plea to KWS for the cubs to be left in the Mara Conservancies release program.

*

On May 11th 2012, Mara Conservancy received a phone call from KWS stating they would be taking the cubs to the orphanage on 12th May.
In the last two years, there has not been a single surviving cheetah cub in the Mara Triangle. A total of 16 cubs have been killed by hyena, leopard and tawny eagles. If these three cubs survived to adulthood, they would be the first to contribute to the Mara cheetah gene pool in almost three years.
Along with Africats successful releases, there has been the release of other well known cases of cheetah release into the wild which has been unofficially scientifically documented and the successful methods of rehabilitation are now well known. These cubs are now four months old and they have passed through the first step in rehabilitation back to the wild and were readying to be released into the next stage 700 m enclosure.

As this article goes to press there is ongoing investigations into the alleged conduct of Ms Wykstra as alleged information has come to hand from reliable sources that includes the following points:

• Ms Wyskstra’s Action for Cheetah Kenya is funded by organization called Cat Heaven in the USA.

• Cat Heaven is planning to build a “Cheetah Center” in an area across from the Ndarit gate of Nakuru National Park.

•Cheetah Center is proposed to decongest the already full capacity orphanage cheetah population.

• The Cheetah Center is planning to start a cheetah cub rearing facility and in need of cubs.  On this point, Wendy Wichelman-Debbas, the president of Cat Heaven (Project Survival), has denied this is true.  Many will hold Ms Wichelman-Debbas to her word.

• And most worrying alleged information is that misleading  information was/is being sent to KWS to favor cubs in certain places/facilities for stock. 

An informant alledged that Wendy Wichelman-Debbas, the president of Cat Heaven (Project Survival) stated in and email  communication with a source as follows:
“As we do at the Cat Haven, interaction with a cheetah will grab the hearts of the visitors. Guests will be told of the sad plight of the remaining cheetahs in the wild. The money that is raised at the Cheetah Center will go directly into conservation projects such as Soysambu Conservancy, Action For Cheetahs Kenya and to pay the salary of the Kenyan employees. We have pledged only to take cheetahs that would otherwise perish in the wild due to being orphaned or injured. The cheetahs will be exercised daily and you can read more about how we do that by going to animalark.org. I can assure you that we have full capability and resources to raise the young babies who have lost their wild mother.  Re-release into the wild is not an option at this time…..The cheetahs that end up at the Cheetah Center will be well cared for, exercised, fed a proper diet, and will be great ambassadors for their wild cheetah cousins….Here in the U.S., we can talk to people about endangered animals and some will get excited to help. But I can tell you that if they can actually see the animal and observe, they will fall in love and make a monetary contribution. They can double their life span in captivity and touch the emotions of even the hardest hearts. As you know, they are affectionate and wrap themselves around your heart. You can see the world in their eyes. When I look into the eyes of our cheetah “Tango”, I see future generations of cheetah running free on the African plains. Because of him, we have been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars that go directly back into the work being done to make a safe home for them in the wild.”

*
The board of KWS have passed the final decision of cubs removal.  We have been informed that KWS allegedly decided to confiscate these Cheetah Cubs based on misleading information.   KWS vet Dr. Dominic Mijele visited the Mara Triangle on March 31st when he assessed the cubs’ health condition to be good and the enclosure was in good order.  No one from KWS has came to see the cubs for at least 6 weeks, up to and pending of present. It is alleged that the board has been misinformed and are being urged to send down the assessor to evaluate the situation before such a drastic measure is taken.

*
Mara Conservancy has been offered assistance by carnivore release expert from MCCE (Marakapula Conservation and Community Experience) in South Africa, who specializes in carnivore rehabilitation, and who heard the news in the mainstream media and on social media and hoping to be in partnership with Mara Conservancy to help with rehabilitation for the cubs.

*
These young Cheetahs are prime candidates for rehabilitation and release into the wild.  It is hoped that Kenya Wildlife Service will work with Mara Conservancy towards a successful release of the 3 cheetahs, and give hope to a life of freedom as was intended.  Wildlife authorities and conservationists are deemed to care and conserve for biodiversity. We must carry out those duties to the best of our abilities and with the goal to conserve every wild creature that comes into our human realm.  On too many occasions it is our human actions that have caused the decline of so many creatures.  This is an opportunity to work together towards the freedom of these cubs, the very least we can do is help these cubs rehabilitate back into the wild and not allow them to fall prey to the falsities of human beings with agenda’s.
*

It is clear that these cubs are neither abused or mistreated or in ill health.   Please give these cubs the opportunity to be cared for and released into the wild at the age of 12 – 18months, in the name of conservation.

