support for wsu researcher dr. robbins

8/17/2019 Support for WSU researcher Dr. Robbins

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Dear Dr. Kim Kidwell

Dean, College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

I am a WSU graduate (MS in Zoology 1997) and am writing to you in regard to a recent article

in The Spokesman-Review (Wed March 9, 2016, “WSU report criticizes school’s grizzly bear

lab”). I was a graduate student at WSU from 1994-1998 working in the lab of Dr. CharlesRobbins. My research focused on nutrition and wasting disease of adult moose in captivity, and

bottle-rearing moose calves in captivity (resulting in the publications listed below).

I am writing in support of Dr. Charles Robbins and his invaluable work through the WSU BearResearch, Education and Conservation Center. Although my Masters research focused on moose

nutrition, I also assisted Dr. Robbins and other graduate students with their research and general

animal care of moose, deer, caribou and bears. After receiving my Masters degree I spent anadditional year with Dr. Robbins’ lab (1997-1998) working primarily with the bear research

program. In 1998 I took a position as a Wildlife Biologist with the USGS Biological Resources

Division in Anchorage, AK where I studied population dynamics of moose, caribou, wolves and

bears in Denali and Wrangle St. Elias National Parks, bringing many of the techniques,developed by Dr. Robbins and his students, to the USGS research program. Later I went on to

medical school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, followed by Radiology Residency and

Cardiothoracic Imaging Fellowship at Oregon Health and Sciences University, in Portland, OR.

While at WSU I spent 1000’s of hours over 4 years (several hours a day, 7 days a week) working

with the ungulate and bear research programs. I was involved in countless animal sedations,multiple research projects, and intimately involved in daily care of the bears and ungulates. At no

time did I ever feel an animal was disrespected or treated inhumanely. With my medical degree,

which included training in anesthesia, pharmacology, medicine, and nutrition, I still maintain thatanimals at WSU, under Dr. Robbins’ direction, were cared for with respect and compassion, and

with humane practices that held the animals’ health and well being at the highest levels.

After my fellowship at OHSU I was invited to stay on and join the research and teaching faculty

at the Department of Radiology. I ultimately took a position as the Director of Cardiothoracic

Imaging for the St. Luke’s Health System, the largest hospital system in Southern Idaho. The

foundations of my research, teaching and organizational skills I owe to Dr. Robbins. Charlietaught me more than wildlife nutrition and physiology, he taught me how to think critically,

manage complex problems, and develop a focused practical approach to research, management

and teaching.

I am one of many fortunate students who had the unique opportunity to work under Charlie. His

contributions to the fields of wildlife nutrition and bear biology are immeasurable,groundbreaking and foundational. He devoted his life to his research, his research animals, and

his students. Generations of students, biologists and research projects all over the world are

indebted to Charlie and his work.

I am so very proud of my time and work at WSU in Dr. Robbins’ lab and sincerely hope that the

investigation of the WSU Bear Research, Education and Conservation Center by WSU officials

will ultimately show the truth about the program; that Dr. Robbins’ dedication to the well being


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of his research animals is among the highest in the animal research field. Furthermore, I

sincerely hope that Dr. Robbins is reinstated as the bear facility director, to ensure the research

program continues its crucial contributions to the fields of bear biology and wildlife nutrition.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my time as a graduate student with

Dr. Robbins.

Additionally, I would very much like to make a contribution to Dr. Robbins’ research program.

Can you please tell me where to send the contribution and how to ensure the money goes to

ensure the continuation of his invaluable research program?

