This Week At The Zoo - Week 9.7.25

Last Sunday (7th), was International Vulture Awareness Day.  A bittersweet start the week.  I almost forgot I had Our Precious Monty on this photo of mine, that I made for the Day many years ago ❤  

My heart broke when I found out Monty recently passed away.  I would talk to her every visit and sometimes she would come over to me.  Always gave a look though.  She knew my voice and that I was her Friend.  Walking by her empty aviary the last couple times has been very sad.  I Love and Miss this Beautiful Lady.  RIP Monty, Bless Your Soul.

Something serendipitous happened while I was in Marin this past Friday.  A Turkey Vulture caught my eye.  I turned and drove toward it.  It danced in the sky all around me, often so close and toward me, I couldn't keep it in frame as I tried to film it.  Soon a second one came and did the same.  I hadn't seen a wild Vulture in decades.  I felt like I was being gifted this amazing experience as a message from Monty.

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Early in the week I stopped in the Taraval Police Station to pick-up some signs.  While waiting, I looked up and saw an Orangutan.  The top of the room was trimmed with old large tiles, many depicting Animal scenes from Our Zoo.  There were at least four featuring Orangutans, but many others including those with Goats, Donkeys, and a Polar Bear.  It was a nice surprise, and treat to see.  The Officer on duty had no information about the history of the tiles.   I sent an email inquiry earlier today.  Hopefully someone will know.

Two of at least four featuring Orangutans.  Orangutans have a long history at Our Zoo.

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My first stop is usually Orangutans.  Amoi was sitting on that ugly bridge box.  It made me sad.  And mad.  It just rings wrong.  New management has to make the Orangutans a priority.  More on that soon!

This box is an eye sore, and has no place in the design of an Animal enclosure.  Whoever supported this design should be ashamed.   It not only takes up topical space, after four years, it looks like shit.  A Great Ape should not be sitting on a concrete box, or living on a tiny concrete island.   

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I hadn't stopped into the Farm in a couple weeks, so the Aldabra Tortoise mud bath was new to me.   It was a hot one, and Earl was fully enjoying cooling down in it.

https://youtu.be/35I6YFzRCRA

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Wolverines Molly and Villi, were enjoying ice treats of two different flavors.  Here, Molly on the left has one flavored Lemon Pepper, and Villi on the right, has a Pumpkin one.

https://youtu.be/cYe0JouFpEc?si=v_vt9WpXC5But821

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Mad Project News

Got lucky and saw the Radiated Tortoises Thursday am. I viewed them under the heat lamps inside their new night quarters.  

Learned they were set to have access to the new enclosure for the first time at some point that day.  Unfortunately they weren't out by the time I left.  Should be warm enough next week to see them outside in their new enclosure.

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I'm loving the Zoo's Dog Days.  I've met some wonderful, adorable Pups.  Giving kudos to whoever got these signs made.  I saw them in a few areas.  I liked that the wording was simple, and clear effort to control exhibit areas.

Prior to Dog Days, I'd seen Service Dogs who were allowed in, a few times in close range of Animals, often forced into those positions by their owners.  I sometimes wondered if those situations were ok for both Dogs and Zoo Animals.  I asked about restrictions at those times, but info was very vague.

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Following up from previous mention about the Lion Fountain restoration.  I had hoped to see it filled and flowing this week, but it looks like there's work to be done on it first.  Definitely needs a paint job.  That said, it's been two weeks,  they need a sign at the Fountain that says, Restoration in progress. 

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In my last post, published this past Wednesday, I referred to the Zoo's weekend Renew the Zoo event, that mentions the words, "...part of an overall beautification project" and "...making your Zoo presentable".   An earlier Newsletter noted that Gorillas would be closed while they, "...spruced up the gardens".  I'm not only looking forward to seeing the renewal of the Sloat fence line, but hoping when Gorillas reopens this week, I will see if they cleared-up all of that tree litter (piles of leaves, broken branches, ect), as I call it, that has been gathering for some time.  I actually said out loud to myself the last time I was there, how it was building up and needed to be cleared.  