UPDATE 12th May 2012

The KWS arrived at Mara Conservancy a little before 10am and captured the cubs. The cubs are now being taken to Nairobi Animal Orphanage for what is thought will be a life of captivity. The call for ethical conservation continues as these cubs now face a captive life and may become exploited.  Those involved in the result of these cubs heading to a possible captive life are the farthest from “conservationists” that exists.  When needed, not one of these people stood up and fought for the cubs to be cared for and released back in to the wild.  Shame on them. Here is one of the last photographs taken of the cubs leaving the Mara Conservancy.

Sybelle Foxcroft

Cee4life

www.cee4life.org

Hello Mr Varty,

My name is Sybelle Foxcroft, I am a wildilfe biologist and conservationist. Im the CEO of Cee4life (conservation and environmental education 4 life www.cee4life.org) and I specialise in big cats and carnivores mostly, in the wild and captivity.  I wont go on about my experience etc, however I will provide you with any further information you may require via email or via phone or via skype.

I am not going to launch into all the reasons you should spare Corbetts life, I am purely going to address the need to find a new location for him.

Firstly, I apologise for being so public about this letter, however I have been trying very hard to contact you and the responses are slow.  I do not want this to reach you too late, for Corbett.

Ive been corresponding with Daryl Ballour in regard to Corbetts fate.

Through some wonderful tiger and wildlife friends I contacted, I was able to secure a facility for Corbett, however I have been told by associates of yours that it would be worse than death if Corbett was put into a cage. I agree.  The facility which has offered is a sanctuary, not a caged zoo. Anyway, it seems that you will only consider a replicated environment the same as what Corbett has now.

So I have been working on that.

There was also a statement made regarding Tiger Canyons being the only place in the world where these semi-wild tigers have been taught to hunt etc. I want to inform you that that is not true, and that there have been a number of tigers re wilded in India.

I know this as I have been in communications with them for quite a while, and followed these re wildings.  The Tiger Centre in Kahna has been re-wilding a number of tigers and have been successful, however I have just found out that there is not enough room for Corbett there.

But, there is another possibility which I urge you to consider, and I am fully ready to assist and I have contacts within the Indian authorities which may be able to help this situation move swiftly.

Due to poaching, Sariska National Park lost all of its tigers in 2004, they have  started the re population of tigers in Sariska. Currently there is 5 tigers there.   I have just recieved a postive email indicating that there is more than enough room for Corbett there and their is a possibility of relocation to Sariska. I am now in contact with Sariska to discuss this.

I am willing to go to India and monitor Corbett, and protect him, implement anti-poaching techniques, GPS him, and watch over him.  I know that I will be able to get the assistance from a vast amount of professionals and the general public.

All you have to do is say yes, and I will go ahead and make the inroads to make this happen, to save this boys life.

I understand that Corbett is quite a wild tiger, but that is exactly what characteristics are needed in a semi-wild tiger to survive in the wild.  He has the spirit of survival.

It would be an utter tragedy to lethally inject this Tiger when he has so much potential.

My compassion and sympathy to you regarding your attack, I do know personally what it is like to be attacked by an animal, a tiger. It is frightening.  But you are alive John, please allow Corbett to remain the same.

There is no reason to use Corbetts dead body to prove the false Chinese Traditional Medicine use of Tigers, it is already proven.

Please John, I will help, the world will help. Please contact me via my email sybelle@cee4life.org, this is a vitally important moment in your life. Please make the right decision and spare Corbetts life.

This could be something wonderful.

Let us work together and find the way to save him.

The only thing impossible about this is if you say it is.

Never Give Up

Sybelle Foxcroft

Cee4life

www.cee4life.org

13th February 21:54

So basically Wiek’s article went out into this major newspaper, to reveal a finger pointing, arsonist, human rights violator, murderer, wildlife trader, liar, criminal and his accomplices who all  happen to work and hold high positions in the Thai Gov Dept of National Parks…..

24th Jan 2012

Wiek releases another article in the Nation Newspaper. I guess to send the message home and get as much education out to the general public.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thai-elephants-are-being-killed-for-tourist-dollar-30174341.html

In this article, he again reveals the twisted circumstances of his description of the manical madman and his accomplices who all  happen to work and hold high positions in the Thai Gov Dept of National Parks….. however he goes into more depth about the slaughtered elephants being also used for bush meat, for the non exisitant Phukit resturant,  and references the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECD) and the office of the Phuket Governor to back himself up, whether they wanted to or not or knew or not.

