Former Elephant Sanctuary CEO ousted in unexplained move

News from The Elephant Sanctuary (TES) continued to develop this week following a shocking announcement last Wednesday that co-founder Carol Buckley would be leaving after 15 years with the Sanctuary.

In online statements posted March 18, 2010, Buckley revealed she was forced into a leave of absence by the Board of Directors following complaints by some of the staff her management style “intimidated” employees.  After four months Buckley said, during which time she was removed as chief executive officer, president and member of the board, she was offered a new position with the organization as director of global outreach.

Buckley did not accept the offer and was terminated from her employment March 17, 2010 after negotiations with the board failed, sources said.

Co-founder Scott Blais remains with the organization he and Buckley started in 1995 as a haven for  old and abused elephants retired from circus or zoo life.  In a telephone interview Tuesday Blais praised the work of Buckley.  “She broke through all the fences and boundaries that would have prevented someone from starting a sanctuary,” he said of his former co-worker.  “The caregivers are hurt” because of the potential damage that could be incurred by the Sanctuary if the issue is not quickly resolved, he indicated. “Carol was their mentor...they have a great respect for her,” he concluded.

A web site bearing Buckley’s name was active March 17, 2010 announcing her plans to work globally with captive elephants.  In posts added March 22, 2010, Buckley indicated an attorney hired by her was requesting mediation with the Board.  In a telephone interview Wednesday, Buckley referred to an online statement to her supporters, “We can’t let our frustration and anger blind us. I know your number one focus has always been the welfare of the girls. Please continue to support our precious elephants and their home.”

Supporters world wide are questioning the actions of the board but Dr. William Schaffner, president of the board, will not address details of the relationship with their former employee, Buckley.  “We do not want to cause discomforture to our former employee,” he said in a telephone interview Tuesday.

“All of the caregivers are in harmony with the difficult decision and are dedicated to going on,” Dr. Schaffner said.  Twelve caregivers and additional support staff are employed by TES, Blais reported.

As a former employee, the guidelines established by its founders now limit Buckley’s access to the elephants.  “There are reasons to be careful and precise [with the issue of] a former employee having access to the elephants,” Dr. Schaffner said.  Reasons such as legal, insurance and the philosophy of TES, he added.  “We respect Carol Buckley’s special circumstances and all she has done for the Sanctuary,” he said.  “A final decision about [a visitation] policy has not been made,” Dr. Schaffner said.

Online, Buckley indicated she was allowed only limited access to the elephants but enjoyed listening at night to their “trumpeting.”  But since she is no longer an employee, she has been asked to vacate the house of which she oversaw construction and has lived for 15 years.

Meanwhile, intensive treatments became necessary for Liz, a 52 year old Asian elephant who was diagnosed with tuberculosis late last year.  A former member of the Hawthorne Corporation herd, Liz was likely exposed to the disease prior to arriving at the local Sanctuary in 2006.

“The elephant is in a relatively confined circumstance, is monitored and treated,” Dr. Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt Medical Center, said.  Officials with the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency monitor care of the elephants.

Liz was placed at the quarantine barn site for the 12 month long treatment process.  “It is absolutely clear there is no [TB] hazard to people in Lewis County,” Dr. Schaffner said.

As to the decision by the board, Schaffner said, “The philosphy, goals and vision of TES will continue to be honored and kept in tact.  It’s all about the elephants,” he said.