Remembering Jamie - Chimpanzee Lady Passes Away

Last Saturday the Zoo lost it's most personable Resident, Chimpanzee Jamie. 

In one of her favorite spots.

The Chimpanzee viewing areas reopened to the public on Monday afternoon.  Jamie's absence from the group would be noticeable to any of the many regular visitors, so at that time, there should have been a sign about her passing posted.  If the Zoo wanted to write a more detailed announcement at a later time, that could have still happened.  Unfortunately there were those who were left to wonder. What the Zoo finally did release could have been posted Monday, as it was a brief statement that included using only the name they disrespectfully renamed her.  Even in death, this Precious Lady could not be given the respect of her real name being acknowledged.

So little wording for someone with such a big personality, just will not do.

She was given the name Jamie at birth, November 13, 1977 at Busch Gardens, Tampa. In 1988, she and her Sister Twiggy moved to Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, where they lived before moving with their group member Nick to San Francisco Zoo in September 2019.

At Busch Gardens, Jamie was hand-raised and taught gestures, as she would be used in their entertainment shows.  Both these actions would lead to her being imprinted on humans, and lend to the aspect of her character that so endeared her to everyone who met her.  It also seemed to cause her to distance herself a bit from her Chimpanzee group at times, preferring to spend time with humans.  Upon my return to the Zoo after the first pandemic shutdown,  I happily observed her spending more time with her like species friends.  As much as I enjoyed hanging out with her, anytime I saw her interacting with the other Chimps, it was a beautiful thing.

Minnie and Cobby had been my besties for many years, but from the first moment we met, Jamie became my best friend at the Zoo.  All I had to do was arrive at the window and she would come over to me. She could sit there indefinitely, just hanging out and interacting. Interacting with a Chimpanzee, is an extraordinary experience.  I never think of them as Animals, or rather non-human animals, but just as another Being.  

One of the gestures she would make, was pointing to the lower part of her arm near her wrist.  I'd always smile and say, " What time is it?... It's Jamie time!"  She would smile so big!  I'm still shocked at her passing, and it's surreal and very sad, that there will be no more Jamie time.  

The other day, I stood there sobbing, and talking to her Spirit.  One of the things I told her was, she lit up the place.

I love her so much.  We had countless fun moments and shared laughs together.   She is a treasure and a joy to know and to have a part of my life.  Her friendship is a gift.  I hope that in our time together, I enriched her life as much as she enriched mine. 

I Love You Jamie.

RIP Sweet Girl, Bless Your Soul.

Sharing one of many smiles.

Showing me Cantaloupe seeds.

Here are some cherished video clips I had kept private, as I do with most of my interactions.  I am sharing them now as I want people who may not have had the good fortune to know who she was, to meet her. 

The previous Curator told me she liked shiny things.  So I brought her all my fancy cocktail rings. ... She LOVED them!  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0k6R8inB-AI

Jamie got an ouchie and showed it to me daily.  One day I had an ouchie and she gave it a kiss!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZL3iyXgftg

I put my footie up to hers, and she kissed it!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9C5x4m9rjQM

The saddest part of Jamie's passing is that she leaves her Sister Twiggy.  In Twiggy's thirty-five years, they have never lived apart.   My heart breaks for her.

Sisters, Jamie and Twiggy ... sweet girls holding hands!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kk548eggKqo

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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

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Where Are All The Animals? - Coming Soon!

This post is in near finished draft.  Hope to finish and post in the next week.  Needed to hold this space, for flow.   Thank you.

... Updated 10.22.21

This post has been published at this link

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/10/where-are-animals-no-animals-part-one.html

Tucker Update ... Why Hasn't SFZoo Given One?

This wasn't even a post, until now.  A friend of mine messaged me and asked Why? the Zoo has posted three consecutive posts about Red Panda's, and not one mention of it being Orangutan Ollie's Birthday. ... Happy 12th Birthday Ollie!  

Unfortunately the lack of and inconsistency of posts, is just another thing in a long line of curiosities there.  It's one of those things that irks me and if it catches me at the right time, we end up with posts like this.

So now here I am posting about the Zoo's Social Media Fails.  It's all good though, because for the Tucker Fans who haven't been following Cincinnati Zoo's socials, you need to!  They are feeding us Tucker fans well!

They have posted eight updates, in the eleven days he's been there, which seems like more than SF did in the ten plus years Tucker was here.  I may be exaggerating, especially since I have never monitored the Zoo's socials, except when I'm looking for something specific.  In this recent case it's been to see what content related to Tucker's departure (if any) they posted.  

