Bee Boy — Mon, 12/11/06 9:18pm

And the list of onebee comments to be printed on t-shirts grows by one!

"Barry" — Fri, 12/15/06 4:35pm

I have been to Sid's ranch and it was an amazing experience. All I saw was love between animal and trainer and and a huge amount of trust. I spent a lot of time there and never was there a raised voice or a threatening gesture made to any animal. I offer my sympathy and support to Sid at this very tough time.

"Karen" — Sat, 12/16/06 5:17am

I want to clarify in the prior comment posted, I was referring to the organization that made the FALSE accusations against Sid when I stated the law of reaping & sowing!

Anonymous Coward — Fri, 12/22/06 4:13pm

I have seen these chimps kicked and beaten not only by Sid, but his other trainers Tobin, John, Claire and Shelly.(others also who were volunteers) I also worked for Sid at the bony pony ranch in Malibu. During his time there, he was arrested and handcuffed. After this he and his animals were asked to leave the ranch. He convicted of crimes and was placed under house arrest when I was there and issued an leg monitor so he couldnt leave. Sid is a big bully and I am glad he lost the chimps. I wish someone would come and take his other exotic animals as I am certain they are also in danger of abuse. Dont believe me? just google his name and check out his past.

"annonymous coward" — Thu, 2/8/07 8:22pm

Why is no one mentioning Apollo?

He was supposed to have been protected by the USDA.

"observer2" — Tue, 2/27/07 12:00am

What I encountered were friendly and happy chimps who loved their "parents".

are you for real? I'm sure they loved their "parents" which were shot and killed no doubt. they are wild animals and deserve to live the life they were meant to live. It is people like sid who perpetuate this ignorance that having chimps or wild animals as pets is okay. of course they are adorable, fascinating, animals. Keep the fantasy in your head you dont need to own or infringe on wild animals rights. they are the ones who end up suffering in the end. angel bit a nine year old girls hand! she is happy now with other chimps. {the best case would be if she never had to leave the wild}

Anonymous Coward — Thu, 3/22/07 12:56pm

Cody and Sable were actually rescued from the Colston Foundation and saved from research. Sid was in charge of the chimps care, which he did well and never abused them. He just lied to sponsors of them and he received money for the chimps that he didn't own.

"anon" — Tue, 3/27/07 6:47pm

why did the USDA allow chimpanzees to live surrounded by rattlesnakes?

"animal lover" — Wed, 4/4/07 4:54pm

Sid did everything he could for pee-guy (apollo) he ran around everywhere did all he can

"anon" — Fri, 4/13/07 1:28pm

The USDA should have recommended safeguards against the rattlesnakes, made sure that there was an emergency kit available, could have recommended hardware cloth around the fence to keep out the rattlesnakes as they could see for themselves all the rattlesnake holes in close proximity to the chimps enclosures.

"Truth" — Mon, 4/16/07 5:34pm

Anonymous wrote: I also worked for Sid at the bony pony ranch in Malibu... After this he and his animals were asked to leave the ranch. However, on Bony Pony Ranch's website with lots of photos of happy chimps it says "Cody is a charming young chimp who loves everyone. ...from his antics he's developed the reputation of being quite a goofy guy!"

I wasn't there so can't say whether Sid was asked to leave - but the website still features photos & kind words about all the chimps. Somethind doesn't add up here.

http://www.bonyponyranch.com/ranchanimbioschimps.html

"Anon" — Fri, 4/20/07 1:05pm

Yes, I do believe that Sid tried his best to save Apollo. The problem as I see it is that the USDA did not give him enough guidance on how best to protect the chimpanzees from the rattlesnakes which surrounded their enclosure or to make sure that he an emergency plan in place in case of a rattlesnake bite.
Yes, it is true that a chimpanzee at the Los Angeles zoo also died from a rattlesnake bite. The Zoo came under a lot of criticism as they have also had other animals die from rattlesnake bites. It seems that they are also not taking the necessary precautions to protect their animals from a known danger.