It's looked untidy for too long, like it's just been left there with no attention which I know has happened before.  I waited years for them to clean-up behind that fence line at the Walkabout so long that I think I gave-up monitoring it, and can't even remember if it's still a mess.  Will try to remember to look at it when I visit Boomer this week.

I also noted in reference to the fence area that I'd like to see the area that leads to the parking lot get some attention.  The sand along the fence needs to be leveled and the aged tarp replaced and put on Zoo side (inside) of chain link fence.  I took some photos to illustrate why the sand needs to be leveled.  You can tell by my position at the top of the fence! Note that the tarp actually looks in decent condition, it must have been changed recently.  It does need to go on the Zoo side, to prevent graffiti.  It's also slouching on the sand.

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These plants at Black Rhino were new and not yet planted.

I can see where this addition will make a barren area look nice, but attention still needs to be paid to the barriers, this being one of them, at Code Red Animals (which includes Bears).  People still hanging their kids into enclosures, like this two weeks ago.  A slip of the hand, and a tumble into enclosure and Our Rhino loses his life. 

Will expand on this again in a future post, for the millionth time in well over a dozen years.

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Ugh this Train expansion, not only was it a waste of over a million dollars, but the whole grass area surrounding the lake was ripped out, leaving it bare and ugly.  It needs landscaping desperately.   Photo is view of largest area (west side).

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I recently posted my disappointment in the Zoo not acknowledging World Orangutan Day on the actual Awareness date.  Along with not acknowledging Lion Jasiri's Birthday just under two weeks later.  Both Fails, major missed opportunities.  Acknowledging Animal celebration events, make a difference, both in educating the public, and endearing them to Our Animals and Zoo.

The Zoo's most recent Newsletter highlighted these three Awareness Days happening next week.  So, maybe something is changing in this respect.

International Red Panda Day, Saturday, September 20th

World Rhino Day, Monday September 22nd

World Gorilla Day, Wednesday September 24th

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Yesterday was Zura's Birthday.  I remembered earlier in the week, but not until I saw the actual date, did it remind me.  I'm still saddened by the disrespect of removing Zura's photo from the path signage leading to Gorillas.  There is absolutely no reason for that to have happened.  There doesn't need to be a different Gorilla pictured there.  Seeing her face there was a bright spot for my myself and those of us who knew Zura.  It was also a nod to her long life at here.  Born in 1981,  Our Zoo was her home for over fourty-three years.  It's just not right. ...  I miss my Lady Friend.  Love you Princess ❤ 

View this Sweet Interaction from 2016

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kipYdsjNKIQ

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Today, per usual, I didn't publish this post as early as I planned.  Often, when that happens there sometimes seems to be a reason.  I have an alarm set at 8:11p to look through Facebook Memories.  This was among tonight's Memories. Everyone who was on the journey to Save Our Chimps, knows how much this step in Cobby, Minnie, and Maggie's new adventure meant.

Always a wonderful Memory!  I miss my Precious long-timer Chimp Friends, but hold dear the enriching life they got to experience in their new home, and happy their new friends have a great home here because of my efforts.  Fantasies can come true ❤

September 14, 2018

Lordy Be, Can It Be? Do We Finally Have Management Who Cares About Our Zoo?

Last week life duties took my time, and I didn't get to the Zoo at all.  I started this week with my regular Monday morning visit. I parked, and then saw what looked like the same exact gathering of trash that I was bothered by two weeks ago.

Documenting it was the lead-in for this weekend's, This Week At The Zoo Post, and in first place on my list in my draft post titled, What I'd Like To See At Our Zoo.  The later a rehash of what I have long considered major Needs that were neglected by Our Zoo's previous failed management.

At the top of My Short List:

1. That Damn Perimeter Fence

2. Code Red Barriers

3. Stop Panda Plan

4. Re-Imagine Triple Grotto for Our Orangutans 

5. Guarantee Security for Our Chimpanzees

6. Guarantee Security for Our Lions - See #3 for that to happen.

Two immediate visual Needs to be met, and four moral actions to be taken. 

