Open Letter to Mary Beth Sweetland of PETA
An Open Letter to Mary Beth Sweetland of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),
From Stephen R. Tello of Primarily Primates (PPI).
To Mary Beth Sweetland:
An estimated 18 million Americans have alcohol dependency problems. Referring to any of these people as “fall down drunks” shows a lack of medical knowledge and basic humaneness. Primarily Primates, however, has never condoned Wallace Swett’s use of alcohol. Wallace Swett stepped down as the President and Executive Director on August 28th, 2006. The Board felt this was a positive change for Primarily Primates and would allow us to forge ahead, reorganize and revitalize the sanctuary. I stepped in as Interim Executive Director and have worked hard over the past two months to begin the process of improving the quality of care our sanctuary’s nonhuman residents deserve. Primarily Primates’ priority has always been to provide care for unwanted animals, feeling that they deserve compassion and are not disposable. (We feel that way about all kinds of animals, including humans; thus Primarily Primates works through Krissie’s Kids, a separate organization that is under our care and raises separate funds to help disabled children.)
Our process of changeover was underway until October 13th. Swett, Primarily Primates and I are being treated as guilty of allegations that have never been demonstrated as true. That has not stopped the media and PETA from repeating them as though they were. Indeed, you and PETA are now into a pattern of recycling old claims that have been made and answered.
Let me be clear: The staff at Primarily Primates cares deeply about primates and all animals. Staff members are there in all types of weather, with little to no benefits. They understand that we are here simply because we attempt to care for animals that the world wants to forget. Including animals PETA has sent to Primarily Primates — although PETA has not donated a single penny in over a decade or more to help them.
Unlike PETA — a group that kills animals by the thousands each year and calls that ghoulish sanitation process “euthanasia” — we put our hearts and souls into saving and preserving life. So references to “hoarding” I believe are better classified as a desire to help and not turn any animal in need away. Primarily Primates in fact places many animals in other sanctuaries and has for years, as you’ll note if you review some of our placements with the American Sanctuary Association and the American Zoological Association. We know we can’t save them all, but we also believe that we should try to find animals a home before we pull out the syringes to kill them.
Mr. Swett’s purchase of animals was as an individual with his personal income. No funds from Primarily Primates were used. We’ve corrected you on this; you are lying about this issue now. (As for your sanctimonious opinions on whether nonhuman beings should never be bought out of commerce, you might wish to study history: even the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass wrote in justification of buying humans, including himself.)
Concerning the well water at PPI and your claim that it is contaminated: Per Texas law, all employers with well water must provide employees with an alternate source of drinking water. Following the law and providing bottled water does not mean that the well water is contaminated. It’s not. Yet this situation has been misrepresented and misreported to the media in order to support more of PETA’s claims.
In regards to the tropical birds at Primarily Primates: Unfortunately, self-plucking by birds is fairly common as they are meant to live in flocks and fly — two experiences they are typically denied when purchased as pets. The isolation and confinement can cause deep-seated frustration, resulting in loud and long screeching, aggressiveness, destructiveness, self-plucking of feathers and self-mutilation. The macaw in your photo and description was abandoned at PPI due to this plucking habit in the first place. This macaw, Apache, was a pet of Nicole, an owner who was unable to spend time with Apache. She had also moved to a new apartment and Apache did not adjust well.
One day when she went in to see him, she saw the feather-plucking behavior and was concerned. She entered his porch-like aviary and Apache attacked her. She was frightened of him ever since but still cared about him. As the feather-plucking got worse, she asked me to take him in because she didn’t want to sell him or see him end up in a bad home. She visited Primarily Primates and when she saw the huge enclosure that would be his home, she asked me to take care of him. Nicole committed suicide a few months later, and he never saw her again. The loss of Nicole along with the change to a new environment was still more hardship on a macaw as sensitive as Apache. Fortunately, Primarily Primates was able to facilitate the design of a parrot aviary large enough to care for birds in need of care, and as a result, Apache was able to be introduced to a new companion.
