Look, I'm going to be honest here. I'm always honest, but I usually try to write my blog posts without being overly emotional, so they appeal to all readers. I state the facts as I know them. I share my personal comments, ideas, curiosities, and whatever else I think is necessary to relate the issue point I'm writing about. I feel like I've been successful. Tonight, I'm just going to write what I'm feeling, not plan out how I want it to read.
So, I've written before about my procrastination about blogging, in a timely manner or even at all. About how draining it is for me, contrary to what some Zoo Staff think. Writing about the things that are wrong at the Zoo is not fun. Its not something I want to do, but when shit like this is going on, someone has to speak out and document the situation.
Today is my fourth day home. I like that I can have long weekends home. That said, I usually just lounge about with my kitten and watch movies. The whole time, I think about finishing my posts in draft. Every time, it upsets me, so I just don't do it. Its nearing 5p on Sunday and I'm near tears because I still haven't at the very least written this weeks Orangutan Update. I was out of cell phone space, so my video update from last Monday was recorded on my regular camera. I still haven't downloaded the files. As I previously wrote, I'm going to Spotlight the Orangutans every week, until there is something done in Triple Grotto to accommodate them. There is no one else who will publicly do this for them. No one else who will or can be their voice. Apparently, like with saving our Chimps, I'm it. I'm ok with that, its just alot.
So yea, there is still no work being done at Triple Grotto. While its not surprising, its unbelievable. How can that be? I know all too well the wrongs that are done at the Zoo, so I'm not surprised by this. Unbelievable, because there is a system in place, at least we as Zoo goers are led to believe this, that the right thing is being done for Zoo Animals, not just at the SFZoo, but in all accredited Zoos.
Before I go any further on that last statement, let's refresh. ... The San Francisco Zoo Director, as well as the Zoological Society, has wanted to bring back Orangutans to the Zoo for over five years. That want was their main reason for trying to kick out our Chimpanzees in 2015. The Chimps stayed and the Great Ape Passage was designed to include both Chimpanzees and Orangutans. The GAP Project included the build of new night quarters, a Dayroom, and a new Yard for the Chimpanzees. The final stage of the project was to be a renovation of Triple Grotto, to create another space in the "Passage", with the plan to rotate the two species. Everyone thought Orangutans would come after Triple Grotto space was done. They were transferred here while the Chimp Yard was still being constructed. When the Orangutans were done with quarantine, Amoi got access to the Yard. During that time, the Chimps (four at the time) only had the Dayroom and their bedrooms, which meant for seven weeks they had no outside access (the trails were occupied by the Orangutans). With the addition of more Chimps, bringing the total to seven, having that third space Triple Grotto is the only way rotating could be feasible. This is not something according to Kim, this is fact. More next week on that!
As noted the Orangutans were brought here even before the new Yard was finished. They quarantined in Triple Grotto night quarters, while construction was going on. They were subjected to construction noise while acclimating to a new space and new people. As well, while the yard was under construction, for almost three months, the Chimps only outside access was to the Skytrails.
So, again we must all ask, San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, ...
Why were the Orangutans brought to SFZoo, before there was an enclosure ready for them?
Why didn't renovation of Triple Grotto start immediately after the Yard was finished in May?
Why five months later, has nothing been done in Triple Grotto?
When will at the very least a temporary yard in Triple Grotto (South Grotto being the obvious choice) be constructed? ... Needed immediately!
When will at the very least a temporary yard in Triple Grotto (South Grotto being the obvious choice) be constructed? ... Needed immediately!
How do you sleep at night knowing the Orangutans only place outside their bedroom is the Skytrail? ... They are living in a tunnel, approx six feet in height and four feet wide.
We must also ask the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and their Orangutan Species Survivial Plan (SSP), this question, as they are the facilitators of the transfers...
Why was the San Francisco Zoo allowed to acquire Orangutans before there was an enclosure ready for them?
San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson and the AZA/SSP are the ones responsible for the Orangutans transfer. Both knowing full well, there was no appropriate place for them to live.
As of last week, I was still hearing that allegedly Director Peterson continues to say, There is no money. I believe that is the reason being given, because I see nothing going on at Triple Grotto. If there was a plan, the building would be painted, the yards weeded, but there Triple Grotto sits, untouched, because there is no plan. So, with no plan, the Orangutans continue to sit in the Skytrail and look at the Chimps. Its heartbreaking. Its not right!
Director Peterson wanted Orangutans, and she couldn't even secure funds to provide them with an appropriate home. All it seems that Director Peterson has done for the Orangutans is take away their identity by stripping them of their given names.
AMOI -This is how she is usually seen when she accesses the trail. Staring at the Chimpanzees in the yard. Sad.
OLLIE - Spends less time under his blankets these days, as he is now wanting to spend time with Amoi, and follows her around. That around consists of back and forth in the trail.
Tomorrow will be the TENTH WEEK that the Orangutans have no where else outside their bedrooms to go but the Skytrails. They have no place to stretch, no place to climb. All they can do is walk back and forth down a tunnel. Disgraceful.
Now my face is pulsating from anxiety, and I'm crying.
Is anyone else shedding tears for Ollie and Amoi?
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