HOT TOPIC! - Misconduct at the San Francisco Zoo - Why Does Management Let It Happen?

I am still really bothered about the "ejection" policy at our San Francisco Zoo.   ... As well, all the other Offences comes to mind and the endless documenting I've done and suggesting of deterrents, both with signage, audio respect reminders, barriers, and visual awareness by Docents, Staffers, and Security themselves. 

I visit the Zoo at least once a week, recently more often.  In my once a week visits, I'm there maybe five hours, and the offences I see are multiple, a good indicator of what goes on the 49 hours a week the Zoo is open.

I've posted many times about Visitor Misbehavior, but after seeing a Visitor calculate and deliberately throw something at an Animal and not be asked to leave, not only bothers me, but disgusts me.  You can read in full about this incident from yesterday in the previous post.  

What I came away with from that incident was stuff I already knew based on other incidents, but let's just review to be clear.  If you throw something at a Zoo Animal, even if it hits the Animal, just make sure you don't do it again.  You are also welcome to verbally abuse other Visitors and that won't even be addressed.  .... The additional thing that still really bothers me, is the fact that these Offenders were drinking liquor bought at the Zoo AND endangering the Animals AND still allowed to stay. Mind Boggling. 

This is the second time I've personally witnessed Animals having things thrown at them and nothing being done about it, but not the first time I've heard about it.  Not the first time I've seen people throw stuff into enclosures either.  Nothing has changed in five years.  

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/05/zoo-management-lets-visitors-abuse.html

The incident a few months ago with the Stoller Mom throwing Rocks at the Male Siberian was so alarming to me.  This was an Act of Violence against this Animal.  Assault.  All because she wanted him to wake up.  You can't even take a nap in the sun peacefully in your own home and be safe. Disgraceful the Zoo did not make an example of this Offender and Defend this Animal in their Care.

Not to people.  The Zoo is a place to observe Animals.  Its not the Circus, they are not there to Entertain you.

Obviously there is going to be Misconduct because that is the nature of our Society, Disrespectful Elitists who think they can do anything they want.  Its the Adults who are the Offenders.  Sure I'm irritated when I see Kids running wild, chasing the Peacocks and Gulls, Banging on the Glass, Yelling at the Animals, Throwing and Dropping objects into Exhibits, but even with those issues, its the Adults at fault for not Teaching their Kids how to behave and that's because they themselves see no issue with it.  I have asked Parents not to let their Kid,... only to be met with "They are just Kids", Yes, but you're not.   Parents don't teach their Kids how to behave or respect, because they don't have good behavior themselves.  Just the other day, two Member Moms and their combined five Kids were at the Wolves and Mom's were talking with themselves and laughing at their <cough> adorable little terrors, running along the glass and banging on it, howling at the Wolves.  I didn't' say anything, I just filmed them and called Security, which is what I've mostly been doing if its not a direct and immediate danger to the Animals, because I don't need drama.  Security caught up with them at Grizzlies, where they were banging on the glass there too.

There are No Signs at any glassed in enclosure that say Do Not Bang on Glass. Why?  Ask the Zoo, because its a no brainer.   The ARC once had a great sign on the glass that said Do Not Bang, Tap, Rap, Slap, Pound, ... a list  and they were told to take it down.  More evidence that the Zoo just doesn't seem to want to dictate the behavior of the Visitors, even when its detrimental to the Animals.  

There are No Signs at Wolves not to Howl at them.  This is a big problem there, which I've complained about and no one seems to think its of issue or I'd see a sign there.  I see people every visit Howling at the Wolves.  One visit in over ten minutes, three groups Offended.  The first day they were out, the Zoo's own Zoo Camp leaders had a group of Kids lined up at the fencing Howling at them!  UnBelievable!  Well really not.  I've seen Camp leaders and other Education Staff allow inappropriate behavior and I have never heard any respect lessons being given.

Howling at the Wolves is not the only Species Specific Mimic I hear.  There is always someone who thinks Hooting and Banging their Chest at the Gorillas and Chimps is funny, its not.    It upsets the Animals, and the Male Gorilla is one that the Zoo has known for years is easily upset and they do nothing to deter the behavior.  In fact I wrote a blog post or maybe even a letter to the Director years ago with suggestions.   There should be a sign on the glass at the viewing areas not to do this or to stare at the Male for prolonged time, he doesn't like it.

Then there is the whole group of Parents who think the Zoo is their babysitter and let their Kids run wild and often a few car lengths ahead of them, while they are on their phone texting or looking at Facebook.  Just last week a guy with Triplet Toddlers let them all run toward the Flamingos and one almost fell in.   Guess they didn't hear about the Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla incident.  Seriously people need to leash their Toddlers to avoid danger both to the Animals and themselves.  But, no one cares till there's an accident.

That said, then we have those Parents who still hang their Kids over into Animal Enclosures.  Even after Kids have been Dropped in and Killed at other Zoos.  They don't care, they think they can do whatever they want or it won't happen to them.  Well what happens when it does?  Our Animal Gets Shot, that's what happens.

Another issue, People feeding the Animals.  The Zoo Animals have Special Diets, Do Not Feed Them!   People should just know, you don't feed the Animals, but obviously they don't.  The Zoo put up signs maybe last year, again only in select areas (why not every Enclosure?).  That said, People also don't read signs, but at least some might and think, Gee we aren't supposed to feed them and get the message. For those who don't, they most often not only think its ok, but think its funny.  I know this because I've asked many people not to feed the Animals, and they laugh, and most of the time do it anyway and I have to call Security.

Recently a Group of Adults were feeding the Siamangs greenery they pulled from someplace.  I asked them not to do that, that isn't what they eat and they just continued, mocking me while they did.  I called Security, but they were on their way to the Stroller Mom who was Throwing Rocks at the Tiger.  I kept on these People and eventually they moved on to the Squirrel Monkeys, and then started feeding them.  Finally a Maintenance guy came by and talked to them and also called the Keeper at my request so they could see if anything foreign in the enclosure and also note to monitor if they get sick.

If you ever see someone feeding the Animals or foreign objects including food items, please alert Security to alert the Keeper, so they can note the item and document for health monitoring. 

  

One awful and dangerous feeding I caught was when I noticed from a good distance away, one of the Farm Goats with a sucker sticking out of its mouth.   I dashed over in time to pull it out before it ingested the stick.  I of course asked the people, What's wrong with you?  Why would you give that to the Goat?  No Answer, just giggles.  I told the Keeper, who like in every other Animal Endangerment situation she's been present for, doesn't want to confront the Offenders.  She too is on my previous post mentioned list of Why this person even has a job at the Zoo.  

Other Animals not so lucky, who have had non-food items thrown into their enclosures include Niya the Snow Leopard who ingested what I heard was a ball of tin foil and had to have surgery to remove it from her intestines, one of the Sea Lions, and a three time surgery for one of the Gorillas.  These are the only one's I've heard about, which means there are more.

As I mentioned in the previous post, there is a repeat offender who is feeding the Andean Condor. She was finally asked to leave, but is a Member and still allowed to come back.  So, if there is no one watching, she will just keep doing what she wants, and in my opinion that is life threatening to that Bird, but I guess the Zoo doesn't care.

Going back to the Farm, a big Offence there is people trying to ride the Dwarf Goats.  WTF is wrong with people?  These Goats are small, and many are Seniors.  If they break a bone, that's it, they would have to be put down.  So this is not an innocent action.  I've had to leap into action a few times before someone's ass sat on one.  Once in front of that same Keeper who doesn't do anything when these things happen.  .. There needs to be a sign Do Not Sit On the Animals!

So, feeding Goats Suckers and trying to Ride them, both potentially life threatening offences, do not even get you kicked out of the Zoo.

You can even Throw Rocks at Tigers and be allowed to stay, as long as you don't do it again. 

So, what does get you kicked out of the Zoo?  I have no idea, because I think the things I listed here should and they don't.

One time a guy was in the Farm with a stick and hitting the Goats.  I didn't' see it, because I would have taken his damn stick and broke it, but my friend did and told him to stop and he said, "I paid my $15"!!  WTF?  So that must also be the mentality of many Offenders.  They think since they paid to get in they can do whatever they want.  Well, the Zoo is basically letting this theory be rule by not ejecting more Offenders.  Their "Judgement Call" policy if Flawed and does not Support the Welfare of the Animals in their Care.