Apache, though, was far from being rehabilitated. His feather plucking continues to this day and as a result, he sunburns badly (as his skin is pink and thin) and during the winter, he gets too cold. His neurotic feather plucking condition places him in high risk of being harmed whether we keep him indoors or outdoors. Introducing Apache to a new companion was what he needed to start a new life; and I had promised Nicole that I would take care of Apache for the rest of his life. Now thanks to PETA’s and the Attorney General’s ignorance of the reality of this bird’s individual circumstances, Apache was removed from Primarily Primates, and whether he is alive or not I do not know.
PETA would have people believe that all the animals live in poorly designed enclosures. But as you already know, many of the animal enclosures have ropes, climbing structures, trees, and toys; in numerous natural spaces, whole trees grow within an enclosure. Some of Primarily Primates’ enclosures are so big that some highly funded zoo exhibits cannot compete with them. And two chimpanzee areas were undergoing enhancements just as PETA charged onto the premises.
Already PETA has moved some animals without the consultation or agreement of those who know them and their special needs. You have just rounded up horses and shipped them out.
You have not told the public what you are doing and whom you are moving; reports simply appear on the news. Many of the primates require diets which rehabilitators use in order to balance the microflora in their digestive systems. Abrupt changes can put their health at severe risk.
PPI has always tried to help animals to our maximum abilities. Early on, we refused to continue accepting animals from PETA because your organization merely used PPI as a dumping ground for nonhuman beings and turned away from the animals while continuing to fundraise off their stories and photos. So now, it seems, you want to break the sanctuary. By pulling animals out of Primarily Primates, you appear to be trying to liquidate the assets of Primarily Primates. Primarily Primates currently owns over 80 acres of real estate in the Texas Hill country. As reported by PETA, yes, the areas around Primarily Primates are becoming more and more populated. The media and other interested parties might do well to follow the money: is PETA’s true intent simply to end the work of Primarily Primates, destroy and kill, move the high-value animals to institutions, and liquidate what amounts to be 2 to 3 million dollars in land and equipment assets of Primarily Primates? What financial arrangements have PETA worked with all parties — lawyers, paralegals, government, temporary employees etc. — since descending on PPI?
Do you plan to make a public accounting of them?
Very truly yours,
Stephen R. Tello
Interim Executive Director
Primarily Primates
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21 Comments
On October 25, 2006, Jill Gershen wrote:
I have been aware of the PPI controversy for a long time now, but I am as confused as ever. I just hate it when animal protection groups, known for accomplishing so much good work, fight each other. I guess it’s just human nature, but I would hope that the animal advocacy community would stick together against a common enemy - animal abusers & exploiters. As far as PPI goes, I just don’t know WHO to believe. I have heard both sides of the story, but it is very difficult to support one side over the other when I have no first hand knowledge about what is really going on. Both PETA and FoA have done such great work and I support the philosophy of both organizations. I just wish I knew who to believe.
[Blog editors’ note: To clarify, FoA didn’t fight or sue anyone. Nor has FoA had any designs on the sanctuary or any reason to harm any party. FoA is not a party on either side of the case. What FoA wants to do is help a sanctuary and the animals who live there survive. The animal advocacy community needs to know about this sanctuary. It’s been around nearly three decades and it’s one of the pioneers in the U.S. sanctuary movement. We’ve seen advocacy groups support the NIH through Chimp Haven — against the will of the major sanctuary associations — rather than form a coalition to protect the health of sanctuaries. When will the advocacy community see that sanctuaries — not major institutions and experimenters — are part of our community? We hope that the reasonableness of what we are asking comes through. Once again — FoA did not fight, did not sue, and has never asked for this challenge. It’s here now; FoA can help, and will help, to the best of our power.
There are several differences in philosophies between FoA and the group that’s suing Primarily Primates. FoA, for one salient example, does not agree with lawsuits carried out in the names of nonhuman plaintiffs and meant to have the animals be returned to institutions which use animals.]
On October 26, 2006, J. Martin wrote:
from the blog editor’s note above it sounds as if friends of animals is still defending the sanctuary so I also do not know what to believe anymore. if we had all been on the same page sooner maybe the animals would not have suffered as much as they have. is friends of animals still defending the sanctuary or not?
