Sunday, September 29, 2019

How Long Will The Orangutans Live in the Skytrails?

I realize regular readers might get tired of the same subject and believe me, contrary to what some at the Zoo might think, so do I!  I've come to really hate blogging, especially about the same old thing.  But, as long as the Zoo Director continues on the course of not doing right by the Animals, I will continue to call out those situations.  In my opinion, the current situation with the Orangutans, is disturbing and sad.  And yes, like a broken record I will write every week, to keep this current.  There is no proper space for the Orangutans, there never really has been and that needs to change NOW!

The Orangutans should have never been brought here until there was a place for them.  The Skytrail is not a Habitat.  How long will they continue to have that as their only living space outside their bedrooms?

I'll start with a synopsis of situation.  Apologies to those who have been following the events since the Great Ape Passage (GAP) opened, but I think its good to make each post as stand alone as possible.   

GAP was started out of the need to create a new living area for the longtime three Chimpanzee Residents and four additions to their group.  It was designed to be completed in these phases, renovation of Pachyderm Building that included six new Bedrooms and new Dayroom, new Skytrails, new Yard, and allegedly, a renovation of Triple Grotto. 

It was my understanding, as well as many others (including Zoo Staff) that Orangutans were in the future.  That future being when Triple Grotto was renovated to provide an extra yard.

The above is proven in the Zoo's Email Newsletter Animal, dated 9.19.19 , the notation (screencapped below) states very clearly that the Chimps, now a group of Seven, are occupying "new living spaces", notated as "dayroom" AND "outdoor habitat" . 

The Zoo has created an illusion to many, myself included.  They have tossed about the notion of rotating the Chimpanzees and Orangutans.  Admittedly and surprising to myself, I hadn't really thought about how that would work.  Once the Chimps were kept inside for seven weeks, I realized rotating the two species was never really a feasible option.  Even if the male Orangutan had perfect recall (he is still not leaving returning to night quarters when signaled), once the Chimp group grew to its seven total, they would need both the Dayroom and the Yard, whether fully integrated or not.   

As it is and has been, is as such, the Chimps were still only four when locked inside for seven weeks, so the female Orangutan could have access to the yard.  It has now been five weeks, since the Chimps have been out and the female Orangutan has been locked out of the yard.  She has access along with the male to the two Skytrails.  The Chimps are not fully integrated, so the girls and boys rotate the Dayroom and the Yard.  There is no time frame for full integration, as its on the Chimps time, when they will be ready.  Once there are seven together, it seems there is no way that keeping them locked up full-time in the Dayroom or the Yard, is the appropriate thing.  If there is still no extra yard at that time, and again we don't know how long that will be, one of two things will happen.  Either part of the time the Chimps will be locked in or out, or the Skytrail will still be the only living space for the Orangutans, which is again not appropriate.   Rotation with only two spaces might work short-term, but can in no way go on indefinitely.

Note as I have in every post, this is not an Animal Staff created issue.  They do the best they can managing the two species, with the space they have.  This is solely on Director Peterson and the Zoological Society. 

The only solution at this stage of the situation, is for a temporary enclosure at South Grotto to be constructed immediately.  I put forth this idea weeks ago, yet still nothing has commenced. This could have already been done in that time frame and the Orangutans would have a yard.

So, I ask once again, when will Director Peterson, allow a project at Triple Grotto to move forward?  

How long are the Orangutans expected to call the Skytrails their Home? 

Amoi wants to know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wn6x7RQdJA&feature=youtu.be

Maybe if Director Peterson spent less time on Re-Naming Animals that already have names and more time on making sure the Animals have what they need, the Zoo would be in better shape. 

related post
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/09/triple-grotto-renovation-when-and-what.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Members Meeting - SFZoo Board Members Visit Zoo, Tour Great Ape Passage

The first time I heard about the Members Meeting was in 2015.  I saw it noted in one of the Email Newsletters.  All it said was, "... annual Member Meeting and election of directors."  I tried to track down what exactly it was about, and never really got an answer.  From what I could gather from bits and pieces of information, its not a Meeting for Zoo Members, its for Zoological Society Members.  So why it continues to be on the public Calendar I don't know.  That said, it turned up again, on the Calendar for September 17th. 

If anyone reading this has more info, I'd be curious to know more. You can leave it in the comments. I publish the comments, so anything you write goes through me first, not just directly posted. So, you can also use the comment form to contact me.  And if you want to actually make a comment, remember you can chose to post as Anonymous.  Ok enough digression.