San Francisco Zoo Please take a Stand Against Animal Abuse.  Please have Stricter Protocol on Visitor Abuse of the Animals.  Send a Message that the San Francisco Zoo will not tolerate Misbehavior.

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Facebook Users please comment on the San Francisco Zoo UnCensored Page if you don't mind your Identity known.  Would be great to start a comment community for the posts.  Those who want to remain Anonymous or do not use FB, please continue to comment on the blogs.  Thank you for your comments.   https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoZooUnCensored

If you are inclined to,  

you can reach San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at 

tanyap@sfzoo.org

HOT TOPIC! - San Francisco Zoo Animal Welfare - Vistors Assault Animals - Get a Pass Again

If you Assault, Harass, Taunt, Terrorize, or Throw Objects at the Animals, San Francisco Zoo Management will allow it, as long as you don't do it again.

Oh gosh, where do I begin.  This post has a catalyst issue, but so many other things factor into the whole picture.  Ironically I had planned to write a post today about the same subject, concerning the Andean Condor, but then decided to leave the house and then went by the Zoo to check on a pipping Flamingo Egg.  For those of you who are interested in the Flamingo Chick Hatchings, please check out my Facebook Group, San Francisco Zoo Animal Friends.  Until today, I have been tardy in keeping up with my Zoo Awareness efforts. Its been months on one blog ( iamnotananteater.blogspot.com ), and a year on another ( savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com ).  Its very draining to write about Zoo issues. The Zoo, because of the Animals, is a passion point.  I used to post regularly about everything that I found issue with. As the months have passed, I have decided to narrow my issue points to the Chimps situation, and to Animal Safety.  After the death of Harambe Gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, I started a Petition and Facebook Page aimed not only at our San Francisco Zoo, but at the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) as the governing office of all North American Zoos.  I haven't done much to promote it after the initial posting, but still hope to.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/559/379/586/keep-all-zoo-animals-safe-san-francisco-zoo-secure-your-barriers/

So today...  While at Flamingos, I overheard the male in a couple (both holding Beers) say, "I want to grab an Egg".   Now, whether jokingly or not, I don't find it funny and it left me on alert, as I profiled them trouble.  Some find that funny and think I'm nit picking, but I've heard and seen too much disrespect to the Animals, that I'm easily irritated, and frankly I don't think that's a bad thing.  

A few minutes later, I was looking at my phone and saw the female bend down to pick up something off the ground.  I knew what was coming next, so as she was in motion, I said, "Don't throw that in there" and "What is that?"  I was met with, Its none of my business. I don't work there, and then name calling, and she went ahead and threw the object at one of the nesting Flamingos.  I was outraged!  Not only throwing something into an Exhibit, but at a Parent sitting on an Egg/Chick? That's just Evil.  I said I was calling Security and going to have them thrown out.  They continued name calling and mocking.  Security came by on a bike and I stopped them and relayed what had happened and requested them be thrown out.  I added that I was tired of this shit and nothing happening.  Security told me that Management would make that determination.  I noted that if they weren't thrown out I would make a big deal of this, which I completely plan to try doing.  Allowing behavior like this is epidemic at the Zoo and I'm sick of it.  

On the way out, I stopped into the office and asked who in Management makes the decision to throw someone out.  I was told the Manager on Duty today and that was Bob Cooney.  Within seconds Bob Cooney rode up on his bike.  Perfect!

Before I dictate the conversation, I think I'll note a few things about Bob Cooney.  Now, I got not grief with this guy as a person, I don't know him enough to make that judgement.  What I do know is instances in regard to the Animals, that has him on my list of curiosity called, How do these people have jobs?  of which there are sadly many at our SFZoo.   Here are my issue points, you be the judge. Earlier this year Cooney was down at the Farm and I had heard he was the one in charge of making signs.  I heard he had been asked a few times to make certain signs that never materialized, one was about feeding the Farm Animals and minding belongings such as Maps, which the Goats will steal and eat.  I had just seen a Goat eat a Map so I noted that to him and asked if he could get a sign put up about that.  He mumbled something that could have been a yay or a nay who knows.  What I do know is there is still no official sign, and the Staff had to make some of their own, and yesterday I tried to pull a Map out of a Goats mouth.  Fast forward to two weeks ago, after the first Flamingo Chick hatched only hours before.  Cooney comes by and I asked him if he could make a sign telling people not to hang their kids over the barrier, which is about 4-6 feet from the Nests.  He says to me, "That hasn't been an issue."   Ahhh, excuse me < (I think), I just spent 6 days watching this Egg and seeing a constant stream of people hanging into the exhibit, are you kidding me?!  I said, it really has been.  He says, there's no place to put a sign.  I gave a few suggestions, that he poo poo'd.  So folks, I guess because he and maybe others in Management can't figure out how to secure a sign some place that people are allowed to Abuse Barriers and hang into Animal Enclosures?  Good Grief.

Back to today.  So I go over to Cooney to find out what happened to the Offenders at Flamingos.  I asked if they were thrown out.  He told me No.  I asked Why?  He said that they were asked not to do it again and unless they ignore that, they don't throw people out.  I said, so people are just allowed to throw stuff at the Animals and that's ok?  He said it was just a Cracker.  (I did photo it and determine it was a Goldfish Cracker).  I said, but still, they threw something AT an Animal.  He said, "Its a judgement call."  So I said, fine, let's then talk about the person who threw Rocks at the Tiger a few months ago.  He said, they were thrown out.  I said, No they weren't.  He  said he wasn't there, but if that did happened, it was a "judgement call."  I said, can you explain to me, just so I understand the situation, because this person threw Rocks, at an Animal and was not asked to leave, as well if a Member,  they should have their Memberships taken away.  He said, Oh No, we can't just take someones Membership away.  Well readers, who have followed my blogs from the beginning, you have to know where this is leading and those who haven't I'll explain later.  So, I then ask Why?  He says, because of the Membership Bylaws, there is a process to that, several steps and can't just be done by one person.  You don't say!?  < (I'm thinking).  So I then ask if he can give me details about the Bylaw, he sorta laughs and says you're a Member you can look it up.  I said, well you know Tanya (Peterson, Zoo Director) took away my Membership once based on lies, and before I could continued about how no Bylaw protocol was followed, Cooney says I'm not talking to you anymore Kim and rides off.  Comical and Shameful.

Now, I don't offend easily, so my point is not that I'm offended, my point is that this behavior is unprofessional.  It doesn't surprise me, but I always find it curious that I seem to stump so many people there with logical dialog.   Here is a person who is in a professional role at the Zoo and yet cannot hold a conversation with someone and was at a loss for words at several points.   Additionally I think it's pretty disrespectful regardless of whatever the situation for anyone in Management to be dismissive.   Now, maybe Cooney has taken the position same as those who bought Director Peterson's slanderous words against me, but fact remains, I am a paying Member there and if I have a question, I can most certainly ask it and Management needs to answer it (or at the very least, officially decline to answer it),  like they would do with any other Member as I guarantee they would not treat any other Member or Visitor in such a dismissive way.  He or anyone else, may not like the questions I ask, but I'm not breaking any Zoo Rules, or Constitutional Rules by asking them.

Before I continue on, for those who do not know my history with the Zoo, in short, I am an SF Native and I've been a Zoo Visitor my whole life.  In 2008, personal grief and the flexibility of my job allowed me to visit the Zoo more often.  I befriended Keepers and learned about the Animals as individuals. In 2009 I became friends with a Docent and in 2010 we began to make weekly Enrichment for the Big Cats.  During that time we both had an open dialog with Director Peterson. One Keeper cautioned me not to share my suggestions or ideas with her or Management because they don't like outsider opinions.  After a couple of political issues, we stopped making Enrichment.  In 2011, Director Peterson slandered both my friend and myself and based on those lies revoked our Memberships without warning.  After near a year of seeking justice, we were both reinstated complimentary, which I think says it all.  You can read more details as I documented the entire event in a blog,  http://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com/

I also want to go back to today's incident and document that these Offenders were let off the hook for throwing something at an Animal, as well as calling me names.  I could almost guarantee if I had thrown something at a Visitor or called Visitors names, I would have been thrown out.  But its ok for Visitors to throw stuff at Animals and call me names.  Just to clarify.  