[Blog editors’ note: We’ll try again to clarify. Friends of Animals is not suing anyone. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sued a sanctuary. Yes, Friends of Animals wants to ensure that the sanctuary and the animals living there have a safe future.]
On October 26, 2006, J. Martin wrote:
i am wondering what friends of animals and other groups can/will do to ensure a safe future for these animals now. i heard some of them have been sent away to other places and that the court appointed someone to oversee everything.
[Blog editors’ note: That is correct. There is a court hearing on Friday, 27th Oct 2006; and we’ll update you on the outcome as soon as possible.]
On October 26, 2006, G. Ruiz wrote:
Check this out:
http://tinyurl.com/y4qdrp
If this isn’t about Lee Theisen-Watt’s self-promotion to garner publicity for herself then I am a monkey’s uncle. This photo was taken just days after she took over and released on the web. The animals look well-nourished to me and they seem affectionate towards a human - humans like the ones they have been suffering under for years. Do these animals look like they have suffered years of abuse in filth as she claims? Would the animal in the background even have the strength to swing under the “horror at every turn” facility she describes. Is it appropriate for an appointee of the Attorney General of Texas pose for publicity shots like this during a serious investigation? The handling of this case by the AG is just wrong on so many levels.
On October 26, 2006, Lucy Logan wrote:
Amen to you, Stephen. I don’t know how many times I have e-mailed the Express-News asking them why they have not printed PPI’s comments. But I got no response from them. The stress the AG’s office and PETA have put the animals and the staff under is horrific. It is so typical of the State of Texas to go in causing all this stress then claim to be the saviors. Stay strong for the animals and the staff. I know personally that the kids taking care of these animals are deeply concerned for the them. I just don’t understand why they can’t tell you what is to become of these animals that all of you love and care for.
On October 26, 2006, Stephen R. Tello, President of PPI wrote:
Dear G. Ruiz (comment #4):
In addition, this goes against everything we believe at PPI.
Primarily Primates does not encourage human to non-human affection. We want the primates to depend upon others of their own kind for their entire natural lives.
If Lee Theisen-Watt were to be bitten or injured, PPI is at risk of being sued for thousands of dollars for injuries —even if she is stupid enough to put her face up to the enclosure. This publicity shot indicates extremely poor judgement and a lack of primate care experience.
Stephen R. Tello, President of Primarily Primates, Inc.
On October 27, 2006, maurice guerrero wrote:
To all who are concerned. My name is Maurice James Guerrero and I was one of the care staff members of PPI when PETA took over.
I have almost no words or description to convey the atrocious conduct that PETA and the “receiver” Lee Theisen-Watt have displayed. There is so much to say that I know not where to start. But I’ll try to explain just a few of the absurd acts. One, this has turned into a circus and we, the care staff, are being disrespected by the PETA affiliates, lawyers, and volunteers and looked down upon, as well as misconcieved as abusers of animals to the public. When this all started and we were invaded, Lee Theisen-Watt made the comment that we “dont have to worry about cameras and huge amounts of strangers walking the grounds disturbing the animals and work activity”. Well it was not a half hour later that she called us(the existing care staff) and said that we needed to walk a group of about seventy people around and answer any questions they ask. All this while being filmed and having a huge amount of camera flashes go off, completely disturbing our animals and the moral of the care staff. The next day after the AG invaded us PETA came out at the discretion of Theisen-Watt and allowed whomever they wanted to come out and tour the grounds and take as many pictures as they wanted to. We are talking about people who dont even know the first thing about primates or any of their species names for that matter. None of the people they have had out there have any business being around animals like primates. They had a total disregard for the sanctity of the animals and truly invaded the animals. PETA and Theisen-Watt allowed very inexperienced volunteers who just so happended to be PETA affiliates and literally friends of Theisen-Watt to come out and disrespect the animals by taking upclose point blank pictures and film that used flashes and made strange noises that sent the animals into an uproar that they are still not calm from.
