I finally got around to reading the Santa Ana Zoo’s press release regarding the cancellation of their elephant rides. Wow. Zoo officials showed absolutely no remorse at all in a release that stated that the rides are ending not because of the allegations of abuse of the elephants (see the shocking video above), by the company, Have Trunk Will Travel, that provided the pachyderms,and not because of PETA’s ongoing protest of the rides, but rather because of a “recent safety policy change by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).”
In fact Santa Ana Zoo Director Kent Yamaguchi told the L.A. Times that “I still think elephant rides are an amazing way for people to learn about the animals through hands-on contact.” Bull! They were all about charging ridiculous prices – at least $5 per ride! How many working families in Santa Ana could even afford that in the first place? The elephant rides always were a fundraising scheme for the Santa Ana Zoo. Trying to say that they were about education is simply ridiculous. What the heck can you learn from a two minute five dollar ride on an elephant?
Santa Ana Zoo officials would have us believe that after 25 years of offering elephant rides, it all came to an end because “Elephants are strong and powerful animals and the AZA recently instituted a new safety policy to protect elephant trainers from potential harm.”
The Zoo’s press release also offered that other zoos in the area now have opened new elephant exhibits with this type of zookeeper safety protection in place, which makes me wonder if the Santa Ana Zoo would still be offering elephant rides if they could afford to set up this alleged protection?
Now think about this – the Zoo is saying that they are concerned about elephant trainers being harmed – what about the poor kids riding these humongous beasts? Just Google “Elephants” and “Berserk” and see how many hits you get. These animals have been domesticated in third world countries for centuries but they are still capable of going nuts and killing people. Not to mention the risk of falling off the beasts in the first place – look at the picture above. Those kids don’t even look secure!
And what about the many diseases you can get from elephants, including rabies, tuberculosis, salmonellosis, and tetanus? Why in the world would anyone want to expose zoo trainers and kids to all those microbes?
Here’s what I want to know – who is to blame for these rides? Was this set up by the City of Santa Ana or by the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo – a private organization that allegedly charges their 26 board members (only two of which are minorities) as much as $5,000 to join their board? I am guessing it was the latter – and if so why did they take so darn long to answer PETA’s demands to end the stupid rides? I won’t bother asking them as they never respond to my emails. I am just glad the rides are done and over with – but this decision should have been made a long time ago.
By the way, don’t think this ride issue is over yet. The Santa Ana Zoo is still offering $5 camel rides. That too needs to end!
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Yes, Admin, I have an iPhone. And so could you if you were a savvy consumer. I bought it for only $50 when my previous, 4 year old dinosaur-of-a-phone crapped out. In fact, having an iPhone actually saves me money in the long run. Not only is my monthly bill quite affordable and (less than my previous one) thanks to a great contract, but it's reliability and Internet capability allowed me to eliminate both my home phone and home Internet. Pretty smart, if you ask me.
Sometimes, when every penny counts, one must be very careful when it comes to spending money, especially when it comes to entertainment. You were right when you suggested that we go to The Picture Show movie theatre at Mainplace Mall. We do that sometimes, too. However, most of the time, we opt for free entertainment such as a trip to the park to shoot some hoops, or a scootering session along the boardwalk at the beach.
I'm not surprised that you attempted to discredit my accountability to back yourself up. Afterall, you needed something to distract your readers from your lacking and weak argument. But, the fact of the matter is, besides knowing my choice in phones, you know nothing about me.
You have no idea that I graduated in the top 10% of my highschool class with top honors only to later drop out of college to care for my children. You don't know that, despite my lack of degree, I worked my way up to being the General Manager of a well known restaurant chain. And how could you further know that I chose to leave that tiring and time consuming job to instead work night shifts as a server so that I can Home School my kids by day. How would you know these things, and why would you even care? I'm sure that you would prefer to pre-judge and pigeon-hole us single, minimum wage earning moms as an uneducated, classless lot. I think it's time you opened your eyes, Admin. Sometimes quality family time on a budget trumps frivolous spending ability if family priorities are out of whack. Not all Santa Ana residents are what you may think.
LOL! I was an honor student in high school too, and I dropped out of college and got married at 19. My wife and I have been married now for 25 years. I went back to school and got a BS and an MBA. I am very proud that my wife returned to school this year and is in line to get her BA next year. It is never too late!
Congratulations on your success and on home schooling your kids.
If that is truly the case, then my family thanks you. Resident Free day is great! Tuesday or Sunday, the gesture is greatly appreciated.
You are most welcome. I am just glad that our residents can enjoy the zoo for free on at least one Sunday a month.
It would be nice if the Zoo was to give Santa Ana families a better discount on membership...
Well said Katie...sounds like you are giving your children the best gift of all- a great adult role model.