I have written an exhausting amount of posts about these things, some for years....  No one cared.  The former Director, where the buck stopped, because no one could do anything without her approval, did not care.  I've also written an exhausting amount of posts detailing and documenting her lack of care.  

Those who have been following this blog, or know me, know that my main concern is always for the Animals.  My specific goal since their arrival has been Our Orangutans.  All my endless efforts to document and network their plight here, has been an effort to push someone with authority to do what is morally right for them.  That said, it's a huge money task, so obviously can't take a top slot in the immediate action column, even if the foremost issue in my mind.

So, the purpose of this post, is to give kudos to what I can only guess is the result of new management.  Again, Monday I see that same two week trash in that corner of the perimeter fence.  Then, yesterday's Zoo Newsletter comes through with this...

Hallelujah, not only is attention being shined on this Damn Fence area, but the words, "...part of an overall beautification project" and "...making your Zoo presentable", give hope That Damn Fence will come down, and shows that someone has cared to look at the front of Our Zoo, and not only see it, but see that it's appearance matters.  That is a huge step, after seventeen years of the former Director frankly not giving a shit if Our Zoo looked downtrodden.  

In a couple posts about the fence, I included some ideas.  I've been on this fence issue for near seven years.  Tried to get a new one via the RecPark's Fence Replacement Program, they refused, even though the Zoo is in their Department.  Shocking, but not surprising.  The RecPark continues to act like the Zoo is not part of RecPark, at least in the same way other facilities are.  

Anyway, in my opinion, That Damn Fence and the equally ancient and deteriorated pillars need to come down.  There's a chain link fence behind them.   It would be an expense, but it would look really nice to extend the rock work from the old entrance, down along that fencing til it meets the black fence closer to the entrance.  It doesn't need to be as impressive or high as the existing rock detail, maybe three ft tall.  Unless this could be done flush against the chain link, there does seem to be a space that would still present, and possibly be an issue for coyote dig holes.  Could be remedied either with a cement pour or cinderblocks added in front of that (behind and unseen by new rocks).  On the Zoo side of the fence, I see three options to block view into Zoo.  A new wooden fence (again on Zoo side, to prevent a surface for graffiti), tarping, or a faux leaf panel.  I seen one outside a business recently and it looked and felt decent.  Anyway, those are my ideas.  At least I have ideas!

Pix above, the actual location, with idea area marked, my drawing (not an artist, but should be understandable), an example of rock work similar to my idea (that I ended up standing at last week), and the faux leaf panel example.  I just watched a video I'm linking at the end.  The fence length is long, will cost some bucks, but would be a huge improvement!  That said, too bad they can't knock down that stupid BBQ pit in Madagascar, and salvage those stones.   UGH that Mad Project, such a sad waste of money.  Sorry for the digression.  Moving on.

Speaking of graffiti, I noted in a long ago post, my idea for keeping graffiti off the black portion of the fence, by leaving and encouraging Ivy growth to cover that surface.  It was growing in nice for months, til it was all removed?!  It looked nice, so I don't get.  Grow it back or put the faux leaf panels up, and maybe put back the banners that were there on top.  

I hope this Renew The Zoo clean-up will remove the sand that has gathered and is what is catching some of the trash.  I'd also like to see the sand mound along the fence that leads to the parking lot leveled.   And all that ragged tarping replaced and positioned on Zoo side.

Something else I never updated about the outside of Zoo, but documented in a few posts, was about the burnt out trash can near the Sloat gate.  In January, after too long looking at that damn can, and knowing that the former Director was not going to do anything about it, or this mess around it (which no one even sweeped for a week!), I contacted DPW via 311. 