Brandon — Mon, 5/7/07 5:40pm

Diggity - where do you stand on the debate over whether you are a separate species, or merely a subspecies of the Eurasian Lynx? I mean, come on, the Iberian Lynx rates species status but not you?? Don't get me started on the Iberian Lynx...

"K J" — Tue, 5/15/07 8:38am

SID RULES!!!!!!!!!

Brandon — Wed, 5/16/07 7:46pm

Who knew stately, triple-meter, 17th century pattern dancing could be so intimidating?

(Seriously though, is this the single most fun thread in onebee history or what?)

"someone who knows" — Mon, 5/28/07 3:01pm

GET REAL. even if you believe half of what you read or hear about Sid, there's some truth somewhere. The fact is, Sid Yost endorses "affection training" and somewhat practices it but not 100%. Abuse in the form of using the animal as a punching bag or shock treatments to make it submissive is a common form of Sid's "affection training". I have worked with Sid and have first hand knowledge working with chimps, lions, leopards, tigers, bears, and small cats. He has an outgoing personality and you can't help but like him but 90% of what is on this site I know to be true. As for the snake bitten chimps, I can only wonder why Sid didn't use more prevention in securing the chimps from snakes. He has plenty of knowledge and doesn't need the USDA to give him ideas. Preventative measures should have been taught in "Affection Training 101). As a owner of exotics, I am always thinking ahead. These animals depend on us to make their environment safe and the USDA enforces as does the state regulations and laws. But let's use some common sense here. I'm sure he was devastated by the death of the chimps, but Sid's no dummy. He has plenty of knowledge and it could have been prevented. Be careful in any dealings with Sid. "A leopards spots don't change" He's probably one of the best "CON ARTIST" I have witnessed.

"Snowman" — Thu, 6/7/07 9:31am

If Sid is such a crook how the heck does he stay in the biz. I don't get it! If these charges are true, this says alot about the animal buisness. I think instead of venting your anger toward Sid you guys should pour your energy into the real problem.

Bee Boy — Thu, 6/7/07 5:29pm

You mean they have those? If so, thank God for the rattlesnakes. The shamefully lax USDA really did us a favor!

Brandon — Wed, 6/13/07 12:43pm

I've been zinged in the Sid Yost comments section - I finally made it to the big time, baby!

"anon" — Wed, 6/13/07 1:30pm

The Chimp Collaboratory was involved with a law suit against Sid. However their focus was chimpanzees being used in the entertainment field rather than the broader context of chimpanzees being protected from all threats. Perhaps this is one reason the USDA did not concern themselves about enforcing protection against the rattlesnakes as the emphasis was on protecting the chimpanzees from abuse, but neglect is also abuse.

"anon" — Fri, 6/15/07 11:05am

Does "someone who knows" or anyone else know whether there was an insurance policy on Apollo (the chimpanzee who died from the rattlesnake bite). Thanks.

"anon" — Sun, 6/24/07 8:53pm

So does anyone think that maybe Sid had Apollo bitten by a rattlesnake to collect insurance money or am I being too paranoid. I feel guilty to ask such a question, but I want to remove all doubt. Thanks.

Bee Boy — Mon, 9/10/07 11:23pm

FUCK PETA AND JANE GOODALL.......

I swear, this thread simply refuses to stop creating great T-shirt slogans.

Thanks for the capitalization. It got my attention. I just hope the USA Patriot Act is in all caps, because God damn if that doesn't send a message!

"Someone From Sid's Past" — Fri, 12/28/07 2:03am

P.S.

If You Talk to Sid, ask him if he remembers Catch The Wave...and "The Chinaman", I know that Tommy Payne would.

Also, ask Sid about Joey Bilello and The Harmony Fund. He will remember.

"Someone From Sid's Past" — Fri, 12/28/07 2:17am

Sincerely,

Logger.