Wiek theorises about the reasons for the slaughter of the adults and surmises that it was possibly to take the baby elephants to elephant camps (severe abuse camps). He then goes on to tell how the elephant poachers work, names areas where poachers sell them, and explains that for elephants being tranferred over the boarders, it is done in compliance with corrupt politicians, government officials and influential businessmen.

This article also covers the movements of the poaching gangs obviously working in co ordination with corrupt individuals in positions of authority and how the Thai Government has denied all knowledge of these activities. And how over half the young elephants in tourist camps in Thailand are wild caught.

Thats alot of  accusations to throw out there.  I suppose its already well known that all over the world, particularly in countries such as Africa, and Asia etc, where the iconic species of Tigers, Elephants, Rhino etc exist,  the “Authorites” are littered with corrupt individuals who are constantly being caught out.  In addition, Wieks mention of over half of the elephant tourism venues in Thailand, is on par with  canned hunting in Africa.

I’ll be honest, after reading Wieks account and thoughts, remembering that Wiek is based in Thailand and working under Thai authorities and their permissions, I am seriously worried for this guys safety, no matter how true his account may be.

Thailand is a place where you must be very careful and speak respectfully always when dealing with Authority figures etc.

But anyway, too late for that now.

26th January 2012

The Nation Newspaper releases an article stating that Natural Resources and Environment Ministry plans to build a DNA database of the 4,000 or so domesticated elephants in order to stop people from bringing in wild elephants and taking over identity papers of deceased pachyderms.

Wiek responds indicating that 3 days after his letter was published  the Minster responded, but then Wiek (via Facebook) goes on to say that  the Minster doesnt know how to set up a DNA bank .

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/DNA-database-to-form-to-protect-elephants-30174553.html

6th Feb 2012

News headlines of a wildlife trade bust in Bangkok. DNP says they want to do a sweep of all zoo’s to find out where these animals came from.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/531518-thai-police-bust-bangkok-rare-wildlife-butchers/

8th Feb 2012

’100 government people descended on The Elephant Nature Park. They claimed they had an anonymous phone call alleging that the park was hiding some 70 wild elephants.  They disrupted the park from early morning till evening, some 13 hours.  They found nothing but fully documented elephants living in sanctuary.  Some were old, some sick, some wounded but all were properly documented and well cared for.  It’s public knowledge that there are 35 elephants at ENP.  ENP’s attorney was on hand and presented the proper documentation’ stated Asian Elephant.

On the same day

For anyone who didnt read Weiks articles in the Bangkok Post or National Newspaper, Weik then does a live television discussion about wildlife trade and animal abuse issues in Thailand.

 -Thai lanuage only.

11th Feb 2012

Wiek writes another article about the Bangkok wildlife trade bust and subsequent DNP  ”zoo sweep”.   DNP finds no evidence of foul play in 2 of Thailands largest tiger farms.

http://www.wfft.org/wildlife-trade/zoos-in-clear-after-tiger-meat-found/

13th Feb 2012

The raids begin on WFFT but all documents and licencing of rescued animals can not be supplied within 2 hours of demand.  The DNP begin to confiscate numerous creatures. Film of sick and injured animals being treated callously begins to surface.

There is an outcry which reaches out across the world. Animal lovers appalled with the footage, appalled at the confiscation of humanely cared for creatures being thrown into cages into the back of trucks and taken.  Letters, emails, phone calls, in fact every form of contact to support WFFT’s animals and stop the confiscations goes out to Embassy’s, Conservation Organisations, Media, everything.

Day 2 – more confiscation

Day 3 more confiscations – Weik releases a video citing, DNP for torture and abuse of the animals at WFFT, and a cover up for corruption within the DNP

Day 4 Numerous organisations and media are now aware of the situation and are supporting the humane care of the animals.

And its still a solution has not been found for the animals.

Weik is due to give a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on Tuesday 21st February 2012.

So what happened?

Did the DNP just have enough of Weik?

It certainly looks that way.

Weik has a long history with the DNP, he’s been jailed a number of times, taken to court, and had previous confiscations all in Thailand over the last 12  years.

Are the animals being confiscated because WFFT doesnt have licences for them?

Are the animals being confiscated from WFFT because the DNP just dont like Weik and want him gone?

