Sad and Disgusted By Everything Right Now

If you read my post last night, you're aware there's a rant coming.  I deliberately left the rant as is, only tweaking construction and adding a word here and there for readability (as this was a voice dictation), because I feel it's representative of the chaos in my mind that Zoo issues present.  There are so many issues, past, present and that affect the future, and when they intersect, it's alot.  So as not to alter my rant, I haven't seen any news media reporting about yesterday's announcement.  I think a blog often serves as a public diary, so thoughts, are fluid from one entry to another.  With high energy reactions, I think presenting them in the moment is important as it shows emotion, passion, and most often in my case, also frustration and irritation.

Thursday November 20, 2025...  In one breath...

So I've been trying to write a blog post for the last two weeks regarding new Management, Chimps and Pandas and how it all relates.  After getting too hyped up, I abandoned.  Then this week I thought, okay maybe I'll tackle it again and then Monday KPIX posted a video to their YouTube page and again the interim CEO is talking about Pandas and revitalizing the Zoo.  You know what, I'm just disgusted by the whole thing. And in my longer version post which I'll still put out, because it does contain a lot of information and this post is basically a rant because I cannot hold it in, right in this moment. Everyone who's reading this can hopefully glean clear information from it, but it's run-on with all my thoughts that have been on loop, as I've also been in discussion with other Zoo Members who are friends of mine for the last seven hours and I'm not going to sleep like this.  I'm going to get it out and it's going to sound like a rant and I apologize.  Noting in my longer version I don't point fingers and I'm trying to not be judgmental with the interim CEO because I do hear good things about her but that said I don't see any of the good things.  I see our Zoo continuing to fall apart. The whole Panda thing is just outrageous but I again can't point fingers and fault her (yet) because this is probably the Zoo Board pushing Pandas is what I'm thinking, because otherwise why would a new management be going by the Peterson playbook as I call it?  I know that the majority of Animal Care Staff does not want Pandas.  They do not think it's a good idea.  I know that when Tanya (former Director) was still here, allegedly this was voiced to the Board.  They obviously don't care, everyone still thinks Pandas are going to be a great thing, it's going to bring in all this money, yadda yadda.   Allegedly, they've been warned by other places that have had Pandas about the expense, and that it's not a good idea.  It's just ridiculous and we're losing Our Chimps because of it, because of mismanagement on the Board's part supporting Tanya Peterson who never did any fundraising for redoing the Triple Grotto area before bringing in Orangutans and now they claim that they can't redo Triple Grotto unless Chimps are gone.  I disagree.  So then today while finally announcing this plan, I got blindsided by news that one of my besties is being moved too.  I am in a mood about this.  I am angry and sad.  Claudia (Condor) is reportedly being moved for breeding.  Un-fucking-believable!  Claudia is forty years old, was hand-raised, is imprinted on humans, she reportedly has no interest in a companion.  She came here temporarily while her longtime home was being renovated.  During that time Tanya (former Director) allegedly made some calls, and in my opinion basically kidnapped Claudia, by saying she wanted to keep her and breed her, getting the SSP to send a male here for her. When he got here she was moved off-exhibit, to "meet" him.  Introduction was never successful, reportedly (to my knowledge), there was no interest and they were never put together.  As far as I know, the male is still here.  So sending her to breed sounds cruel and unnecessary.  The Zoo should have said No, and tried to keep her.  But, hey, they didn't try to keep Our Chimps either, and they could have.  SSP told me they gave the option of sending additional Chimpanzees here.  It's bullshit they are leaving.  And I'm pissed at Peterson and the Board for never making Triple Grotto a priority.  After Chimps gone and Orangutans move to Chimps, there will be a fence around empty Triple Grotto for six years like that Madagascar disaster bullshit.  My heart breaks for the Chimps, and now what I feared would happen is.  I knew Twiggy already had a home and that they were still looking to find a place for the boys.  I just knew that she was going to go first and I expressed this to someone high level.  I was like, I fear that they will pack her up and crate her off and the boys are going to go nuts and they're going to wonder what's going on with her and then she's never going to come back and they're going to think something happened to her and grieve.  There is no way that is not going to happen.  Had they chose to crate them all together and they all saw that everybody was okay and the boys got to where they were going and Twiggy wasn't there at least they knew what the deal was.  They aren't stupid, they would know that they were sent somewhere and that she was sent somewhere, and that she didn't die,  but now taking her away from them with them not knowing what's going on, they're going to think something happened to her and it's horrifying to think that they're going to be put through a grieving.  And I'm not saying that I know everything about Chimpanzee behavior and that this is going to definitely happen but the scenario is very realistic in my opinion.   This is beyond upsetting.  So yeah, "revitalizing", I don't see it.  Other than Tanya Peterson not terrorizing employees and doing her general bullshit, mishandling of situations and negligence of basic non-care, I haven't seen anything different. They're getting rid of all of our Animals.  They say specifically that Claudia is a fan favorite, but they're sending her off?   So, what we're getting rid of fan favorites now?  Forget trying to build a caring and endeared Community with these actions. They can say No to SSP.  They could bring in a new male and try matchmaking with a new guy if SSP is hell bent on putting her through that.  It's Insanity.  I'm sorry people.  There are those that know me well, that I've had discussions with about the Chimps and I respect their position, but that don't mean that I agree with it and I definitely do not agree with what's going on, with the Chimps and now Claudia.  And in addition to that, I also had in notes to write about this, if that Panda Plan goes through and the Lions are going to get displaced, I can pretty much guarantee they're going to ship our Lions out because let's be real, they're not going to be building a new area for Lions, all they care about is getting Pandas.  They should be concentrating on redoing Triple Grotto so that we could have saved Our Chimpanzees, that's what they should have been concentrating on.  And in order to do all the construction that has to go on in The Lion's House, for Pandas,  the Ocelot will probably have to be moved out of there because there is some guideline that says Pandas can't be housed in the same area or within sight, or something, with other Animals.  So, we won't be able to see the Ocelot anymore, whether she will be moved off exhibit or moved out, who knows.  And that also then begs the question, What's going to happen with the loud construction noise being adjacent to the Snow Leopards?  Are we going to move the Snow Leopards off exhibit too?  So that's the Ocelot, the Snow Leopards and the Lions all in jeopardy.  We already have a Zoo with basically no Monkey's because of the Madagascar bullshit and now we're going to have a Zoo with No Cats?  All for Pandas!!! This whole thing is another shit show and it's disgusting.  Not only are they not going to be able to afford it, nobody seems to care about all the current Animals affected.  I'm so disgusted by everything right now.

