Dancing Star Foundation - Areas of Focus

Areas of Focus

Education

Via the conduits of print and film, Dancing Star Foundation seeks to increase awareness of environmental issues ranging from biodiversity and extinction to non-violence and over-population. Examples are "No Vacancy," a book and documentary film combination which addresses the volatile issue of population stabilization in the U.S., China, and eight other countries; the book "Sanctuary," "a 338-pages compendium of full color photography showcasing twenty-four animal sanctuaries located throughout twenty different countries"; and the award-winning documentary film "Mad Cowboy," the story of cattle rancher-turned-vegan and animal rights activist Howard Lyman.

Animal Protection

The foundation operates two sanctuaries in Central California, one near the coastal town of Cayucos and one near Paso Robles. Founded in 1993, the foundation provides a refuge for rescued animals. The foundation also protects wild forest canopy and a multitude of native flora and fauna. The mission of the facilities is to provide sanctuary “for the benefit, solace, peace and quiet of the resident species."

Euthanasia controversy

In early 2009, a small number of former employees alleged that the Cayucos sanctuary was euthanizing animals for economic reasons. A maintenance supervisor who made similar allegations claims he was dismissed due to speaking out, although the sanctuary says he was terminated for other reasons. Dancing Star denied the animal-care allegations, saying that they are “contrary to our most deeply held beliefs” and that the Foundation is “unwavering in our commitment to compassion.” San Luis Obispo County Animal Services determined that the euthanized animals were “either beyond treatment or had conditions for which euthanasia would be at least one of the considerations that could be responsibly made.” The general counsel of the Farm Sanctuary in New York State, who examined the Cayucos sanctuary following the allegations, said he was unable to confirm the process for selecting those who had been euthanized. But he noted, “It’s the best-funded place in the country for animals, and the staff appears to be caring.”

Biodiversity Conservation

"'Hotspots,' a new documentary . . . attempts to remind people of the greatness of the planet they inhabit and the importance of conserving life for medical purposes. It takes viewers on an adventure through a handful of the 35 most biologically rich life zones on earth."

In addition to the film, Dancing Star Foundation is involved in efforts to promote biodiversity conservation—mostly through education by putting a well-deserved spotlight on a myriad of ecological luminaries and initiatives—in the following countries:

Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bhutan
Brazil
Brunei
Chile
England & Scotland
France
Ghana & Nigeria
Holland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Japan
Madagascar
Malaysia
Mexico
Namibia
New Zealand
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Singapore
South Africa
Suriname
Thailand
United Arab Emirates
Yemen

UCLA Medical School

Dancing Star Foundation created and funded an alternative oncology program at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. "The Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology has been established at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center under the direction of Dr. Richard J. Pietras. Dr. Pietras is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology, and he is the principal investigator for numerous federally-funded basic and clinical-translational research efforts at JCCC. Dr. Lonnie Zeltzer is Associate Director for the Sue Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology. She is also Director of the Pediatric Pain Program, Associate Director of the JCCC Patients and Survivors Program, and a member of the National Cancer Institute expert panel on complementary and alternative medicine research." Consistent with the Foundation's convictions of non-violence, no animals are used in any funded research.