"animal guy" — Sat, 1/26/08 1:56pm

Sounds like "Someone from Sids past" needs to contact the animal defense league people. They have been trying to bust him for years. All they need is info to tie all his scams together and they could make a case. Not only have animals been abused by him for years, but Lots of people have been robbed by Sid as well. Ponzie scams, Time share scams, (I heard that the time share one was in the millions) Sid is just a bad egg period. When Karma finally catches up with him he will have a steep price to pay.

"Robin" — Wed, 2/27/08 3:28pm

What a bunch of crap, you low-life, hate mongering speculators. I've known Sid as a remote acquaintance for over a decade. I've never done business deals or given him money so I know nothing of "shady business deals" or that sort of thing, and I'm not here to speculate or judge what I don't know.... (take a hint)

What I do know is that Sid Yost loves and respects his animal friends and treats them with far more humanity than you snakes would offer him. Abused animals cower in the presence of their tormentors - animals that are loved, cared for and well trained, act and will respond as Sids did in his presence - joyously and playfully.

If you were there and if you saw the unconditional love and respect that Sids animals showed him, you would simply know that all the other posts are lies from people who don't care who they hurt to fulfill their own agenda.

Which ones of you mean liars has ever taken the time and effort to train any animal beyond a golden retriever? Did you ever have to break or ride horse, or do you nimrods think that to ride a horse is abuse also?

With primates, even as intelligent as they are, it take a little more then a nice "please and thank you" to train them to be safely interactive with humans. They are hierarchal animals and to train them, it take a stern, loving and very consistent hand. And other than the malicious lying "undercover" person, everyone that has ever worked directly with Sid knows and trusts his skills with animals.

If anybody wants to know the truth about Sid and how he treats his animal friends, go back to the top and read what Jenny, Tobin, Barry and Karen have to say - they were the closest the longest and their only agenda is their love for the animals.

And about the bruises - Ha! A chimp is more than twice as dense as a human - you could use a chimp as a "punching bag" all day and never raise a bruise but your hand would be mangled after the first hit - it would be like hitting a furry brick wall.

What surprises me, though, is that still, all of the comments I read have missed a truly important point - this process has destroyed a man and his family - Sid, Angel, Cody, et al, have been devastated and heart broken - imagine if a lying group of self righteous bastards took your bright, happy, interactive family and dumped them in with a huge lot of under stimulated, angry broken children without ever having hope of being together again?

To all the mean spirited lying bastards who would purposely defame Sid - you suck, you suuuuck, you suck!

"BrianM" — Sun, 3/2/08 3:15am

What is wrong with you Sid Bashing people? Sid has been wrongfully characterized by so many people because of his ownership and love for chimpanzies.

The only truth I have seen from this message board is relation to MONEY. But, what is in your wallet! Think about that when you do your taxes this year!

Yes, chimps should be in the wild but they were taken prior to Sid for scientific studies. He took them from the Colson Foundation and gave them a life that they never had before. I was around these chimps for over 5 years and they were family. We loved them while they were in our lives and will continue to love them in our hearts. As a matter a fact, call the locations where these chimps are living and ask the present handlers how the chimps reacted when the trainers (Sid, Tobin, Shelly) showed up for a surprise visit. The chimps welcomed them to their new home and it was a moment that I know the current owners will never forget. We loved them like they are our own children. They were family that were taken away from us and they will always remember us as we will remember them. I would place any wager know matter how big that there would be no fear but welcomed arms and loud chimps of joy when they saw us for another time.

Stop the Sid Bashing. He is after all just another animal lover like anyone else.

Anonymous Coward — Thu, 4/3/08 12:13am

YOU should spell check, before posting the blogs. Sid was in Laguna Beach this last Monday 4-2-08 would like to catch up w/him as I have not seen him since Lion Country Safari in the 80's. I worked w/him and Robin,when I was nursery staff/rangers @ LCS . Still have pictures of the Badger and the skunk from Colorado...Small world

"Patti" — Wed, 7/9/08 6:57pm

Does anyone have any information on Angel? is she okay? Is she still with Sid?

