What’s that saying: “If you’ve got it–spend it.” While other celebrities are donating money to poor children in Africa, their alma maters, and victims of natural disasters one popular game show host is pledging hundreds of thousands of dollars to his pet cause—animals.
“The Price Is Right” host Bob Barker says he will pledge $300,000 toward housing an elephant from the Los Angeles Zoo in an animal sanctuary. Barker’s publicist told news reporters the donation would match other monetary contributions made in support of sending Ruby, a 45-year-old African elephant, to a sanctuary in San Andreas in Northern California.
Currently, Ruby is being housed at the zoo, but animal rights advocates have raised concerns about the zoo’s treatment of elephants. Much has been made of the treatment of a 48-year-old Asian pachyderm named Gita who died in June. According to zoo records, another elephant, Tara, died in 2004. However, zoo officials maintained that they never mistreated the elephants. What’s more, zoo managers told news reporters they were not aware of any offer from Barker and that Ruby’s “ultimate destination is not a financial decision.”
But, according to Barker’s publicist, “Bob has been very concerned about the condition of elephants living in zoos, and particularly at the L.A. Zoo. He wants to do whatever he can to change that situation and get elephants placed in sanctuaries.”
Fans of Barker’s know him as a staunch animal rights activist. For years he has signed off from his show with the phrase: “Don’t forget to get your pet spayed or neutered.” In February, the 83-year-old retiring game show host pleaded with the City Council to close the zoo’s elephant exhibit, claiming the animals were miserable and that some of them were ill. Shortly after Barker’s appearance, the City Council approved a $39 million, 3.5-acre exhibit to house Ruby and a 21-year-old Asian male elephant named Billy. But, as far as Barker is concerned it’s not enough and now he wants Ruby sent to an animal sanctuary, which is welcome news to animal rights groups.
“We are very grateful that Mr. Barker, a great champion for animals, has stepped forward to help Ruby,” Elliot Katz, president of the group In Defense of Animals, said in a statement. “It’s crucial that Ruby be sent to a sanctuary now.”
With all the money he has and the passion he feels for all animals I think Barker should consider buying his own animal sanctuary—he could help maintain it once he retires.
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