A very huge issue is the so called volunteers. WE the care staff were told by Theisen-Watt that these people were experienced and could be left alone to do a task and do it correctly. Well, I know that the first time I allowed a young volunteer to hose one of my sections I turned my back for five minutes to go take care of some medication that needed to be administered and the volunteer had left my habitats half hosed and looking worse than when he started, all the while PETA just so happens to have a documenting film crew walking to my habitats to document how dirty “I” left my habitat. I do not leave my habitats dirty,and neither do my colleagues, they are cleaned daily and very well at that. This has turned into an attempt to set up the PPI care staff and its directors simply to portray for media glory that we are neglecting our animals. It has become sort of an “us and them” atmosphere here for the original care staff. All the volunteers and even the veterinarians PETA brought in are derrogitory and rude to us. Lee Theisen-Watt in my opinion is very unprofessional and is attempting to make herself look good in the public eye. She has proven to the people who work at PPI that she is not the animal person she said she was and displays a poor attempt to know “everything” there is to know about all of our animals.
Rarely since the beginning of all this has Lee Theisen-Watt even been around the care staff to contribute to the managment of the grounds. She is too busy giving news interviews and letting her personal friends come around and take pictures and bring their families and children to “see the monkeys”. This coming from a so called professional that said “she hates getting in front of the camera, but that she will if nessecary.”
Lee Theisen-Watt and PETA dealt their worst low blow to PPI in the media yesterday when they had Animal Cops Houston of the Animal Planet come out and film an episode to air for money and glory in the public eye. It was completely unessecary and a very horrible thing to do to a sanctuary. How horrible is it for a person in charge to abuse the duties and priviliges to ruin the reputation of our sanctuary and then turn around and say to me directly that “it will have a positive response and the public will outcry to help PPI”. Well, not once in the two weeks they have been there have I seen in any newscast or interview Lee Theisen-Watt say one positive thing about PPI or attempt to get the public to help us with funding. Theisen-Watt has not once said on camera that we need your help to save this place from going under, please send donations. She has been letting PETA fund everything so that PETA has free rein on the sanctuary to do their worst to the care staff and the animals. Unfortunatly, there is no end to what I have to say about this horrific endeavor that the animals and care staff at PPI are going through. I have been on the frontlines of this circus since it started and will continue to be until they force me out of there by replacing me with some inexperienced volunteer who doesn’t know my animals or anything about keeping. I pray that won’t happen. I hope the courts will see our side of the story and put PPI back in the hands of people who really care about the place, as well as let us, the care staff who are extremely dedicated to our animals well being, stay on and keep doing what we do best which is care for our animals.
To Priscilla Feral, I had the pleasure of meeting you and we had several discussions about PPI and Friends of Animals a few months ago and I just wanted to express my deepest sincerity for all your support. From the bottom to the top of the care staff I can speak for all of my colleagues when I say, thank you so very much. Please have faith in us, we live and breathe for these animals to be taken care of. We hope all will see that soon.
Now that I have spoken out I hope that supporters of PETA’s and Lee Theisen-Watt’s decisions and accusations will have a different view on this matter. Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely, Maurice J Guerrero
On October 27, 2006, Donna Steele wrote:
Bless you James.
To all,
My son, Jeff, is also a caretaker at PPI. I can tell you first hand how difficult this whole ordeal has been for these poor kids taking care of these animals. They all had shed many tears over the abuse their animals are under now that “Lethal Lee” and PETA have taken over. This is their lives. They love these animals as their own children. The Express-News had had several interviews with PPI and has not published any of it. This whole thing is so one-sided its pathetic. I hope and pray that the public will step in and help in this desperate situation. I know all the kids (the care staff) are in court today. PETA did not know they were going and they all expect that they will be fired when they get back.
A very concerned mother,
Donna Steele
On October 27, 2006, G. Ruiz wrote:
I have been unable to find out exactly what Lee Theisen-Watt’s credentials are and how she was selected. Education, degrees, published, professional organizations, offices? Is she a vet? Anyone know?
On October 27, 2006, Hope Walker wrote:
I haven’t been asked to pitch in my two cents here, but I did want to share a few observations as an outsider looking in:
To clarify from the outset—I haven’t been to PPI recently, so I only know about this as an outside observer. I put in a call to PPI to try to reach Wally today and have not had a reply (I left a message on the machine). I have also placed a call to PeTA to speak to them about what has happened, but they haven’t yet returned the call (and I didn’t expect that either of them would drop what they were doing to speak with me—I’m only pointing out that I have made an attempt to contact them).