Anonymous Coward — Tue, 9/2/08 11:30pm

agreed – I have been there many times and hired him for events – all the animals are loved beyond belief. Whomever wrote these lies should be ashamed.

"jenny" — Wed, 10/15/08 3:46pm

Everyone is still talking about sid yost? they need to move on we will always have the chimps in our heart. Things happen and then you move on. Sid is a great person no matter what anyone wants to say. so lets move on and give him some slack.

"Another Yost" — Fri, 1/16/09 3:43am

How about taking some REAL advice from someone who was actually RAISED BY Sid as a human and grew up and help RAISE the animals, starting from Florida. All you critics have no idea what you are talking about, and to claim one of my family members is a con artist, or an animal abuser are 2 totally different issues, and neither of which are close to being true, so unless you grew up and lived with Sid in his house your whole life, let's not even start to open you mouths. I may not have the best relationship with Sid anymore even though he is family, and my own blood, I do know what kind of person he really is. Animal activists need to find another hobby because this is somthing that will NEVER end in Hollywood, so keep eating your salads. I speak for everyone here when I say that I know my OWN FATHER better than anyone else here, so please, do us all a favor, and drop the past, and find a different hobby, people all make mistakes, nobody here that has read/written on this topic is perfect. And if someone here has somthing else to say, please, i'm almost begging you to send me an e-mail so I can further fill you in on everything, cause apparently nobody knows anything here.

chaseyost@yahoo.com dont be shy.

"Here we go again" — Tue, 4/14/09 7:14pm

WOLF ATTACK- SID YOST HANDLER

Another person victimized by Yost. His inability to control animals and to keep the public safe amazes me. When is someone going to stop this IDIOT from hurting anyone else and pull his licenses . I hear the poor kid was ripped up pretty good. Sad thing is the wolf was euthanized due to Sids lack of possessing the proper medical paperwork required when transporting an exotic animal. If he had paperwork, the wolf would have at most been quarantened 30 days max.

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/animal_exhibitor

"The handler of a wolf that attacked a child Saturday during a show at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Lodge in Utica has been in trouble a number of times with federal authorities in connection with his handling of animals.

On Tuesday, the Virginia-based animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate the incident in which the leashed wolf bit a 2-year-old Ladd girl on her face and neck, as well as elsewhere on her body. The girl was treated and released at Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru; the wolf was euthanized so brain tissue samples could be sent for rabies testing.

The wolf was part of a show put on by Amazing Animal Productions, a California-based company that provides animal actors for films, television shows and other similar work. The show began at the lodge March 20 for a three-week run and is set to end Sunday. The owner of Amazing Animal Productions is 54-year-old Sidney J. Yost, who was the wolf's handler Saturday when the wolf bit the girl.

Court and government records, as supplied by PETA and otherwise obtained by The Times, give the following history for Yost:

