I read the recent letters in the Post that were critical of the administration of the St. Louis Zoo with a great deal of concern. I’ve been going to the zoo for over 60 years and have been very proud of what we have here.

With all due respect to the contributers, the comments made in both letters that appeared on Friday 3/6 show sincere emotion, but little in the way of the reality regarding the running of our Zoo.
Mr. Hass’ letter shows no knowledge of the number of births that occur and no knowledge of the diseases that can attack these animals in the wild and or zoos. He doesn’t acknowledge the critical part the zoo plays in species preservation, which is the main responsibility of the zoo. His only point is that some animals have died, but he doesn’t relate this to any norm in zoos or the wild.

Ms. Berger’s comments about the virus that attacks elephants again shows an indifference to the information that is available. The most competent and acknowledged researchers don’t know the origin of EEHV. As a matter of fact, the St. Louis Zoo is one of many in north America who have been actively participating in the research regarding this disease. Cinder’s problem unfortunately was a heart problem that cannot be readily detected nor cured.

A look at the expenses at our zoo will show that the budget for animal care has increased in real dollars during the time Dr.Bonner has been at the helm.

Before impuning the integrity of either Dr. Bonner and or the staff at the St. Louis Zoo, one should have a better understanding of the problems.

Rick Rovak
St. Louis County