Again, great post full of great information. Big I hate to say it (and I don't mean all) you and I both know that no matter what these people say someone, somewhere will find it necessary to turn this into a matter where someone is putting down Zoo (Cathy) Im sorry, but that is just not true. People ask questions and yes, someone can take it as a personal attack when asked a direct question about their views etc.. that will happen. As Christine stated, anyone that claims 501-3c status has opened the doors for questions. Because someone ask specific questions about how things are carried out in a public matter does not mean we are personally criticizing someone. Their possible actions, maybe but we as tax payers are entitled. As far as the sanctuary business goes, Jackie is right on with this one. There are different types of sanctuaries out there and yes, many claim 501-3c status. They are permanent homes to many types of animals that people have acquired (legally or not) and have "outgrown " them such as lions, tigers, gators, birds of prey, and other animals that are non-domesticated. For all those out there (not again putting anyone down that has them), just because you can buy a skunk or a sugar glider in a store or whatever does not mean that the animal is domesticated therefore they are technically wild. A certain animal may again be tamed but not domesticated. Most sanctuaries get their name as such when they become a permanent place for not even necessarily abused animals. But animals that have unfortunately lived out the usefulness (isn't that sad) in circuss, peoples homes (mind you lions, monkeys,elephants,tiger, bears etc., etc.) and now have a place to live out their lives. A dog or cat refuge may call it self a sanctuary but indeed it is just a name for providing shelter. This word we are referring to "Sanctuary" has a broad meaning: A place of refuge and protection (2) : a refuge for wildlife where predators are controlled and hunting is illegal.. True, Cathy's place is intended as such, for refuge and protection.. but where the line needs to be drawn is that like Jackie or Christine said, ferrets are not wildlife ... like cats and dogs they are domesticated. They CAN be adopted out, even some who have had the most brutal care taking. Those that are sick are and can be adopted to people who understand their illnesses and know how to deal with it. When one takes in a domesticated animal who needs refuge, sheltering etc etc and one does not adopt out, if they feel that only they can take care of this domesticated animal, that no one knows or understands their care or needs like they do, that they are their babies (non-visitors) then have become said persons personal pets and no longer should be considered as sanctuary animals. Even at sanctuarys across the globe, operators do not consider their charges their personal pets. Many of them even rehab and release them back into the wild as the wild animals were intended to be. Cathy, regardless of what you may feel or think everything everyone says or agrees to or disagrees to looks to you as a personal attack. I have not seen any evidience of this in anyones post to or about you and what you do. If it goes against what you believe in, it's against you in your eyesand yes even those who come to your defense. We as concerned individuals have a God given right to question what you do if you agree to take in donations, tax write off etc. Yes, it does not give us the right to put you down and I sincerely don't feel that anyone has done that. The topic to stay on is simple and must be first and formost. You need to rethink the reasoning behind what you have chosen to do as far as no adoptions are considered for there is something other than the best interest of the ferrets making you feel this way. Orphanages across the Americas adopt because it is in the best interest of those in their charge not to spend their lives without a real home, a forever home a place and humans they can call their own no matter what has happened in their histories. If you stay as a non-adoptable shelter, hospice, refuge or what you are calling it a sanctuary those in your charge are now personal pets no matter what you believe. No one is saying you don't provide proper care, housing, play, etc., but in reality they are saying they should not foot the bill for the care of your personal animals ... that my dear is not an attack of any kind but simply the truth. Same reason for me to gripe about paying taxes when my street has more potholes than flat spots and my neighboring city re-does their streets every three years. I speak up and speak my mind, no difference. We have the right to speak up not only in the best interest of the animals in your care but as concerned citizens period. Sincerely, Leanne Bochenko [Posted in FML issue 4041]