Here is the post I wrote back in 2015

The reason I'm writing about it again is because I was told that the Board Members were going to Tour the Great Ape Passage.  This of course sparks many questions, that relate to the Orangutan situation, and to other things in general.

*Were the Board Members told the truth, that the project is not finished and needs funding for Triple Grotto?  That until something is done in Triple Grotto the Orangutans basically have no yard of their own?

*Did they even notice the Orangutans have no enclosure?  Or did they just think its great to see them?

Sometimes I have to wonder, Do Board Members know what really goes on?   Or do they just believe what they are told?  Are they sold the illusion?  

It would be great if just one Board Member didn't wear rose-colored glasses and could see things clearly and initiate a conversation with other Board Members about things that just aren't right.  Maybe that's just a fantasy. 

Anyway, I hope there were some Board Members that could see clearly that there is not enough space for both the Chimpanzees and the Orangutans in the current Great Ape Passage set-up and the need for funding Triple Grotto came up. 

Everyday Amoi watches the Chimps in the yard from her enclosure, the Skytrail.  Will someone Do The Right Thing for the Orangutans?



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


Sunday, September 22, 2019

Oh Yea She Did ! - Zoo Director Changes Names of New Chimpanzees!

If you read my last post from earlier today, you know how my visits this week started.  It was exciting to see the new Chimp Girls on Monday, but then I witnessed something Wednesday that has been upsetting ever since.  I usually visit a few times early in the week.  I went again on Thursday just to check the Chimps. I may write about that upset another time.  Now I must write about this one.

Thursday, while I was still at the Zoo, friends started messaging me.  This was one of them.  It came from a longtime Zoo Member who has studied Great Apes for several decades.  So, as I have written my disgust in name changing before, know that I am not alone. 

This is the Screencap from the Zoo's Email Newsletter, Animail from 9.19.19 ... We knew it was most likely coming, but at the same time, hoped it wouldn't.  Hoped the cycle would break.  ... Note the reference to "Gombus", His Name is Qadeer!
As my friend wrote, "Why Lord, Oh Why????"  With a ? for each one of our four new Chimpanzees that have had their Names, their Identities, stripped from them, by Director Tanya Peterson.  ... Answering Why?   I honestly can't relate to even thinking this is ok, to speculate why someone else would. 

Renaming Animal Beings has become epidemic at the Zoo.  Many disrespects over many years.  I have to say that I thought the new Great Apes (Chimpanzees and Orangutans) would possibly be exempt.  Silly me to think that Beings so closely related to Humans, might be able to hold on to their Identities.  It really is wrong.  

I would bet, that no other Zoo renames Chimpanzees, or other Great Apes for that matter.  

As I previously said, I have written about name changing before. I'll add some post links at the end. In short, I think any Being, who already has a name, should not be re-named.  Period.  Naming babies without names, should be the only time naming rights should be auctioned off.   That said, there should be guidelines attached to that privilege, and not just allow someone free reign because they are writing a check.  Of course, I have to note the most disrespectful re-name, that of the first Komodo Dragon.  Personally I do not like Athlete names, Celebrity names, two names, initials, or anything inappropriate or as a joke.  Aside from auctioning off names, somewhere along the way, Director Peterson started also re-naming Animals for other assorted reasons, that allegedly had no monetary donation attached to them.  Mostly after local Athlete's, which I can only figure is in an attempt at a few fleeting media grabs, like the Romo guy from the Giants, who one of the babie Langurs was named after.  Romo came to the Zoo to meet the babie and was then quoted in the newspaper saying the Langurs weren't even a favorite!  Rude and Ungrateful.  This is why you don't name after people, they are often not worthy.  

So, in regard to our new Chimps... The information as I know it, their names were not purchased in a naming rights situation.  The new names were given, I guess as some kind of reward for being good people to the Zoo, which means they have donated in the past.  The couple, Michael and Connie, were apparently long-time Zoo supporters.  I was told they tragically passed away last year.  I had not heard their names before, until recently when I saw a sign in the landscaped area surrounding the Great Ape Passage, naming it a Memorial Garden after them.  That is an appropriate tribute.  Not renaming an Animal who already has a name.  The Beth person, is a Docent and was also responsible for the lead donation for the Great Ape Passage, allegedly via the Estate of a friend.  I think the most disturbing thing about this naming, is that being a Docent you know the Animals come with Given Names.  I personally would not accept the bestowment, but say thank you, and request the Animals name remain as given.

As I said, I can't understand why Director Peterson thinks it is ok to rename Animals who already have names.  In this case,  the only assumption I can offer is, that she thinks this is honoring these three people.  

