LETTERS

Thank you for "Saving the Turgwe Hippos" (Spring 2001) and for telling the world about the incredible work of Karen Paolillo. Our group, the Hippolotofus, has raised over $1,100 from our members around the world for Karen and her bloat (a bloat is what you call a group of hippos). We came together because of our common interest in hippos. Our activities include an annual convention, regional get-togethers, and fund-raising events. I encourage anyone interested in hippos to visit our Web site at www.hippos.com.

Karen also has a program where you can "adopt" a hippo. For $55, Karen will send you a color photo of your foster hippo, a Turgwe Hippos T-shirt, regular newsletters on the bloat's progress, and more.

While hippos are not considered an endangered species, their numbers have diminished substantially over the last few years. Unless more steps are taken, including the banning of trade in hippo ivory, they soon will be. And the world will be much poorer for the loss of these magnificent creatures.

Stuart Feldman
Houston, TX

Pet-Store Puppies

Although the "Letters" section is my favorite part of your magazine, I am not usually inclined to write. Nancy Batchelor's letter ("Pet-Store Peeves," Spring 2001), however, was just too much to ignore.

I couldn't disagree more with the notion that the solution to this problem is to abandon all those innocent victims. The real solution is to pass and enforce laws that prevent the inhumane treatment of these animals. Until then, I wish I had the time and space to rescue them all. I care more about the puppies than I care about taking vengeance on the store owner. Isn't it time to stop punishing the victims and start punishing the criminals?

Steve Masucci
Chelsea, MA

Save the Whales

I enjoyed reading "Rights and Wrongs" (Unsung Survivors, Winter 2001). I knew the whales were endangered, but I did not know all the background information. The article really made me want to take part in saving these magnificent creatures. If we all do our part to help save the whales from extinction, it will make a big difference.

Yolandi Heigan
Clemmons, NC

City Living

Thanks for "Sprawl Wars" (Spring 2001). Creating livable communities that take account of the environment has become a pressing need.

Several years ago I decided to live out my dream of building a house in the peaceful countryside. But before long oversized houses started popping up, and my so-called wide-open land was not so wide-open anymore.

Now I'm back in my old city. It's even more crowded and more expensive. A few groups are getting together, however, to help make this a more attractive place to live. There's much that can be done to redevelop run-down areas, preserve open space, and improve public transportation. It's great that I only have to walk two blocks to the nearest grocery store and that I have a choice of ethnic foods to eat for dinner.

Most important, I feel good to be doing my part to preserve what is still untouched. Raising awareness about how our choices affect nature is a step in the right direction.

Kevin Rutledge
Cleveland, OH

Questions?

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What's Your Opinion?

Send your letters to: Letters, Animals, MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130; fax: (617)522-4885; e-mail: letters@animalsmagazine.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.