I can't fix That Damn Fence, but I can sure as hell be someone's pain in the ass about this trash can, and that's what it took. Five months of complete incompetence on DPW's part, and I finally got them to do something.  They wouldn't remove it, or replace it, but they changed out the top and installed a new door.  There's still often a big overflowing mess in and around it, but at least it doesn't look war torn. ... Your welcome Tanya Peterson, I did your job for you. 

I'm also working on those broken down traffic barrier containers at the entrance to the back parking lot.   Got delayed as 311 initially gave me wrong information on who to contact.

As a reminder, former Director Tanya Peterson also drove past this for a week and did nothing about it...

So, in closing, I have a decent feeling that Our Zoo is making progress getting these little things, that make a big difference, done.  In case you missed my documentation, so far since new management took over a month ago, Our Zoo has seen the completion of the netting over Flamingos, the start of returning the Lion Fountain back to a working fountain, and now attention to the outside fence line, and hopefully That Damn Fence.  

Now, if we can just get word from new management that the irresponsible Panda Plan has been stopped, and the Orangutans will be getting a new home built, both actions that will secure that Our Lions, Chimpanzees and Orangutans will stay at Our Zoo, things would really be looking-up for the future of Our Zoo.

Related Posts:  Use Search box, top left, for keyword, "Perimeter Fence", or any other topic of interest!

Related Links:

*San Francisco Zoo Perimeter Fence Shambles 6.22.23

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3BT6UNE-zl4&pp=ygUSbGVvODExc2Ygem9vIGZlbmNl

*Last Week At The Zoo ... Hits & Misses ... Week 8.25.25

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/last-week-at-zoo-week-82525.html

Previous Post:

*The New Co-CEO's First Month - Changes? Or Lack Of?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/the-new-co-ceos-first-month-changes-or.html

The New Co-CEO's First Month - Changes? Or Lack Of?

I intended to publish this post last Sunday, as Monday (September 1st), was the one month mark, of new management at Our Zoo.   Never got to proof reading, so of course I missed that goal.  It's ok, timely would have been good, but it's all still relevant, unless there was some major developments last week, when I wasn't there.  

As we head into the 2nd month, I think it's important for the new team to express what their plan is moving forward.  I know that it's not gonna be a huge game plan, but in my opinion, there should have already been initial things put in place, and in motion, that would better Our Zoo, and I have yet to see or hear about anything, except the welcomed restoring of Our Lion Fountain.  A big Thank You those responsible for that!

Some of the things on my list, are easily spotted on a walk-thru the Zoo.  Some of them, maybe comes from the experience of many years of fails.  These initial things, are things in my column of costing zero to little.  Little things that I think make a huge difference.  

I'm not going to bring up Animal Needs, and or Animals Needed, because that's a bigger part of Our Zoo's future.  As a huge part of that, I will say once again, the Panda Plan needs to be put to rest.  

I listened to the new COO/Interim CEO Cassandra Costello and CFO/Interim CEO Jeff Pace, during their first joint appearance before the RecPark Full Commission Meeting, Costello's first as a representative of the Zoo.  Not one mention of where the intention regarding the Panda Plan stands.  This is something that has been hovering since April 2024.  Something that is controversial.  Something that no logical person wants.  We all want to know, What current management's stance is on this.  In my opinion Our Zoo can not fully move forward into a thriving future with the burden and destruction that comes with acquiring Pandas.  There needs to be a final decision on this in the near future.

The video to the RecPark Meeting will be linked at the end.  I'm glad I remembered it on the day it took place (August 21st), as I've been anxiously interested to hearing words from them, in hopes there is some promising insight for the future of Our Zoo.

Aside from there being no word on shelving the Panda Plan, or anything else to satisfy my interest in regards to a plan for the future, or a morsel about changes, I took no issue with what was presented.  I did feel that Jeff Pace seemed alittle less confident than I would have hoped.  This was the first time I've heard Cassandra Costello speak.  I was glad to hear that as a native the Zoo has been a part of her young life, as well her children's.  I hope that means she brings with her some awareness to it's needs, specifically Our Orangutans.  I don't expect everyone to be as hypersensitive to everything as I am, as I have a long history of awareness, but I expect more people to be aware of issues, and to execute their fixes with haste.  Like something as simple as expediting the sign at Snow Leopards for example.  That is why I previously wrote that CFO Pace, should have, and hopefully did come into this position with a game plan.  I now also think if Costello has had the connection to Our Zoo she portrayed, she should have one as well.