Related Post:

*Status Update - Outraged By So Much

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/11/status-update-outraged-at-so-much.html

Status Update - Outraged At So Much

I couldn't let tonight end without saying something.  

I have had a post in draft for almost two weeks.  It covered Chimps, Pandas, and Management.  I had to abandon it last Saturday, as while I was working on it my blood pressure shot up to 177.  I immediately started watching Cat videos on Instagram and it dropped to 125.  I've had a rough four years, and have become even more sensitive to upset.  I can't have it. It's not healthy.  So, while I was desperate to get that post done it didn't happen and hasn't fully left my mind. I've been waiting for my weekend to start tomorrow, so I can tackle it.  

Well, there is apparently no Peace for those of us who care, and today as I exited the Zoo, I looked at my phone and had messages from four friends about the news.  Two months after I posted about it, the Zoo finally announced that they are transferring out Our Chimpanzees.  In the same announcement, I was blindsided by the news that Claudia the Andean Condor was also leaving.   This is huge for me as she is one of my besties.  I'd even use the term bonded, as we have spent alot of time together since her arrival almost eight years ago.  As much as I am pissed and sick about what is happening to Our Chimps, because of my connection with Claudia, I am more upset and saddened by this action.  

My initial dictation out on the road after reading this, is a pretty high energy run-on rant, that links together all that is happening at Our Zoo.  That was going to be tonight's post. Unfortunately, I think that typing out the words of that rant would have hyped me up too much.  In hindsight, I should have made a video.  

So, tomorrow I will hopefully start posting about all that's going on, which is in my opinion complete bullshit.  

I'm sad for me, and for others who care, and who are deeply endeared to Claudia and Our Chimpanzees.  As well other Animals that could be leaving or off exhibit in the near future.  

I'm sad for Our Zoo, because I don't think it's moving forward in a good direction.  I think destructive times are ahead, starting with what I hope will be public outrage.  

https://youtu.be/Z2y1wYKqScg

Related Post:

*For The First Time In It's History, Our Zoo Will Soon Be Without Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/for-first-time-in-its-history-our-zoo.html

New Management Should Reinstate Our Zoo's Participation In Museums For All

I have had this on the to-do list since Our Zoo was finally rid of Tanya Peterson as Director August 1st.  With the Government Shutdown effecting SNAP benefits as of November 1st, it seems like the perfect time to get this done.  

