THE WAY FORWARD

These are our brief view points:

1.THE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED. Through the media including our web site - is it possible to get a shorter address,      links to other relevant sites and have this address published in the press ?? (I will see what I can do about a shorter URL. Can anyone help with publishing the address in the press? We are mentioned in the "Related Articles" on some of the news24 reports about the elephant - Ilze)

2. We need to form a working group to map out the way forward. To this end a number of stalwarts are meeting in Jhb tomorrow evening to put a plan together.If you or any visitors to the site have any ideas suggestions etc please let Les know on 012-2051823. Also any suggestions for names e.g. Concerned Citizens Wildlife Action Group.

3. Our next protest must be at the court when the case is being heard. The NSPCA will advise us of the date, time and place and you can bet your bottom dollar that this info will be shared with you all as soon as it is known - then its action stations again.

4. Once the Elephant saga is resolved we must turn our attention to the other animals held captive at this place.WE MUST NOT GIVE UP UNTIL HE IS CLOSED - PERMANENTLY !!

5. Then it is time to focus on other targets like similar operators, certain zoo's (e.g. Hartbeespoort - like Sherryn has already suggested) and circuses. By removing or reducing the demand for wildlife we will in the long run reduce and eventually stop the suppliers.

6. Something we can campaign for right now is a change to the Constitution and statutes which WILL GIVE ANIMALS RIGHTS.

7. We must oppose the purchase of the Elephants by the WWF, they must be confiscated and removed. No financial gain must pass to Ghiazza, this will just send out a message to the world that CRIME DOES PAY and we already have the reputation of being one of the crime capitals of the world.

ISSUES and QUESTIONS THAT NEED URGENT ANSWERS

1.The past current and future role of the Rhino and Elephant Foundation (REF) must be questioned. Our personal opinion is that Dr Andrew Mackenzie should be called upon to resign and that they should stop their political posturing and looking for scapegoats and rather get on with the job of focusing on the animals welfare.

2. The EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) has been strangely silent. Why? What about the African Wild Dogs? To our knowledge this is an endangered species. How can permits be issued for them? Is trade in an endangered species permitted?

3. Before permits for any wildlife to be held in captivity what criteria (if any) has to be met by the permit holder? On what grounds are permits issued by the Dept.of Environmental Affairs and/or Local Government? How much (officially!!) are these permits?

4. As the official opposition in Parliament who is the DP spokesperson on Environmental Affairs?

These are just some questions we have. Answers will be gratefully received by email cram@iafrica.com or to Les at 012 205 1823.

Thats all for now,

Clive and Lesley Ramsbottom.