In recent Zoo Newsletters, three things have happened, the introduction of Costello and Pace as Interim CEOs, and promotion for the upcoming ZooFest, and the delayed announcement of the new Gorilla Cecil's arrival.

I appreciate the brief introductions, but as someone who lived through seventeen years of mismanagement, I want more.  I want to hear more from Costello as she was brought on in what I interpret as a role top management role.  So, I am looking to her to fix Our Zoo.  The introduction indicated her initiative to engaging with staff, which if maneuvered optimally, will be a great asset.  I think her introduction should have extended to members of the public.  Many of us have lived through the Peterson years with upset and frustration.  I personally would like to hear some hope for Our Zoo.  I would like to hear what changes are being made.  I would like to hear what fixes are getting attention.  

An interview with the Chronicle should have been sought after the last year and a half of them blasting Our Zoo, they should at least give equal time to it's healing and future.  I would also like to have heard a couple updates in this past first month about a changes.  Those I know, have voiced the same as I did my first visit after the former Director departed.  I wrote in a post that there was a different vibe, a noticeable change in morale.  The majority of Staff I know have all said the same thing, changes are coming.  One enthusiastically saying, "be patient", one saying, "I'll believe it when I see it".  So, I am obviously not the only one waiting to see actual changes, or at least hear about a plan to implement changes.

I speak of hoping these Co-CEOs have plans in motion, even at the idea stage, that will see a better future for Our Zoo.  That said, I would have also liked to see easy fixes like those I've mentioned in previous posts, to have already had attention.  Our Zoo grounds should not have any visual fails right now, and unfortunately, as I walk the grounds, I'm still seeing issues.  Attention to those small issues, makes a difference.  

Before wrapping this up, I do want to circle back to two other earlier mentions, ZooFest and Cecil.

I took notice when ZooFest was announced via the Zoo's email Newsletter.  It has been a long-standing fail in my opinion, that this event is so exclusive.  It's open to everyone, but realistically is priced for a certain crowd.  While I understand the need for that, it seems deep pocket Donors continue to be a narrow-minded focus.  The previous administration, found no value in entertaining the many other fundraising ideas put forth to them, hopefully that will be one of the changes in the future.  

Another change I hope to see is a dedication to covering events.  I don't think there is a full understanding of the importance of this.  I'm already covering this in a future post in draft, but want to note it timely here.  In recent posts I called attention to World Orangutan Day and Lion Jasiri's Birthday, both event fails.  Since the day Cecil arrived, I have thought the Zoo has really done a disservice to themselves, and the fans of both SFZoo and Louisville Zoo, by not covering Cecil's journey here.  There has been one video of the Curators describing his transport, but no visual documentation.  The only other mention was in the Newsletter over two weeks after his arrival, noting quarantine and introductions.  Our Gorillas are popular and many are anxious for content on our newest family member.  I can also imagine Cecil's fans from Louisville are missing him and curious for updates.  It seems some kind of visual updates could have been made in the four weeks he's been here.  Big missed opportunity in my opinion.  Same fail as when so many of our beloved Animal Friends were taken off exhibit without any notice, and absolutely no further mention or updates about them.  Not only insensitive to those of us who cared about them, but bizarre to just erase them.

The Zoo needs to start doing better to keep the small amount who care Engaged and most important, Endeared.

Related Link:

*San Francisco Recreation and Park Full Commission Meeting

https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/50614?view_id=91&redirect=true

Link above is to the Video.  Launch and allow Roll Call to start, then choose, Item 6 San Francisco Zoo.