Are the animals paying the price for the voicing of Weiks opinions?

Was the days of media related articles and interviews conducted by Weik the straw that broke Thai DNP’s back?

And Lek at ENP, was only in the media once, however it was enough and the film evidence of officials doing the wrong thing is  serious.

A million questions.

Thailand has a different culture and often ‘western’ responses or tactics aggravate the situation. But if Weik is correct and there is finger pointing, arsonist, human rights violator, murderer, wildlife trader, liar, criminal and his accomplices working in high authority places, then shouldnt they be booted out?

The DNP look like bullies right now (to say the least) and it is exposing a vile underbelly of the Thai Government.

However, looking on the bright side, maybe all of our ‘westerner’ outcry has made it easier for the ‘good’ Thai’s in positions of authority to do their job and find the criminals inside their Department and get rid of them.

But at the end of the day, its not about Weik is it, its about the animals that were once held in humane facilities and being well cared for. Its about what has happened to them now and if they are safe and recieving the veterinary care they had.

DNP – Youve stated that you recieved just one anonymous phone call and the caller stated there was abuse, neglect and illegal animals at ENP and WFFT?  and you acted like good law abiding DNP’s…. No, dont take the world for fools.

DNP – You actually gave WFFT creatures to care for, what are you doing?

DNP – However, if you would like to really bust a bad bad place which already has the evidence of absolute abuse and neglect, and the ultimate crime against creatures – death via wildlife trade, then I will be happy to make phone call 2001 to you tomorrow, but this time I will do it anonymously and I will tell you of the abuse, neglect and wildlife trade within the Tiger Temple at Sai Yok, and I will tell you about the wildlife trade of the Sri Racha tigers, or how about the heinously abusive Pata Zoo. Just a few starts for you.

But will you do it?

And just one more thing.

DNP – Last time you confiscated animals off WFFT, they were never seen again.  Where are they?

TCM animal body part use is FALSE.  The wildlife trade is killing game, for greed for money. No one has the right to the systematic genocide of any living thing.

Sybelle Foxcroft

CEO Cee4life

www.cee4life.org

Dear China

Ive been wanting to write to you for a long long time, but always thought that my letters would not reach you or get to the right people. But there is some things that have been on my mind for a while and I decided to give it another go and write to you.

I have great concern and a number of questions about animals, not only the animals in your country, but the animals in other countries. The concerns I have is about your menu in resturants, the selection of meat that you feel the need to consume, the treatment of animals, and animals in general.

You may not wish to answer me, but you should. The reason why you should answer is because these are questions and facts that possibly over half of the world would like to know the answers to.

Before I ask you these questions, I would like to outline a few chinese historical and cultural subjects ie: your beliefs, your culture, and your moral ground.

Animals have played a big part in the Chinese culture for thousands of years since 2100 BC maybe earlier, so I understand youve been around for a long time.

But of course with all civilisations and generations of human beings, time moves forward and we learn and grow. Sometimes we learn that things we did years ago were wrong or outdated. For instance I am pretty sure that you know that your inventions such as the shaddow clocks and the abacas used for mathematical and astronomical observations are obviously outdated in this modern age. The shaddow clock has become a decorative item used in gardens and a watch worn to tell the time on our wrist, an abacus is now a calculator, and astronomical observations is done via powerful computer technology and instruments such as the Hubble Telescope.

So things change, and although these above mentioned items were great accomplishments at the time and part of your cultural evolution, they are outdated and are part of history. And lets face it, in this day and age they are items which you wouldnt choose to use unless you had to.

I would just like you to clarify a few things for me.

Its come to the worlds attention, that China, in particular, seems to have an appetite for any creature on the planet. This includes your procurement of critically endangered species from other countries, usually through the wildlife trade, or some other type of black market operation.

The reason I know these facts are true is because of education.

Education is a wonderful thing. Not only does it teach us maths and languages, it also teaches us about our earth and environment.

I had a look at the Chinese education system and ciriculum and became aware that you do actually teach about plant and animal species and conservation. But there must be some sort of breakdown in communication because China is now at the forefront of open animal abuse and the extinction of species via the black market for things like status, eliteness, and Traditional Chinese Medicines.

Going back to your historical and cultural background, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is based on ancient Daoist philosophical and religious conceptions of balance and opposites, ie:yin and yang, and other metaphysical belief systems. TCM includes herbs,minerals, acupuncture, tuina massage therapy, dietary therapy and animal & human body part use.

