FW: Elephant Polo Campaign: Collaboration and Communication Issues

[Guest guest]

Virginia McKenna

Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:46 AM

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues

 

I am responding, briefly, to the email I received from Mr

dated 29th January concerning elephant polo. 

 

Let me be very clear.  Mr Ghosh is a strong and dedicated advocate of human

and animal rights.  I have met him on several occasions and there can be no

doubt as to his sincerity and commitment.

 

Equally, Daniel Turner, who works for Born Free Foundation, is a man of

enormous integrity and commitment who works endless hours on behalf of

animals.

 

It is my understanding that at a recent conference, Daniel was approached by

a number of delegates who asked him to assist them in developing a work plan

in relation to elephant polo and, in light of these numerous requests,

Daniel assisted in the formation of an ad hoc working group which identified

a number of needs, both in terms of information gathering, campaign strategy

and collaboration with other NGOs. 

 

I can assure you that there was no intention by Daniel or the Group, to

marginalise or disregard, in any way, the significant and important efforts

that Mr Ghosh has made on this issue in the past and I am sure that should

the group wish to involve Mr Ghosh, he would be most welcome. 

 

I am concerned about the way that Mr Ghosh has described Daniel and has

questioned his motivation. I am also aware that while Mr Ghosh has indicated

that he is willing to let bygones by bygones and move forward in a positive

way, he has also written to others, threatening legal action of some kind

(although I am mystified as to the basis which any action could possibly be

based).

 

I am therefore asking that all parties be aware of the situation and I am

calling upon Mr Ghosh to contact Daniel directly and not through third

parties, to resolve any issues that might exist.  I have asked my son, Will

Travers, CEO of Born Free Foundation, to monitor and assist where possible.

 

I do not think that, for the sake of the animals, and in this case,

specifically the elephants, this situation should be allowed to continue as

it is.  We need to keep all energy and focus for them.

 

Thank you for your time and patience and my very good wishes to you all.

 

Virginia

 

 

Born Free Foundation

Tel: 01403 240 170

KEEP WILDLIFE IN THE WILD

 

This New Year, please help Born Free give orphan animals a home.

To find out more and donate visit www.bornfree.org.uk/appeal or call 01403

240170

 

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