From the Governor, to The Times

To the Editor:

Your fine article on the newest attraction at the Orange County Zoo (“Out of Hot Water -- Samson: Bear Gets a New Lair,” Feb. 28) contains one misprint that, I trust, can be attributed to an error in layout and not a reporter’s bias:

Pete Wilson, governor Samson, bear

“After his speech, the governor, accompanied by six children, his entourage and dozens of reporters, climbed out of his pool to pace along his chain-link fence, occasionally standing on his hind legs and tilting his head back.”

I assume the Times was referring to Samson, not me. If not, I have to do a better job of shaving in the morning--and stop wearing brown suits. Samson and I do share some hedonistic tendencies, but he’s been logging a lot more hot-tub time than I have.

Over the past seventeen months, Samson has been described in print as old, feeble and toothless. But to call him “the governor”--that’s unfairness no bear should have to bear.

On behalf of Samson, I protest and trust the Times will promptly correct this error.

Sincerely,

Pete Wilson

Editor’s note: The Times’ typographical mishap, made in the composing room rather than by the reporter, resulted in the governor’s activities being seamlessly blended with those of Samson the bear. The Times apologizes to both bear and governor.