One of america's "famous" Elephants and a major Animal Rights poster child, Nosey the Elephant was ordered to be seized from The Liebel Family on November 8, 2017 in Lawrence County, Alabama when The Liebels were merely getting their brakes fixed on their hauling truck, and Nosey became the talk of the media and internet. The devious and corrupted group, "Save Nosey Now" were overjoyed and took credit for making the seizing of Nosey be possible. PETA also celebrated, calling it a Victory. But, It was nothing but heartbreaking and devastating for The Liebels who had done nothing wrong besides being a Circus family and owned an Elephant... and this was the second family that Nosey had to loose. EVENTS BEFORE NOSEY WAS TAKEN: Nosey is a 35-year old African Bush Elephant and was part of The Liebel Family Circus (aka Great American Family Circus) since she was barely two years old after She was tragically orphaned when her herd was slaughtered for ivory in Zimbabwe in the early 80s. For years, Animal Rights Extremists have targeted the Liebel Family for two major reasons - They own an Elephant, which opposes their views of that no one should own animals. The 2nd reasoning is that They are an easy target being a small circus. Some terroristic events occurred towards The Liebels - including cat litter and sand found in their truck’s gas tank, their brakes cut twice as well as their fuel lines cut. Someone had attempted to poison Nosey as well. The Liebels recalled having to sleep around or close to Nosey because they feared Nosey would be endangered or stolen. Only Animal Rights Extremists would be responsible for this, being the only people who targeted and hated The Liebels. Animal Rights followers would also viciously bully, harass, stalk and threaten the Liebel Family, especially online or on social media. Death Threats and Threats of coming to their land and burning their home or stealing their animals were common. Things escalated more after people offered money to buy Nosey from The Liebels, including PETA (People for the “Ethical” Treatment of Animals). The Liebels refused the offers constantly, because despite how greedy PETA and Animal Rights followers believe, Nosey was their Family and The Liebels were not going to give her up. NOSEY IS TAKEN: In November of 2017 - The Liebels had broken down in Lawrence County, Alabama and were getting their brakes fixed. Multiple Animal Rights Extremists, who stalked the Liebels reported their location. They contacted and sent complaints to Lawrence County Animal Control. An Animal Control Officer, by the name of Kimberly Carpenter, came out to witness Nosey. Carpenter had NO exotic animal knowledge or credentials, especially when it came to Elephants. In her own beliefs, She thought Nosey was being neglected and She reported it before She gained a Court order from Judge Angela Terry of the Lawrence County Court to seize Nosey and the Liebel’s ponies. An unauthorized travel trailer arrived, that was made for large horses and not Elephants, came to take Nosey to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES). They tried to lure Nosey with food but it did not work. Nosey, being with The Liebels for over 30 years, would never respond to complete strangers. A Rope was then strapped to Nosey’s leg and she was winched backwards into the trailer. Being uncomfortable and agitated, Nosey reportedly lashed out at one of the assistants performing the winching, injuring them to where they had to go seek medical help. It took over an hour to get Nosey until the trailer before she was hauled across state lines without a permit to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES). With knowing The Liebels location and knowing they were vulnerable, This was highly believed to be a planned heist to take Nosey by PETA and other Animal Rights Extremists after their offer of $2 million was declined by The Liebels weeks before. About two weeks while Nosey was being held at TES and The Liebels were awaiting trial, It was revealed by the Sanctuary that Nosey had broken her tusk. The Liebels stated how upset they were at this, as Nosey was always careful with her tusks and highly believed Nosey had been banging her head on the steel bars of her stall at TES. Visual bruises on her head also supported this belief. Her personal veterinarian of over 10 years, Dr. Mark Wilson, DMV, stated that lots of force is needed for an elephant to break it’s tusk. He also said that she needed to be X-rayed and treated to prevent possible infection. Before The Liebel’s trial, Dr. Wilson was granted to go see Nosey at TES. When he arrived, He was not allowed to get close enough to physically examine her but did watch her behaviour. He stated that Nosey was lethargic, not mentally there and was showing signs of separation anxiety. THE CUSTODY TRIAL On December 17, 2017 - The Custody trial of Nosey began. PETA’s lawyer was ordered to the back by Judge Terry before The first witness was called