If that is the case, and even if it isn't,  Where is the Honor for these Animal Beings, who have carried these names their whole life?   
 My Name is Nick!

My Name is Twiggy!


My Name is Jamie!

Every Animal Being at the Zoo gives their lives to be on display.  There is no Zoo without them. Honor that, by honoring them and their Identities. 

Related posts:
Chimpanzee Qadeer Name Change

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Welcome Jamie and Twiggy! - New Female Chimpanzees - First Glance 9.16.18

This past Monday started off scary, but turned into a great surprise!

When I walked up to Chimps, Minnie saw me and came running to the edge of the platform in front of me.  She was screaming and waving her hand at me.  She has done this before when she's trying to tell me something.  I said, What's the matter Mins?  She still kept screaming.  I quickly glanced around and after a head count of four realized Cobby wasn't there.  I freaked out inside and ran into the dayroom.  No Cobby.  Ran back out and asked a Keeper, with tears starting to stream, Where's Cobby?  She said, He's in with the Boys, these are the Girls. I was a bit confused, it turned out the new Girls, arrived and within two days all behavior indicated they were ready to be integrated with Maggie and Minnie!  They were in the dayroom over the weekend and this was their first day in the yard!  Lucky Me!

Welcome Twiggy and Jamie!


Meet Jamie! ... Jamie is 41.  She was born November 13, 1977 at Busch Gardens, Tampa.  She came to SFZoo from Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, where she has lived since 1988.  She and Twiggy are half-Sisters, sharing the same Father.

Meet Twiggy!  ... Twiggy is 33.  She was born December 23, 1985 at Busch Gardens Tampa.  She came to SFZoo from Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, where she has lived since 1989.  She and Jamie are half-Sisters, sharing the same Father.

They are beautiful girls!  They seemed comfortable right away.  Jamie found her favorite spot in the south-west corner at the fence, where she sat and interacted with people, while Twiggy took to the netting and climbed up to the top of an ocean view.  When she wasn't working her way around the net, her fave spot seemed to be the landing on the stairs that lead to the short trail.  

Here are some of the cell phone clips I took that first glance day.  More to come after I upload from my camera.

Jamie and Twiggy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wFlrznLQgQ

Twiggy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEGensyLh2E

Jamie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwMpMDPa5RA

Screencapped from the Lowry Park Zoo Facebook.  Their Farewell post to Nick, Jamie and Twiggy.  The post notes a bit about their transfer to SFZoo.  I'll add the additional information that like our, there were other Zoos with small groups.  The SSP has been working to consolidate those groups, so their members can live in larger social groups that would be closer to what they would in the wild.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Monday, September 9, 2019

Welcome Nick! - New Male Chimpanzee - First Glance! 9.4.19

It has been in the works for some time,  to add three more Chimps to our current four.  Two Girls and a Boy are moving here from Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.  Three weeks ago the Boy arrived.  I assume the Girls will follow at anytime.

I had heard he was being introduced to our Boys Cobby and Qadeer.  Last Wednesday I got my first glance at Nick!  All three had access to the Dayroom, while Maggie and Minnie were in the Yard.  The Girls were often hootin' and hollerin' as they ran back and forth between the yard and the chute that leads to the dayroom.

Here's my first photo of Nick, he's a cutie!  and a link to some video clips!  So happy to see there is no drama with the Boys, and in the video you can see Nick give Qadeer a hug as he passes by.  So sweet!  I hope they will all be good friends!



Weeks before their arrival, I searched for information on the three.  Found that the only Chimps currently at that Zoo were Nick, and females, *Abby and Twiggy.  This was the only current video of Chimps taken there.  I waited til at least one arrived before posting it, as things change.  Now seeing Nick, I think the video is of the Girls only.  

Nick is 28.  He was born December 10, 1990 at Forth Worth Zoo.  I will write about the Girls when they get here.

Exciting times for our Chimpers!  So happy for them!  I have been wanting to post this photo since the first time the path along the new Yard was open.  I started to cry seeing this sign with our Tallulah's face on it.  Sadly she passed in 2013.  Our Chimp group waited decades for a new area, and thankfully they now have that, but it breaks my heart that Miss T didn't get to enjoy it with her Family, Cobby, Maggie and Minnie.  So, seeing her face at the new Yard touches me, because it makes her a part of this new experience.  I know that even though she is not there physically, she is there with them in spirit and they know it.  Miss You Beautiful Girl!


