Inhumane Treatment of Bears at 3 Facilities in Cherokee, NC© SOTT.netTHis bear cub huddles in the corner of his small pen.
An undercover investigation by the animal advocate group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has revealed bears living in deplorable conditions at three road-side zoos located on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina. Details of the conditions of these facilities can be read under FINDINGS at the end of this article.
Most Cherokee people had no idea what was taking place behind the bars of these road-side zoos. Some Cherokee elders are so appalled that they have decided to take action in an attempt to shut down these facilities and bring a halt to the horrible treatment of these jailed bears. Along with other elders, Peggy Hill and Amy Walker plan to introduce a resolution to permanently close Chief Saunooke's Bear Park, Cherokee Bear Zoo, and Santa's Land in an upcoming Tribal Council meeting. Now that the deplorable conditions are known this will give the Principal Chief and Tribal Council an opportunity to make the right decision on behalf of the bears. The following words reveal some of the deep feelings the Elders hold regarding the inhumane treatment of the bears at these facilities.
"Our ancestors, the Kituwah, have been the keepers of these sacred mountains and all of the various life forms that inhabit our precious home land for more than 10,000 years.
© SOTT.netUnderfed bear begs for food.
Our people have survived and sustained life here for thousands of years by respecting ALL life - whether plant, animal, bird, fish or creepy crawlers. We have been taught to give thanks for all Creation; for Creation itself gives us life. Generation after generation we have lived off the land - gathering plants, fishing, and hunting. With great respect for Creation we have learned the appropriate way - taking only what we need to sustain our lives, leaving plenty for others and maintaining these life forms for future use.
Our people knew that Creator had put us in charge of all living things, trusting us with such stewardship and showing us what we could use so that life could continue as planned. Every living thing was intricately designed so as to play a vital role within the circle of life and contributing to the cycle of life. They were placed within specific environments - soil for the plants; water for the fish; air for the birds, two-legged and four-legged beings and crawlers as well. We understand all life requires nurturing and specific elements for sustenance.