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 schools grizzly bear
lab). I was a graduate student at WSU from 1994-1998 working in the lab of Dr. Charles
Robbins. 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 Bear
Research, 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 an
additional 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 1000s 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 that
animals 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. Lukes Health System, the largest hospital system in Southern Idaho. The
foundations of my research, teaching and organizational skills I owe to Dr. Robbins. Charlie
taught 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

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

United States Department of the Interior

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
ALASKA 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 a
graduate 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 Hilderbrand
Chief, Marine Ecosystems Office
ghilderbrand@usgs.gov
907-786-7076

Dear Dean Kidwell:

Im 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 bears 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. Charlies 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 Charlies 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, and
skill 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. WSUs 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

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 Hilderbrand
Branch 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

Department of Fish and Game

DIVISION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
Southcentral Region
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99518-1565
Main: 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
kidwell@wsu.edu
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 1980s-early 1990s, and saw first-hand how Dr. Robbins provided excellent care of the animals
in 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 the
leadership 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 of
the 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

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 urgent
conservation 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 cant know what prompted this action, or the recent review that seems to have led
to it. I am struck, however, that the review committees 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

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

Thomas A. Hanley
P.O. Box 20994
Juneau, Alaska (AK) 99802-0994
home 907-364-3142
email thomashanley@live.com
March 14, 2016
Dean Kim Kidwell
College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Washington State University
Pullman, 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, was
shocked to hear that there could possibly be even a question concerning his treatment
and care of animals. I am retired now after a 34-year career as a research wildlife
biologist with the U.S. Forest Services Pacific Northwest Research Station, but I have
known and worked closely with Dr. Robbins since 1978. In all that time, Ive known Dr.
Robbins to have extremely high ethical standards and genuine concern for the care and
welfare of any/all animals he has worked with. In fact, he always set extremely high
standards by direct example in his own behavior for his graduate students, too, and each
of them has carried Dr. Robbins example into their own careers. To learn that there is
even 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 with
animals there at WSU. Each animal has a name, and you can be sure that Dr. Robbins
has had their welfare in mind always to the point of it dominating his life, plans, and
activities. He thinks of them always. He wont take a week vacation if he thinks any one
of his animals needs him there, and if on vacation or traveling, he still always has his
animals on his mind. If you can understand his dedication to his animals, then youll see
why 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 asset
for WSU in the field of wildlife research. I wish you and everyone involved in this matter
clarity of perspective and access to all relevant facts. Thank you for your consideration
of my letter. Best wishes for you and the process.
Sincerely,

Thomas A. Hanley
Thomas A. Hanley