Thank you. Respectfully,

Dr. Einav Shochat, MD MS

-----------------------Shochat E, Robbins CT, Parrish SM, Young PB, Stephenson TR, Tomayo A. Nutritional

investigations and management of captive moose. Zoo Biology 16:479-494. 1997

Shochat E, Robbins CT. Nutritional and behavioral management of bottle-raised moose calves.Zoo Biology 16:495-503. 1997

Shochat E. Nutritional management of captive moose. MS Thesis. Washington State University,

Pullman, WA. 1997


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United States Department of the Interior

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEYALASKA SCIENCE CENTER

4210 University Drive

Anchorage, Alaska 99508

http://alaska.usgs.gov

March 18, 2016

Dr. Kim Kidwell

Dean, College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

423 Hulbert Hall

Pullman WA, 99164-6243

Dear Dean Kidwell,

I am writing to express my support to Dr. Charles T. Robbins and the WSU Bear Research Center. I am agraduate of WSU and the bear program (M.S. in 1993 and Ph.D. in 1998). Dr. Robbins program has had

an immeasurable impact on continental and global bear conservation through his research programs,

collaborations, and placement of graduates in influential research and management positions at

agencies, universities, zoological parks, and conservation organizations.

My peers and I were extremely surprised and distressed over the recent actions taken by the university

and coverage in the media regarding the bear center and Dr. Robbins. While is impact on the

conservation community has been critical to our understanding of the ecology of bears, it was secondary

to the example he demonstrated daily relative to his concern for the well-being of the animals in his

care. Beyond that, I know he has been continually striving for additional support and improvements to

the bear center.

Bears are a public resource shared by us all, thus we have all benefitted greatly from Dr. Robbins work

through the years. If I can be of any assistance moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my comments.

Grant HilderbrandChief, Marine Ecosystems Office

[email protected]

907-786-7076

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Dear Dean Kidwell:

I’m writing to express my support for the work of Dr. Charlie Robbins and the Washington State

University Bear Center. I conducted my M.S. and PhD. with Charlie between 1998 and 2005 and

regularly worked at the WSU bear facility during that time. Charlie was completely and totally devoted

to the care of the bears at the WSU bear facility. Research at the center was then and continues to be

carefully crafted with the bear’s best interests in mind.

Charlie has dedicated his life to bear conservation and supporting conservation through highly

influential and significant research. The significance of this research is apparent from his collaborations

with scientists and managers from key agencies involved in wildlife management including Montana

State Fish and Game, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the

National Park Service, and the US Geological Survey to name a few. His papers and those of his students

are regularly cited in supporting important management and policy decisions related to wildlife. His

publication record speaks for itself on his scientific contributions to the field of wildlife biology. The

students he has mentored and the key roles they now play in the wildlife community, some of which I

have listed below with their current positions, exemplify his broad influence on the field of wildlife

biology. Charlie’s students are so prominent that I frequently encounter them as my supervisors,employees, and collaborators.

The WSU Bear Center has been critical to informing bear physiology, behavior, and ecology necessary to

better conserve bears in the wild. There is no doubt that Charlie’s research at the Center has been a key

factor in helping to recover grizzly bears. Recently his work has contributed to the development of new

tools needed to better understand wild polar bears. There is still much to be learned about grizzly

bears and other bear species that can only be determined via a captive bear facility dedicated to

research. The WSU Bear Center has been successful because of the relationships, trust, and respect

that Charlie has built over the years.

The report investigating care of bears at the Center reaffirmed Dr. Robbins level of knowledge, care, andskill in maintaining bear welfare. Zoos frequently struggle with the management of captive bears,

including deaths during immobilizations which have never occurred at WSU. Accreditation by the

AAALAC and adherence to IACUC approvals further acknowledge that the centers activities have

occurred within the highest standards of animal welfare. It is difficult to understand the temporary

removal of Dr. Robbins based on the need to update the bear facility, improve relationships with the

OCV, or improve record-keeping.

I strongly encourage that Charlie continue on as director until such time that he retires and a suitable

replacement and transition period occur. WSU’s reputation as a leader in wildlife research is a result of

Dr. Robbins dedication to bears and his high standards for producing quality scientific research.