Which brings me to my first question.

As with all other Chinese historical and cultural science & technology, you moved forward once you found better ways to do things, once a newer technique was found. The older designs were disguarded and classed as outdated science and technology, no longer relevant in an evolving society.

Please tell me,(and the world), why have you chosen to stagnate with  Chinese Traditional Medicines (TCM)?

It is a known fact that TCM animal body part use was based not on the anatomical study of the human body,  but was based on the astrological calculations and complex associations with gods.

Historically and culturally TCM animal body part remedies came from the identification of an animal behaviour or body part which was then applied to the corresponding  human part and/or behavior. These theorised remedies were then sold to people to help or cure by applying the animal predispositions corresponding to human dispositions. Basically it was all made up via myths and legends.

As civilisation moved forward, so did the advanced knowledge of scientific medicines.  For many years, it has been known, world wide, that TCM animal body part use is soley based on theory with very few, if any, of the medical claims curing or helping any ailment. Over the years scientific medicines have been created to treat diseases and ailments which are by far more advanced than what TCM animal body part use theoretically offered.

For example:

The Rhinoceros Horn – TCM states that Rhino horn is used as an ‘anti-fever’ remedy, and some use it as beauty tonic. Science has proven the Rhino horn is only keratin, just like our hair and finger nails. And science has proven keratin has no anti fever or beauty tonic qualities. So why havent you advanced in this outdated theorised medicinal use of the Rhino? It doesnt do anything for a human being. Is it pride? arrogance? Whatever your theoretical or more mythical reasons are China, your continued use of the Rhino horn, and these ancient outdated beliefs are driving the Rhino to extinction. Arent you embarrassed? Ashamed? If you want keratin, I am sure the people who actually live in the countries where the Rhino is would gladly begin giving you their fingernail and toenail cuttings if you would only get out of their backyard and leave their Rhino alone. Actually, I think people all over the world would give you their hair and nail clippings. Problem solved!

Not only is it foolish to continue to state inaccurate medicinal uses of the Rhino horn, but it is also a vile act where you are allowing the black market corruption to flourish in your own country, while other countries are suffering the infiltration of warlord type personalities, desicrating their beloved species.

And what about the Tiger?

Your continued cultural medicinal theorised significance of the Tiger in TCM, is not only false and based on nothing but heresay, (sorry, outdated cultural & historical & mythical medicine) but you have successfully hunted your own tiger sub-species (Sth Chinese Tiger) to extinction and you now procure off other countries species again, in this case the Tiger. Knowing that you think of the tiger as a walking drug store, I would love to sit down and discuss/disprove all of these theorised things. So I will address one of the nastier TCM claims – Tiger penis soup – used for increasing virility. This came about because someone in history saw the tiger mating numerous times per day and thought that by cutting the tigers penis off, making it into a soup and drinking it, it would correspond to a human penis and make them virile. What you didnt know, but do now, is that the tiger mates rarely, maybe once or twice per year, depending on a few factors. But at the time, mating occurs repeatedly. But the tiger penis is nothing but another organ of meat. So basically your TCM tiger penis soup is a meat soup which may contain a bit of iron. I am sure male TCM penis soup users will be horrified to know not only does it do nothing for them, but even if the benefits were true, and staying true to your anatomical mythical beliefs,  it would only be for men who want to mate once or twice a year….

Modern medical science has produced medicines which aid impotence in men. In addition your own TCM herbal remedies such as Ginseng, Horny Goat Weed actually do more for virility than a meat soup. And of course viagra has hit the market.

China there is not 100 000 tigers running around in the wild, there is only a possible estimated 3000 tigers in the wild, from Russia to Sumatra. Your belief in your cultural rights and your stubborn inability to act and stop the slaughter of this species is the reason the tiger is spiralling to extinction in the wild.

Anyway, lets put logic aside.

Can you explain to me why China needs to procure off other countries species?

Its pretty rude, and its not like it is going un noticed…. What would you do if the Panda suddenly became a source of food for another country other than China & war lords were killing the last remaining Panda’s? Just something for you to think about.

What about Bear Bile? What are you thinking?  Moon bears and Asiatic Black Bears seem to be your bear of choice. Yes the bear has higher ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), however your herbal plants coptis and rubarb are great alternatives, and even many of your own Chinese doctors refuse to use bear bile.

Snake Oil – this is puzzling.  Snake Oil is used for maladies, however no replicated studies has proven any benefits of it for joint pain. Why arent you phasing out snake oil and promoting your very own balms made of plants that actually are proven to work?