As I write this, I remember back to the start of Trump's first term, when someone shared with me an email Peterson had sent to staff after Trump took office, Welcoming him, and hoping he takes care of our Wild Things.  My ears pulsated when I heard this.  Anyone who cares about Animals could see way before he was nominated, that this was not a person who was going to do good for any wild thing.  

As Trump forged ahead with his Dictatorship,  I also noted Peterson was developing a similar management style as the head of Our Zoo.  The parallel was unfortunately too close.  In this moment I reiterate this comparison.  One year ago, just before the Thanksgiving holiday, Peterson removed Our Zoo from the list of facilities that participated in the Museums For All program.  This program allowed Low Income members of Our Community access to Our Zoo at a discount.  Now, Trump is not allowing Low Income American Citizens their Food benefits.

For years, Our Zoo, along with other area facilities, several in the RecPark (the same department as Our Zoo), participated in the Museums For All program.  Additionally, in the Summer of 2024 Our Zoo's Membership department was allowed to create a Community Access Discount of 50% on all Memberships for SNAP recipients.  This offer was substantial, and valuable to many who visit the Zoo regularly. ... Peterson ended that as well, just two weeks after the New Year.

By not participating in the Museums For All program, Our Zoo is excluding Low Income Visitors/Families from experiencing Our Zoo affordably any day of the year vs random free days. Our Zoo should be Inclusive to the entire Community everyday.

On December 4, 2024, immediately after learning of Peterson's action, I contacted the RecPark and asked... "Do you know if Tanya got permission to opt out of the Museums For All discount at the Zoo?  Or is that her discretion whether or not they participate in the Museums For All?" ... I never got a reply.  

On January 23, 2025, I sent an email to the Park Commissioners... "The latest offense by San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson excludes Low Income Visitors from experiencing Our Zoo affordably. Our Zoo should be Inclusive to the entire Community.  The Zoo is under your jurisdiction.  It would be in everyone's, Our Zoo and Community's best interest for you to endeavor to have it reinstated." 

That same day, I also sent an email to the Board of Supervisors, alerting them of this offense to Community members.

On May 1, 2025, after receiving a comment to my blog post from a Mother who had arrived at the Zoo only to learn she could not affordably enter the Zoo, I again sent emails to the RecPark Commissioners and Supervisors.  I shared her words... "I had no idea SFZoo stopped being apart of the museums 4 all. I was about to buy tickets and the worker saw my benefits card. My total was $100 for my 3 kids and myself. I said sorry, that’s a lot and made my way to my car with kids crying. What a disappointment. I type this in my car getting ready to leave the zoo parking lot."

This really upset me.  It should never have happened.  Instead of a visit to Our Zoo filled with joy, all those kids will remember is being shut-out.  They were not welcome at Our Zoo.

Since then I have received additional comments similar to that Mother's.  Obviously, RecPark Commissioners were not moved by this, as I asked them to over-ride Peterson and bring back the Museums For All program to Our Zoo, and that never happened.  After the long battle to rid Our Zoo of Peterson, we now know the RecPark Commissioners, who are supposed to be an Oversight entity to the Zoo, do not feel it's their responsibility to do anything more than "advise" the Zoo.  

Other Park attractions still participate in the program.  Our Zoo should be a part of this integral community necessity.  

With the Holidays approaching, and Tanya Peterson finally gone, I will now contact Our Zoo's Interim CEO, as well the Mayor, since he was instrumental in freeing Our Zoo from Peterson.  Maybe one of them will care enough to reinstate Our Zoo's participation in Museums For All.  

Related Posts:

*Director Ends Zoo's Participation In Program For Low Income Visitors

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/director-ends-zoos-participation-in.html

*How Zoo Director's Decision To End Low Income Discount Affected One Family Today 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/04/how-zoo-directors-decision-to-end-low.html

About Anonymous Personal Messages

In the wee hours of yesterday morning, I made a post that I deleted late afternoon.  The post was a Thank You to the Anonymous person who left me a personal message via this blog's comment option.

I have noted in posts before, as well to Zoo Staff and others, that I manually publish all comments, so the comment option can be used to also message me personally.  

