Pittsburgh Zoo gave loving care to its baby elephant

I had been watching the progress of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s baby elephant and was so happy when she seemed to be making a turn for the better. Sadly, it was discovered that no matter whatthese wonderful people at the zoo did, there was nothing that could save her (“‘Feisty’ Elephant Calf Dies at Zoo,” Aug. 31). The mere fact that this sweet, endangered animal was allowed to know human love and whose life was fought for with such perseverance says so much for the humanity ofthose at the zoo in these hateful times we are enduring today.

When People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals put its nose in to criticize the love and hard work that had been done for this baby, I was totally angered and disgusted. I, too, have had the hard work I and several others had put in over the past 18 years criticized by PETA people who lived in different states and had nothing better to do than to troll the newspapers looking for trouble.

I and several others have cared for a cat colony for many years. Without our assistance the suffering in this place would have been astronomical. We have prevented births, taken tame cats into our own homes, put them into adoption programs and witnessed many grow very old. Their lives are not awful, and they are not hoarded in a home or looking at the world from behind bars. PETA’s answer: They must either have homes or be in shelters. It’s common knowledge that PETA has its own kill shelters for animals. It would rather these wonderful cats be euthanized than live their lives being fed and nurtured, sheltered from the weather in large barns and hunting or basking in the sun to their hearts’ content.

I want to thank those wonderful people at the Pittsburgh Zoo for loving the baby elephantand for bringing her into ourhearts and homes. I’m sure getting to know this wonderful, endangered species was a sheer blessing for everyone involved. Don’t be disheartened by idle criticism. Those who condemn will never experience the bonds that you had with that wonderful life and enduring spirit you fought so hardto save. ANITA BIERS North Franklin