Candlelight Memorial Vigil Planned For Zoo Victims

Church members and Animal Protection Organizations unite to remember Carlos Sousa, Jr. and Tatiana

San Rafael, Calif. – In Defense of Animals (IDA) and the San Francisco Unitarian Universalists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will join together this Thursday for a candlelight memorial vigil to remember the two young victims who died Christmas Day at the San Francisco Zoo. The vigil, including remarks by IDA Founder and President Elliot Katz DVM, Dolores Perez Priem and Rev. Fred Rabidoux of the Unitarian Universalists, will take place in front of the main entrance to the San Francisco Zoo.

What: Candlelight Memorial Vigil for Carlos Sousa and Tatiana the tiger
Where: San Francisco Zoo Main Entrance At the western end of Sloat Blvd.
When: Thursday, January 3, 4:30 to 6:00 pm

San Francisco, the city named for St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, who taught love and respect for all life, is now shrouded in a terrible light. In Defense of Animals (IDA) and Unitarian Universalists are calling for the City of St. Francis to live up to his benevolent teachings by recognizing that its zoo cannot humanely house tigers and other big cats. Both organizations request that the city transfer the cats to a sanctuary, close the big cat exhibits, and reassess whether the San Francisco Zoo should continue to hold captive large species who require considerably more space than the zoo can provide.

"Today we mourn the deaths of Tatiana, and Carlos Sousa Jr., who were both killed on Christmas Day," said Dolores Perez Priem of the Unitarian Universalists. "They are both victims of an antiquated institution – the San Francisco Zoo."

IDA President and founder, Dr. Elliot M Katz added: "Today we join hands and mourn the loss, and pay tribute to the loss of two unique individuals. Sadly, they are victims of both an antiquated system, and an antiquated way of thinking, one that is disrespectful of human and non-human lives. We are here today to not only mourn the deaths of Carlos and Tatiana, but to help transform the mindset of insensitivity and irresponsibility that led to this terrible tragedy. A disrespect that is inherently present not only here in San Francisco, but in zoos across the nation. "

"Putting the entertainment and the titillation of the public before the interests of the animals, and the safety of the public, will only lead to future tragedies. Let us hope that 2008 brings us a more just and compassionate world," stated Katz.