What I do know is that Wallace Swett is one of the founders of an incredibly important sanctuary in Primarily Primates. Many years before it was popular to care about primates, Wally cared. And no matter what may or may not have recently happened at PPI, the details of which very few people really know, we should all remember that. We should also all remember that for many, many years he didn’t take a penny in salary; Wally spent 30 years working for animals not large salaries or publicity. No matter what has happened, that deserves more respect then it seems to be receiving at the moment.
I meet Stephen Tello years ago at an IPPL meeting and found him to be a talented, intelligent man who clearly cared about primates and had a high level of knowledge and experience. I doubt very much that has changed over time.
Now, I am not excusing any neglect. Period. I have no earthly idea what has happened at PPI. But I do know that there are very few sanctuaries in the United States in which something less-than-stellar isn’t going on. There are all kinds of backstories and seedy little tales to tell about nearly everyone in this arena of work. If all of the dirty laundry of every one of these people were exposed, well, it wouldn’t be pretty.
I know very little about Lee Theisen-Watt. She has been described as a “wildlife rehabilitator” by the local newspaper. I was told that she had a relationship with Chris Byrne over at Black Beauty before his tragic death. He had a wonderful reputation and so did BBR under his charge. So, if she was connected to him, she learned from someone who knew his stuff. And I was also told that she once hand-raised a monkey at BBR. Before the press reports, I had never heard of her and I have more than 15 years experience working in primate advocacy. Now, I am not suggesting that she isn’t qualified. She may well be. I certainly don’t pretend to know everyone who works with primates. However, the number of people in this field that have the necessary experience and talent to manage a sanctuary of the size of PPI—well, there are a mere handful I can think of in the United States and she wouldn’t be on my short list. These sorts of people are well known because they have worked in the field for many years and have the many talents necessary for the work which have nothing to do with wildlife experience. What I mean by that is that it takes more than a love of primates or wildlife to run a sanctuary. That, to be blunt, is why there are so few people who do it well. Its not easy and it is a highly skilled job, usually for little pay.
The truly scary thing to me is the lack of information about the welfare of the animals. I understand that some animals have gone to Lynn Cuny. Lynn has a wonderful facility and she is a compassionate and caring person. I would not (and do not) worry about the animals that have gone to her. But what about the others? Where are they going? Why have they been sent away? What has happened to the OSU chimpanzees?
- Hope Walker
Former Executive Director
The Primate Conservation & Welfare Society
[Blog editors’ note: A key question is whether they ought to have been removed at all, no matter to a compassionate party or otherwise; apply the standards that would apply to a child (for they are in a similar dependent position): We normally hear that a stable home is in the best interest of a child, and why not for these refugees from testing and industry? At this time, we need all the sanctuaries we have; what a shame for the movement if one is lost rather than the subject of an outpouring of support. Thanks for writing in.]
On October 27, 2006, Hope Walker wrote:
Here is a link to some photos of Ms. Watt in 2002 with a siamang which she apparently hand-raised for Black Beauty Ranch.
Photos Here
The ‘binkie’ in the siamang’s mouth set off every ounce of my “pet monkey” radar. What self respecting sanctuary person would ever take a monkey into a classrooom like that? We’re not just talking about the cake. We’re talking about the potential for someone to be hurt and/or for the monkey to get very sick from being around a bunch of teens and young adults with god-knows how many different cold viruses…
Hope Walker
hope.walker(AT)american.edu
On October 28, 2006, Priscilla Feral wrote:
In response to G. Ruiz: I watched Lee Theisen-Watt in court today in Austin, Texas. When Watt was appointed as a Receiver she filled out an affadavit saying the re’sume’ she presented was true, and she had a Bachelor of Science degree. However, earlier when she was cross examined, she admitted she had no degree, and made a mistake in her affadavit . The excuse she offered — she didn’t type her re’sume’.
