November
2, 2004
We
received very sad news today. As we worked diligently to
retrieve Lota and Misty from the Hawthorn
Corporation, we were informed that TESS had died. Tess is one of the 6
elephants USDA had designated to be moved to the Sanctuary. According
to the AZA Stud Book, which provides no documentation of birth
and import date, Tess
was born in the wilds of India in 1938.
According to the same source, she was
transferred to the US as a baby and traveled with the Carson and
Barnes Circus until 1974. Carson and Barnes then sold Tess to the
Hawthorn Corporation.We regret that we were not able to give Tess
a few weeks or months of Sanctuary before she passed away.
March 8, 2004
Elephant Kali dies after 50 years at zoo
Kali, a Hogle Zoo attraction since 1954, was about 59 years old.
(Jameson Weston/Hogle Zoo, file photo)
By Greg Lavine
The Salt Lake Tribune
Kali the elephant, Hogle Zoo's elder stateswoman, died Monday [March 8, 2004] after a half-century in captivity.
Veterinary staffers found the Salt Lake City zoo's lone Asian elephant lying on the floor of her indoor exhibit Monday morning. Kali, who suffered from arthritis in her joints, was alert but unable to rise to her feet.
Zoo officials decided to euthanize Kali, who was thought to be 59 years old. Asian elephants, which are endangered, have an average life span of 50 to 60 years. According to the zoo, Kali was the third-oldest Asian elephant in the country.
"The quality of life wasn't going to be where we knew she wanted it to be or where we wanted it to be," said Doug Tomkinson, the zoo's elephant manager.
Tomkinson said he was a little surprised that Kali's time was up now, considering that she had bounced back from previous medical problems. After she lost too much weight a few years ago, zoo staff managed to bulk her back up with a special diet.
"She was looking better now than she was in the past 10 or 12 years," he said of Kali in recent months.
Hogle Zoo has endured a rough stretch of animal deaths over the last year, including a pair of giraffes in February, a polar bear in November, a lion in October and a tiger cub in May.
For Kali, who was born in the wild around 1945, the arthritis, despite anti-inflammatory treatments, proved too much.
Stacey Phillips, zoo spokeswoman, said officials were aware that the 8,668-pound elephant was living her final days. Asian elephants cycle through six sets of four molars during their life, and Kali was on her last set of chompers.
"We wanted her to live out her life," Phillips said. "As long as she was alive, she had a home here."
According to legend, the young, then-2,500-pound elephant was loud and feisty during her drive from Florida to Utah in 1954. The less-than-quiet journey earned the pachyderm her name. Kali is a Hindu goddess who gives and destroys life.
But now zoo visitors will have to make due with memories of the Asian elephant, who garnered a vote in the 1959 Salt Lake City mayor's race. Hogle Zoo will now shift its emphasis to its African elephants: Hydari, 44, and Christie, 18. There are no plans to replace Kali.
"We didn't have the space for dealing with both African and Asian elephants," said Tomkinson, who has worked with the zoo's elephants for 21 years.
Kali's enclosure served as a popular stop for visitors of all ages during her 50-year reign at the zoo.
"Many generations have seen her and celebrated her birthdays," Phillips said. Unsure of the actual date, Hogle staffers scheduled Kali's birthday celebrations in late summer.
Kali was part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's elephant management program. As required in the death of such an animal, an animal autopsy, or necropsy, is performed. Phillips said the procedure yielded nothing unusual.
Murugan, oldest Indian bull elephant in Europe at 50 years was euthanized June 4, 2003
 Baby Amali, aged 3, dies after surgery at Indianapolis Zoo
Baby Amali underwent emergency surgery May 21 for an intestinal blockage caused by eating sand and gravel in her zoo yard. She was the first African elephant conceived through artificial insemination. Although she survived the surgery, Amali died while sleeping at her mother's feet, June 3, 2003. Her herd mourns their lose.
Lin Wang, an 86-year-old Asian elephant taken prisoner by Chinese troops in World War II, died of old age Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at Taipei Zoo.
TAIPEI (Reuters)
The world's oldest Asian elephant, 86-year-old Lin Wang, seen in this undated photograph, died of old age on Feb. 26, 2003, at the Taipei Zoo. The much-loved elephant was a World War II veteran that carried cannons for the Japanese army in Burma. He was awarded to Chinese troops as a war trophy after the defeat of the Japanese and moved to Taiwan with the Nationalist army in 1949.