So back to this issue of Animal Safety.   In regard to today's incident.  I don't care if it's a Cracker, or if it's a Rock, its Assault. You don't throw things at the Animals or into the Animal Enclosures!  This is their Home. They should be Safe.  Its the Zoos responsibility to keep them Safe.  Its that Plan and that Simple.  Why is this something that has to be told to anyone?

Let me update on the Tiger Rock event.  If you haven't read my tirade of that day you can do so here:

http://sanfranciscozoouncensored.blogspot.com/2016/04/san-francisco-zoo-visitor-throws-rocks.html

On my next visit I asked Security if these Offenders were thrown out.  He said, No.  Unbelievable to me.  Well, not really in the sense of the word, anything is possible in that place, but still hard to believe that with the Zoo's History, that an offense against a Tiger of all Animals, would go unpunished by even a simple ejection.  Shameful, Disgusting, Disturbing.  I was told that the Protocol they follow comes from Management.  An example should have been made, a Message sent publicly, the San Francisco Zoo will not stand for this kind of behavior from Visitors against our Animals. BUT I guess that's just fantasy for if I was the Director.  Under the current Directorship apparently the Zoo does stand for it and I'm told that unless people are repeat offenders, they don't get thrown out.  Sad.

I'm offended by this for the Animals.  You have no idea the offenses I see every single time I'm at the Zoo, and multiple times in a visit.  I have posted about it on my blogs endlessly for years.  I have been vocal to Management.  I have Tweeted.  Nothing seems to get anything changed in the Animals favor.  The Zoo Management takes a nonchalant approach to Offenses Against the Animals in their Care.  IN THEIR CARE! < Operative words!

Why is San Francisco Zoo Management Afraid to be Strict with Offences Against the Animals In Their Care?   ... Are they afraid to offend someone who's spending money there?  News flash, these aren't the kind of people we need at the Zoo.

At the start of this post I mentioned that prior to today's event, I was going to write a post.  That post was about another Animal Endangerment issue I had been hearing about.  There has been a Member repeatedly feeding the Andean Condor.  She has been talked to several times and told not to do it, but continues, as she claims she has a relationship with the Bird.  Finally she was asked to leave one day, but her Membership was not revoked.  WTH?!  After several offences, she is still allowed to come to the Zoo, and this Bird is still vulnerable to this offence.  

These offences of objects entering Enclosures intentionally is not new.  The female Snow Leopard, a Sea Lion, and one of the Female Gorillas have all had to have intestinal surgery to remove foreign objects.

Other repeated offenses against the Animals include banging on Exhibit Glass,  Species specific mimic vocalizing to the Animals.  I have reported the constant stream of Visitors Howling at the Wolves, to no avail, there is still no signs not to.   These may not seem like issue points to some, but to me, they are offensive, disrespectful and harassment towards the Animals.  Just last week, two Members and their combined five children stood at the Wolves windows, banging on them and Howling.  Disgraceful.   They were not thrown out either.  

I have for years posted about the Barrier Abuse issue that is epidemic at Code Red Animals.  Code Red Animals are considered the most dangerous if in contact with public.  Code Red Animals are on a Shoot to Kill list regardless of whether Human is at fault for incident or not.  Not Fair, so in my opinion any steps possible to deter any incident should be taken.  Again, Zoos do not take this seriously and our San Francisco Zoo is no different.

That all said, my Petition in regard to this has been up for months.  The Zoo knows about it, the Zoo has seen the photos and video showing offenders and nothing has been done at the three hot spots, Black Rhino, Hippo and Polar Bear.   Not one new sign, no additional barriers, nothing.  Not one thing.  Additional barriers were put up at Chimps and Gorillas, in the wake of Harambe's death. Needed but odd choices for first concern, since neither have been much of an issue, unlike the three I mentioned previous which are an issue multiple times a day.  There continues to be small, limited or non-existent signage at Exhibits.  The signage is inconsistent and selective.  There needs to be signs at every exhibit in regard to objects and people in Exhibits,  backed up by a sign at the Gate House that plainly says, Do Not Throw Anything into Animal Exhibits or you will be asked to leave.  Do Not Stand On or Hang Over Animal Exhibit Barriers or you will be asked to leave.  That's it.  I think the Zoo thinks they have done their job by neatly tucking the Rules in the corner on the side of the Gift Shop.  NO being in people's faces about Respecting the Animals in their Homes is doing your job!

I have always had an issue with signage.  The size, the wording, that lack of.  The Zoo for whatever reason seems afraid of signs, that is unless they are for advertising something they are selling.  I'm offended to see sandwich boards in the middle of paths letting you know where you can buy Beer, when there isn't the same for Respecting the Animals.  AND I'll note that the whole group with the Flamingo offenders today had Beer in their hands. It seems the Zoo is more interested in money passing through their hands than keeping the Animals Safe.

Another issue is that while no one seems to get reprimanded and tossed for their offences, outside of Animal Staff, there doesn't seem to be that many people actually paying attention to what Visitors are doing.  Last week alone I witnessed a Security Guard watching Animals never noticing a kid in front of him throwing stuff into the Exhibit, and someone hanging their kid over a Barrier in front of a Docent.  Why aren't these people more aware?  

So where does this leave us with Keeping the Animals Safe?  Not enough people watching for Offenders, and when we do catch Offenders, they are nicely asked to stop it.  Only when one finally harms an Animal, oh wait, that happened when the Woman threw Rocks and hit the Tiger, so shit, you got me, when are Visitors going to be held accountable for their actions against the Zoo's Animals?

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I recently got a comment submitted for an old post I did on Visitors throwing stuff at the Chimps.  I didn't publish it because it was nonsense and Anonymous.  So, let me just say this so that nobody wastes their time, if you're going to comment something that reflects you thinking any of what I've outlined here is acceptable behavior don't bother unless you sign your name and it's a verifiable name. Its not getting published because I want to be able to respond to you because you are part of the problem.

Facebook Users please comment on the San Francisco Zoo UnCensored Page if you don't mind your Identity known.  Would be great to start a comment community for the posts.  Those who want to remain Anonymous or do not use FB, please continue to comment on the blogs.  Thank you for your comments.   https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoZooUnCensored

If you are inclined to,  

you can reach San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at 

tanyap@sfzoo.org

HOT TOPIC! - San Francisco Zoo Visitor Throws Rocks at Tiger - 4.1.16

I posted this to my other blog as a lead in and just realized I never posted it here.  It goes with today's post (next), so I'm adding it in now.

From April 1, 2016

The past two weeks have been Spring Break in our area.  What does that mean for the Zoo?  Influx at gate and attendance larger than Staff can handle.  The Zoo knows when these days are and it never seems they prepare for them.  I never see any more authority figures on the grounds, than on a rainy day.   Yesterday was one such day.  I saw one Security Guard on the grounds, and another heading to the parking lot as I walked in.  

I have before written about my thoughts on Visitors Gone Wild.  I've posted suggestions for deterring.  More Signage at Exhibits, Educational Signage throughout Zoo, Rule Video at Entry, ... Four plus years of notating Visitor Misbehavior and nothing has changed.  The biggest issue is the constant barrier breaching.  I have written about this offense endlessly.   I made a video recently, to supplement another blog post on the subject.  The Black Rhino exhibit is the one most often breached and Our Belozi's life is at risk multiple times daily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW5tAsbvZ1M

The offenses by Zoo Visitors is not limited to barrier breaching.   It ranges from terrorizing the free roaming Birds, to taunting, and to actual assault.  What happened yesterday was not the first assault on an Animal I've seen or heard about, but from what I heard and my knowledge of the exhibit, it was the most direct in both action and proximity to the Animal.

I was at Monkeys trying to call Security on an Offender who was Feeding the Monkeys non-regulated diet items.  Translation, some Zoo Shithead thought it would be just fine to pick-up any random greenery and feed it to the Siamang's.  At the same time, Security was enroute to Big Cats in regard to a report that Rocks were being thrown at the Tiger.  

Male Amur/Siberian Tiger Bronevik was in Grotto D, napping in one of his favorite spots in the moat.  Evidentially that wasn't enough for the Offenders (rumored to be Two Stroller Moms), they had to start throwing rocks at him in effort to wake him up, so they could see him better.  Excuse my language but I'm unedited when it comes to Mistreating Animals, SO,  Are you Effing kidding me?! There is all kinds of wrong in this situation.  First of all, Who the F do these People think they are? They come into an Animals living space and throw rocks at them while they sleep peacefully in their own Home?!  I wish I had been the one to see this happen.  Might be a good thing I didn't.  