In March 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited Amazing Animal Productions for unsafe handling of a lion during an appearance on NBC Television's "The Tonight Show." Yost had a lion on a leash in the presence of the public during a taping of the show. The USDA said a leash does not constitute a barrier and there is risk to the safety of the public when a leash is the only restraint in use. Amazing Animal Productions also was cited for failing to provide adequate space to a lynx that was in an enclosure of "inadequate size and design," with the enclosure not allowing the lynx to make "normal postural adjustments, such as standing on rear feet" and that the animal was "showing signs of stress, such as constant pacing." The USDA also cited the company for a number of other noncompliance issues involving adequate shelter for a squirrel, failure to have a sufficient fence around enclosures for a tiger, red fox and monkey, to prevent humans and other animals from having contact with the animals, as well as failing to provide food to animals in a manner that ensures the food is not contaminated and necessary nutrients are provided. Also, citations were issued regarding inadequate sanitation for squirrel and monkey enclosures and for housing a rabbit and a primate in the same primary enclosure. On Aug. 29, 2006, the USDA cited the company for not providing handles or handholds on a chimpanzee transport enclosure in order to allow the enclosure to be moved easily in case of emergency. The company was cited for failure to provide adequate veterinary care when it could not provide documentation a 6-year-old chimpanzee was receiving preventive care prescribed in the facility’s written program of veterinary care. "With a primate, such as this chimpanzee, many bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be shared with human beings and vice versa. This chimp is used in exhibition work (in which) it interacts (with) and touches human beings. Therefore, (preventive) vaccinations and appropriate diagnostic testing ... are essential for the protection of both the chimp and the humans." Amazing Animal Productions also was cited for failure to provide adequate environmental enhancement for a chimpanzee that was housed in isolation while traveling for several days at a time. On Aug. 14, 2006, the USDA cited Amazing Animal Productions for failure to provide an adequately ventilated enclosure to transport chimpanzees, failure to maintain a current written program of veterinary care, failure to provide a permanent primary enclosure for a tethered dog and failure to provide a veterinarian-approved environmental enhancement plan for primates. On July 12, 2005, the USDA cited Yost's company for failure to provide environmental enhancement to promote the psychological well-being of primates. It was unclear if modifications to the environmental enrichment plan were approved by the veterinarian, and the schedule provided during the inspection did not reflect the actual enrichment being provided to the animals. On March 3, 2004, the USDA cited the company for failure to properly handle dangerous animals used for public exhibition. The USDA said, "There is no documentation of the knowledge and experience of (the) employees to allow for the determination that they have sufficient knowledge and experience to ensure the safety of the animals and the public." The inspector also notified Amazing Animal Productions it was prohibited from using a chimpanzee with a history of biting, as well as two large adult exotic cats in situations involving potential public contact. In 2003 in California, Yost pleaded no contest to possessing a prohibited species — a bear — and was sentenced to 20 days actual time in jail, to three years of probation and to pay a fine of $1,600. In 2002 in California, Yost pleaded no contest to illegal possession of a lion cub. The California Department of Fish and Game confiscated the cub. Yost was fined $1,000 and put on three years of probation. In March 2003, for bankruptcy fraud, Yost was sentenced to two years of probation, 180 days home detention, to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo treatment for drug or alcohol dependency. On July 24, 2001, the USDA cited Yost's company for failure to handle chimpanzees in a way that minimizes the risk of harm to the animals and the public and failure to provide the required itinerary to enable an animal welfare inspection for animals used in filming. The USDA said, "Both chimps exhibited by licensee have documented incidents of biting members of the public. The older chimp in Tennessee in 2000 and the younger chimp in Simi Valley, (Calif.) in April 2001. The fact that bites occurred indicates that exhibition was not done in such a way as to minimize risk to the public and demonstrates a violation of regulations." The inspector also noted violations identified during a July 17, 2001, inspection had not been corrected. On July 17, 2001, the USDA cited Yost's company for failure to correct a previously identified noncompliance of not providing minimum space to chimpanzees stored in a transport vehicle. The company also was cited for failure to have an adequate environmental enhancement plan to promote the psychological well-being of primates and failure to provide primates with a veterinarian-approved diet. On April 22, 2001, according to a Ventura County California Animal Bite Record, a 2 1/2-year-old male chimpanzee named Mr. P belonging to Sid Yost was ordered to be quarantined for 30 days after lunging at and biting a 12-year-old boy on the hand. On Sept. 12, 2000, the USDA cited Yost's company for failure to have a complete program of veterinary care and failure to provide minimum space to chimpanzees stored in a transport vehicle, and failure to have adequate ventilation in a shipping container for a chimpanzee. On April 9, 2000, Yost, also known as Ranger Rick Kelly, took a chimpanzee named Angel to a Blockbuster Video in Franklin, Tenn., to promote a "Critter Gitter" movie. The chimp bit a 9-year-old girl on the hand after posing for a photograph. Yost left the state before the chimpanzee could be quarantined and was issued a citation for violating Tennessee’s exotic animal law. Yost failed to appear in court and never paid the fine. The girl’s parents filed a $50,000 lawsuit against Yost, Critter Gitters and Blockbuster, claiming the defendants should have been aware of the danger inherent in subjecting a chimp to a crowded area with so many children. The USDA fined Yost $2,000 for violations associated with this incident. On Nov. 19, 1999, in a federal district bankruptcy court in Florida, Yost was ordered to pay $20,000 and interest to settle a bankruptcy proceeding related to Lifestyles Vacation Travel Club, co-owned by Yost. On June 18, 1999, the USDA cited Yost's company for failure to have a program of veterinary care, failure to provide documentation of experience and qualifications to exhibit animals to the public in direct-contact situations and failure to have an environmental enhancement program to promote the psychological well-being of primates. On Aug. 1, 1998 the USDA cited Yost's company for exhibiting a chimpanzee at Gatorland Zoo in Florida without a valid USDA exhibitor license. The Times spoke by phone with a spokesman for Yost's company Monday morning. On Monday afternoon and Wednesday morning, The Times left follow-up phone messages at the company."