Last Week At The Zoo ... Hits & Misses ... Week 8.25.25

I planned to start my (hopefully) regular weekend post, This Week At The Zoo, yesterday.  Obviously I didn't get that far.  I finished grabbing pix for this post, late last night, and as you can see, it is now titled, Last Week At The Zoo.  

Last week started with a Facebook post that came through my feed.  I think it's the perfect happy vibe to start this post.  Coincidentally, it's International Primate Day, which makes it even more perfect.

Many of you have lived through the debacle that is the Zoo's Mad(agascar) project.  The sad and ridiculous allowance and execution of such a project by the previous administration, that has left a huge space in Our Zoo a disaster.  Eight Primate species were the casualties of this Donor Want and mismanagement that left our Zoo losing six species of Monkeys, one species of Ape, and displacing (rumoured to be on the way out) one other Monkey species.   One of those that we lost were Our Howler Monkey Family.  After spending three years off exhibit after the demolition of their home in the Primate Center, the Howlers were moved to Brevard Zoo in 2021.  The Family was moved to Denver Zoo in June.  I hadn't checked in with Mama Baya for several months, so only learned of this recent move from the FB post.

When I first saw it, of course initially drawn to it for the obvious, the beyond precious cuddle between a Howler Monkey and a Capybara.  Then I saw it was Baya!   Some of you may have already seen this, since it immediately went viral, but for those who haven't, enjoy sweet Baya with her new bestie Rebecca. ... If only Our Zoo would have thought to keep the Howlers and create a mixed species exhibit.  Ahh, hindsight.  I will also add, as I think I have before, Our Zoo is long overdue for some Capybara!

I recently posted about the new development in introduction between Camel Ben and Przewalski Horse Bajkit, when I saw them a couple weeks ago finally sharing yards.  I was unsuccessful saving video, but now have.  Here's a short clip, the longer version wouldn't upload as yet.  Very happy about this new friendship, and this larger area being used by both species.

https://youtu.be/KenZTo95pso

I was happy to finally catch Anteater Evita out in the Puente meadow this week.  I knew she had access on days when the pool was being filled, but had never seen her out.  I have long hated the fencing that contains her in a very small area.  I understand why it was installed, but there really is seemingly no longer a need for it.  That said, at the very least a personal sized opening could be cut into the fence that would allow Evita access to the meadow at all times, and to keep-out others while she retreats to her inner sanctum.

https://youtu.be/hrEAWX7tJ4M

I don't usually Zoo on Wednesday, but a change in my schedule had that be my last visit of the week.  Very happy to see something that has long been on my, What I Want To See At Our Zoo list, which is also a long running post in draft, materializing!

It's been years since Our beautiful Lion Fountain has been a working Fountain.  Big Fail when it was drained under the guise of water conservation, even though it used recycled water.  It's been a revolving sad case since.  First it was empty, kids running through it, which presented a potential hazzard when they tripped and fell.  It was then used as a giant planter, which had it's moments of pretty, only to be ripped up annually so the ZooFest tent could go over it.  Such a waste of money, as then it would be replanted.  This happened year after year.  I took photos of it too many times, to document my irritation, but never got that far.

I happened upon a thing of beauty, the Fountain soil was being removed!  I've confirmed, Our beautiful Lion Fountain, will once again, be a working Fountain!   I can't wait to see it's water glistening in the sunshine, that I hope Mother Nature will continue to bless us with for awhile longer.

Now if they can just reverse what they did to the the little pond in the Children's Zoo.  It was a wonderful Duck Pond, but had predator issues.  With some adjustments, including a predator proof night house, that could have been again used for Ducks.  There is an epidemic in Our Parks of abandoned Domestic Ducks.  Often they are in need of care that is just not available. I know, because I've rescued three in need and luckily found them Sanctuary homes, but there aren't many.  Providing them a home, would not only allow them care, but would be a much needed educational forum.  Domestic Ducks are considered Farm Ducks.  The proximity of this pond to Our Zoo Farm makes it ideal.