Update 9.23.19
*When I did my initial research, I only found two Girls names, Abby and Twiggy.  A third name Jamie appeared in less recent articles.  I thought she may have moved to another Zoo. It turns out Abby was the one who moved, and is now residing at Maryland Zoo.  Jamie and Twiggy are our new Girls :)  More about them here
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/09/welcome-jamie-and-twiggy-new-female.html

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Triple Grotto Renovation Post Follow-up - Orangutans

I made a video that I didn't have time to clip together in time for my last post.  Its a walk through of Triple Grotto and Great Ape Passage.  I thought it would be helpful to see what I'm referencing.


Two comments to the previous post.  One from an SFZoo Member, the other from an Erie Zoo Member. 

Had a random thought the other day.  I'm pretty sure they are still trying to train Ollie for recall (from outside to inside).  He has still not gotten with the program, but I don't think its because he doesn't know what they want, I think he's just not complying.  I mean he's an Ape, he knows his name, he knows where the food is.  So, until he can be recalled in, he will most likely continue to not be given access to the yard.  That said, its kinda the Zoo's Karma for not having Triple Grotto done.  Everything happens the way its supposed to.  If they had done things right and Triple Grotto was done before the Orangutans got here or were done with quarantine, Ollie may not be so resistant to the program.  I 100% believe he is non-compliant in protest for being taken away from his family, which is not the Zoo's fault, this is what happens, but it is the Zoo's fault that upon landing in an unfamiliar place, he was immediately subjected to construction on the other side of the wall. That did not help at all. In fact from what I've learned about his personality before coming here, I think it has been a detriment to him.  That all said, this situation with only having one yard for both the Orangutans and the Chimpanzees, would be even worse if they had two active Orangutans on their hands and no where to put them!  They are lucky at this point that Ollie doesn't require much space.  

Amoi and Ollie have been spending relaxed time in the same trail!  I saw them sitting side by side the other day eating!  This photo taken week before last.

While looking for something, I came across this news article again.  Re-reading it, this quote by Director Peterson is even more disturbing considering the Chimpanzees had no outside access for seven weeks.
Screencap from article:
https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/Orangutans-Now-Viewable-At-Sf-Zoo-For-First-Time-13897881.php

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Monday, September 2, 2019

Triple Grotto Renovation - When? and What?

Since I didn't get to this post promptly, its now been two weeks since I wrote about the Sad Chimp situation.  The day after I posted, the Chimps were out, and have had access to the yard consistently since then.  Their demeanor has changed, their spirit is back to being bright and no matter what the weather, they have been making use of the yard all day long.  I am beyond happy they are being able to use the yard, a yard that was built for them.  That said, while I'm happy for the Chimps, I'm sad for the Orangutans.  

The Orangutans have access to the trails and their inside bedrooms, in the Triple Grotto building.  Ollie/male likes the trails, but Amoi/female likes to be allowed everywhere.  She has never made much use of the yard, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have access to one of their own.  They can't stay in the trails only indefinitely.  The other day she was staring at the Chimps in the yard, probably wondering why they were in her yard.  She doesn't know that was never really intended to be her exclusive yard.  

Note that when she has access to the yard, the Chimps have to stay inside. That is what happened those seven weeks.  They can't even have access to a trail, or at least haven't to date.

For now, let's just concentrate on this one fact,  Rotating the Orangutans and Chimpanzees was never a viable option, as long as Triple Grotto was not in play.  

As I noted in my previous post, it has been five years minimum, that Director Tanya Peterson has known she planned to acquire Orangutans.  There is absolutely no reason, other than bad management on her part, that plans and funds were not in place to have a proper yard for the Orangutans before, or soon after their arrival.  To date there is allegedly still no plan, and no funds. 

In my opinion, Triple Grotto is a focal point in the Zoo.  After the path view of part of Lemurs, its the first main enclosure you see.   Its a huge area.  Its next to the Cafe.  It needs to be a priority for the Animals, as well for the aesthetics of the Zoo.  It looks bad to have it just sitting there, overgrown, downtrodden, and vacant.  Its just super bad planning to have left it there to languish.

Triple Grotto attaches to the two new areas, via Skytrails that lead from the north and south sides of the existing Triple Grotto building, the current bedrooms for the Orangutans.  The Skytrails link into the new areas.  The north trail (long) to the Pachyderm Building, which houses the Chimps Bedrooms and their Dayroom.  The south trail (short) goes directly into the new yard.  An excellent job was done on both the Dayroom and Yard.  It turned out impressive.  Every visit I hear people comment about it.  Quotes I've noted, "obsessed with it", "its literally my favorite place", "love it here", "amazing", "cool".  ...  The whole area was named the Great Ape Passage.  Triple Grotto is intended to be a part of that. It needs to be done, and it needs to be done in a way that reflects the new areas.   As noted in my previous post, I heard that only one of the Grotto's might be done.  That's ridiculous.  They can't just slap some cheap fix to it.  Its lame to have wonderful new areas, and not renovate Triple Grotto to complete that.  Again, THIS needed to be done before the Orangutans got here.  

