Letters to Artvoice |
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Zoo Blues
To the Editor:
While no one would dispute Donna Fernandes’ commitment to the Buffalo Zoo, her return in no way ensures that animals still living in concrete and iron cages will be afforded relief anytime soon (“Donna Fernandes returns to the Buffalo Zoo,” November 10-16, 2005). Despite promises, hopes and dreams, animals at the zoo still languish in substandard and inhumane conditions. More and more people believe there is no justification for keeping animals in cages for our fleeting distraction and amusement.
I was born and raised in Buffalo and spent many Saturday afternoons at the zoo. My first volunteer work was as a “Junior Zoo Aide” in 1978! So much of the infrastructure that existed back then remains the same. Many of the enclosures are still concrete cells, very small in size and offer inadequate enrichment. The elephant’s miniscule pen is reason alone to avoid the zoo.
The thing is, very few people associated with the zoo would disagree that its caging and habitat system is outdated and obsolete—but years go by, countless discussions held, and the animals continue to languish.
Instead, the zoo could systematically reinvent itself as a nonprofit shelter to rescue and care for animals in need.
Jennifer O’Connor
Animals in Entertainment Campaigns Writer
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Up for Debate
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to your company because you were advertising the mayoral debate that was held at HSBC Arena a few weeks ago. It seems to me, however, that you did not successfully follow through with your information. It appeared from your advertising that it was going to be held within the arena itself, but that was not the case. I can say, on behalf on students from Sacred Heart Academy in Amherst, that we were not even able to attend the debate. This was very inconvenient because the ads and information on your website indicated it was going to be open to the public. Since it was held in the arena you would think the actual debate was going to be held within the rink section of that venue. It is not only the fact that we drove all the way to Buffalo to attend the debate, but there were security guards outside telling everyone that it was in the restaurant portion of the second floor conference area. I noticed that some businessmen weren’t able to get in to attend the debate either. It was a waste of my time because by the time I got home the debate was over, and therefore I could not write my paper on the mayoral debate. This led me to confront my government teacher at school. He gave me your website so I could contact you to inform you this was not the best way to advertise. If you could respond that would be great, and then I’ll receive credit for my paper that I could not write because of the misleading information. Thank you for your time, and I hope in the future you will be clearer about events like these.
Sincerely,
Emily Rider
Orchard Park.
Dear Artvoice:
I am a high school senior at Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart and as an assignment my government teacher wanted us to go to the mayoral debate that took place on Oct. 27. I went, but when I got there I was told the arena had been filled. This confused me because I was under the impression that the debate was going to take place actually inside the arena and that the stage would have been set up on the rink. I think if this were the case there would have been much less confusion among visitors. Furthermore, my fellow students who were accepted inside have stated that it was very hard to hear the candidates and their arguments. I thought that this debate was open to the public—at least that was how it was advertised—and how disappointing it was that many were turned away due to lack of space. My suggestion for next time would be that it should be held in a larger area. Otherwise, advertise that there would be a limit on the number of attendees.
Thank you for your time regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Leah Myers
Editor’s note: Leah and Emily, the debate was always intended to be taped in front of a studio audience, and was clearly advertised as such weeks before the event. While we regret that you and some others could not attend the live debate and were frustrated by the experience, we actually turned away only a handful of people who arrived too late to be seated. We had 250 seats reserved for the public, but squeezed in 280 until HSBC Arena security said it was full. Next time we have a debate we will be happy to accommodate your class if you or your teachers call us beforehand to make arrangements.
CORRECTION
In the first Gift Guide (November 17, 2005), the article “All in the Family” incorrectly described Studio Arena Theatre’s production of The Christmas Story as a film screening. The show runs at Studio Arena through Thursday, Dec. 29.
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Issue Navigation> Issue Index > v4n48: Buffalo Schools: Sleeping Giant or Giant Mess? (12/1/05) > Letters to Artvoice This Week's Issue • Artvoice Daily • Artvoice TV • Events Calendar • Classifieds |
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