The Zoo posted photos of his crate being loaded, but nothing with his photo.  They have also yet to share any of Cincinnati's Updates. ... The only mention of him after that post was a reply to a comment about his name "being changed".  The guy is not theirs anymore and they still couldn't bring themselves to be honest and reply that Tucker was his real name. ... Just now had this thought... Maybe that's why no updates?  They don't want to post anything that actually uses his real name because they might have to explain further how they stole it from him the moment he got here, and they don't want to field those questions?

In a previous post, I noted the issue of the Zoo never sharing an alert about when Animals are leaving.  That could be transfers out, or to an off exhibit area.  I also noted that I thought it was curious that they even posted about Tucker's departure. That post was dated September 5th.  That same day the Zoo posted this... The timing is curious, but more outrageous is that they note he is leaving "early September, ... we hope you will find time to see him, ..."  knowing full well, he was leaving the next day!  Good Grief.  I seriously can't even.

screencap from

SFZoo Twitter

<Sigh>  I just don't get it.  I mean, I actually do, as I have witnessed their continual mediocrity for over a decade.  I hate that it bothers me, but I think it's because it's just a cog in the overall mismangement situation going on there.  Either people get it and they just don't care, or they are just lacking in some way and really don't get it.  Regardless, it's a problem.  I have written about the lack of building a community, and this directly lends to that.  Not using Social Media to it's optimum is a fail that reaches into other areas. Social Media = Community = ...... = ......  And yes, I deliberately left those to parts of the equation blank.  It's not for me to point out the importance of that equation.  There are too many people on staff there to begin with, and too many that seem to just do as little as possible while pulling in a paycheck.  Everyone getting paid there, especially at management level, and specifically at the top with the Director, should be going the extra distance to do things right, because the Zoo is dying with one fail after another.

Related to this post, there is a PR person and a Social Media person.  I don't know if they are both full-time, but looking at the social platforms, anyone in either position should be doing more.   A quick glance at Facebook for August, there were fifteen posts in the thirty-one days of that month, and three weren't related to Zoo Animals.  What are these people so busy doing?  

Tucker Fans,  the people of Cincinnati LOVE him!  Their initial post about his arrival got over thirty thousand reactions!   In comparison, SF has yet to even mention female Gorilla Kimani, that arrived at the Zoo in September 2019.  

Tucker has become a Star there, like I knew he would.  He has also been all over their local media.  Make sure to follow Cincinnati Zoo for all things Tucker!  It's a beautiful thing to see his real name being used.  And this photo they posted the other day, is too cute!  I love photos from this angle, and have taken many of the Farm Friends, but no way I could ever get this of Tucker!  Love it so much!  Hi Tuck!  Love you!  Enjoy your new life sweetheart ❤

screencap from

Cincinnati Zoo FB

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/animal-go-round-why-isnt-public.html

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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

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Cincinnati Zoo Has A New Hippo, and His NAME is TUCKER!!!

As I was finally getting my Tucker post done and published yesterday, apparently, Tucker was enroute to his new home in Cincinnati!  

I was just about to start finishing the part two of my post from yesterday, and a friend from out of state messaged this to me.

Now, I'm sitting here crying.  Tears of Joy have been flowing for almost an hour.  I am filled with happiness that the Cincinnati Zoo is using Tucker's real name!  He is already being respected there.  

You can read their press release at this link.  

http://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/cincinnati-zoo-welcomes-new-male-hippo/?fbclid=IwAR0YbYWVL8M2z-56871qjUE785vEQa0Oj2Jdj5H70wTwHzNYsiF5P22haTA

Thankfully his new home will be all that I hoped it would be.  He is there to live with Bibi and Fiona as a Family.  The life they have planned for him already sounds wonderful and enriching.

I can't wait to follow his journey.  I hope those two ladies appreciate how lucky they are to have this sweet boy!

As much as I'm going to miss him and his cute freckled footies, I can't be more happy for him.  Still smiling and crying!  Love You Tuck!

Crossing my Fingers for some Tucker, Bibi, and Fiona Merchandise!

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/bon-voyage-tucker-hippo-moving-to_6.html

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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

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Bon Voyage Tucker! - Hippo Moving To Cincinnati

As I mentioned in my previous post about transfers, I first heard about Tucker leaving near two years ago now.  That's how long ago I started writing this post.  

When I first heard this news I was shocked and saddened.  I Love this guy and have since before he even got here. ... Here's one of my first photos of him, coming over to see me!   I didn't realize until I looked at these first photos how much of a babie face he had back then. 

Hi Tucker!  So happy to meet you!

