Snakes alive

Letter writer Mark Osman wrote about the ongoing python hunt and indicated that Zoo Miami is an “overseer” of the program. To clarify, this is a program managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the zoo isn’t an overseer of the program. At the conclusion of the hunting period, FWC will host an event taking place at the zoo property, not inside the zoo, to announce the results of the effort.

For the sake of those that may not be aware, the zoo currently displays a large python at the front of the zoo by our ticket booths, and has a number of other large snakes used in our wildlife shows and in other areas of the zoo.

We agree that non-native species can not only be a threat to our native wildlife, but also to our fragile habitats. However, we do not have the room at the zoo to accept multiple, wild caught species of this type.

Eric J. Stephens, Director, Zoo Miami, Miami

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‘First 48’ exploits victims of crime

Thank you for your recent coverage of the city of Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa’s decision not to renew a contract with the reality show The First 48. For years the show’s film crew has roamed the streets of Miami’s urban communities searching for victims of homicide to feature on their show.
Spiritual or religious?

Martin Slater’s May 17 letter, Changing beliefs, responding to Myriam Marquez’s May 12 column makes the common mistake of equating religion and spirituality. While religions encourage the development of our spiritual sense, religious dogmas are unnecessary to cultivate one’s own sense of spirituality. Many nonreligious individuals are highly spiritual, keenly in tune with their inner-self and the concept of a creative universal force.
DCF is disgraceful

Re the May 21 article DCF deemed boy safe before he was left in vehicle: It’s unbelievable that the Department of Children & Families would do absolutely nothing about a woman who reportedly was drunk and driving, hitting walls and passing out while her young son was in the car untethered.

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