After my post the other day about the no masking situation at the Zoo in the areas of the Covid Vulnerable Species, I realized I had something I had planned to include in an earlier incarnation of that post. I forgot I had been in contact with the Calgary Zoo in regards to their masking policy, and wanted to share that.
In early March, around the time I had visited the Zoo for the first time in almost two months, I happened to randomly see a news item like this one, about their pregnant Gorilla.
At that time, I had unfortunate experiences at our Snow Leopard enclosure, regarding visitors that ignored the Mask Required signage (in case you missed that bullshit, check the end of this post for links to related posts). I emailed them to ask what their masking policy was received this detailed reply…
> "Thanks so much for reaching out, we share your concern for the animals we love and care for at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has increased PPE requirements for staff working near sensitive species as well as installed additional spacing in outdoor viewing areas between visitors and sensitive species such as lions, tigers, lemurs, macaques and gorillas. Additional spacing set back has also been added indoors for between visitors and meerkats and white-handed gibbons.
Mandatory mask wear remains in place in the Rainforest building due to the shared ventilation system to protect the gorilla troop, especially our mom-to-be "Dossi". We have a security professional stationed at the door 9-5 daily reminding visitors to wear masks indoors and handing out masks to visitors that don't have masks so they may enter. Once inside, there are 3 staff members ensuring mask wear rules are followed." <
After publishing my post the other day and realizing I forgot to include that information of the Calgary Zoo’s efforts versus what our San Francisco Zoo’s, I thought to look and see if the Lady had her babie and whether or not any mask policy had changed. She did give birth the week before on April 20th Here’s Mama and her cute babie if you’re interested...
https://www.facebook.com/10150148342160193/posts/10166656284265193/
We do not have a masking policy at our outdoor spaces around macaques or large cats as we have additional set backs in place so visitors are 10 feet away from the perimeter of the animals.
So, as you can see, regardless of government mandates, the Calgary Zoo continues to do what’s best for the Animals in their care. Our San Francisco Zoo goes with government mandates despite them not being in the best interest of the Animals.
Additionally, In a July 2021 post, I had suggested for the second time that the Zoo use their metal barriers to push back the viewing area at Chimps. Which is now something that could also be done at Snow Leopards. At Chimps the path is not wide enough for a set back at fencing, but a push back to area entrance, still allows for the Chimpanzees to be visible in their yard, while keeping them safe. The path at Snow Leopards is plenty wide to set back from barrier fencing a good distance, to keep people from breathing and coughing on them.
It all comes down to whether or not our San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson will care enough to put previous and additional safety protocols in place to protect our Covid Vulnerable Species.
Among the comments I received from Zoo Members in response to my last post...
> I agree totally with you. A lot of this is due to laziness.
My concerns are the safety of endangered species and the
zoo management wanting to appease the public. The
management just doesn't want to approach the public with
any rules. I am disgusted with the no mask rules at the zoo.
> I find it irresponsible of the zoo to no longer require masks
in areas like the chimp outdoor space where animals and
visitors are so close. The fence is no barrier to a virus spread
when someone sneezes or coughs there.
> Considering there's still covid going around, masks should
should be worn around animals. Especially primates and snow
leopards There's been too many cases of animals getting covid
since the pandemic started. Zoos should not be careless.
> “Covid is not over. And those who find animals to be precious and valuable beings and friends should want to protect them. People are supposed to be smart enough to protect themselves and other people, whether they do or not. But we need to help animals, they can’t make the rules, we have to make provisions that help them.”
> I get the concern. For the Chimps and Leopards, there are
still so many unknowns with COVID, and the potential build
up of exposure from high volume guests is troubling.
As the daily mask debate continues to play out in the news, let’s see if the SFZoo management has the balls to at the very least, reinstate a mask requirement at our Covid Vulnerable Species, or if their lack of care for their health and safety will continue to be evident.
Apologies for the wonky presentation. For some reason, some text highlighted, some came up different color and some comments wouldn't word wrap. I tried for over an hour and now must deem it done. It hyped me up and now I need a cocktail.
Previous Post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/04/zoo-lifts-mask-requirement-at-covid.html
Related posts:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/san-francisco-zoo-fails-to-issue.html
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/zoo-staff-doesnt-dispatch-security-for.html
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/mask-requirement-enforcement-at-snow.html
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