Once I got through the shock and thought about what this move meant for him, I felt some comfort.  Knowing he was moving to the Cincinnati Zoo, home to the world famous Fiona, I knew he would be treated well.  I also knew I would be able to follow him on their social media.  At the time, I didn't know whether he was going to be Fiona's future mate or her Mama Bibi's (confirmed).  Either way, I imagined he will be loved and celebrated, as I remember Bibi's mate Henry (Fiona's Papa), lived together with she and Fiona as a Family.  Tucker would now have a Family.  That is the only thing that is giving me comfort.  So, I hope my vision for his life there is accurate and he is shown the same respect as Henry and not just going there to be kept off exhibit and used as a stud.  I would be suprised if he is not celebrated and treated like a King!  I have always felt bad that he was alone, and him living in a family is what is making this move easier emotionally.

Soon after Tucker arrived at the Zoo, I wrote about the disrespect Tucker received from Management, starting with the moment he got here.  He was crated at Topeka Zoo on a Tuesday early afternoon, for his move to San Francisco Zoo. He traveled over 34 hours (in the crate) by truck and plane. ...  I was told by the Security Guard who was at the Zoo and sat with him all night,  that he arrived at 8pm.  ... The SFZoo Staff did not uncrate him until the following morning.  He was left in the crate, in his feces and urine, an additional 12 hours.  He spent 46 hours in a box that he couldn't even turn around in.  I saw the photos.  Truly Disgusting, and Heartbreaking. 

The next disrespect came with the disgrace of a donor naming him after a Ball Player.  Then when that Ball Player left the Giants, he was renamed after the Coach.  Seriously, What the Friggin' Hell?!  This was 2010 and my first introduction to the renaming epidemic at our Zoo and I was not only furious, but heartbroken for him.

Thankfully Tucker has wonderful Keepers, who take great care of him.  Here's a pic and link to a short clip from his Birthday this past May of him checking out the awesome cakes his Keeper made for him!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a5LKhBhJ8Ig&fbclid=IwAR3QBdBolbh17DBsAJzm1uouxkVamoAZGN_5sLFKYb40zcK7OAyjm44o_Tc

So, it is my hope that when Tucker gets to Cincinnati, they will honor his true real name publicly and he can once again reclaim his Identity as Tucker.  ... Tucker is how his name appears in the Studbook and the name his Keepers use.  

I also hope that Cincinnati will be his permanent home, as it will be his fourth and I think that is enough.  There really should be a cap on how many times an Animal is ripped away from their homes, and often mates they are bonded to, and sent elsewhere.

In July, I heard Tucker would be leaving by the end of August, so anytime now.  Initial word was that he would be leaving soon (that was fall 2019), which would have been early 2020 since transfers don't happen much in the winter. Then Covid hit and there weren't transfers being done for most of last year.  I was thankful he was still there when the Zoo re-opened last July.   Since no one knew when he would be leaving,  I treated every visit, like it was my last time seeing him before he left and shed many tears each time.   Here's a video link from one of those times.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=psOoLWyDY7k

If you read my previous post, you'll know it's not the Zoo's usual MO to tell people when an Animal is leaving.  I'm surprised they have said anything in advance of his departure.  Words from the Zoo's press release, have been included in a few news articles.  There are errors.  I find it completely irritating that the Zoo Staff continues to not know the histories of the Animals in their care.  I say that, knowing for fact, it is not the first time.  In Tucker's case, they have said, he came from a Zoo where he lived with his Mother, and that he had no offspring.  The facts of Tucker's history are as follows.  When he was at Topeka Zoo, he lived with a female named Mara.  Mara was on birth-control but got pregnant.  When their Son Vison (now called Tank) was born, there was not enough room to house three Hippo's and Tucker came to SF.  Those are his facts.  Mara is NOT his Mother, and he has already fathered an offspring.  For those interested in following his former Family, Tank still lives at Topeka Zoo, and Mara now lives at Los Angeles Zoo.

As time has ticked on since I first heard this news, all the other things related to his departure, and connected issues, have become increasingly irritating.  I had another part to this post that concentrated that, but I think that I will make it a separate post.  

I'll end this by Wishing Tucker a beautiful life in his new home.  Have a wonderful adventure my friend, look forward to following your journey!  I Love You Sweet Boy!

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/animal-go-round-why-isnt-public.html

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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

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Animal Go-Round ... Why Isn't The Public Notified Before An Animal is Transferred Out?

In my last post, the narrative was my feelings about the lack of recognition to the Animal Residents that pass away.  The inconsistency of degree or even complete lack of, I find disrespectful and it hurts my soul.  

This post is about Animal transfers, and the ocassions when Animals are taken off exhibit, and the lack of awareness given to those who are endeared to those Animals. 

I do not remember a time over the last thirteen years, when an Animal has been transfered out, that the Zoo has alerted the public before it happened.  Or after for that matter.  The upcoming departure of Tucker the Hippo is a first.  Why that is, I don't know.  This is for all the others past and future, that will disappear without anyone knowing.