I used to hate every Christmas when the Media rehash of the Tiger Tragedy of 2007 would appear. Last year was the first year I didn't get any alerts for internet articles about poor Tatiana.  Yesterday I thought, I guess the public does need to be reminded.   I heard someone at the Zoo say, "I guess they forgot what Zoo they were at!"   Either that, or in my opinion, Human behavior is just getting worse.

Last week I was behind two Zoo Shitheads at Tigers.  They started to bang on the window saying, "I want to see a Tiger fight!"  I said, I'd like to throw you in, that's the Tiger fight I'd like to see.  These gals were so wrapped up in their quest to see Animals in action, they didn't even hear me.   I'd like to see how brave these Shitheads are with no glass or fencing between them and the Animals.  Pretty sure the Dhaliwal's learned their lesson.

What is Wrong with these People and Why do they come to Zoo's?   These are not Animal People? Do they come to be around Beings so they can feel superior?   When it boils down to it, its all bullying.  Whether you are evil minded or dim witted.

Most of us are on Facebook, Twitter, ... all Social Media slams us daily with the Horrors of Animal Harm, from Abused Pets to Victims of Trophy Hunting.  I'm not a Humanitarian.  I don't delude myself that I'm not walking among Demons everywhere.  Humans that will think nothing to Harm or Torment Animals is not limited to the stories you read online.  Those People in the News articles are the same level of Evil as someone like these People who would throw rocks at an Animal, just to see it move.   

Note to Zoo Visitors.  Zoo Animals are not there to Entertain You.  You are lucky to be allowed into their Home and should be Grateful you are allowed the experience of OBSERVING them in a place you otherwise would not.  They are living their lives and you get to watch.  That's a Beautiful thing.   Do Not Disturb Them. 

My friend and I were the only people in the history of the Zoo to have our Memberships revoked (I got justice and our Memberships reinstated), based on lies put forth by Director Tanya Peterson.  I would bet that these people got nothing more than a tossing at the most.  Three things would have happened in this case if I was the Director.  They would have been asked if Members?  If so, they would have been revoked. They would have been banned from Zoo.  They would have been arrested and sued.  In my opinion, that is Assault and the Zoo should bring suit against these people and make an example not to come to the Zoo and Mistreat the Animals. BUT the Zoo doesn't do shit and I'm sure nothing more will come of it.  I would bet if they or even the Dhaliwals wanted to come back to the Zoo they could.  If I'm wrong, I will be delightedly surprised.

Over the past few years, the Security Team has changed and gotten better , but there still isn't enough eyes on the grounds. The Zoo needs to either have more Guard presence, and/or utilize Docents and other Staff.   The zoo needs to take charge and make a stance against Visitor Misbehavior.   Society's acceptance of bad behavior needs a good slap, especially when there are lives at stake.  Whether Elitist Attitude, Disrespectful Behavior or Simpleton Stupidity, the Zoo needs to get in tune with the reality of the actions of today's society for the sake of the Animals Well-Being.

I'm not trying to place blame here, but two things do need to happen.  The Zoo needs more eyes on the grounds, and not just rely on other Visitors making a call, and Visitors need to be more Respectful.  With the state of Humanity, its got to be the Zoo that makes the effort.

Facebook Users please comment on the San Francisco Zoo UnCensored Page if you don't mind your Identity known.  Would be great to start a comment community for the posts.  Those who want to remain Anonymous or do not use FB, please continue to comment on the blogs.  Thank you for your comments.   https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoZooUnCensored

If you are inclined to,  

you can reach San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at 

tanyap@sfzoo.org

San Francisco Zoo UnSecure Barriers - Rhinos, Hippo, Bears & Chimps

I have posted a Series of Videos, showing the Barrier Situation at Code Red Animal Exhibits for Black Rhino, Nile Hippo, Polar Bear, Chimpanzees, One-Horned Rhino.

These Videos are not only for documentation purposes, but to Support a Petition I have planned, Calling the San Francisco Zoo to Action, to Secure the Barriers to these Animals Homes, by adding Floor to Ceiling Glass across entire length of Exhibits.

It is also Unacceptable that these Exhibits, have little to no Signage.  The Yellow Respect The Animals Sign, is too wordy to be useful.   Simple to the point Signs, need to be placed at least every Six Feet across Exhibit.  ... Until these Enclosures are Secure with Glass, these Signs need to be in place.

The Black Rhino is one Animal I have repeatedly been vocal about.  His Barrier is Abused Constantly.  My guess would be at least a dozen times a day.  That's a dozen times that this Innocent Animal dodges a Bullet a day.  It is my opinion that he is the most Vulnerable, because there is  No Secondary Barrier, the Wall into his Enclosure looks less than Six Feet tall and he can come right to it, even looking over the top of it.  You will see in the video, that there is No Secondary Barrier, and One Sign for the entire length of the Enclosure, which is well over Eighty Feet.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_kKFFsQXCY

The Hippo is another one I have been vocal about.  His Barrier is Abused Constantly as well.  The only difference is he has a Secondary Barrier, by Zoo Standards, but in my opinion will not stop anyone from entering his Enclosure, accidentially or voluntarily.  You will see that the wiring is primarily, if not exclusively designed only to keep him in.  There is only One Sign along this Barrier that spands over Sixty Feet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQzUFmsTtok

The Polar Bear is another Hot Spot for Barrier Abuse.  As Vulnerable as the Black Rhino, as there are people constantly on or over this Barrier all the time, only difference is, there is a Moat and the time it might take for Ulu to get down there, could be the saving point for Staff to be able to call her in. That is not a given though, making this enclosure in the top three that need to be Secured by Floor to Ceiling Glass.

The exact lay-out is at the Grizzly Bears Grotto.  They are Vulnerable to same situations as at Polar Bears.  Although, not as often as for most of the Business Hours, the Girls are in the Gulch, which is Secure.

There was an incident in 2009, that had their lives on the line.  The Zoo didn't learn from that, and has continued to leave our Bears Vulnerable to date.  Please read my previous post for more details about that incident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NV7EYZtPBo

The Chimps Barriers have been of Issue for too long.   This enclosure is three Grotto style areas, with Moats, tall side walls and that's basically it.  Designed to keep the Chimps in, aside from the Roping, there is nothing keeping people out.  In the front of the Exhibit the Roping looks to range from about Six to Eight Feet from the edge of the Enclosure.  I have seen Kids cross the Rope Barrier many times, both while Parents are watching and while they aren't.  There is a viewing area off the Cafe Party Room, that has been breachable for years.  Please read my previous post from over two years ago.    http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/10/kids-allowed-beyond-barriers-at-chimp.html . The Exhibit side that borders the path along the Pachyderm Building is of extreme issue as the Enclosure edge is about Three feet from the Roping.  I think it being  tree-lined is why I haven't seen anyone hanging over this Barrier, but I have seen people cross it to get closer for photos.   This Enclosure is Rumored to be on the board for renovation, so I assume money won't be spent for a Glass Barrier (it hasn't even been spent to paint their house), but there needs to be a temporary fix to these Breaching Points, as well as additional Signage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBIByK9lCXY

UPDATE:  I took the Videos posted during the week after the Cincinnati Tragedy.  Last week there were Barrier additions to the Chimp Exhibit.  There is now a Secondary Barrier across the front of the Exhibit.  A waist high fencing that runs across the front length of the Exhibit to the existing fencing that stems from the Cafe viewing area.  Whether it extends into the trees that pose a breachable point, I don't know.   This Barrier will keep out anyone crossing the Barrier, but not looking to actually enter the Exhibit.  It won't keep out anyone who's intent is to Enter the Exhibit.  There has also been added,  a Floor to Ceiling Bamboo fencing that runs along the side that parallels the Pachyderm Building.  This is a Secure Barrier.  They have added a viewing window, which I think is a good idea, as this was a very good place to view the Chimps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1NSYsNNVG4