The message that came through, contained some sensitive and worrisome information.  Considering it came in anonymously, assuming by a Staff Member, I considered it confidential.  I have many who I talk to with the understanding that whatever is said it's in confidence.  That said, this was the first anonymous message I've received that left me worried, and not sure what to do with this knowledge and weight.

I appreciate all information that is shared with me, and am thankful for the insights that might help me better understand something, such as this was.  I keep the confidences with those I know in person, but I have to be honest, in the anonymous messaging forum, especially with detailed and scandalous information, I'm not sure that's possible, or even if it's the sender's goal.  I have no way to react, question, and/or resolve anything regarding what I've been told.  That said, I will never publish anything I receive anonymously, but may decide to investigate further, unless otherwise noted in the sender's message.  

I hope this does not sway anyone away from using the comment option, anonymous or otherwise, or from talking to me in person.  

I'm very transparent, and will always be honest with what I think and feel.  That is the reason for this post.  Hopefully everyone understands.

Have a Fun and Safe Halloween!

Last Week At The Zoo & Freeing Myself From Burdens

It's 230a and I just woke-up. I missed finishing this and publishing by midnight.  I'm probably going to regret doing so now, since I probably won't get back to sleep before I have to get-up for the Street Cleaning BS, but I want it done going into this week.

The beginning and end to last week, presented the same curiosity, Why is Gorillas still closed, when the Zoo states it will be open?

I'm not writing this to complain for me personally, I just really think it's not a good look for the Zoo.  As I've written before my priorities are, What's best for the Animals, and for the Zoo thriving at optimum.  It always has been.  Starting back in 2007, when I made and wore a button of my photo of Tatiana (the last taken of her that tragic day), with the text, "I Support SFZoo".   I want what's best for the Zoo, and in this case, presentation matters.

I've also written about Community, and the Zoo's need to build Community, in light of the lack of, during the Peterson years (seventeen long ones).  In my opinion, the Zoo is at a stage where there really can't be any mistakes.  They've had seventeen years of mismanagement.  Now is the time to get things right and start to build community and part of building community is not providing misinformation that could mess-up someone's visit.  

It's easy for me to visit.  I'm close by, I visit regularly, and when I do, it's not my whole days plan.  For some, especially those from outside the immediate area, it is their whole day plan, and maybe they make that plan based on information from the Zoo.  A common scenario could have a family, come from outside the City.  Get to the Zoo, shell out $100+, anticipate to see Gorillas, one of the Zoo's main attractions, and it's closed.

You may have read the update I did in a full Cecil sighting post Tuesday morning.   In it I included that even though the Zoo had announced previously that Gorillas would reopen, and Cecil would have access starting Saturday (18th), I heard it was still closed at times throughout the weekend.  

I briefly saw Cecil late afternoon Monday, and got super lucky Tuesday mid-afternoon, for an extended time.  He seemed more comfortable than Monday.  He came out six times in a half hour.  He looked at us a lot as he ventured from the doorway, and chose to sit facing us while eating?  Maybe he recognized the same handful of people from the day before?  He jammed to the doorway twice when loud people came by and went right to window.  The last time, leaving his reaction scent behind.

Here's a couple of videos from that day.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ct0b-dMjrHA

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/dI7aQnf3qQI

I was only going out Monday and Tuesday, but also went on Friday because Monday and Tuesday I was pretty concentrated on seeing Cecil but I had not seen any of the other Zoo Friends.  I went around and saw everybody and on my way out I swung by Gorillas and the barricades were up.  It was 11:20a.  Since I got lucky seeing Cecil for an extended time on Tuesday, I wasn't disappointed, as from Tuesday on, any other time I get to see Cecil or any of the Gorillas, is just a bonus.  

Gorillas being closed yet again was a head-shaker.  I just don't understand it.  And again, for the last time, because I'm seriously not going to write about this anymore, the closures are getting ridiculous.  I completely understand when the Girls and Cecil are out together and need to be monitored as introductions continue, but I don't understand closing it when each are out separately.  I wouldn't be so stuck on this if just the night before in the Zoo's email Newsletter it didn't specifically note Gorillas would be open in the early part of the day.

It reads a bit wonky, but clearly states a daily time-frame, which people will use as a guideline for their visit.  If it's going to randomly close, stating this is curious, and it's the second time.  They need to just say, as well as post at exhibit and entrance, "Introduction of a new Gorilla is on-going.  Habitat will be closed at times randomly.  Thank you for understanding."  ... Anything else in my opinion is misleading, and damages perception.