Over the years, luckily for the most part I have gotten a heads-up on Animals leaving.  The times when I didn't left me feeling sad and at a loss. The first time I can remember was when Snow Leopard Rigel, who I was endeared to, moved off exhibit to the closed former FCC area.  He lived there a couple years, until his passing.  I never saw him again.  Snow Leopard Niya, and Andean Condor Claudia, both moved to FCC without warning as well.   I have a post to finish about them, as well the others moved to FCC.  The point is, notice could have been given to the public that these Zoo Friends would be moving off exhibit.

As well, notice can be given when there is a planned transfer of an Animal to another Zoo.  These transfers are not made last minute, so there is plenty of time for fans to visit these Animals that they have come to care about.  I mentioned notice being given regarding Tucker's upcoming departure.  If I had finished this post even a few weeks ago, the Zoo would still have not yet made a public announcement, even though they have known about it for two years.  That said, when both Tucker and Ollie the Orangutan left their previous homes, Topeka and Erie respectively, those Zoo's well publicized their upcoming departures, and from the comments I read on their Facebook posts, fans of these Friends were happy to have been able to see them one last time.  

Not being transparent about transfers, really says the Zoo doesn't care about the people who visit who are endeared to the Animals.  Unfortunately it is no surprise, as our Zoo has never cared about creating a community among members and visitors, something I suggested twelve years ago to the Director, as a much needed tool to thriving.

In more recent times, the one transfer I didn't know about was for one of my besties, Black Swan Sydney.  I had a conection with her, and she would always come over and talk to me when I greeted her.  One day soon after the Zoo re-opened after its second shutdown, I went to the Puente and didn't see her.  Or her sign.  My heart sank.  I thought she had passed away.  I cried and spoke to her Spirit, as I do with all the Friends that pass.  I was so sad that she was gone, and that I had found out like that.  When I had a chance to ask someone, I thankfully learned that she had been transferred to another Zoo.   Still sad that I won't see her again, but thankful she is alive.   A sign at her home saying she had moved to a new home at Alexandria Zoo would have been a simple, respectful and courteous thing to do. 

Sydney (Cusco behind her) 

coming over to say Hi and 

ask why it's still nightime?!

Gorilla Hasani moved to the Los Angeles Zoo in the fall of 2019.   Born at SFZoo in 2008, Hasani had many fans who had followed his early life, through being raised by surrogate, to his first time on exhibit.  The Zoo didn't say a word publicly that he was moving, until after he was gone.  Thankfully I knew, and had a great visit with him a few days before, and was also able to alert Members I knew who love him, so they could see him before he left.

A couple months ago, a transfer that had been in the works for at least the eight months I have known about it, took place.  Again without warning.  Our Sumatran Tigers, Jillian and Teddy, were transferred to San Diego Zoo Safari  Park.  Jillian an instant fan favorite when she was born here in 2013.  She was sent to Sacramento Zoo without warning in 2017.  She didn't do well there and was brought back a year later. Genetically valuable, she got a breeding recommendation with highly valuable Teddy owned by SDZoo.  He came here in 2019.  SF failed to even introduce them, so allegedly San Diego recalled Teddy and because of the breeding recommendation, took Jillian with him.  It's a bummer, that we weren't able to see Cubs born here again, but I'm actually ok with this move, like with Tucker I think their lives will be enriched in their new homes.  The point of all this is, these Animals have fans, and like with all the rest, they show up to visit one day and find them gone.

Possibly the biggest shock to fans, would have been showing up one day back in 2015 to see Triple Grotto empty and our three senior Chimpanzees gone, after almost fifty years of living there.  That could have very well happened if Director Peterson had got her way, and snuck them out in the dead of the night as the saying goes, which is what would have happened, because allegedly not many, including some Staff and Zoological Society Members even knew about it.  As well, it was never brought up at any Joint Zoo Meetings, so that panel, which includes the Rec and Park Commission, probably had no clue either. Thankfully two Staff Members alerted me in time, and my efforts to stop that move were successful. 

For those who have visited recently, and seen the home of our sweet little senior Squirrel Monkey Atlas empty, rest assured, he is fine!  He was recently moved to Squirrel Monkey Haven, where he will be able to meet some new same species Friends!  Sure do miss this precious little guy!  Here's a clip of him having some Yums!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mJTUZ3-pK_k

So yeah, there you have it.  Another fail.  In my opinion, the Zoo needs to be more empathetic to those who love the Residents and let people know they are leaving and where they are going so they can follow them in their new homes.  

Previous/Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/acknowledging-eight-zoo-friends-who.html

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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

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