The Asian One-Horned Rhino is a very curious set-up.  For being a Code Red Animal, he is out there front and center, with no Secure Barrier at all.  The Barrier that is there, will keep him In, but it in no way will keep anyone who wants in to easily access him.  This makes him high on the list of Vulnerable Animals.  The 100+ Foot Exhibit has a waist high Barrier of a Wooden Fence with heavy mesh.  Then there is a Flower Bed that stretches vertically about Eight- Ten Feet til it reaches the Floor to Ceiling Wire Barrier that keeps him in.  The initial Wood Barrier is Abused constantly and I've seen it a couple times even in front of Keepers.  First, I do think if anyone dropped their Kid over the Barrier,  because of the diastance to the Enclosure, unless the Kid was really a shit and not listening, it wouldn't reach the Animal.  BUT if the Kid was a shit, or it was someone who intentionally wanted to gain entry, neither of these Barriers would prevent that.  Also, in addition to the Respect the Animals useless signage, there are only two Do Not Cross Barrier type Signs, for the entire 80 Feet of the East portion of the Exhibit and Zero for the 24 Feet of the West side.                                     

https://youtu.be/X4ml_db5wHo

Added:  Will post more detailed look at Gorillas soon.  Someone asked me about the Barriers there. I didn't originally include them, as I don't think they are vulnerable to accidental breaches, so they weren't at the front of my mind when writing this.  The Gorilla viewing platforms that were built as open air, with just a singular Cement Barrier over looking the Enclosure.  A few years ago three or four of the five platforms were glassed in.  I haven't seen any Barrier Abuse since then. The other (s) with fencing indicating they were closed.  I have always thought that to be curious.  Those areas along with some landscaped areas are vulnerable to anyone wanting to enter the enclosure voluntarily.  One area may still be of issue.  Will take a closer look.

There are many other Exhibits that are victims to Barrier Abuse.  Patas Monkeys are one, I see too often.  The poor Meerkats and Prairie Dogs have people reaching into their homes.  Sea Lions, Kids Standing/Sitting on Rails.  Haven't seen much at Lemurs, but that one drops right in.  No signage about not being on Rails.  Pecarries, I see people sitting on that Barrier.  No Signs not to.  Puente, people hanging into that place where Anteater and Capybara are spending the most time.  Kangaroos. I'm sure there are others, but I'm getting overwhelmed.  I think I've gotten my point across.  I feel there needs to be a Message put forth that Informs Visitors that NO Barriers should be Sat On, Stood On, or Crossed.   Regardless of whether it is considered a Dangerous Animal or Not.  Having a Universal Message instills the basics that those acts are prohibited.   I personally feel like the Barriers are the Windows to the Animals Home.  How would you like it if a Stranger at any random time, hung over into your Home?

Please see my next Post (later today) that outlines my Petition to Keep Our Zoo Friends Safe.  Thank You.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Are San Francisco Zoo Code Red Animal Barriers Safe For the Animals?

When I went to the Zoo on Friday, my purpose was to again see if there had been any new deterrents, anyone misbehaving, and to take some photos for my blog.  I went with a purpose, rooted in Animal Safety.  When I walked through Entry Village I saw Director Tanya Peterson, and other Management Staff, sitting at a table outside the Gift Shop, having a laugh.  It appeared to be a festive meet-up, and that pissed me off.  While they sat there sharing some cheer, I had the safety of the Animals on my mind.  Minutes later I was witnessing someone hanging their kid over the Barrier at the Hippo exhibit.

I gathered photos and video of most of the Code Red Animal Barriers.  As mentioned in other posts, before the Tragedy at the Cincinnati Zoo, I had blogged about Barrier Abuse (formerly I called it Breaching) many, many times.  I blogged, I complained in person, no changes, with the exception of Giant Anteater across from Lion House.  His home only got a decent Barrier last fall before the AZA came for their Accreditation Inspection.  While I don't think that the Anteater is a Code Red Animal, he could probably do some damage with those claws.  My concern about his enclosure was how Visitors laid and failed across his Barrier like it was their personal couch.  It was Disrespectful and Rude.  They can't do that now, but anyone can surely jump it if they want.  Is that considered Safe for the Animal?  Which is what we must question at every Exhibit.

Zoo Exhibit Barriers, while "acting" as walled Security designed not only to keep Animals in, but to establish a Visitor side and Animal side,  something too many Visitors forget, or more often disregard.   I liken the intrusiveness of Barrier Abuse to that of someone hanging in the window of your house while you're there watching t.v.  You are just in your home, your Safe place, going about your life and someone invades your personal space.   Tables turned, no one would like it, yet those same People will do it to the Animals without a thought.  I know this because when asked,  Why would you do that?  Noting the example, People have told me they wouldn't like it.

So, let's talk about Barrier Abuse.  This consists of several offenses.  ranging from Banging on the Glass, to actually Crossing the Barriers. Tapping, Rapping, Knocking, Hitting, Banging, Glass. Hanging On, Over, Laying Across, Standing On, Railings or Fencing.  All of it Barrier Abuse.  The Zoo has few signs, to discourage it.  I'll post below.

These are posted a fair amount, but lets face it, they are too wordy and not many People are going to read them.  Necessary, but there is a serious need for additional signage.

These are decent, but not enough of them and few in the right places.  This one at Anteater.  None at Bears. None at Black Rhinos.  None at Hippo.  None at Chimps.  In fact there is Not One Sign at Chimps in reference exclusively to not crossing the Barriers.  Only the one above and its off to the side.  BUT there is one across the path from Chimps, so you don't go on chipped wood. WTH?  Its the same show of priority that having huge signs for Only Authorized Personnel versus the size of Life Saving Signs is. ..... Also I don't like that they only use the word Behind, as that implies the only offense is if you actually go into an Enclosure.

This is one of the most recent efforts in Signage.  It too only indicates that actually going into the Exhibits is forbidden.  I'm going by memory, but I think its only at three Exhibits.  Black Rhinos, Hippo and Bears.

This one I've only seen at the Polar Bear.  It was on two at Black Rhino, but they got weathered and were finally removed right before AZA came for inspection.  Its actually not bad, but its about six inches long and is in one place on a Barrier that is over 150 feet in length.  There are three other signs, but they are spaced too far apart.  It also only covers the Standing Offense.  Make it bigger, add "Or Over", put it every six ft and we might be getting somewhere with the signage issue.  If they aren't going to put solid Barriers, there needs to at least be decent signage.

This one is just plain ridiculous.  It was weathered and has now been replaced.  Why?  I don't know. Again too wordy and only indicates the law if you actually cross the Barrier. Does that mean if someone accidentally falls in Polar Bear Exhibit, Ulu's life is Safe? ...   Again also useless in size, it appears only in two places I think, Polar Bear and One Horned Rhino.

Frankly I expect More. I've been saying this for years.  Yes, there's always the argument that People don't read Signs. Well then, Why have any at all?  So, that's a stupid argument.  At least its Doing Something.  Maybe it will deter some and the odds of tragedy go down.  Again, its doing something. Its Sending a Message.   There just needs to be More.  I've made suggestions in the past.  Sandwich Boards in path.  Text painted on Path and Buildings about Behavior and Respect.  Painting the Barriers Red. Behavior Announcement at Entry, in Cafe.  All decent and doable suggestions in my opinion. Nothing.  Here's a new one, stenciling the words, Stay Off Barrier, continuously across the Barriers? And Signs saying just that, where stenciling isn't doable.  Three simple words.  ... Additionally all Windows Need some simple words.  Do Not Knock on Glass.  

That about covers the Signage issue.  Getting the Message out.  I have made a few Videos that show some of the Exhibit Barriers.  They will be posted soon, in a separate post.  No time now to piece clips together and since I'm near done with writing this, I want to post it.

Its curious to me all the attention paid to building Exhibits to Keep Animals In, which doesn't lend to keeping People Out.  If Exhibits were built to Keep People Out, wouldn't that also lend to Keeping Animals In?   

It is my opinion that the Black Rhinos is the most Vulnerable and needs a secondary Barrier of Solid Glass.  It is the most Abused Barrier, and the distance to the edge is shortest at Black Rhinos, with the Animal able to be at the drop line.  Black Rhinos, Hippo and Polar Bear are the three Code Red Exhibits that Visitors hang their Kids over the most.   They are the ones that are most dangerous because a Kid can fall in at any time. While Parents may think they have a good grip on the Kid, accidents have been proven to happen. Parents can lose their grip to any number of things, including a wiggling Kid and someone accidentally bumping into them from behind.  