"LinZ" — Wed, 8/12/09 5:34pm

I worked with the the chimps (Sable, Cody and Tea) at Bony Pony Ranch and saw Sid work with Angel and Apollo. I never saw him abuse the animals, we were told to "knock" the chimps in the head if they were playing too rough, this was supposedly to tell the chimps "We are the dominate ones here, not you". Is this abuse? I'm a huge animal lover, but i dont think its abuse because it was just a little thunk on the head.

Either way, SABLE, CODY AND TEA ARE ALL IN A BETTER PLACE now at a chimp sanctuary, where they will soon be moved to Florida and live out their days on islands of grass, trees, fresh air and NO CAGES and with other chimps where they get to play like "chimps", not act for cameras or for crowds!

CHIMPS ARE NOT MEANT FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES, CHIMPS WERE MEANT TO BE IN THE WILD. ONCE A CHIMP IS TAKEN OUT OF THE WILD, IT CAN NEVER GO BACK...so the next best thing is this sanctuary "Save The Chimps".

Bee Boy — Thu, 8/13/09 7:50am

That orangutan would probably be pretty offended that you called him a chimp. I read on people.com that his sister married a chimp and he's never gotten over it.

Or maybe you were referring to Jason Alexander.

Anonymous Coward — Mon, 2/1/10 4:39pm

In relation to embezzlement concerns as stated above you might want to refer whatever you have to Simon Consulting, the forensic accounting firm. www.simonconsulting.net

"worked there" — Mon, 6/21/10 1:13pm

What about the wolves Sid is supplying for the series The Gates? He buys animals from innocent people and keeps them in small cages in 105 degree heat! Where does he keep his animals in Louisiana and has PETA checked up on them?

"who knows" — Mon, 6/21/10 2:47pm

The wolves are fine we take them to the arena everyday and they do have misters on them but they are in little cages. i love them and spend as much time as i can with them. movie life sucks for animals im not going to lie but all people care about is the money the producers give them.

Anonymous Coward — Wed, 6/23/10 6:55am

works better on PETA nutcases!!

Anonymous Coward — Tue, 11/30/10 10:55am

http://www.petakillsanimals.com/

Anonymous Coward — Sat, 4/9/11 7:23pm

Jenny Hamlett is a liar. Sid Yost should be put in jail.

"leopard lady" — Mon, 8/22/11 2:09pm

Oh yes, one more thing....yes what about wild animals being outside. Wow, who has ever heard of such an atrocity . You have got to be kidding me. Animals wild and domestic adjust to outdoor climate changes. If adequate shade and water source is given, the caretaker is doing exzactly what alot of zoos, animal shelters and dog rescues do in the heat. The wolves have an abundance of shade and water, not to mention adequate room in their enclosers. I do not work for Sid, he does not make me any amount of money, we are colleagues. I work with animals and would never support them being abbused. I am sorry that some of the ignorance On this thread is discouraging. But ignorance. Is bliss and misery loves company, so I suspect that my comment will only ignite more foolish statements, sad. Now that's all.