Wildlife Waystation

Re “She’s Fiercely Devoted to Animals,” April 16.

If Wildlife Waystation founder Martine Colette is a “dictator,” so be it. Her critics aren’t walking in her boots or devoting their lives to rescuing helpless creatures who are, in most cases, there because of human error, ignorance and / or cruelty.

As if that were not enough of a purpose, each year more than 20,000 schoolchildren visit to learn about animals and the importance of coexisting with nature.

This educational experience attempts to teach the value of respect for every living thing and will, hopefully, be extended to family members, friends and mankind. If so, we will all benefit from the result: a kinder, more gentle world.

CARYOL SMITH

Sun Valley

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Nothing is sadder or more infuriating than witnessing the love-driven works of a person trying to make a difference being thwarted by those with selfish agendas who usually are in no way threatened by the undertaking but who get it in their heads that they just don’t like it. Not only is Colette dedicating her life to care for abandoned or abused animals that should never had been taken from the wilds, but she’s provided a means for the public to develop an appreciation up close for these creatures and for their plight, thanks to man’s inhumanity toward things he has dominion over.

I have no doubt but that some self-interest group, opposed to the shelter, is using every insidious political tool at its disposal to force the closing of the doors of this godsend place, a last resort to the lucky few who end up there. What better means than to use bogus accusations to “legally” prevent them from keeping themselves solvent through entrance fees paid by visitors. If these law “enforcers” had any real interest in helping the denizens of this shelter to have a continuing or better life, they’d be helping raise money rather than shutting the facility off from it.

I, for one, do want to see the wonderful works of Colette carried on, as I’m sure do countless visitors, lovers of animals, teachers and students.

TERRELL RODEFER

Van Nuys

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Animals that end up at the Waystation are either injured, sick or unable to be adequately cared for by their former owners due to the exotic nature of the animal.

A harsh reality is that injured or sick wild animals die. While this is unfortunate for the particular animal, it is necessary for the survival of the species.

It is better that a sick animal expire than spread a deadly or debilitating disease to the remainder of the herd. It is also better that the animal be euthanized in a humane fashion than be allowed to suffer for an extended period, either in the wild or in captivity, in overcrowded conditions.

Without a “bottomless pit” of money or space (both of which the Waystation admits to not having), difficult decisions must be made to reduce the number of animals for which the Waystation cares.

It is a case of quality over quantity. Is it not better to provide quality care for fewer animals (with the intention of rehabilitating those that can be returned to the wild) than to keep too many animals (most of which will live out their days in captivity) with less than adequate care for all?

If the current conditions persist and the facility is shut down, the future of these animals is bleak, indeed.

MICHAEL ALLEGRETTI

Northridge