I woke-up Friday morning and had an epiphany.  I was ready to take break from the three issues I have concentrated on for years.  It's time.  Management needs to care.  I've done my part trying to help these issues.  I need to free myself.   So, just like letting go of the Gorilla closure craziness, I think I'm done, or at least taking a break from the saga's that have been, too many years of documenting about the Bison Paddock, the Perimeter Fence, and the Orangutans home in Triple Grotto.

*Bison Paddock

On Monday I had a chance to talk to Horticulture about my idea for doing a Renew the Zoo at Bison.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/bison-meadow-saga-fall-update-my-new.html

It was received well,  so hopefully he can get a crew to clear out the inedible weeds, and better grazing vegetation will grow, at least during the rainy season.  Interest was also shown regarding the whole situation with the ongoing (for years) broken Sprinkler issue, as well as.  Maybe that can be rectified.  I'll continue to make note of the landscape status, which during the rainy season isn't a problem, as Mother Natures tears enrich the meadow.  A month after the rain stops will be the tell-tale sign once again, whether the Sprinkler system has been fixed or not.  I'll revisit in June (2026).   Til then, I'm passing the buck to the Zoo's Horticulture Dept.

*The Perimeter Fence

That Damn Fence as I call it.  I have been on this too many years.  The Zoo recently did a Renew the Zoo to clean-up the fence line on Sloat along the portion where the Perimeter Fence has been in shambles for decades.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/lordy-be-can-it-be-do-we-finally-have.html

A Zoo Staffer liked my ideas and sent this post to the Interim CEO.  She is now aware of the saga and some ideas for fixing this issue.  So, I'm passing the buck on this one too.  Someone other than myself has to care about the Zoo's exterior appearance.  Either someone will, or it will continue to look like the Zoo is in a third world country.  Will update after the Holidays.

*Orangutans/Triple Grotto

Last month I posted about the Chimpanzees being transferred out.  The Zoo has yet to make any statement about it.  Hopefully, they will before the Chimps leave, so their fans can see them one last time.  That has not been their MO with other residents, so, fingers crossed those who care about them get wind of their move.

The Chimps departure mean the Orangutans will move into the Pachyderm building enclosures.  This will once again leave the Triple Grotto site empty, as it was for two years previously (2019-2021).  I have written extensively about the "Orangutans" and "Triple Grotto".  The disrespect and welfare issue to the Orangutans, and ideas for reinventing the site, which have also included sharing newer ideas with appropriate Staff.  Anyone wanting more information can use this blog's search option with those keywords.  

I hope a design plan for Triple Grotto is in the process, as well a plan for funding the rebuild of that site.  It will be a detriment to the Zoo to have it in limbo too long, especially with the 100th Anniversary in four years.  That site is a focal point in the Zoo.  It can not have a fence up around it for six years like Madagascar.   I have no idea when the Chimps are leaving, so I guess time will tell how this plays out, and when I'll revisit documenting the situation.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/for-first-time-in-its-history-our-zoo.html

I still plan to closely watch the development of the continued irresponsible Panda Plan.  

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/08/unaware-mayor-officials-still-pushing.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/10/its-time-for-zoo-to-wake-up-let-go-of.html

As well, I had thought to put forth ideas to the Interim CEO, but didn't get that far, and frankly, I need to spend time tending to finishing personal projects that have been in the works for years, while my attention and energy has been spent on Zoo issues.  I'll see how the Zoo handles opportunities with the upcoming Holidays, and revisit sharing ideas in the New Year.

On thing I have had in the queue to re-tackle is the former Director's shutdown of the Zoo's participation in the Museums For All Program.  I will not only alert the Interim CEO, but network that back around to the Mayor, RecPark Commissioners, and Board of Supervisors.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/director-ends-zoos-participation-in.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/04/how-zoo-directors-decision-to-end-low.html

I will still be posting, right now not sure on what!  I'm putting aside the few in draft, and currently looking at a blank slate through the end of the year.  

Cecil First Glance! - Well My First Glance.

I planned to post this last night, but the day was long, as I went to the Zoo twice.  That's how many times it took to see Cecil, and even then, it was just luck!  ... Scroll down if you just want to see photos.

When I parked, a thought crossed my mind.  Something I hadn't thought of all weekend... I hope they didn't close Gorillas again.  Why would I have thought that, seemingly everything was on track as reopening was announced for Saturday.   I got there and yep, my premonition was right, Gorillas was closed.  Not going to sugar coat it, I was a bit irritated.  In my opinion, at this point the closure was getting ridiculous.  Downright outrageous.  