Someone Dropping their Kid into an Exhibit, is more likely, but obviously there are other circumstances.  In the most recent Tragedy at the Cincinnati Zoo, the Parent wasn't even watching their Kid.  Then there's the People who Intentionally enter an Exhibit, for whatever reason.   

Should Innocent Animals Lose their Lives for any of these reason's?  I say No.  None of these are "accidents" in my opinion.  All preventable.  People need to watch their Kids and other members of their Group.  People need to Stay the Hell off the Barriers.  People need to stay the Hell out of the Exhibits.  Note to those who enter voluntarily, tell someone as you're going in so an Animal isn't Murdered because you want to Commit Suicide or try to Pet it.  

That all said, what does our San Francisco Zoo plan to do to protect these Animals in their Homes? Will there be the addition of Glass at Code Red Animals? From what I've seen a full week later nothing.   If there was even talk of doing something, why no Temporary Signs to Remind Visitors to Respect Barriers?  

I was once told in reference to Signs, "they cost money".  Is that the problem?  Cause I have to believe there is someone on staff in that place that thinks there should be more Signs.  Is the cost of paper, ink and laminating too much?  I don't want to hear them crying poor.  Like all the other things that are In Need and don't get done, why is that?  Is it on the Director and her Fundraising capabilities?  Is it on the Donors for not caring to fund In Need Animals?  I have wondered if the Director goes before Donors and says point blank,  look, while we'd love to have new Animals , new Exhibits, the reality is this is what we need?  I highly doubt it, or if she does, shame on Donors who are only concerned with funding their own preferences while In Need Animals get shafted and exhibits fail to be updated. One Word:  Chimps.

San Francisco Zoo Takes no Steps to Ensure Safety of Animals After Gorilla Tragedy at Cincinnati Zoo

I visited the Zoo three days after the Gorilla Tragedy at the Cincinnati Zoo and found nothing different.  There was no extra Security.  There was no extra signage.  Visitors still hanging their kids over the Barriers.  I wasn't surprised, but really bothered that I'm always disappointed in the lack of effort in so many ways.  

Gorilla Harambe losing his life, is a big deal.  The circumstances surrounding his death are serious. The lack of attention to how that could easily hit home, is puzzling and frustrating.  As well as being disgusting, shameful and sad.

If I was in charge, at the very least, I would have had additional Security. Signage on sandwich boards, printed and laminated attached to railings, reminding People to be Respectful of the Barriers. Docents posted through out day at all Code Red Animal exhibits that are vulnerable to trespassing (Black Rhino, Hippo, Bears, Chimps).  In my opinion its irresponsible to not have taken steps to deter similar behavior.   Granted the Kid in Cincinnati was not dropped into the exhibit, but rather fell, really makes no difference.  Both are negligent actions, both end with the Animal losing its life.

I just don't understand.  A whole lot of People working there, and no one thought to take any action in favor of deterring misbehavior to prevent Tragedy?  Again no real surprise. I've complained about it in person and in writing for years.  That's part of what's scary.  

So yeah.  I spent an hour at the Hottest Spot in the Zoo, the Black Rhinos.  If you haven't read my other posts, please do, I link to two videos showing offenders here.  In that hour, I saw Security breeze by on their bike, never looking at exhibits.  What's the point, if not even going to try to ID misbehavior?  No Docents, No Staff.  What I did see was a Visitor with her Kid over the Barrier.  I wasn't surprised, but was very disappointed.  Harambe lost his life Three Days before and this Woman thinks nothing to hang her Kid over a Rhino Barrier.   This Barrier neighbors the Hippo, who was sleeping right below the Kid about four feet away.

Me: Excuse me, Lady with your Kid on the Barrier.  Why would you do that?  Did you see the News about the Gorilla that lost its life because a Kid fell in the enclosure?  

Offender: Yes.

Me: Then why would you hang your Kid over a Barrier with a Hippo right there?  

Offender: Ok.

Me:Wonder if you drop your Kid?  That Hippo will die.  Use better judgement.

Then again yesterday.  

Me: Excuse me, You're not supposed to have your Kid over the Barrier.  Why would you do that after that Gorilla got killed last weekend? 

Offender: Don't start with me.

Me: I'm just asking you a question.  I'm not being argumentative.  I'm just asking you a question.

Offender: None of your business.

Me: Oh, none of my business?  So what happens if she falls in and that Hippo loses its life?

Offender's Granny: We're not like those other People, we're watching...

Offender: Don't start with me.  

In both instances the Parent removed the Kid when I said Excuse me.  They had no idea at that point what I was going to say, yet they retreated because they know they are wrong!

This is the Mentality of the Zoo Visitors who Abuse the Barriers and Terrorize the Animals with other bad behavior.   They think they can do whatever the hell they want.  It may be hanging over or standing on the barrier,  heckling the Animals, throwing things at them, hitting the glass of their home, or some other offense.   ... What is wrong with People?  All of these actions are Disgusting.  The Barrier Abuse can get Animals Killed, and the other stuff is not only Bullying, but Evil Minded.

.... One day last week, within minutes of each other I witnessed two different groups of Visitors hitting the glass of the Komodo Dragon, while the video plays in the background about him recuperating from a medical procedure.  Same day a group was hitting the window in front of the eight week old Anteater.  Seriously, What is wrong with People?  

Many years ago I wrote that all the exhibits with glass should have Do Not Hit, Tap, Rap, Bang, ect, noted on them.  Some time after, the ARC window where the Alligator and Turtles are viewable, has such a sign.  I thought, finally!  Not long after it was gone.  I was told Management made them take it down.  ... Last year I saw  similar words across the Anteater viewing window.  That is now gone.   No idea why, as I just noticed that day when People were hitting it.

Additionally I have written and repeated suggestions for more deterrents and nothing more has been done.  The signage that they do have is either not enough, too small in size, too much wording.  Why is it such a challenge for them to get the message out, that Barrier Abuse and other Acts of Misbehavior won't be tolerated?

Is the San Francisco Zoo Afraid to Offend People or Do They Just Not Care?

Will The San Francisco Zoo Secure Rhino Barrier or Wait For Tragedy?

I'm tired of complaining and blogging about this issue.  Its time for the San Francisco Zoo to Protect this Animal.

As noted in my last two previous posts, I have written about this issue for many years.  Its been exhausting, frustrating and painful to continually document this issue every visit, but I do.    I have been absent on posting for too many months, but the issue is never away from me.  That said, how much more do I have to write, for the threat to our Male Black Rhino Belozi to be taken seriously?

What happened in Cincinnati can easily happen here.  I see this parental negligence on every visit. Please search this blog for "barriers" to read past posts, learn the extent and see photos.

In case you haven't seen my video that shows the abuse to the barriers at Black Rhinos, please view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW5tAsbvZ1M

This one includes other exhibits as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBsDaBrMZIU

From what I have been told, San Francisco Zoo Security allegedly has Shoot to Kill orders on any Animal, in any situation they think is Endangering a Human.  SFZoo allegedly no longer has a Tranq Team.  Allegedly that Team was discarded in favor of letting Security handle all incidents.  I don't know how many Zoos have armed Security Guards, but allegedly the previous Security company was let go, after our Director Tanya Peterson hired these armed Guards to ensure no Keepers "crashed" the Annual ZooFest.

So, any one of the multiple Visitors that hang their kids over the barriers, especially at Black Rhinos, is putting the life of Belozi in Danger.

The only viable solution is to make the exhibit breach free. There needs to be glass that runs the entire length of the exhibit.  At no point in the barrier should anyone for any reason be able to enter the exhibit from the Visitor side.

Black Rhinos is just a start.  Every Animal enclosure should be secure in this way, but that sadly, I realize is a Fantasy. That said, every Code Red Animal exhibit needs to be glassed in.  Polar Bear. Grizzly Bear.  The two viewing platforms at Gorillas.  Chimpanzees.  Asian Rhino, at the very least it needs a secondary barrier.  People are allowed to hang their kids over that barrier, even when Keepers are present.

Thankfully the second most breached exhibit, the home of the Giant Anteater, Angelo, has finally got a barrier, while not breach proof, does not allow for Visitors to sprawl out and flail about on.  That took three years of blogging about, and only when their AZA Accreditation inspection was upon them, did they do something there.  That inspection got a few other minor fixes, but why should the Animals safety and comfort, wait for threat of inspection?  