Anyway, the pond was drained and a sign noted closure for Water Conservation.  When filled in over a year ago, a sign noted it would be used to grow edible vegetation, but any likes of that quickly faded and it's just looked like not much for sometime.  

While on the Children's Zoo, another area that has sadly gone downhill, is the Butterfly Garden.  It is completely void of Flowers.  I'm not sure any of the plants in there are for Pollinators.  All I know is it used to be colorful, and cheerful with Butterflies and Flowers.  Now it's drab and brown.

Now, for the weeks visual issue notes.  The first thing I was hit with was the removal of Gorilla Zura's banner that leads to Gorillas.  Zura pased away in 2020.  She was one of my besties, so I really miss her, and seeing her face as I headed to Gorillas was always a beautiful thing.  

Well, now it's gone.  My heart sank at the vacant site where her beautiful face once was.  I immediately assumed it will be changed to add one of our new Gorilla Cecil.  It saddens me once again there is no respect for history, for passed residents.  Zura was a long-timer, Our Zoo was her home since the age of one, living thirty-eight years here.  There is absolutely no reason to have removed her banner.  None At All!  Very big Fail.

Today makes seven weeks since Jaguar Tikal passed away.  I immediately assumed that Snow Leopard Tikka who has been living off exhibit since Tikal's arrival, would most likely be moved back.  I was right.  She has been back three weeks and still there is no sign at that enclosure.  Big Fail.  

Every visit I see people standing there looking, wondering if it's occupied.  These little things matter.  I've said this before,  the Zoo has a computer, color printer, and laminator, there is no reason for any enclosure to ever be without signage, even if temporary.

Speaking of signage, the computer printed, laminated signs around Chimpanzees, regarding mourning, need to go, or be reworded.   Continuing to have signs up that say a Memorial for Maggie who passed away in March, is coming soon, is a continued show of disrespect to her memory.  

Finally, a follow-up to the Fail to have any mention of World Orangutan Day, on the actual day.  I wrote a post about this major Fail.  The Zoo decided to get it together and had their own O-Day, four days later.  My issue is that there was not even a sign for this important Species Awareness Day, on the actual date.  No sandwich board, no laminated sign, no nothing to educate visitors of the plight that wild Orangutans face.  And it was Free Day, the Zoo was packed!  Such a huge failure.  So, signs from the weekend event were still up at Orangutans on Monday. There were seven. No reason these info signs attached to the fencing could not have been up on the actual day.  This is the kind of thing, that I repeat, makes a difference

You know, I'm going to end this post here.  I had half dozen other things I was going to document in this post, but they are not specific to last week, and do fall into another post topic, so I think I'll do that.  Additionally I've had a post in draft for over a week, about the first month of new leadership, which is now today.  So, I'm going to get some lunch, take a rest, and tackle finishing that one to hopefully publish tonight.

Happy Birthday Jasiri! - A Bit About Our Legacy Lion's Family History

 Happy 10th Birthday Jasiri!

From First Birthday

As the closing of the day is upon us, I'm finally getting to this post.  I imagined it would have been published first thing this morning, but I got side-tracked.  First, I dozed off early last night, and when I woke at 2a, I started searching all my online efforts for photos, and got very emotional about Our Lion Family.  While I've Loved them all equally, I was especially overcome with emotion over the loss of Jahari, Jasiri's Papa.  Jahari aged very rapidly.  He seemingly went from the youthful Lion who enjoyed every enrichment Toy I made, to a Lion with visibly aging facial changes, like I hadn't seen before.  It was sad.  I finally fell back to sleep in tears after 4a.

Over the past week plus, I tried to get a confirmation on whether the Zoo would do anything for Jasiri's Tenth Birthday.  I don't usually leave the house on the weekend, but I would want to be there for that.   The last party I saw for him was his fifth.  It's been too long, but I'm used to the inconsistent and non-existent celebrations for Our Zoo Friends.  So, I decided I can't haul my cookies out there on a whim,  I'll celebrate his Birthday with recognition here.

