Don’t Let Them Forget Queenie

This article was originally posted at HelpanElephant.com on April 30, 2010. Well, Queenie went to the San Antonio Zoo last week. It wasn’t a pleasure trip. Instead, she had to get up in the middle of the night to be transferred under cover of darkness. That’s the way they do things. No witnesses, no protesters, just a new elephant at the zoo in the morning. And a new elephant it is. Welcome, Boo. Yes, the zoo is calling her Boo. She probably doesn’t mind. She’s been known by both names for years. It’s convenient for the zoo though. The protesters have all been trying to save Queenie. Don’t send Queenie to that zoo. Well, there’s no Queenie there. And it’s working. An online article in the San Antonio media was followed by several comments from elephant advocates who were still trying to save Queenie. Then there was a comment from a typical resident who knows nothing of the controversy. She wrote of looking forward to seeing Boo, and then she asked, “Who’s Queenie?” Well, not everyone will forget Queenie that easily. Since we learned of her transfer, Queenie’s supporters have been busy calling the Secretary of Agriculture, the USDA’s Animal Care Division, sending emails to the USDA’s liaison to the White House, and we’ve even called the White House comment line. Now in response to all the uproar, it appears that the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is considering holding a meeting about Queenie and the USDA’s decision regarding her placement. This is good news. Let’s make the most of it. The committee chairs need to know Queenie’s side of the story. That means it’s time for more letters. You can send snail mail letters, but know that they will be delayed because of all the security the mail goes through now before being delivered to our legislators. Always include your email address in your letter for a response. A quicker solution is to submit your letter using the comment form that each senator maintains on their websites. That’s what I did. You can write one letter, but please send it to each senator so they have their own copy. Send to the following: U.S. Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Attn: Chairman Blanche Lincoln 328A Senate Russell Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 Email Chairman Lincoln: click here. And also to: U.S. Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Attn: Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss 328A Senate Russell Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 Email Senator Chambliss: click here. Oh, and write to the President of the United States too. The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Email President Obama: click here Call Comment Line: 202-456-1111