Watt admitted that about 200 domestic animals she described as chickens, turkeys, guinea pigs, geese, pot-bellied pigs, horses, goats, ponies, dogs and pigeons were sent this week to the Houston SPCA. She wouldn’t say how many other animals would be removed, but added, “The population is not at a carrying capacity.” According to the testimony from one caregiver, Watt said if any animals couldn’t be placed in other homes, they’d be killed. She also told the caregiver she killed over 200 dogs after Hurricane Katrina.
Watt added that she had 20 years experience with “domestics,”has participated on Boards, in presentations to zoos,and has taken many classes and training sessions on capture and care. Watt also claims to have been published and to have been a surrogate mother for 2 species of primates.
The court case continues on Monday, October 30, 2006.
Priscilla Feral
Friends of Animals
On October 28, 2006, Toni and Walt Medford wrote:
Obviously we aren’t the only ones who are confused and looking for clarifications and answers.
We have been financial supporters of PPI since its inception. We want PPI to continue. We want the animals who have lived there to stay there, and for PPI to grow far into the future. We have planned for monies to go to PPI when we die.
Neither of us want to be subjected to horror stories certainly but we have a right to know what’s happened and what will be happening. We’ve learned more at this blog spot than the total of information from numerous other sources.
Thank you all. We are glad someone who’s out there in Texas is posting here.
On October 28, 2006, Sue wrote:
http://washingtontimes.com/sports/20050621-115255-8184r.htm
Enough said.
On October 30, 2006, Krista Perry wrote:
Like Toni & Walt Medford, I have learned more about the PPI story here than through any other source, including PETA’s own website. My thanks to Stephen Tello, Maurice Guerrero and all who have taken the time to post.
PETA’s website with its splashy headlines, photographic “evidence” and unsupported accusations is less convincing to me than the detailed, signed statements made here.
PETA’s site makes much about the PPI nonhuman residents for whom it has found new homes. But, as far as I can tell, PETA fails to mention the probable fate of the many individuals sent to the SPCA if homes are not found. Can it be because the death toll will easily outweigh any good that may come of PETA’s actions? And, because the flow of contributions for this action would slow and stop if the full story were told?
On a personal note, this is distressing because I have always believed PETA to be “the good guys”. Now PETA seems like a bully and more interested in collecting contributions than helping animals.
On October 30, 2006, Gabby wrote:
Attorney General Greg Abbott is before the voters next week, folks. His office is a disgrace. Make some noise and make a difference! Contact your representatives and request an investigation of how this case was handled.
Lee Theisen-Watt had to lie about having a BS degree to even seem plausible as an expert. The animals are the biggest victims, and I pray she is held accountable. I think she and PETA should be… It also just dumbfounds me that Attorney General Greg Abbott would proceed with this case with out a background check on the credentials of Theisen-Watt. He did after all give her complete control in the welfare of these poor animals.
I applaud the PPI caretakers who have stuck this out and continue to fight and care for these animals. They are heroes in my book.
Gabby
On November 1, 2006, maria wrote:
I visited PPI over the years …. I also have some experience in caring for some primates and I felt the staff knew and do care about the animals there.
It sounds like if it is not perfect Peta wants to kill. Let the staff continue to care for their animals. This is suppose to be a safe haven for the animals without having crowds of people staring at them.
On November 2, 2006, Janet wrote:
Just curious! I understand that there is a lot a stake financially, land and other assets. Should the land be sold, who will get the money? Should any big legacies come in who will get the proceeds?
Is there currently a separate fund fot PP? Why does PETA’s name keeep coming up in reports from the site?
On November 4, 2006, Donna Steele wrote:
First I want to apologize to the caregivers. My son, Jeff, asked me not to refer to them as “the kids”. I am truly sorry, that is the love of a mother in me. I heard that PPI won an appeal yesterday keeping PETA from removing anymore animals. Congrads! I know that gives the caregivers hope.
On November 18, 2006, Donna Steele wrote:
When is the PPI website going to be updated with the truth?
On November 18, 2006, Donna Steele wrote:
I would like to thank Friends of Animals for supporting PPI through this terrible ordeal.