Sincerely,

Karyn Rode

PARTIAL LIST OF FORMER STUDENTS & CURRENT POSITIONS

Karyn D. Rode, PhD

Research Wildlife Biologist


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US Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center

David Hewitt, PhD

Stuart Stedman Chair for White-tailed research

Texas A&M University

Justin Teisburg, PhD

Wildlife Biologist

Grizzly Bear Recovery Program

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Troy Tollefson, MS

Nutritionist, Research & Development

Mazuri

Stacy Jenkins-Crouse

Wildlife Biologist

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Jennifer Fortin-Noreus

Post-doc

Grizzly Bear Recovery Program

University of Montana

Sean Farley, PhD

Research wildlife biologist

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Grant HilderbrandBranch Chief, Marine Ecosystems

US Geological Survey –Alaska Science Center

--

Karyn D. Rode, PhD

Research Wildlife Biologist

USGS Alaska Science Center

4210 University Drive

Anchorage, AK 99508

907-786-7106


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Department of Fish and Game

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Southcentral Region

333 Raspberry Road

Anchorage, Alaska 99518-1565Main: 907.267.2257

Fax: 907.267.2532

March 14, 2016

Kimberlee K. Kidwell, PhD.

Acting Dean, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences

423 Hulbert Hall

Pullman WA 99164-6243 USA

[email protected]

Dear Dr. Kidwell:

This letter is to express my great sadness at the removal of Dr. Robbins as Director of the Bear Research, Education, and

Conservation Center at Washington State University. I received a PhD working with Dr. Robbins as the Bear Center was

being developed in the late 1980’s-early 1990’s, and saw first-hand how Dr. Robbins provided excellent care of the animalsin his charge. He would be at the Center working with students any time of the day or night throughout the year. Dr.

Robbins’ dedication has resulted in the Center developing an outstanding reputation for excellent research beneficial to

wildlife management agencies across the world.

In addition to the research, improving the facility has been a top priority for Dr. Robbins. It was puzzling to see the report

contains criticism of the facility infrastructure, and thus by association, criticism of Dr. Robbins, when he has consistently

worked to improve the bear pens over the years. Through his hard work and dedication a large exercise yard was constructed

and bears trained to use it safely. For several years now Dr. Robbins has lobbied hard to raise funds to construct a newer

facility.

During my time with Dr. Robbins we worked hard to safely care for bears and to ensure quality research could be conducted.

My current position as a wildlife physiologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game truly only exists because of theleadership and dedication of Dr. Robbins to his students. Throughout the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Biological

science branch of U.S. Geological Society there are former students of Dr. Robbins in highly coveted research positions. The

success of these graduates of Washington State University is directly related to his mentorship.

All animal research invariably entails assuming responsibility for the care and life of the subjects. Whether it is beef cows,

chickens, or pigs being slaughtered to validate feeding regimes, animals are euthanized as part of university research. The

bears at the Center fulfill very necessary research roles and when placement in another facility is restricted by outside rules,

the animals are still useful to research when euthanized. Dr. Robbins always cares for his research animals in the most

extraordinary sensitive manner, and all of his students understood his pain when animals had to be euthanized.

Washington State University has a world-class scientist in Dr. Robbins, with a reputation as a brilliant and caring mentor.

Any difficulties between the Center and the Campus Veterinarian should be addressed by both sides in a fair, impartial

manner, rather than in newspaper articles. I urge you to re-instate Dr. Robbins as Director of the Bear Center, for the sake ofthe research, the university and especially for the bears.

Please feel free to call upon me if there is any way in which I may be of assistance in resolving this issue.

Respectfully submitted,

Sean Farley, PhD

Wildlife Physiologist

(907) 267 2203

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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15 March 2016

Dr. Kim Kidwell, Dean

College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resources,

Washington State University

Pullman WA, 99164

Dear Dr. Kidwell:

I am writing to express my dismay at learning that Dr. Charles Robbins has been

replaced as director of the WSU bear research center. Recognizing there are urgentconservation questions that require “captive setting” research to compliment wild

animal research; Dr. Robbins created a world-class research center from antiquated

and (at that time) unused facilities. Not only did Dr. Robbins make the existing

facilities work, he made them thrive. Much of what we know now about the

physiology, energetics, and nutritional requirements of bears, we know because of

his work and that of his students and coworkers at WSU. On top of that, his

compassion, care of, and empathy for, his study subjects, is unmatched. All you need

to do is tour the bear center, or even talk “bears,” with him for a few minutes to

appreciate how much he cares for those animals. For years, he has worked to secure

new facilities that would overcome existing shortcomings. And for years, he

personally has spent his early mornings shoveling bear poop and otherwise cleaning

up holding facilities. That sort of dedication does not come around often, and

importantly, it allows Dr. Robbins a daily first hand interaction with and assessment

of his study subjects.