and that was the Animal Control Officer, Kimberly Carpenter. She stated she has been an Animal Control Officer for Lawrence County for about 2 years. She received the call about Nosey on November 8, 2017. She admitted that Nosey did have food when she was investigating - saying the Elephant had a bale of hay and 75 pounds of sweet feed. One of her statements about Nosey’s trailer was that Nosey had no room to lay down or turn around. This just reveals how clueless she is about the transportation of Elephants. Nosey’s trailer is approved by the USDA and FWC. Elephants must be restrained and kept in a secured space. Laying down or Turning around are hazardous during transportation with such a large animal. Other claims by Carpenter included that Nosey was held in the same area as a pile of feces. The Liebels attorney at the time, Mr. Underwood asked Ms. Carpenter asked how much an elephant voids a day. He asked if she knew an elephant voids approximately every ninety minutes. He asked if horses and cattle also stand in their feces. She had no response to the questions. Mr. Underwood asked if it would be safe for a 7,000 pound elephant to be allowed to turn around or lay down in a travel trailer while it is going down the road. She testified that it would not - thus admitting she has no clue what she is claiming and has no education on elephants or even USDA requirements. Mr. Underwood asked how many times an Elephant would void in a twelve hour period. She testified that she did not know. She did not know if the elephant had been off the trailer eating before she arrived either. When asked who she spoke to about the elephant she testified that she spoke to PETA or another animal rights group and talked to an elephant handler that night. Also, through a later background check of her social media, She has been following local Animal Rights groups on Facebook. Ms. Carpenter was then asked by Underwood as to why she also seized The Liebel’s ponies. She stated they were seized for investigation before admitting the Ponies were healthy. It was agreed that The Ponies would be returned to The Liebel Family. The next witness was Shay Culvertson. She lives in Cullman, Alabama and saw the animals in Cullman on Sunday, November 5, 2017. She had a conversation with Mr. Liebel where he told her he did not have any hay at the time and she had went and purchased hay for them. Mr. Liebel told her the hay got wet and refused the hay. She made a claim that Liebel told her that he could not afford hay for Nosey - but no evidence supported this claim. Ms. Culvertson was asked if she talked to Ms. Carpenter and she testified that she did. The Court asked if she had contacted any authorities in Cullman County about the elephant and she testified that she did, but since the elephant had hay at that time they did not do anything - thus like Carpenter, admitted Nosey had food. The next witness was Dr. Lydia Young. Dr. Young, who works as a veterinarian at The Elephant Sanctuary (TES). She claimed to have worked with three thousand (3,000) elephants in Thailand - this is a pure lie as NO FACILITY in Thailand houses 3,000 Asian elephants. She stated she did volunteer work at three different zoos in Asia aslo. So the question is - What does she know about African Elephants? She testified that She has done abstracts on cold therapy wound in elephants, worked on tissues post-mortem to study viruses on baby elephants and cases on immunotherapy injections. Dr. Young testified that she was present when the elephant arrived at TES in the early morning of November 10, 2017. She claimed Nosey was alert and calm. She claims to have seen Nosey every day since her arrival. She stated Nosey had dead skin in her wrinkles and cracks, foamy white discharge in her eyes, and Her left leg was swollen and she moved like she was uncomfortable when she arrived. Again, with no experience about African Elephants - She would know that African Elephants produce a white, foamy substance in their eyes to keep their eyes lubricated in dry air, and that African Elephants produce more dead skin than Asian Elephants. Ms. Waldrep, the district attorney, first questioned about the skin condition. Dr. Young called it hyperkeratosis which is too many cells present in the skin. Dr. Young testified that the elephant frequently rests two legs at a time. She holds a leg up for up to a minute and a half. She shifts her legs due to lameness in her swollen left leg. She stated she took X-rays of Nosey. She testified that Nosey has arthritis and that the concrete floors this elephant has been exposed to has increased the progression of her disease - This is funny, because Nosey is not exposed to concrete on a daily basis unlike at TES where the barns do have concrete floors. In her opinion this elephant cannot be nursed well enough to remain healthy if she went back into a circus life. Mr. Underwood questioned Dr. Young about the Death rate at TES. She admits that They have