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Illegally Smuggled Baby Elephant Is Found in Mexico With PETA’s Help

PETA’s Letter to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

January 29, 2001

Tom Riley, Chief of Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1875 Century Blvd., #345
Atlanta, GA 30345

Emergency facsimile to: 404-679-7065

Dear Mr. Riley,

As you know, in June of 2000, we reported to you information we received from a whistleblower who alleged that Benny, an endangered young elephant from a Texas-based USDA exhibitor, was illegally sold to a circus in Mexico. It appears that our information has resulted in action by your agency. As reported yesterday, USFWS has located Benny, and reports indicate that prosecution for illegally smuggling this baby elephant out of the United States into Mexico may be forthcoming.

We now request that USFWS permanently revoke the captive bred wildlife permit of Trunks and Humps (the U.S. owner of Benny). We also ask that Benny be immediately confiscated and returned to the United States. We would be happy to find an accredited sanctuary willing to take Benny. At a sanctuary, Benny will be able to live in peace and not be shackled by leg chains, as is the case with all male elephants once they reach the age of unmanageability.

May we hear from you? Thank you for your continued attention to this serious matter.

Sincerely,

Jane Garrison, Elephant Specialist
Research, Investigations & Rescue Department

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Urge Prosecution for Elephant Smuggler

Please help us get Benny back to the United States and see that his U.S. owner is never permitted to have endangered species again! According to the Asian elephant studbook, Benny belonged to Trunks and Humps, located in Texas. Urge USFWS and your elected officials to bring Benny back to the United States and place him at a sanctuary where he will never again be shackled and forced to perform. Also ask that Trunks and Humps lose its captive-bred wildlife permit and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Please contact:

Gary Frazer
Assistant Director of Endangered Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1849 C St. N.W.
Rm. 3242
Washington, DC 20240
Fax: 202-208-6916
E-Mail: Gary_Frazer@FWS.gov

To contact your Senator, write to:

The Honorable (name of your senator)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

You can also phone the United States Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 or go to http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index_by_state.cfm.

To contact your congressperson, send your letter to:

The Honorable (name of your congressperson)
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

You can also call the House of Representatives at 202-224-3121 or go to
http://clerkweb.house.gov.

You can help stop the suffering of elephants, tigers, and other animals abused in the name of "entertainment." Click here to support PETA's vital work.

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