I walked around, chatted and mini ranted my disappointment to a few people.  I learned it was allegedly closed off and on during the weekend, and that Cecil had barely been out.  Also that when he was out, it was solo, and the girls out separately.

To me, this indicated that introductions probably needed some more time.  Which is fine, and I completely understand that.  The last twenty-three years, he has lived in a Bachelor group, so he hasn't been with females since his birth family group.  Additionally Oscar Jonesy had been the Silverback for decades.  It was an adjustment for the girls too.  Whatever works best for the Gorilla's or any Animal, I'm all for.  

That said, while I understand that, it sounds like everyone has access at some time during the day, if so, I don't understand why it was closed when the girls were out alone, reportedly in the morning. Regardless, I think considering the announcement about Saturday's reopening, the area shouldn't be closed randomly, without a notice that's a possibility.  Maybe even could have been tacked onto the reopening announcement, just in case.  Something to the effect of, ... While we planned for Gorillas to reopen, group dynamics are still being worked out. The area may be closed randomly at times, as we monitor their interactions when the group is out together. These closures are hard to predict.  Please understand for the foreseeable future, that you may not see Gorillas on view. ... If not included on original announcement, something like that should have been posted to social media when this seemingly became apparent on the weekend and a revised sign at the enclosure.  

I was bummed, but I also look at it from a visitor prospective other than myself.  It's not a chore for me to come to the Zoo.  Meaning I'm in the area, here regularly, etc.  Some people have to plan, and in this case maybe that plan included seeing Cecil.  Example, one of my friends did plan for yesterday, but overslept.  She can't drive, so she would have spent $40 on a cab across town, and not been able to see him.  I have written about the need for community building many times.  In my opinion, letting the people know what's going on, is one aspect of that.  One of my ideas from years ago, is having push alerts via text messaging.  Something people have access to about in the moment events while visiting the Zoo, Impromptu Enrichment,  Keeper Talks, etc.  In the case of Animals off exhibit, they could also receive alerts prior to coming to the Zoo.  The Zoo recently rolled out an App, and maybe there is something like that on there, I don't know because I have no space on my phone at this time.  If there's not, it's an idea that might be considered.

Anyway, after my hour walk, I decided to go on errands and check back after the Keeper's lunchtime.  No real big deal, aside from being out later than I usually plan for my day.  Considering I passed up Saturday's Member viewing opportunity, as I don't like going out on the weekends, the goal for the day was to see Cecil, so I gave it another try.  

I met up with a friend and when we arrived it was just a bit after they opened Gorillas at 2:30, and Cecil had access.  We were told by a Staffer that he came out before it opened and grabbed four heads of lettuce and went back in.  I saw another head of lettuce, so we waited it out, and almost an hour later, he peeked out, then came out, grabbed the lettuce and went back in.  It was quick, but we got to see him!  Mission for the day accomplished.  

That said, of course I have a suggestion to offer, ... If viewing him is going to be slight, maybe letting him out after letting visitors in, would give more opportunity for catching a glimpse of him.

My friend Grace got great photos and kindly allowed for posting here.  Thank you Grace.

In my last post, I added in my Gorilla History Tree diagram, that I had planned for the post when I actually saw Cecil, which would have been this one.  When I opened this draft,  I had forgotten that I wrote text to go along with the diagram.  So, I'm posting it again, with the text.

While waiting for Cecil to go on view, I made a History Tree of all Our Gorillas, dating back to possibly the original four, Pogo, Missus, Jacqueline, and Bwana, all Wild Born in the late 1950s.  These four, like other Great Ape's born to wild parents, were most likely stolen from their forest families, arriving in Zoo within the first year of their life.  

Family Notations.  In a prior post, I wrote that my research showed that Cecil and Our Bawang were related.  Cecil's Mother Muke is Bawang's Sister.  Bawang is also half-Sister to Ndume, who's name might be familiar to those who followed The Gorilla Foundation scandal that started after the passing of Koko in 2018, and ended the following year with a court case allowing Ndume to be removed from TGF.  Koko, the Gorilla made famous by TGF for her sign language skill, was born at SFZoo.  Horrifically, she was stolen from her Gorilla Mama Jacqueline and Family, and sold to the woman who then started TGF.  I'm sure there are many who like me grew-up aware of and endeared to Koko, unfortunately the ugly truth behind the Gorilla Foundation, revealed the sad life Koko led.  On a brighter note, Our Zura and Oscar Jonesy, are the Grandchildren of famed Gorilla Colo, the first Gorilla born in captivity.  This Grand Dame lived to be Sixty years old.  She and Granddaughter Zura are close to mirror images of eachother.  The last offspring born at SFZoo will be the last connection Our Zoo will have to Colo.  With the arrival of Cecil, Our Gorilla Family Tree grows a new branch, as he has breeding recommendations with Kimani and Monifa, who joined our group in more recent times.  All three have bloodlines independent of previous connections, with the exception of Cecil's relationship to Bawang.