Last weekend I was chatting on messenger with a former long-time Big Cat Keeper, as I had seen an amazing photo of four adult males that currently live in a coalition at Denver Zoo.  They are Our Lulu's Brothers.  I thought to make the post, in honor of Our Lion Family.  I have long wanted more recognition for passed Friends.  Lasting Tributes to those we've lost, especially long-timers.  That said, I still don't see a Memory Wall for Our Chimpanzees, some who lived at the Zoo fifty+ years.  What I did see last weekend was a photo of a beautiful mural a fan of the San Diego Zoo painted for three of their lost Friends.  I imagined what that would look like on Our Lion House for Our Lions.  Not only should they never be forgotten, there's a very real chance if the Zoo is successful in acquiring Pandas, we could lose Jasiri and Lulu.  

In pulling photos, I came across an old post I had already done of Our Lion History.   Already emotional, reading that didn't help.  So, I decided to do a shorter version this time.  For those who have been around the past couple decades, I hope you enjoy a bit of reminiscing, for others, I hope you enjoy learning about this Family, who has had a piece of my heart from the start.  As the Tree trickles down to Jasiri, I'll post photos of him through the years, leading up to this milestone Birthday today.

The Family Tree starts with what I call Our Starter Lions.  

Family Tree by Me

In 1997, Our Zoo received three pure bred African Lion Cubs from a breeding facility in South Africa.  Until this time, it was reported the majority of captive Lions were of African and Asiatic breed.  At the time of the Cubs arrival, the Zoo was also home to long-timers Topol and Sandy.   

Female Amanzi and male Tunya, arrived first, with female Kita joining them soon after.

Amanzi

Tunya

Babie Kita

I clearly remember their arrival, and spent much time visiting them.  So many wonderful memories from an experience I was lucky to have, and hold dear to me.  I also remember vividly, in 2003, when Lion Cubs were born.  I was there when Kita and Tunya's babies Kimani and Jahari first went outside on view.  I also remember the extreme feelings of sadness and admittedly anger, that their Mama had passed away shortly after their birth.  I unfortunately missed alot of their very early life, because of those feelings.

Kimani

Jahari

I would visit the Zoo regularly throughout the years, but it was in 2008, after suffering a loss, that I came to know Our Lions as individuals.  I learned "Leo", as I called him, was actually Tunya, and about his sad love life, something else I didn't want to relive while writing this post.  In the beginning, Tunya lived with Kimani, and Amanzi lived with Jahari.  At the end of 2009, the Zoo swapped females, and Kimani went to live at Tautphaus Park, and their female Sukari came to live here.  Sad to see Kimani leave, but Tunya was getting a girlfriend and that was a beautiful thing!

Sukari

Sukari and Tunya

When Tunya passed away in 2012, Sukari moved in with Jahari and Amanzi.  It was bittersweet, but nice to see her in a new family unit and not alone.  Additionally, seeing her and Amanzi together was special.  I had done Sukari's Family Tree upon her arrival, and learned she and Amanzi had the same Mama.  Something the Zoo wasn't even aware of.  These two sisters, were not only sister wives, but blood related.

On August 30, 2015, Sukari gave birth to Jahari's Son, Tunya and Kita's Grandson, and Amanzi and Kimani's Nephew.  He was named Jasiri, meaning brave or courageous in Swahili.

Jasiri made his public debut at two months old.  The first time I saw him, he waved!   

The following are photos through his first ten years.

In 2023, Jasiri got a girlfriend when female Lulu arrived from Lee Richardson Zoo.

Lulu

Jasiri

Hopefully Zoo Officials will not displace, or transfer out Our Lions, in favor of Pandas, and Our Legacy Lion Jasiri and his Lady Lulu, will continue to live their lives at Our San Francisco Zoo Lion House.

Video Links:

Jasiri, Babie Play

https://youtu.be/TSCjcNmHeE4?si=sKak3uAj8e_DYyJw

Jasiri, Sukari and Jahari

https://youtu.be/_eJggiL7n7k?si=sqkFAq-8ADKBGD5N