The only one that was ever taken seriously was Mandrills. After blogging about it for some time, glass was put up there.  Thankful for that, although there is a break in flow of the glass barrier, that can be breached with effort.  But at least the idiots who hang over the rail can't just fall in now.

The little efforts over the years the Zoo has made to put forth the message that, abuse of the barriers is not tolerated, has done near nothing.  I don't see a reduced amount of violators, in fact I see an increase.  I will write another post with suggestions in detail, because even Non-Code Red Animals need protection from Visitors.  

In addition to Visitors hanging into enclosures, they try to feed the Animals, throw things in the enclosures AND at them!  Animal safety needs to become a priority.  By allowing these misbehavior's, the Zoo sends a message that this is acceptable.  

I have a blog post in the works about this, but will add it here as a final note.  The recent renovation of two Bear Grottos for the upcoming Wolf Exhibit, has the barrier lined in glass.  SO, when the Zoo wants to do something, they do it.  

If no glass shows up along Black Rhinos, it will be because the Zoo doesn't want to do it.  Doesn't want to protect Belozi.

Justice for Harambe? Will There Be Changes to Cincinnati Zoo Gorilla Exhibit?

Will Zoos across America, take a hard look at the breach points in enclosures that house Code Red Animals? Sadly I'm going to go with, probably not, but I hope I'm wrong.

I had less than four hours sleep last night.  Stayed up til early this morning, reading through comments on the Cincinnati Facebook Page, responses to News articles, Twitter, Zoo Chat, Reddit.  I went to bed feeling like I was going to vomit, and woke up with tears.  As I wrote in my previous post, this is a subject that hits home.  I am frustrated that there will most likely be no change, both at home, the SFZoo and at other Zoos, like Cincinnati, the place Harambe called home. Everyone should be safe in their home.

The consensus on Social Network forums seems to put the order of responsibility as Parents, Zoo, ... the Animal was not the cause of incident.  That said, what do we do when the rule apparently is, that Humans are a Priority, over all Non-Human Beings, in any circumstance?  Is this right?  This concept escapes me, but that's a different debate.  I firmly believe that no life is worth more than another  just because of Species.  Life fate is based on its value as a responsible and decent being. You dangle your kid over a Rhino enclosure and yell, "here Rhino"  in my eyes you and your kid are of less value than the Rhino.

As a Society of those who believe Humans should take responsibility in their actions, where does that leave us in this battle in a World filled with Humans with no sense or sense of entitlement putting themselves above rule and doing whatever they want to?  Why should anyone, Human or Non-Human, have to pay for others misplaced actions?  

The reality is, Humans should have more sense. I'm personally tired of seeing people get passes for behavior that is offensive in whatever way.  In the case of anyone breaching a barrier to an Animal Exhibit in a Zoo, that is offensive to the respect of the Animal, and to the Trespassing Law.  At least in California.   So, what to do?  

The battle between Human error and Non-Human's paying the price with their life, is upsetting and frustrating. 

Here are some of the questions being batted about on Social Media:

Where was the Mother?

Why wasn't the Kid being watched?

How did the Kid get to an opening in the Exhibit?

Should the Zoo have better barriers?

I expressed my experience in my previous post, and I'm sure anyone who's gone to a Zoo can agree, Visitors abuse the Rules.  I'm not the only one to see people on and over barriers.  I'm not the only one to see people not paying attention to children in their care. ....  I've also expressed barrier issue at San Francisco Zoo.  I'm sure there are same style exhibits all over.  So, what can be done?  How can we make the Zoos Safe for the Animals who live there?  

While I think when you walk through the gates of a Zoo, you assume the responsibility to Behave Responsibly.  Barring an Animal Escape, you are responsible for your safety. Same as if you were at an Amusement Park and the roller coaster went off the rails, that's the problem of the Park.  If you jump out of the roller coaster, that's your problem.  The Zoos responsibility should be to the Animals in its care.  To me, it is backward to think in any other way in the case of exhibit entry. The Zoo is basically the "Parent" of the captive Animal.  That is who they should be responsible for. while many I'm finding might agree, there are many who don't.  So, what do we do? 

There have been several instances near exactly like this in past years.  We tend to only hear about those involving Code Red Animals, but there are too many other instances of barrier abuse (laying, standing on, hanging over) that go undocumented.  The negligence by Zoos to bring this behavior issue to light, and put forth repercussions,  lends to tragedies like yesterdays.  If more Zoos took a stand against these pre-cursor situations, and sent messages that this behavior is not acceptable, there might be less misbehavior and no tragedies.

Some of the incidents have been:

2009- San Francisco Zoo- Man entered Grizzly Bear enclosure.  Bears didn't engage and were safely brought inside.

2012 Pittsburgh Zoo- Mother held kid on railing for better view, lost grip and dropped him into Wild Dog exhibit.  Dog shot dead.

2013- San Francisco Zoo- Man runs through exhibit to by pass paying Admission.

2014- Arkansas Zoo- Child Fell into Jaguar Exhibit while Father leaned over railing to take a photo.

2015 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo- Toddler "fell into Cheetah exhibit after his parents reportedly held him over the railing."  ... In a surprising turn of events CMZ sued the Parents for Child Endangerment.  I haven't heard anything more about the outcome if any to this case.

2015 Omaha Zoo- Woman bitten while trying to Pet Tiger.

2016 Chile Zoo- Man enters Lion Exhibit on suicide mission.  Two Lions shot dead.

It Amazes me that people haven't learned from these incidents.  With the internet in our literal hands these days, there is no reason to not know better.  .. There is also the consideration, when its not an accident, like the Suicide guy.  This guy wants to die, yet two Lions lose their lives instead?  How does any of this make sense?  Yes, ... How does anyone know the factors?  Wonder if we did know? Wonder if known Criminals entered, would they too be saved because they are Human?  So here we are, still at Humans above Animals, regardless.  How do we fix this situation?  Is it to be left solely on the Zoos to make all exhibits entry free? That would be ideal, but I don't see it happening.  Zoos do not seem to want to make any adjustment to their exhibit visions based on dictation of Society misbehavior, unless of course tragedy strikes.  Why do we have to wait for that?  How many Animals have to die?

It seems that each Zoo reacts to their own tragedy.  San Francisco reacted to the Tiger incident by constructing glass and mesh barriers across the entire Big Cat area, five enclosures.  That incident was different than this in the way that Tatiana left the enclosure.  Not different in that she was the victim. Changes were made only because a Human died.  There were no changes to the Bear Grotto barriers after the Man entered the Grizzlies. 

How will Cincinati Zoo react to this barrier breach?  Will there be changes?  

If there is going to be an across the board, Shoot to Kill, Humans first protocol, Cincinnati Zoo and all other Zoos should examine all Exhibits, BUT especially those that house Code Red Animals, Apes, Big Cats, Bears, Rhinos, ect.  and make sure the barriers can not be breached from the public side.  If they aren't going to protect the Animals from the Public with any other actions or rules, they need to protect them by keeping them in a protected environment.

Will Cincinnati Zoo and other Zoos with vulnerable barriers step up and protect the Animals in their Care?

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Please Sign and Share this Petition to bring about Harambe's Law.  Don't let his death be for nothing. Help other Animals by supporting the idea that Humans should be held responsible in some way for the actions of their misbehavior.

https://www.change.org/p/denise-driehaus-support-harambe-s-law-for-the-gorilla-killed-in-cincinnati?

This is not my Petition but one I support.  Thank you.

News Flash: Ohio Zoo Kills After Kid Falls In... How Long Before This Happens In San Francisco?

I am Heartbroken, Angry and Disgusted by this News just coming out of Ohio.  This Animal should not have lost his life for acting on instinct.  RIP Harambe.

One article:  

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gorilla-shot-dead-cincinnati-zoo-after-child-climbs-enclosure-n582211

I have not written a blog post in seven months.  Every day since my last one, I have thought about it, every weekend I sit down to, and all the emotional drain of Zoo related issues take over and nothing comes to form.  What I do get is a constant stream of ranting about things that circle in my mind.  Not having all those thoughts down in posts in chronological order as I've tried in the past, really weighs on me.  Unfortunately, I am the only one, who cares enough to document the issues at the San Francisco Zoo.  For that reason, I feel a responsibility to the Animals.  I am attached to them in ways some might not understand, and not putting forth what happens there makes me feel like I'm letting them down.