While I greatly miss Oscar Jonesy, he will always be in my heart, and never forgotten, I look forward to the family that will hopefully grow from this new life Our Gorillas are now building together.  

Looking Forward to Finally Seeing Cecil Today!

I'm sure most have already seen video coverage from the Zoo's media event for Cecil, this past Wednesday.  Finally a peek at him here and with the girls.  It was nice to see, and already provided some insight (at least my perception) to his personality, and behavior.  By all accounts, the four have only been fully integrated about two weeks.  He seems very respectful of their territory.   I noticed he and Monifa sat very calmly near each other.   Not surprised, as on Gorilla Day, the girls had outdoor access, but still went in and out of the building often, assuming they were visiting Cecil, who remained inside.  Monifa especially was displaying behavior I had never seen before.  When she came out of the building, she repeatedly rolled down the hill with an apparent glee.  Very cute to watch, and a seemingly flirtatious display!  The other thing I noticed was when Cecil had his hands on the boomer ball, he was tapping his fingers.  I seen this, referenced as drumming, in a video that I shared in a previous post, of him doing the same in Louisville on another item.

The only complaint I have about some media coverage was the interviews with Curator Robbie.  I have a personal disdain and disgust for him, ever since he disrespected Our Chimpanzee Minnie after her passing, telling me, "It was good that she died...".  It's disturbing that he is not only still employed there, but has been given even more responsibility since then. The Zoo must really be desperate, but I digress.  Despite my personal feelings, the Zoo should keep him away from cameras.  He stumbles through interviews.  Put Keepers in front of the camera instead, they sound more knowledgeable.

So, obviously I was not one of the first members of the public to see Cecil.  I tried my best, checking every visit, inquiring when Gorillas would be open, but for some odd (to me) reason, the Zoo kept him under wraps far too long (in my opinion).  One former Zoo Member asking me, Why is everything still such a secret?  That in reference to exactly what I've been saying since his arrival over two months ago.

I have written a few updates, sharing what little  information that I've heard, but I shouldn't have been the only source for those eager to know more about Cecil, and his new life here.  I have written that I thought the Zoo was doing a disservice to both to Our Zoo and Louisville Zoo, where Cecil came from.  Cecil lived there for over twenty years, gaining popularity and a fan base.  

The announcement of his transfer was high profile, with extensive media coverage and a subsequent Going Away Party.   Not like here where Animals disappear without any warning, whether moved off exhibit, or to another Zoo.  The fanfare showed the Louisville Community cared, and because of that, in my opinion, they deserved updates.  Louisville had him off exhibit a month, prepping his departure.  SF had radio silence on him for two months.  It really makes no logical sense.

So, that said, it remains my opinion that once he arrived here, it seemingly would have been beneficial in many ways to have had some updates about how he was settling in, personality discoveries, along with the introduction process and progress to the girls.

I am still giving interim management a chance to fix things, right wrongs, and create new frontiers for Our Zoo, that will show change and bring optimism for Our Zoo's future thriving.  One of those things in my opinion is building Community, something that is so very important in many factors.  Something that Our Zoo has lacked for seventeen years, possibly longer.  Something that the former Director did not value.  I know this, because in 2009, I explained the value, need and benefit of what building community could do for Our Zoo.  That was sixteen years ago, and just a little over a year since the Christmas Day Tragedy.  It was after that, I became endeared to Our Animals more than ever.  I expressed that to her, and about community, because it hurt me that there was so much negativity surrounding Our Zoo at the time.  I wanted people to know the good there, to be endeared in the same way I was.  Unfortunately, she wasted all those years since doing nothing.  That can't continue.

I mentioned before that I had made a chart of Our Zoo's Gorilla History, to include in the post I will make once I see Cecil.  I'm sharing it here, in case that post gets delayed.