lost six (6) elephants since May 2014. Dr. Young was asked if the elephant was winched inside the trailer for transport. She testified that she did not know. Dr. Young was asked what the elephant ate while being transported. She testified she did not know. When asked if the elephant had any historical report of aggression at TES, she testified that she did. When asked specifically if the elephant injured someone during the transport she testified that she was not aware of any incident. When asked, she confirmed that African elephants have much thicker skin than Asian elephants and produce much more dead skin. Mr. Underwood questioned whether the elephant must be restrained and she testified that it did, but she questioned how high the tether was on her leg. She testified that it could have been several feet lower. He asked if she had seen an elephant die from hyperkeratosis and she said she had not. She testified that at TES they do not put their hands on the elephants. They can take blood if necessary, but try to avoid it. - This claim proves the poor care that goes on at TES. Zoos and other facilities do take blood samples to test for TB and other illnesses and it’s a requirement. She testified that they are giving the elephant Gatorade powder and admitted to placing Nosey on sedative drugs after she arrived. When asked about whether the elephant could have a bond with the Liebels she testified that she could. The defense called Dr. Mark Wilson. Dr. Wilson is a veterinarian and started working in a zoo when he was twelve (12) years old. He does private consulting for individuals who own or maintain elephants. He also works with primates, birds and reptiles. He has worked with and seen Nosey for over 10 years. He testified that he treats the elephant “hands on”. He stated how he saw her at TES but was not allowed to touch her or examine her like he usually does. He testified that if she had a bacterial infection she would not die from it. He testified that her skin can be treated by oil, shampoo and filing down. He testified that it is part of being an African elephant in captivity. He testified that he has seen zoo elephants far worse. He testified that he works with the University of Florida which is second in the country for exotic animals. The University of California at Davis is considered the “Godfather of Exotic Animals.” He is aware of complaints by PETA. . He referenced x-rays performed at Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital which show no problem with her feet. He testified that he has seen the elephant’s trailer and that it meets U.S.D.A and Florida Game Commission standards. ” He testified that Nosey’s broken tusk at TES was not a clean break and that it required a good bit of force to do it. He testified that the elephant’s attitude is not the same. She is not “mentally there.” He testified that she does not appear to be interested in anything going on around her. He testified that elephants have individual personalities. He does not think she needs a veterinarian to take care of her every day. He testified that he did notice a draining temporal gland on the side of her broken tusk. He would have x-rayed the broken tusk but was not allowed to. He said that She could develop sepsis and needs to be monitored. He testified that she didn’t show signs of arthritis and doesn’t believe she has it. He took a video of her walking. He had previously done a walking test of her on grass, sand and asphalt, and she showed no difficulty walking. In his views, hands on care is critically important. He is in favor of an antibiotic shot to treat an infection quicker. He testified that this elephant is a working elephant and is on a high protein diet. He testified that the Defendants took her to a fruit company to weigh her several times a year. She eats Bermuda coastal hay. She does not need rich food because it can cause her diarrhea. He confirmed that Nosey has gained too much weight at TES. He was concerned that more weight would cause more pressure on her feet. Dr. Wilson testified that he is concerned that he was told the elephant was wenched into the trailer for transport to TES. He testified that it normally would excite the elephant to go onto a strange trailer. Dr. Wilson testified that he was informed they arrived there at 2:42 a.m. and that she would not come off the trailer. He testified that the elephant stands on sand and grass during the daytime and that having her tethered is better than using an electric fence. Ms. Waldrep asked about the so claimed hyperkeratosis all over the elephant’s body. He testified that it is not life-threatening and normal in African Elephants. He testified that it can be managed with mineral oil, baby oil and extra virgin olive oil. The oil loosens the skin up to exfoliate with a brush or a pumice stone. Dr. Wilson testified that this elephant gets adequate exercise. He testified that typically the restraint is on her left hind leg and right