After losing Shastyuh (last post, still not written), I just couldn't move forward.  That doesn't mean I don't make daily notes, as I keep close tabs on the Zoo regardless of whether I am posting.  I visit the Zoo at the least, once a week, often more.  There are endless issues to post about, and while I sometimes feel like I'm complaining, the reality is, these are things that I shouldn't even have to complain about.  Too many things that are amiss there, or even a Miss, that just shouldn't be.  Often small things, that you would think are obvious rights, that they just get wrong.  Since I haven't kept up with documenting everything, I have recently thought I need to shorten my list of issues and concentrate on the most important ones.  

One of those most important issues is the way the Zoo allows Visitors to quote myself in precious posts "run wild" through the Zoo.  I realize the Zoo is a Park, but its also a controlled environment where Animals live.  That said, there should be some sort of behavior guidance to those who enter.  I have made countless suggestions, most have fallen on deaf ears.  Some have come to fruition, but not as I had envisioned.  ... Please search "barrier" on this blog, for other posts I've done.

The incident today at the Cincinnati Zoo that cost Harambe Gorilla his life, is so tragic, and it can easily happen at our San Francisco Zoo.  

My opinion is not the popular one.  That's fine.  That's the beauty of Free Speech.  I'm Honest and Secure in my opinions.  I don't claim to be a Humanitarian.  That may sound awful, but in this day when there is so much violence against Animals, my soul has been damaged.  I make no apologies for my position.  That said, I am also not alone in my opinion.

Over the years that I have been a more frequent Visitor to the Zoo, I have been disgusted by the behavior I see from other Visitors towards the Animals. I often wonder why People even come to Zoos.  It is just something to do?  Do they think they are Animal lovers, but come to the Zoo to only torment, tease and belittle?  Some of it just rude, but all of it disrespectful.  I indeed make the call to Security whose number I have on my phone, every time I see misbehavior.  Reaching back in time, if the Visitor who saw the Lions being harassed on Christmas Day 2007 had made a call or found someone on Staff, Tatiana Tiger would not have lost her life because of Delinquents.

I haven't liked what each Holiday season, the Tatiana event was brought up in the News, but over the past year there have been several incidents at Zoos, so maybe it needs to, to remind People how to behave.  That said, there are still some that don't get the message and Animals lose their lives.  That Tatiana incident was a bit different, in that she left the enclosure, but the bottom line was still the same, her fate was sealed by Human misbehavior.  Unknown at the time to Staff and Authorities, that these Delinquents were to blame, the actions that led to her death, in that moment were probably the only choice.  At the time I didn't think that, but since then I've learned about the time it takes for tranquilizers to take affect.  I still wish things would have gone differently and  I think they could have, had better precautions been taken, but that's in hindsight.  I still would have gone the next day and stood in front of that exhibit and not felt a threat.   Tigers have been able to escape those enclosures for years.  This only happened because of Humans terrorizing her into a frenzy.  That said, our SFZoo hasn't learned anything since.

As I said, I have written many times about Barrier Breaching.  I witness it on every visit.  I complain endlessly.  Still nothing gets done to keep the Animals safe.  Sure there have been signs posted, mostly after I've written about it, but even then, the Zoo falls short in my opinion in proper wording, sizing and placement of these signs.  They also fall short on proper staffing of Security.  Most days, there are two Guards and one is patrolling the parking lot.  This is not a guarded presence.

Over the years, this has been how I feel.  I walk through the gates and beside me other Visitors are allowed to run wild through the Zoo with no guidelines.  Sure a couple years ago the Zoo posted a large sign on the side of the Gift shop at the entrance.  In my opinion this sign is to cover their ass more than put forth any rules of behavior.  If they truly wanted to establish rules for entry, they would be in eye's view, not to the side where most don't look.  I have never seen anyone stop and read that sign.  BUT at the gate house where tickets are presented, there is a huge over head banner that pimps out the next event.  In my opinion the Zoo only cares about grabbing the green, not protecting the Animals who live there.

I have suggested signs at the gate house.  I've suggested video at gate house and cafe. I've suggested rules on the paths and buildings. I've suggested sandwich board signs along paths.  Something that I've seen at Oakland Zoo.  I've suggested painting all the barriers Red.  I've suggested holding entry to every ten minutes and having the gate house employee talk about behavior.  Shit the Zoo installed these awful speakers at some exhibits, why not one at the gate house with a welcome message and guideline rules?   Why? because they have proven not to care about the behavior of the Visitors, in favor of not offending anyone.  In my opinion, anyone who gets offended, is not the type of person you want around Animals.

Visitors are out of control.  There are Humans acting the fool all over the place.  Most are the Adults. They yell at the Animals.  Bang on the glass with their Hands, Feet and Strollers.  Throw stuff into exhibits.  Try and pull Feathers from Peacocks.  Feed the Animals.  At the Farm they even sit on the poor Dwarf Goats.  Parents allow their kids to basically terrorize the place.  They yell and scream all over.  I get they are kids, but there should be some control when in establishments, especially where Animals live and can't escape the sights and sounds. They chase the Seagulls and Peacocks, which in my opinion is bullying.  Would they like the tables turned?  Hell no, but oh well they are just Animals.   Parents don't control their kids, most of the time they are on their phones and not even watching kids.  They think the Zoo and its confined illusion is some sort of babysitter.  Most every incident at other Zoos in recent times, has been some Parent losing control of their kid and dropping them into an exhibit.  .. I have posts on these incidents, you can search them.

Some might say, this is people just being people.  That's fine then.  Should Animals lose their life for the elitist attitude of people thinking they can just do whatever they want?  Its the little things like having no consideration and respect for your surroundings or others, that leads to these incidents.

In my fantasy, Zoos would band together and put the Animals in their care as the Priority, over Human misbehavior.  Except for an escape, any situation that ends up with a Visitor in an exhibit, is because of their own behavior, whether sinister or stupid.   That said, my Zoo would have signs that read, "If you end up in an Animal Enclosure, we will make every effort to extract you, BUT, Not at the expense of the Animals Life.  Act with Caution and Respect." 

Zoos are in a place where they want to give the Visitor the most Natural experience, therefore there are mostly open air exhibits.  Sadly, while that should be a wonderful thing of today, the present day of our Society has proven that isn't what's safe for the Animals.  I think all the Animals should be behind a glass barrier.  That puts an end to all of this.  Humans can keeping doing whatever the hell they want, whether intentional bad behavior or stupidity, and at least the Animals are Safe.  I have come up against photographers that don't like this idea.  To that I have to say, what's more important, taking a photo or the Animals life?    This is not to offend those I know, but its sorta like the Palm Oil situation.  Is stuffing your face with your favorite cookie worth the Animal who lost its life to make that cookie?   

One Animal who is not safe at the San Francisco Zoo is our Precious Belozi.  Everyday this Being is subjected to trespassing.  There is a constant stream of Visitors Breaching the Barrier of his home. They climb, hang, stand, dangle over, all these actions put his life in danger. If someone falls in, BANG he takes a Bullet.   Every time I get an article through my Google Alert like the one today, I hold my breath and pray its not Belozi.

I made this Video last November.  A time when once again I attempted to update my blog.  I never got to that place, so never networked it.  Interesting though, someone gave it a thumbs down.  What kind of person are you to thumbs down something that shows an Animal is in danger?  Please take a moment to view how vulnerable Belozi is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW5tAsbvZ1M

I started another blog and Facebook Page under the name,  San Francisco Zoo UnCensored. I wanted to write a lead in to that and info about that before resuming posting, but I had to make this post today.  Note that THIS blog, iamnotananteater will remain my main blog for posts.  I will use the new forums to attract new and hopefully more attention to the issues at the San Francisco Zoo.  The alerts there will redirect to this blog.  If you are on Facebook please like the page, as I hope there will be comments posted there.  If you aren't on FB or prefer to post Anonymously, please continue to post comments to this blog and I will copy them to the FB group comments.  Thank you.

If anything you read moves you,

Please Contact the SFZoo Director 

Tanya Peterson

tanyap@sfzoo.org