This week, thanks to you, the USDA has been getting a sense of just how much Queenie the elephant has touched hearts around the country and the world. Our pleas for calls to Secretary Vilsack have been taken up by bloggers, tweeters, Facebook groups and people everywhere. The office is being deluged with calls; USDA staff is unable to manage them. They are diverting callers to various Animal Care offices, but the Secretary cannot ignore the many strong voices calling for him to do the right thing: overturn his agency’s decision and ensure Queenie’s transfer to the PAWS sanctuary, rather than consign her to a miserable future at the San Antonio Zoo. (for more information, go to www.helpelephants.com)

We will continue to call in ever increasing numbers until the USDA agrees that Queenie’s needs cannot possibly be met in a zoo whose woefully inadequate exhibit is not sufficient for the one elephant, poor Lucky, already held there. Having already endured a lifetime of abuse in the circus, Queenie now needs space, high quality care, her choice of companions and the peace and quiet only a sanctuary can offer.

Join Team Queenie. Call Secretary Vilsack’s office, and ask your friends and family to call him, too.  If the office gives you more numbers, call them, too. The more calls, the harder it is to ignore our message: Queenie needs sanctuary. And Secretary Vilsack needs to hear that from us. Call him now: (202) 720-3631

One more thing: it’s time the White House hears how many people care deeply about Queenie’s fate. Please send an email to USDA/White House Liaison and urge him to help Queenie get to sanctuary: John.Berge@usda.gov

This blog was contributed by Deborah Robinson, IDA’s Captive Elephant Specialist.