front leg when tethered and that she can lay down if she chooses. The next witness was Mr. Frank Murray. Mr. Murray testified that he has owned elephants and has had herds as big as twenty-six (26). He started working with elephants in 1967. He was the first person to breed African elephants in the United States. He has known the Defendants for over twenty-five (25) years. He has never seen them mistreat this Nosey in any way. He testified that his elephants have had dry skin. It is not a problem. He testified that the only way to treat is to physically get the skin off when needed. He uses oil and coconut husks. He testified that dry skin is a husbandry issue and will not kill an elephant. Some elephants will hand the handler their chain when they are comfortable around their handler. He testified that PETA and other Animal Rights groups attempted to take his elephants, but it never happened. He now has one (1) elephant. He used to run programs in the Los Angeles Zoo and the New Orleans Zoo. He denied that he was arrested for animal cruelty charges. It was also a Rumor by Animal Rights Groups that Mr. Murray was called off the stand and his “animal cruelty” charges were proven. This was a Lie. Murray remained on the stand until he closed. The next witness was Mr. Mickey Grimes. He testified that he saw the elephant loaded and that they put a rope placed around her back legs and someone was in front of her. It took an hour to get her on the trailer. He witnessed the elephant while the Defendants were getting their vehicle fixed. She was fed regularly and her manure was cleaned every day. She was eating hay and drinking water. The next witness was Hugo Liebel. He was shown an Inspection Report from the USDA dated November 3, 2017 where he was to correct the elephant’s skin condition by December 31, 2017. He testified that it is a constant fight on the elephant’s skin care, with her being an African Elephant. He takes care of it with recommendations from her Vet. He testified that he had enough feed and water for the elephant. He gets veterinarian care for the elephant every month. In June 2017 she was checked by the National Jewish Health. In October 2017 she was checked. He denied he has ever mistreated this animal. He testified that he would possibly not take her back on the road if returned. He testified that people are running an agenda against him. He was asked if at times he referred to this elephant as “Tiny” as opposed to “Nosey.” He stated he did. Mr. Liebel closed with saying, “I’m guilty as charged because I own an Elephant.” The Trial had lasted over 10 hours, with Judge Terry claiming she would be a decision that day but did not. It wasn’t until January 22, 2018 that she stated her verdict. Despite after both Carpenter and Dr. Young being exposed for what they knew about Nosey or elephants and Dr. Mark Wilson confirming she was healthy, as well as no proven mistreatment - Judge Terry gave the custody of Nosey to Kimberly Carpenter and Lawrence County. Ms. Carpenter stated that Nosey would remain at TES under their custody. With this, Lawrence County is paying TES to keep Nosey there which is estimated to be almost $900 a day. Are locals aware of this? After the trial, The Liebels did receive their ponies back. Hugo Liebel commented to the local newspaper how his ponies was returned and asked, If he abused animals, how come the ponies were returned but his elephant wasn’t. NOSEY IS STILL SUFFERING: Nosey still remains at TES, missing her human and horse companions. She is isolated in a small space near the Quarantine area or standing for hours in that Concrete barn stall. Not to mentioned she is drugged and doesn't want to participate in Protected contact training. Reports have also stated Nosey has falsely charged at TES staff and lunged out at them. The Diet they have her on is also forcing her to gain too much weight and adding more pressure to her feet. Her stomach is even dropping. A Recent video posted by TES revealed Nosey hobbling and swinging her back leg, the same back leg that was injured when she was winched. She is partially crippled and her health is declining from months of grief and being in poor care. LINK TO VIDEO BELOW: https://www.facebook.com/BringNoseyHome/videos/2081989945463268/UzpfSTk4NjM5OTYzODA1MjM3MjoyNjEwMTIyNzQ5MDEzMzc4/ ------------------------------------------ HELP Bring Nosey Home by sharing her story and Exposing the disgusting facility she is forced to be in.
CHECK OUT & SHARE THESE PAGES: ABOUT NOSEY TRUTH ABOUT TES TES Evidence Gallery 5-shocking-facts-about-the-elephant-sanctuary-tes.html ------ As of November 2018 - The Liebels are awaiting a 2nd Bench Trial. Always keep Nosey in your thoughts and prayers.
13 Comments
Anja Heibloem Stroud
12/22/2018 07:28:45 pm
Pure outright theft. I’m so sorry. I hope further investigation will help get her back.
Reply
Jane Smith
12/22/2018 09:04:42 pm
This is absolutely so sad and distressing. Nosey needs to go home.