In his youth the venerable beast, known to Taiwan children as Grandpa Lin, dragged Japanese army cannon and supplies through the jungles of Burma, now known as anmar, until his capture in 1943.
Then a sprightly 26, Lin continued his army service on the Chinese mainland and later on aiwan. In 1954, he was retired to the zoo in the company of a female elephant, Ma Lan.
The island's children loved him, and the zoo threw birthday parties for him each year. The people of Taiwan mourned his death by burning paper money and lighting incense.
A zoo statement said Lin, in poor spirits since Ma Lan died last year, fell sick a few days ago and stopped taking food.
It appealed for T$5 million (US$144,000) in contributions to preserve the body of Lin, believed to have been the world's oldest Asian elephant.
back to top
Mysterious illness claims life of Hugo, a zoo Asian Elephant
The Oregonian
01/22/03
Laura Oppenheimer
An Oregon Zoo elephant affectionately known as the Master of Disaster died Monday night, January 20, 2003 after developing a mysterious illness over the weekend.
Zoo staff members said they were devastated to lose Hugo. At 42, he was the oldest of the zoo's male Asian elephants. Most captive elephants would live at least another 10 years, and Hugo consistently received clean bills of health.
"I expected him to live forever," zoo Director Tony Vecchio said Tuesday.
Hugo appeared to be fine late Friday evening but was found lying down and breathing heavily when a keeper checked on him shortly after 6 a.m. Saturday, said Mike Keele, assistant zoo director.
The 10,000-pound elephant seemed to have thrashed around during the night. Elephants rarely lie down, and do so for only a few hours because their weight can crush their lungs.
Keepers and veterinarians lifted Hugo up with a sling, injected him with fluids through a catheter and gave him antibiotics, Keele said. The animal improved, but slowly faded over the weekend as the staff watched him around the clock.
By Monday, a weakened Hugo wanted to lie down, so his caretakers propped him up with bales of hay.
His death at 10 p.m. sent an emotional ripple through the zoo, said Keele, an international expert on elephants.
"Unless you've been there, you can't imagine it," he said. "You have such a close relationship with the elephant."
Hugo was known during his two decades in Portland for his energy and attempts to outsmart zoo staff. Vecchio recalled watching a video of the 10-foot-tall elephant obliterating a snowman in a split second as part of an enrichment activity.
A former circus elephant, Hugo crushed blocks of ice for fun and often pounded on doors until they broke.
"If it would come apart, he'd find a way to tear it apart," Keele said. "He helped us remodel."
Hugo was ranked seventh among the 26 male Asian elephants listed in an official plan for elephant reproduction in North America. He fathered four elephants at the Oregon Zoo, and probably would have been bred again, Keele said.
The zoo is known nationally for its elephant breeding program. Zoo officials said they haven't decided whether to replace Hugo or leave their elephant population at six.
Meanwhile, they hope to determine the cause of Hugo's death. Vecchio said he suspects a bacterial infection, but he may never know for sure. The zoo will disinfect the elephants' exhibit area, he said.
Hugo's body parts, organs and tissue will be distributed to elephant research groups, Vecchio said, and some parts may be used for education at the Oregon Zoo. Anything left will be cremated.
"We believe in continuing the conservation and education mission after death," Vecchio said. "There will be parts of Hugo sent all over the country." Laura Oppenheimer: 503-294-5957; loppenheimer@news.oregonian. com
On-line article from the Oregonian
back to top
November 29, 2002
BUKE, born 1969 in the wild's of Burma, spent his entire life in captivity performing in circuses, amusement parks, television and movies. He is survived by the many calves he sired and numerous humans who grew to love and respect him.
Namaste BUKE
 Cindy
1962-2002
Our beloved Asian elephant, Cindy, passed away November 19, 2002 at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. She was loved by many generations of Tacoma park visitors. She was a pioneer in the development of protected contact management.
We, Cindy's caretakers, feel fortunate to have been able to share in a part of her remarkable life. Her elephant family, Suki and Hanako, also miss her companionship.
Craig, Shannon, Paul, Stephanie, Aimee, Andy and Sally
Suki and Hanako
September 9, 2002
60 years,
old and gray,
Chandra,
the Mighty Matriarch,
passed this day.
July 17, 2002
Baby Haji, who made history three years ago by being the first Asian elephant conceived through artificial insemination has died. He succumbed to the herpes virus which has claimed three other calves at the Dickerson Park Zoo since the early 90's.
We mourn the loss of this little one.
Fall 2001
Recently Maude passed away.
Records indicate that she was born in the wilds of India and captured in 1937 when she was reportedly less than one year old.
For over six decades Maude was slave to eight different owners who used her for circus. She served them well, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars for each.
Since July 1988 Maude was dragged around the country year after year, supporting the habit of a man who rents elephants to the circus.
When not performing she was warehoused in a windowless building, owned by John Cuneo of the Hawthorn Corporation in Grayslake ,IL.
Maude, along with seventeen other elephants, was chained to the floor of their barn, deprived of the freedom of movement and access to the outdoors.
Sadly all of this is legal. Hundreds of elephants are kept this way everyday in zoos and circus. Like Maude, they are slaves— imprisoned to serve an insensitive master.
Maude watched as her cell mates became ill and even died from TB. Regardless that she was old and becoming feeble, she was not allowed to retire. Instead she was maintained as a performing circus elephant until the day she died.
There is no retirement policy for performing elephants whether they are on exhibit in zoos or performing in circuses. Once captured and removed from the wild, their destiny is set; they are enslaved until their death.
Maude lived a long life. It is an opportunity missed that she was not allowed to retire to spend her most feeble and senior years in freedom.
|
This anonymous poem was sent to the Sanctuary to honor Maude.
In memory of my dear friend, Maude
She ascended the steps and let out a mighty roar,
The Grand Lady who gave so much will be in pain no more
|
We remember Kanthi
Melanie Samarasinghe is involved with the Millennium Elephant Foundation in Sri Lanka which currently provides permanent residence for seven elderly and special needs elephants. In addition, MEF has developed a mobile vet unit that treats wild & domestic elephants all over Sri Lanka. Elephant owners bring their elephants to MEF for rest and treatment free of charge.
In June 2001, Melanie wrote the Sanctuary as follows:
Dear Carol,
I am writing because I feel you would understand. Today we buried Kanthi. Kanthi only arrived at the MEF a few days ago. Her owner had gone broke and could not afford to feed her, because of this she was painfully thin. Yesterday morning Kanthi went down in her sleeping area, by lunch time her suffering was over. I have never been moved quite like I was by Kanthi's last moments. Today we buried her. I am thankful that her suffering is over. I only knew Kanthi for a short time but like many people I was affected deeply by her dignity.
Melanie
The Elephant Sanctuary mourns the passing of Barbara — May 18, 2001
Barbara touched all who were fortunate enough to meet her. Even those who only viewed her on the Sanctuary's EleCam were affected by something most could not explain. She had a presence, an energy, a powerfully wise being disguised in a body so frail.
When Barbara arrived at the Sanctuary five years ago, doctors predicted a short tenure. She immediately surprised everyone and set out to explore every inch of Sanctuary property. At the time of Barbara's arrival there was only a forty-acre pasture for the elephants. The Sanctuary land beyond the "40" was not fenced and was considered off limits. It was a matter of days until Barbara's insistence to go beyond the fence was more than Carol and Scott could resist. So an official "elephant watch" schedule was implemented.
Each morning, a keeper would accompany Barbara beyond the gate into the unfenced habitat which comprised several thousand acres surrounding the Sanctuary. Eight hundred acres of this habitat was leased by the Sanctuary as a buffer zone to protect the elephants from human activity such as recreational vehicles and hunting. Beyond that was several thousand acres of undeveloped timber land owned by Champion International Paper Company, an elephantâs paradise.
Interns were recruited to monitor Barbara's whereabouts and activity. Field notes where kept of what Barbara ate, when and where she slept, and where her wandering led her. We soon learned there was a pattern to her movement. Each morning Barbara would be impatiently pacing, ready to pass through the gate and immerse herself in the lush habitat. Like clock work and with no coaxing by her caretakers, she returned each evening at dusk. The gate was closed and locked behind her until the next morning. You might think that she would resist coming back to the barn but that was simply not the case. Of course, if she had wanted to stay out all night there would have been several willing care takers volunteering for the overnight watch adventure. Regardless, Barbara always chose to return home.
As the seasons passed, we discovered that Barbara's movement patterns also varied with the seasons. After months of plotting, her movements were so predictable that close supervision was not necessary. We could track her with cameras and by the records that were kept. All were quite comfortable with the pattern that had developed — elephants go outside the "40" in the morning and come back inside the "40" at night. Barbara had started sleeping outside all night. Although her nights were restricted to the "40", that seemed to be acceptable to her. Barbara thrived in her environment. She immersed herself and became apart of it. Her oneness with nature was holy. At no time during the following four years of her arrival did Barbara migrate beyond the Sanctuary's invisible property line. Until that day in April 2000.
Perhaps we will never know what possessed Barbara to change her pattern. Many surmised, but only Barbara knows why one day while casually grazing along "Barbie's wash", she penetrated the invisible property line. She did not make a break for it, or appear to running away, she was simply grazing and migrating the way elephants were designed to do. Young tufts of bamboo were the tempting morsels that kept her moving forward and adventure awaited her. Where her journey lead her was through Sanctuary property, through the leased property and then through hundreds of acres of forest. Scott quickly realized that Barbara was not in her normal location and set out to find her. He had become quite versed in tracking and was sure she was close since her footprints ambled, sometimes in lazy circles, where she was savoring the grasses. But Barbara apparently got the exploration bug and she exited the forest to find herself face to face with a neighbor's house. By Dexter's account, the neighbor Barbara visited, he saw her calmly walking around on his property. Keep in mind that Dexter's house was set up against the forest so it appeared to be no more out of place than a wandering elephant.
Dexter and Barbara met. Dexter has no idea what a lucky person he is. Some say he is lucky she did not hurt him, but that is not why he was lucky. Barbara is wise beyond human comprehension and had no intention of doing him harm. Somehow Dexter sensed this and simply chained her to a tree as Scott came into the clearing. Even though we know how good natured Barbara is, it was still a cause for near panic when Scott saw a stranger securing Barbara to a tree. This was the beginning of Barbara's determination to visit every neighbor beyond the woods. And the beginning of the construction of a corral to fence in the entire Sanctuary property — all 222 acres.
For the next several months Barbara was incorrigible. She was determined to get off grounds. Due to the new fence construction, areas of fence would be temporary constructed with hot wire. She was observed dropping trees across the hot wire to down the fence and allow her passage. She could hear if the hot wire was turned off even for a minute which was necessary during construction. Needless to say. Barbara's determination to travel was becoming a hardship for her keepers. Without question, the Sanctuary would be cited if Barbara succeeded at her attempts to leave grounds again. She did not give her keepers a moment's rest and left them with no other choice but to confine her to the night yard. This eight acre pasture was the only elephant-proof corral. Barbara was quite irritated at being confined and her keepers were heart-broken. Barbara thrived in the habitat, and confining her to an eight acre yard seemed to verge on cruelty. As much time as possible was spent outside the night yard under supervision, but Barbara's desire to explore beyond was so strong it was difficult to keep her on Sanctuary ground even under direct supervision. Finally the new fence was complete and Barbara was free again.
Now Barbara could explore 222 acres with no fear of breaching the boundary. This allowed her caretakers to relax. At first Barbara would stand at the perimeter of the new fence and stare beyond, but after a few days she redirected her attention to the habitat within. She soon resumed her past behavior of utilizing all of the habitat available to her. Her joy of freedom was obvious to anyone who was blessed enough to see her set out on her day's journey.
But over the past few months things changed. Barbara no longer suffered from the abdominal pain that plagued her when she first arrived, but now she was beginning to form edema. First on her belly, then her face, and later on her legs. Her wanderings were hampered by the edema which initially would improve almost immediately when she was given a remedy. But after awhile the remedies that had proved successful in the past either did not make a difference or would relieve the edema in one place, only to have it surface somewhere else. Barbara's resolve started to dissolve.
Barbara's physically difficult times were emotional taxing times for her caretakers. Not a moment went by, day or night, when Barbara's condition and care was not a priority. Caretakers kept a constant vigil. During the day cameras were focused on her so that keepers could monitor and document her activity. At night she chose to sleep in the barn with a caretaker sleeping in the adjacent stall. Everyone knew that Barbara's condition was deteriorating. All we could do was observe while the veterinarian continued to prescribe remedies for her symptoms. To add to our concern, Barbara stopped lying down to sleep. The naps that she took standing up were not enough to rest her fragile body. She soon showed signs of fatigue. Her only relief was to lean up against the wall of the barn to sleep.
Three weeks ago keepers started documenting unusual behavior between Barbara and the other elephants. Barbara's slowly debilitating health had made it almost impossible for her to wander as she had done from the first day of her arrival. She was now spending all of her time in the open pasture area and tree line, in proximity to the other elephants. What was so unusual was how the other elephants gravitated to her. They would surround her, caressing and stroking her body for hours. It was the most endearing interactions the keepers had ever experienced. Always there would be at least two elephants standing on either side of her. On several occasions Jenny left the constant companionship of Shirley to spend a few hours with Barbara. Tarra was even observed sleeping next to Barbara as she grazed. It is very rare for Tarra to nap during the day. Barbara's keepers watched this behavior with mixed emotions; concern and hopefulness. All prayed that Barbara was on the road to recovery and as result was spending more time with her family.
On May 18, at 6 p.m. after her evening feeding, Barbara went down on the barn floor. Carol, Scott and Joanna were all there with her. Sissy and Winkie were in an adjacent stall, and Tarra, Jenny, Bunny and Shirley were outside, close to the barn. Being well versed in hoisting Barbara, her keepers wasted no time preparing to hoist her to her feet. They attached her harness and the hoist and attempted to raise her. But this time something was different. Barbara did not assist in any way. In the past, the hoist would get her body in place and then Barbara would do the rest; but not this time. Barbara was lucid, calm, and resigned to not get up. She did not fight, kick, or in any way struggle. She remained relaxed and calm. After two attempts to raise Barbara, Carol looked into Barbara's eyes and said, "She wants to go; we must let her go." No amount of death and dying preparation readies you for that moment when you must let a loved one go.
Without a spoken word, Barbara made her wishes known. Her caretakers released the hoist, and let her settle back down to the barn floor. They laid their hands on her warm, relaxed body and closed their eyes. Please give me the strength to let her go was the silent prayer. For fifteen minutes Barbara guided her loved ones along a path to the golden staircase. If you have not been there you will recognize it when you see it — an immense staircase reaching up into the heavens crowned with a bright white light. Barbara did not hesitate, nor did she stumble on her way up the stairs. As she rose, her body became less encumbered and it began to glow. An overpowering feeling of exhalation and joy was all that could be felt as Barbara reached the top of the stairs. Once on top she was surrounded by a multitude of being. She was finally free.
In one short hour, life at the Sanctuary has been altered forever. Barbara is released from her frail body. Her gifts and lessons will live on. What she taught all of us is immeasurable. The other elephants as well as her human family are making the transition well. Barbara was buried at her favorite location at the top of the property. For the next 24 hours Tarra spent the entire time at Barbara's grave site. Jenny, Bunny and Shirley seemed to experience no grief; perhaps that is because they already said their good byes. Winkie had a great deal of nervous energy which she vented by playing almost in a frenzy form with the toys hanging in the barn. And Sissy appeared to grieve. She was quiet and withdrawn, especially at night, which is the time she spent with Barbara. The following day Tarra spent with Jenny, Bunny and Shirley. Sissy and Winkie slowly returned to their normal routine, although Sissy remains subdued. As demonstrated by the unusual behavior just prior to Barbara's death, one could suggest that Barbara prepared her family for her passing.
Additional tributes to Barbara.
Zoo Mourns Loss of Beloved Elephant
Popcorn Park Zoo staffers mourn the passing of Sonny the African Elephant, who came to the Society in 1989, he was 21 years old. He died February 20, 2001 of causes that are yet undetermined.
Sonny's death is even more heartwrenching as he, like thousands of other elephants were taken from their homeland. When there was a culling of elephants in the 1980's Sonny was about 1-2 years old. He had been with his family-oriented group, running with his close-knit mates, sitting at a river's edge, roaming through unspoiled fields when humans came after him and he watched as his family was destroyed. Sonny along with a large number of other young elephants were forcibly taken from their home in Zimbabwe so that he could be used and exploited. He was a difficult animal for them to handle and as a result, his trunk was badly torn. We will never know what other indignities this animal suffered but from that point he had no trust in humans.
He was moved from one zoo to another but was a rogue elephant who couldn't fit in anywhere. He eventually went to a small zoo in New Mexico where he kept escaping. Again, unable to care for him, the city council decided to euthanize him if there were no other opportunities to place him. That is when Popcorn Park opened their gates and their heart to this displaced pachyderm.
And he learned to trust one man. He came to know one of the directors at the Zoo, who became his daily caretaker. He would stay up nights to be near Sonny if he was under the weather and he would bring in a sleeping blanket to be near if Sonny was ailing. Although he had his own office in the main building, he brought a desk and telephone into Sonny's compound so that he was never more than a few yards away from him. One by one Sonny learned to trust all staff members and one by one they formed a special relationship. Sonny had the best possible life he could have while in our care. A huge compound was built; he had a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in his diet and most important of all, he found people in whom he could put his trust, he found people who were totally devoted to his well being.
However, Sonny would never again roam free, live with his family, or be able to return to the wild. But he was able to find love and compassion for the first time in his life at Popcorn Park Zoo. Not only was his life enriched from that point on, but he left a lasting impression on all that came into contact with him.
We can only hope that if you have ever visited Sonny, saw his picture, read about him, or helped support him, that you will feel some sorrow that he was never able to realize the full freedom he deserved, due to man's interference. For that, we look forward to a day when exotic animals will be given the right to live as they were intended. Sonny is now cradled in the hearts and memories of all Zoo staffers, supporters and visitors, who realize the beauty and innocence of such a magnificent animal and the dastardly and undeserved treatment he received before being placed in our care. Sonny's presence should remind us of the fragility of all living things, no matter how big or small. While bidding farewell to our beloved friend we know that Sonny is now at peace and has the freedom he deserved.
Note: The Popcorn Park Zoo is operated under the auspices of the Associated Humane Societies, a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and welfare of animals. Popcorn Park was established in 1977 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge for sick, handicapped, injured, abused and abandoned animals that can not be returned to their natural habitat. As time went on they expanded to accept both exotic and domesticated animals who faced the same circumstances.
 Smokey was orphaned as result of the culling (killing) of his family in Kruger National Park, Africa.
In September 1975, he was purchased by the Oakland Zoo, CA where he spent his entire captive life.
Following the death of one of his keepers in 1991, Smokey became an integral part of a pioneer project of elephant management. Smokey and the other elephants he lived with at the Oakland Zoo were handled in protected contact. In this system of management there is always a protective barrier between the elephant and keeper.
Smokey was very cooperative and helped to validate this system of elephant management. Sadly Smokey became ill and passed away at age 29. With hardly enough time for Smokey's keepers to recover from their loss, another tragic event followed. Smokey's newborn son Dohani, died only a few days after his birth.
Both of these individuals had a powerful impact on all who knew them. Our condolences to the humans they left behind.
Another Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus elephant has died. Conti, long-time fellow performer and companion of Pete (see above) has passed away. After a lifetime of performing and only 6 weeks of retirement, Conti has died. Necropsy reports are not yet available, but no matter what is determined as her cause of death, we know she is now in a better place. Conti, as all captive elephants, was brought into captivity for one reason ... to entertain an insatiable human public insensitive to her suffering.
Another passing. PETE, a female Asian elephant who spent her entire life performing with the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers Circus has passed over. Petes entire existence consisted of shows, rides and erecting the big top. Late July 1999, after much public pressure, Pete and another fellow performer Conti were officially retired from the circus and returned to the shows winter quarters in Florida. On August 21, Pete died after allegedly "going down" three days prior. It has been reported that every effort was made to get Pete back onto her feet. The efforts failed. Pete spent her entire life entertaining the public and forfeited her freedom in return.
Carol Buckley of the Elephant Sanctuary remembers Ruby:
"I have known Ruby since she was quite young. I was lucky to know her first keeper and how wonderful she was treated and treasured at that time. That time has passed and no one has been there for Ruby for years. She was a wonderful individual and a gift that has now left us."
RUBY'S MESSAGE
Do not grieve for me. Today I rejoice with the angels - it is my homecoming. I am being told that I did a good job on your side and that I am much needed here in the realms of spirit where I now reside. Do not grieve either for my unborn child, for we are here together and all is well. The child that I carried never meant to be birthed into your world. Its mission was simply to come for me and to take me home. Though I knew it was my time to return to the Realms of White Love I remained conflicted, torn between my responsibility on earth and the angels voices calling me home.
My "child," that great being inside of me- oh how you get caught up in words and forms and labels. In a sense "my child" was my mother come to midwife me - birth me into the realms of spirit. Your word death has no meaning in our vocabulary of the Heart. In our language there is only birth and birth and birth again and again and again. Birth and becoming. Birth into the physical realm and birth again into the realm of Pure Love. On and on - ever changing, ever new.
I could do no more in my circumstance on your side. I am needed here where past, present and future blend into one magnificent NOW. Many have been called and will be called to be here where I AM. And although all is simultaneous and one, we have in some sense gone forward in time to prepare and bring into manifestation the New Earth - the glorious and shining habitat of Earth in her exalted state. I will be back with your help as will many others of my kind and representatives of other species to walk the Earth once more in all Her glory.
As we, from our perspective, hold the vision of Earth in Her perfect state, you, too, must do the same on your side, resisting all inclinations toward negative thinking and out-picturing. For as you think, so you create and become. Hold only thoughts of perfect beauty. In your minds and hearts dwell only upon Love, Harmony and Beauty and a vision of a perfect world. As we hold that vision here in Spirit you must hold it on your side for it to become the reality as planned by the Creator. It is a kind of "push/pull" situation. We here push the holographic image of the perfect Earth towards manifestation in your dimension. As we do this you must pull with your thoughts of perfection perfectly synchronized with our own. In this way perfection becomes reality. Tell everyone who will listen about this "perfection principal." Time is of the essence. Perfection is possible. Do not grieve. Do not be sad. Make your life, your thoughts, as perfect a reflection of the Divine perfection as you can. Together we well create a perfect world.
I am well and free of the pain and suffering of the world as you know it, and my child, my mother, my friend, is well and perfect too. We are here with all the others who have come before us. It is a great reunion.
The one who named me Ruby long ago knew something of my nature and my ministry, though perhaps on an unconscious level. [Sharon], look up the significance of the stone ruby to understand more fully. Good bye for now. Love one another and forgive. All is well.
Within hours of receiving this message from Ruby, Sharon Callahan went to a bookstore to research the significance of "ruby" and here is what she found:
Ruby represents light in the darkness and the rise from martyrdom. The vibration of ruby assists in conveying understanding and control of the role of action of the mental state upon the physical reality. Ruby represents the conquering of darkness on all levels, expansive awareness and manifestation of perfection. Ruby is called the "Star of Purity" initiating action and assisting the Earth in receiving the full spectrum of light required for the progression of humanity toward the access of the spiral leading to enlightenment. Rubies are "record keepers" [as are the elephants] containing knowledge from the ancient realms of civilization and awaiting the opportunity to share the knowledge. Ruby is the stone of nobility. It has the capacity to gather and amplify energy, improving one's success in controversies and disputes. It can be worn as a shielding stone, protecting on all levels and safeguarding one's consciousness from psychic attack. From Melody's: Love is in the Earth.
Ruby instructed Sharon to make a vibrational essence from a ruby and to give it to Barbara, Tarra, Jenny at the Elephant Sanctuary And any other elephants she could get it to. She is in the process of doing this now.
RUBY through Sharon Callahan, November 6, 1998
Sharon Callahan is mentioned in a book by Susan McElroy, specifically in the chapter that talks about Barbara. Animals as Guides to the Soul, published by Balentine.
Click Here for Ruby's story.
It has been reported that Hatari, an African elephant living at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, was put down in July of this year (1998). It is our understanding that Hatari was very sick, unable to support herself, and keepers were unable to properly care for her in their new management system.
Their new management system restricted keepers from entering Harati's stall for treatment. Approximately five months passed without active intervention. Reportedly, she was suffering from arthritis and by the time they did intervene, her joints were completely degenerated; there was no cartilage left. Additionally, the experimental drug treatment being used caused extensive tissue damage to her ears.
They made the decision to euthanize Hatari.
We mourn the death of Akili, a female African elephant who passed away Wednesday, May 13, 1998, in Fillmore, California. Her passing was sudden and without warning. She was reportedly surrounded by friends and doctors when she died. Akili brought smiles and happiness to hundreds of children and adults alike. Although she was not a resident of the Sanctuary, she was a childhood friend of Tarra, one of the Sanctuary's elephants. She will be painfully missed.
In March of 1997 three more members of a quickly vanishing group of ancient souls were lost. Annie, 30, Sabu, 37 , and Ola, 40. These three elephants spent their lives entertaining a vastly unknowing public. Hopefully, their passing will enlighten us and others. Our deepest regret is that we did not honor them in life as we do now in death.
In memory of Mary - September 13, 1916.
|