Since nothing has been done, nothing looks like its happening anytime soon, let's look at these facts.

By the end of this month we will have seven Chimpanzees.  The Chimps need both the Dayroom and the Yard, as intended.  Everyone knows this.  Why doesn't Director Peterson and her pack of Donors understand this?  Not having this already done, and not moving forward with it right now, shows not only bad Management but a severe lack of caring for all the Apes involved.  The Chimps have already suffered those seven weeks locked in, how long will the Orangutans suffer with no yard of their own?

Let's address the main issue, When can the Orangutans expect a yard in Triple Grotto?

In my opinion, as stated, a Triple Grotto renovation, needs to be as impressive as the Dayroom and new Yard.  It completes the Great Ape Passage.  Doing that, will take time, too much time.

There needs to be a faster solution, because the Orangutans need a yard.  They needed a yard two months ago.  Rotating two species only works if there are two yards. Period.  

I have expressed my ideas about what to do at Triple Grotto, even as far back as my crusade for them in 2015, possibly even before.  I have always thought they needed more topical area, so my original ideas, are still in play today, as I think about the additional yard space in Triple Grotto.  Going back to notations I made previously, any management plan to limit the renovation to only one Grotto, is ridiculous.  Both the North and Middle Grotto need a dedicated redo that is suited for both the Orangutans and Chimpanzees.  As then and only then will rotating these two species work.

I have maintained for years that filling in the moat, needs to be part of any plan.  Using just the islands stand alone is a waste of space.  I think connecting the two Grottos to make one large topical space would be the best idea.  Here are examples, of both just connecting and using the islands, and with using the moat areas.  The most topical space, in my opinion, the better.  Especially if they are going to rotate and we have seven Chimps!
Dark green center connects just islands.
All green is topical space 
including islands with
moats filled in.

I also would like to see some landscaping in the space.  I have always wanted to see these Friends have grass and low bushes.  After seeing the Dayroom and Yard, even more I would like to see this as it is a completely different surface to what they have in the Dayroom and Yard.  I think it would be enriching to have something different.  I did some research and found these photos unfortunately I didn't note what Zoo this was from or the source.  
Chimps having a good time in greenery!
Full view of exhibit. High trees and structure are unnecessary, or can be added as determined by the Curator.  I'd like to see the Twigging mound stay or new one built, either in Triple Grotto or new Yard, since the Chimps, especially the Girls, like Twigging.

Going back a couple paragraphs, there needs to be a faster solution.  In my opinion, there is no other option than to renovate the North and Middle Grotto as part of the Great Ape Passage.  That leaves South Grotto.   There are many things that South Grotto can be used for in the future, but right now, I think it needs to be made into a temporary yard for the Orangutans. 

If structurally doable, South Grotto can be netted over at the edge of the moat (purple ring) and at minimum, that would be enough for now.  The Orangutans can have access to that island yard, which would be enough for them until the North and Middle Grottos were renovated.  After that, the moat could be filled in or left as is for another use.  Housing another Primate species, temporary holding, whatever.  

I want to note that the very first thing that needs to be done, and done right, is painting the Triple Grotto building!  I have been complaining about the peeling paint for seven plus years.  That building has not been painted in over a decade, probably two. It has looked bad for as long as I can remember, and is probably a health hazard.  The peeling paint most likely contains lead.  A couple years ago, I took and posted photos of Minnie sticking her finger in the chipped area and then in her mouth.  No one cared to do anything about.  At the very least it should have been primed to seal those peeling edges and painted over.  At the very least that needs to be done now.  I think considering there will be netting over the Grottos (hopefully deterring any picking at paint that might come loose in the future), regardless of plans, possibly sealing and painting is the best plan of action.  I  remember hearing of another Animal home that had lead paint and allegedly the proper protocol for handling that was not followed.  So, sealing it, rather than sanding and scraping and making a big unhealthy mess, would be best. 

I can't do much more about this situation.  I've documented everything.  I've given suggestions.  It's on Director Peterson to get this done, NOW.  ... You wanted Orangutans.  Give them what they need!

Previous Related Post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/08/chimps-havent-been-outside-in-almost.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Blogger's Statement
"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."
For Full Statement see this post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*