Untitled Document

6/14/05

What will happen to Bobo?

Bobo, a baboon, was born just 7 months ago to a breeder 'out west' and soon found himself at an auction. Bobo was purchased by George Bonner of Augusta, GA. for $7,000 and placed in a plexiglass display case at Petland in the North Augusta Plaza, located at 336 Martintown Road.

Bobo had no interaction with any other primates, other than humans, and watched customers visit the store, tapping on the glass to get his attention. Bobo was purchased to be the 'store mascot' and to draw customers. Bobo was not for sale.

Members of Primate Freedom Project visited Petland and spoke with personnel who advised Bobo would have his teeth pulled, and likely wear a diaper for the rest of his life. Despite paying $7,K for Bobo, a donation jar was used to collect monies to build him a new cage inside Petland.

On Monday, June 13, Animal Control visited Petland to advise the City has an exotic animal ordinance and Bobo must leave in 48 hours. Bobo was moved to Eudora Farms, where his half-brother also lives. His half-brother was also acquired at the same auction.

Eudora Farms sells animals. Will Bobo and his half-brother be sold at the next auction and continue to move from place to place all their lives? Will their next 'owner' pull their teeth? Use them for entertainment?

Bobo and his brother deserve better.

Actual letter sent to Petland CEO on behalf of Bobo. You may wish to write something similar.

Don't forget Bobo's brother and speak for him as well.

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Ed Kunzelman, CEO
Petland, Inc.
250 Riverside St.
Chillicothe, OH 45601

Dear Mr. Kunzelman,

Upon visiting one of your stores in Georgia recently, I had noticed a great deal of wonderful written resources for patrons to help them raise their domestic pets/animals. Books on everything from snakes to specific breeds of canines, the choices seemed endless. Since we humans have taken the time over centuries to domesticate what was once wild for our purposes, today we owe these animals the best possible care and I am happy to see your store supports this ethic. Your store also offers a plethora of items to help any pampered pet feel loved.

However, I write you today with greater concern regarding an incident related to an infant baboon purchased at auction (Bobo) by George Bonner of Augusta, GA. and placed in a plexiglas display case at your store in the North Augusta Plaza, South Carolina.

I am saddened to know that the days of importing primates into the United States to satisfy the public's curiosity is still an occurrence, mostly because there is no regards given to the horrific emotions these "babies" experience.

I am sadden to see that Petland would be involved in such activities and wonder how this happened?

Bobo, like so many other babies, and sold to people who know nothing of their needs. Apparently, for a bid of $7K, Bobo ended up in one of your stores. But the story does not stop at the sale of these innocent lives. These emotionally scarred orphans are thrown into a life of display, entertainment and public harassment. In the early days many orphans died behind cold iron bars, but the casualties in their homelands were much worse: entire troops of primates were killed as they tried to protect their captive-US bound youngsters. Are you aware of this?

Despite the fact that even advanced facilities like zoos, through "trial and tribulation" and loss of many animals, learned how to keep primates "alive" in captivity, that still was not enough.

Why would Petland participate in such a horrific act?

How could Petland participate in contributing to the severe psychological damage of yet another innocent primate? Please, I urge you, to support the release of this precious baby to a "worthy sanctuary" for the remainder of his life. If you would like reference for those, I would be happy to supply them. As a wildlife docent, teacher, and animal supporter, I have many contacts and resources to help with this decision here in Georgia.

I also urge you to "take a stand" and make sure that he does not on to auction again because of the ethics of Eudora Farms (which I understand is an exotic animal distributor which is being considered). Bobo does not deserve to be re-sold into another captive and cruel situation.

You can "break the chain" for this one animal, and set an example which would ripple across the animal welfare community in your favor!

Support to do the right thing for Bobo could not only boost your sales to the public, most of all those who purchase from your store "animal supporters", but show America that you are concerned at an "executive level", about what is done for exotic species.

Please consider prohibiting wildlife and exotic species to be part of Petlands "manta" and retain your commitment to all pet owners who patronize your store for supplies for our domesticated animals.

Please take personal action for the welfare of Bobo

Statistics show, animal lovers/supporters make up 70% of all your patrons. For instance, every two weeks, I spend close to $150 on dog food at one of your Georgia stores. That is close to 8K I spend alone as a single patron with your company! Because of this situation , I have elected to go elsewhere for my needs.
I would re-consider my shopping experience if you were to take action on behalf of the corporations to ensure incidents like this do not happen every again. I know at your level you are capable of setting an example for "great change". I am confident you will do what is right, vs. what is easy for the welfare of this animal, and for what Petland hopes to achieve to ensure the success of your corporation!

Sincerely,