St. Maarten Private Eye

Suarez giraffe Ruby and the Ostrich have been here since February, when they were left here by the Suarez Brothers Circus after being denied entry to Guadaloupe. Although Giraffes are not considered endangered, they are considered to be at risk. Regardless, there are many serious concerns within the community about these two animals and they need to be addressed.

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A few days ago the Today had one of their 'special' editorials, this time taking a stab at PETA's president Ingrid Newkirk for her remarks equating the feelings of animals to humans. They also attacked the organizations appeal for the evacuation to facilitate and include pets. They got it wrong of course.

Ruby has now been confined withing this caged tent for over 6 months. She has suffered noise from Carnival Village, she has often been found without water and there is little or no security or supervision. Children have been feeding her and the ostrich all sorts of things unsupervised by an adult, plastic wrapers can been found within the tent, obviously a hazzard for the animals. Children have been photographed climbing on and WITHIN the tent, they paid no attention to the adult who tried to stop them.

PETA is not my favorite organization, I feel they often damage their case with dumb and nonsensical protests and arguments, but when Ingrid Newkirk pointed out that in respect to pain, hunger and fear, animals are the same as humans, she was spot on target.

Ruby must go, preferably not back to the circus but to a reserve or sanctuary. Animal welfare organisations should first approach Suarez with an offer to buy her and the ostrich. If they refuse, then every avenue to wrestle her away legally should be explored.

In the event of a Hurricane there are currently very sketchy proposals so ensure the safetly of these two animals. If anyone has a strong storeroom or building big enough to hold them then please contact Animals R Friends or the St. Maarten Animal Welfare and let them know.

Finally, please ignore the poor advice given in the editorial. Animal welfare organisations, particularly in St. Maarten, deserve and desperately need donations. The Government gives little and their promise to give a piece of land in the pondfill for a shelter is now over 10 years old, the vets can only hold so many for so long.

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