Culture, history? or is it something else?.

Look, I could go on forever about the vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered species that you want to use in theoretical, outdated, disproven medicines but I want to ask you about your menu.

Shark fin soup – this has got to one of the biggest scams yet. China you have promoted shark soup as an ‘elite’ soup, as soup of ‘status’ and because you did that, the massive indiscrimanent slaughter of millions of sharks have brought some species to the brink of extinction. Its not elite or carries status. Try some mushroom soup or asparagus, very elite and served for Kings and Queens, and if Im not mistaken Emperors too.  The truth is, shark fins are only used for the texture of the soup, not the taste. The texture can be replicated with cornstarch, and the taste comes from other ingredients.  Please stop this.

I am wondering why you put the Masked Palm Civet on the menu?  I would just like to inform you that the palm civet is a known carrier of SARS virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) which the WHO (World Health Organisation) informed you of prior to you placing it on menu’s. Do the Chinese people even know about this? I have a piece of useful information for you, your chinese citizens would know alot more if you would stop firewalling and blocking this sort of information.

Hippopotamus – what was Beijing Zoo thinking by putting the webbed toes of the Hippoptamus on the menu, along with most of the other zoo animals there. Its not really a tourist draw card.

And up in Wenzhou, the serving of rare Pangolins, Black Swans, & Bharal in resturants. Another example of false TCM and your seemingly strange obsession with keratin. The Pangolin is considered a delicacy and TCM use of their scales said to reduce swelling and help breast feeding etc. Pangolin scales are keratin. You know this, stop it!

Flying squirrel faeces -  I havent got much to say about this but I just want to let you know that it is scientifically proven that Flying squirrel faeces is directly linked to Typhus fever. A horrible disease.

Also, you might want to rethink your Chinese astrological charts and the reasons why these animals were chosen. Let me explain this. Eg: The tiger is linked in your historical and cultural past as likening emperors and great people to it. Words like valiant, respected, mighty, and strong are used, but you are destroying and extinguishing your own legend with your insatiable appetite. You might want to choose some additional species for your zodiac pretty soon because you are annilhilating a number of them off the face of the earth.

I just want to remind you that you are a signatory of the CITES agreement since 08/01/1981. Does that hold any type of significance to you? Because it doesnt look like it does. Your words indicated to the world that you would abide by the protection of species, however your actions speak the opposite.  I apologise now if I am wrong but your track record is shameful.

For a country which has made major advances, you are failing and betraying the very planet that you need, to survive. Your Panda breeding program is brilliant, however do not think for one moment that this allows or entitles you to mindless annilhilation of any other species, in the name of cultural historical rights.

What will you do when the last Tiger or Rhino or Pangolin etc is gone? Well, when it comes to the Tiger, the horrible thing is that I can actually answer that already. The Lion has begun to replace the Tiger in TCM, particularly wines.  And you have begun to do this because of what? The tigers are still here, for now. Do you see the end in sight for the tigers? Do you already know that you wont stop the killing? Will you not stop the false Great Cat TCM use?

China, you have alienated yourself across the world and youre seen by many as a giant vaccum sucking up the worlds natural resources, inflicting brutalities upon our earths creatures and a destructor of species.

But, you can stop this growing perception of China, you only have to say the magic word, Stop, and then do the most vitally important thing in your nations history, to truely act on it and Stop. I can guarantee that if you did it would show a little long sort after leadership.

I do look forward to a response from you and any clarification of my thought, questions, etc, and I would be more than happy to sit down and discuss these issues with you.

I know that you feel you are a mighty country and that you do not feel that you need to answer to anyone, and I am just one, possibly meaningless, person to you. But your countries integrity is crumbling to dust because you have disrespected species from virtually every country in the world and whether you like it or not, you are the cause of the extinction of numerous revered creatures.

You do not have the right to this systematic genocide of species, you never did.

Sincerley

Sybelle Foxcroft

Cee4life

Conservation and Environmental Education 4 Life (Australia)

http://www.cee4life.org

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Occupy for Animals has created a petition for this letter found at
http://www.change.org/petitions/letter-to-china-dear-china?utm_campaign=friend_inviter_chat&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=permissions_dialog_false

References

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/beijing-zoo-puts-animals-on-the-menu-china.php

http://cats.about.com/cs/basichealth/a/civetcat.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine

http://www.cites.org/eng/disc/parties/alphabet.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocide