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V v •o Keepers’ clamor I NYPIRG recruitment Buffalo zoo denies allegations Get involved in the public interest concerning neglect of animals by Kathy McDonough Campus editor keepers, was sent to the Zoo Board of Directors, State and local politicians,,and the Buffalo media. This letter, challenging Whitman to a debate, is the most recent development in the said, creating unsanitary conditions and resulting in animal illness. Kendall claims that despite warnings, management has not repaired the drains. The keeper is also concerned about the rhinos, who are housed in cramped quarters without water bowls, he said. Water is brought into the cages at various times during the day, but is not available to the animals at all times. A flurry of nfanagement/ keeper disagreements on animal neglect and unsafe working conditions has recently beset the Buffalo Zoological Gardens. While keepers outline alleged animal abuses and meager working provisions, zoo officials point to passed inspections, arguing that the charges stem from poor labor relations. The New York Public Interest Reasearch Group (NYPIRG) will hold a general membership and recruitment meeting for all students tomorrow at 4 p.m. in 334 Squire Hall and 7:30 p.m. in 167 Fillmore. Tire intent of the meeting is to introduce both new students and pasi NYPIRG members to upcoming plans and projects and to share ideas and suggestions for future work. complex controversy. According to Whitman, the current dispute is not unique. “If yoq look through the records,” he said, “you’ll see that similar claims have arisen about every three or four years.” He noted that the zoo has passed regular inspections by government agencies. In conjunction, the statewide research arid advocacy group is sponsoring a NYPIRG Day today in the Squire Hall center lounge that will include exhibits and information on current projects and current urban and environmental issues. Exhibits will focus on Love Canal, auto insurance rates, eiTergy conservation and alternatives, vegetarian and health foods and others. Whitman countered that rhinos are known to do well in close quarters. He explained that the rhinos would merely defecate in their drinking water if it were constantly kept in the cages. According to Whitman, the rhino debate exemplifies the keepers’ ignorance of some aspects of animal care. “They just don’t have the proper knowledge,” he said. Overcrowding is another concern expressed by the keepers The controversy climaxed in December when the Zoological Society’s Board of Directors received a six-page unsigned letter detailing mistreatment of Zoo animals. The letter specifically attacked Zoo Director J. Thomas Whitman for alleged mismanagement. Shortly thereafter, Zoo curators signed a statement refuting the charges and defending Whitman. A counter letter, signed by 19 Inadequate care Despite this, keepers have voiced objections to conditions at the Zoo, charging that some animals receive inadequate care'. Jerry Kerjdall, spokesman for the animal keepers, expressed concern for the tapirs, a nocturnal animal related to the horse. Drains in the cages are- backed up, he This semester, students will be able to receive course credit for working on a NYPIRG project. Projects will focus on such issues as toxic wastes, asbestos trackdown, health and nutrition, and urban research. For instance, the asbestos project will focus on pinpointing campus locations insulated with asbestos and work with the administration to eliminate it. NYPIRG hopes to influence legislation in key areas affecting students, specifically standardized testing and auto-insurance rales. The main goals of these projects will be to organize grass-roots campus and community support to pass legislation in these areas. Past legislative accomplishments include the decriminalization of marijuana, a generic drug law and the use of understandable language in legal contracts. Students will organize campus and community support, work with the media, meet with legislators and administrators and receive first hand experience in the legal and legislative process. —continued on page 14— Lockwood sponsors 'Doc Clinics' The Government Documents Department of Lockwood Library will sponsor five two-hour “Doc Clinics\ during the weeks of February 13 and 19. Those who enroll will learn how to locate and use government publications. The Department has approximately 150,000 documents issued by the United States, New York State and Canadian governments, and the European Communities. While most are historical, many others deal with current social, economic and political issues. Ed Herman, the Assistant Documents Librarian, will conduct the clinics. Call 636-2821 to reserve your space, since all groups will be limited to 12 people. The clinics will be held in Room 110 in the Government Documents Department, on February 13 and 14 from 2-4 p.m., February 15 and 16 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and February 20 from 2-4 p.m. NYPIRG chairperson Jay Halfon stated, “Working on a NYPIRG project offers tremendous potential. Our (students’) work affects the lives of million of people across the state. There is quite alot of clout and opportunity which I doubt a student will ever have after graduating.” ' ACTION FOR A CHANGE Help Us Fight —Cancer causing asbestos on campus —Standardized testing abuses —Deadly Nuclear wastes NYPIRG is students working with professionals to gain valuable experience outside the classroom. —Redlining and Urban decay —Future Love Canal Course credit is given to students who participate. disasters —High auto insurance rates -And other pressing issues We Com Do It Together See Our Displays Today in Squire Lounge General Interest Meeting Thursday, Jan. 25 - 4 pm Squire and 7:30 pm Fiilmore (Ellicott)