Reply
Andy Crane
1/7/2019 12:19:16 pm
Absolutely terrible Nosey should be with the family that she knows and loves and that know how you care for her
Reply
Simon De Winter
1/10/2019 05:38:27 am
This is so wrong!
Reply
Rhonny
8/30/2019 11:49:23 am
Nosey was in horrible condition when taken! The difference in how she looks now is a major transformation. If you think elephants can thrive in captivity theres something wrong with you. It is pssycologically harmful and anyone who cant see the suffering these animals go through is missing the "God" link in their DNA. Theres a reason why over 40 countries have BANNED this type of "entertainment"; ITS WRONG!!! Get some help maybe you could become a better human being instead of a subhuman carnie. Stop making a living off of innocent animals and get a real job.
Reply
Sparkle
12/3/2019 04:23:40 pm
It is funny how you protest against animal exploitation, yet you are just fine with TES exploiting Nosey. She is just a cash cow to this scamtuary. They are using her to beg for donations. She was not in horrible condition when she was taken illegally. She looks that way now due to their deliberate neglect of her. She is seriously overweight. Her skin is pale. Her right leg is swollen due to being winched backward into an unauthorized trailer. It didn't heal properly. Her toenails are being ingrown. They are aiming to kill her before the Liebels get her back and blame them for it. She and the other elephants mean nothing to them, except dollar signs. You don't care if they die from deliberate abuse and neglect because at least they are 'free.' You are a pathetic hypocrite.
Rachel
11/4/2019 06:47:10 pm
Nosey is HOME and SAFE for the rest of her life. Thank you Alabama!
Reply
Sparkle
12/3/2019 04:30:42 pm
Nosey is not safe or home. She is being deliberately neglected by TES. They are exploiting her for donations. She is just dollar signs to them. You are just fine with her dying at that hellhole. You don't care about animals. You only want to use them as a tool to harass responsible owners. You are pathetic.
Reply
Jeanette Farrell
6/27/2020 09:25:01 am
I think you failed to mention the over 200 USDA violations pertaining the this family run circus. What a one-sided article. NO animal should be treated as an object. What a disgrace the Liebel family is. There is actually nothing wrong in those photos. I was actually part of training from Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus on elephant cruelty. Sorry, but this elephant is doing so much better where it is. Again.. if you are going to attempt to be a victim, then mention your 200 FEDERAL violations.
Reply
Sparkle
7/5/2020 04:58:27 am
Animal rights groups made up that claim the Liebels had two hundred violations in regards to Nosey. Nosey is doing horribly at TES. She is very overweight. Her skin is pale. Her right leg was injured due to being wrenched backward into an unauthorized trailer. She can't walk on it properly anymore. Her toenails have become ingrown. How can you say she is doing wonderfully? You are definitely one of those people who have no problem with the substandard conditions of 'sanctuaries' like TES. They neglect their animals on purpose. Then they beg for donations, so they can 'help' them. The money goes straight into their pocket. The lawsuit against Ringling Bros was tossed after it was found the man who claimed he saw elephants being beaten was paid to say that. He spent the one hundred thousand dollars he received on expensive purchases. You don't care if this elephant or any other dies at this 'sanctuary' because at least they are 'free.' The correct term is scamtuary because it scams people into thinking they are helping elephants. What a hypocrite.
Reply
Jeanette Farrell
6/27/2020 09:49:51 am
I am so confused!!!! I just looked at photos of Nosey from 2013 and his tusk was already broken. Why on earth would you say his current living arrangements did that? Wish I could post that time stamped photo on here.
Reply
Sparkle
7/5/2020 05:11:24 am
Nosey did break her tusk and sustain bruises during her first two weeks at TES. It was from banging her head on the bars of her stall. She was suffering from separation anxiety then. She still is. You are blind not to see her injuries. She wants nothing to do with her 'caregivers.' They don't even care about her. If they did, they would be interacting with her constantly. They just leave her to her own devices like they do with all the other elephants in their 'care.' They are hands-off, and it is harming the elephants. You couldn't care less because they are 'free.' How pathetic.
Reply
George Clooney
10/14/2022 10:04:45 am
You scumbags are trying to play victim after keeping an elephant away from other elephants.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
|