To the editor:

More appalling news has come out about the deplorable conditions for bears in a Cherokee, North Carolina, roadside zoo, including a report about a bear who had to be shot in the head 20 times before dying … and then was eaten by a zoo keeper. These bears are so despondent and stressed that many have broken their teeth chewing on the cage bars and worn down their foot pads from the constant pacing.

It is distressing that Chief Michell Hicks has been unwilling to shut down the cruel bear displays at the area’s three zoos. Why are we encouraging visitors to this lovely state to take away memories of bears living in pits and cramped cages, swaying incessantly and begging for food?  Who believes that pelting animals with food is an activity decent people aspire to?

Too many visitors to Cherokee don’t remember the area’s rich cultural diversity and scenic beauty. They remember despondent bears existing in concrete boxes.

Yours truly,

Amy Skylark Elizabeth
Black Mountain, NC