Trainers Cleared in Beating of Dunda at Wild Animal Park

In response to “Trainers Cleared in Elephant Beating,” Part I, July 1:

The trainers at the San Diego Wild Animal Park are cleared. Not prosecuted, but cleared nevertheless. There are so many people to thank; I hardly know where to begin!

Let me begin with San Diego City Atty. John W. Witt who believes that the “evidence indicates that discipline of Dunda, although seeming harsh to the uninitiated, is a technique accepted in the animal profession.” Well, gentlemen, I not only hope to remain among the “uninitiated,” but hope as fervently never to find myself in the company of the “initiated.” Witt, no doubt, speaks from years of experience in “the animal profession” which brought him to the conclusion that the evidence of the severity of Dunda’s injuries is “inconclusive” and the case would be “riddled with . . . doubt.” Witt further demonstrates his expertise in this field by stating that the injuries inflicted were “not serious.”

And thank you, Fred J. Lee, executive director of the Humane Society, who, in a masterful demonstration of understatement, found the disciplinary measures taken against Dunda only “harsh,” and not prosecutable.

Thanks go, especially, to Betty Jo Williams, president of the San Diego Zoological Society who, having expressed the confidence of the society in the “professionalism” of the Wild Animal Park’s trainers (and in a syrupy statement regarding the “professional standards of care we . . . bring to our elephant herd,” brings a new meaning to the words “professional standards”) has bounded past Lee’s understatement, leading one to believe that Williams may yet remain oblivious as to which event she is commenting on.

As for Alan Roocroft’s (supervisor in charge of elephants at the Wild Animal Park) values and sensitivities, I would not wish to meet him in a dark alley. Too bad, Lisa Landres (elephant keeper at San Diego Zoo), that you and your co-workers must continue to work under such conditions. Kudos to you for speaking out.

A final thanks to you all, and your ilk, admitted or not, prosecutable or not, “professionals” or not, for changing my feelings about zoos and animals held captive for the public’s “viewing pleasure.” I will never again visit the San Diego Zoo nor the Wild Animal Park.

Perhaps the trainers were “cleared” by the mercurial and elusive authorities, but never by those of us whose sensibilities have been abused as unforgivingly by Dunda’s story as was the animal herself.

Say, Dunda, let’s appeal.

SUSAN A. SAHEBAN

Santa Monica