Rhinos’ Deaths

Re “2 Rare Rhinos’ Secret Deaths in China Raise Concerns,” Dec. 17: Does anyone really believe that our zoos care about animals more than their profits and image? How many animals’ deaths have to tragically happen before the general public becomes skeptical of their motives?

The truth is that zoos are big business and whatever it takes to bring in more monies, then so be it. If the San Diego and Pittsburgh zoo officials really cared about these two rare southern white rhinos, they would have done more than give explicit instructions to the Chinese officials. The fact that neither zoo had assigned animal specialists to stay with the rhinos during their journey clearly shows not only their stupidity but also their complete lack of care and concern for these animals.

These two rhinos were sacrificed for the current profit of the panda loan. Many more animals will be sacrificed in the future--masquerading in the name of “breeding” but obviously in the name of money!

PATTY SHENKER

Malibu