There are no other comparable facilities or research programs anywhere. In fact, US

Federal Agencies and State management agencies came to Dr. Robbins over 30 years

ago when they realized Zoos and other captive settings could not perform the critical

captive setting research necessary to inform conservation challenges in the wild.

I can’t know what prompted this action, or the recent review that seems to have led

to it. I am struck, however, that the review committee’s report lacks explicit

descriptions of shortcomings or problems. Similarly, the impetus for the review was

some unclear “concerns” that also are not made explicit in the report. The deaths of

2 cubs 3 years ago (for which there is an explanation if anyone asked), and ongoing


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but unspecified difficulties between the Office of the Campus Veterinarian and the

Center are the only real issues addressed in the report. Physical limitations of the

existing buildings are identified, but Dr. Robbins has long identified these and other

limitations of the center, and has worked hard to secure funding for creation of a

state of the art facility that would correct identified shortcomings. Is Dr. Robbins

being held responsible for inadequacies he has striven for years to change? Nothing

in this report seems adequate to justify Dr. Robbins’ dismissal.

If not for cause then, why was Dr. Robbins removed? Has anyone at WSU

considered the big picture here? More important than the significant “egg on the

face of WSU” that will result, is the loss of Dr. Robbins’ leadership and his critical

research capability. With climate change elevating the risks from ongoing land

fragmentation and other on the ground threats to bear welfare, we need a functional

WSU bear center now more than ever. And we need Dr. Robbins’ knowledge and

leadership skills to maximize the outcomes from the center.

Therefore, I respectfully urge you to carefully reconsider this action. Thank you in

advance for that reconsideration.

Sincerely,

Steven C. Amstrup, PhD

Chief Scientist


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Thomas A. Hanley

P.O. Box 20994

Juneau, Alaska (AK) 99802-0994

home 907-364-3142

email [email protected]

March 14, 2016

Dean Kim KidwellCollege of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource SciencesWashington State UniversityPullman, WA 99164-6242

Dear Dean Kidwell,

I am writing in support of Dr. Charles T. Robbins in the pending investigation of the WSU

Bear Center. I, like all people who have known and worked with Dr. Robbins, wasshocked to hear that there could possibly be even a question concerning his treatmentand care of animals. I am retired now after a 34-year career as a research wildlifebiologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, but I haveknown and worked closely with Dr. Robbins since 1978. In all that time, I’ve known Dr.Robbins to have extremely high ethical standards and genuine concern for the care andwelfare of any/all animals he has worked with. In fact, he always set extremely highstandards by direct example in his own behavior for his graduate students, too, and eachof them has carried Dr. Robbins’ example into their own careers. To learn that there iseven a question of his treatment of animals is truly shocking and very disconcerting.

I hope you will consider that Dr. Robbins has literally dedicated his life to his work withanimals there at WSU. Each animal has a name, and you can be sure that Dr. Robbinshas had their welfare in mind always – to the point of it dominating his life, plans, andactivities. He thinks of them always. He won’t take a week vacation if he thinks any oneof his animals needs him there, and if on vacation or traveling, he still always has hisanimals on his mind. If you can understand his dedication to his animals, then you’ll seewhy an investigation into such a subject is so incredulous to those who know him.

I hope this matter can be resolved soon and fairly. Dr. Robbins has been a huge assetfor WSU in the field of wildlife research. I wish you and everyone involved in this matterclarity of perspective and access to all relevant facts. Thank you for your considerationof my letter. Best wishes for you and the process.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. HanleyThomas A. Hanley
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

support for wsu researcher dr. robbins

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