Letter: Siegfried, Roy are distinguished conservationists

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003 | 9:37 a.m.

I was deeply saddened last weekend to learn of Roy Horn's injuries. I was further upset by the inappropriate timing of unfortunate remarks put forth by PETA.

As a first-time visitor to Clark County 10 or so years ago, my wife and I, along with friends, had no knowledge of the Siegfried & Roy production at The Mirage, but we were all fortunate enough to secure same-day tickets. For years since that performance, I have kept the images of the illusionists and their animal co-stars in my head. In the past few days, it has been difficult to engage anyone in conversation who has not been to The Mirage show.

The work of Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn with their cats can be compared with the work of Canadian naturalists Charlie Russell and Maureen Enns, who lived for years in the Russian wilderness and documented the lives of the brown bears of Kamchatka. Although their work was different, Siegfried and Roy and Charlie and Maureen catapulted their animals into the public eye in such a way that there is great concern now for their conservation.

If Roy Horn lives for nothing else, it is for the love, longevity and preservation of the animals with which he and Siegfreid Fischbacher are privileged to live and work.

DR. MARK STEPHAN Lafayette, La.