World Andean Bear Day & Shark Week

Before another week begins, I want to recognize World Andean Bear Day, which was celebrated Friday July 21, 2023.

I miss our Andean Bears, Wishbone and Annie.  I love them.  I feel bad about what happened to them, and believe they left us too soon.  In my opinion, their deaths, at least Wishbone's, could have been avoided.  So, when I saw it was Andean Bear Day, even though they brought me so many smiles, I thought of them with sadness.

Precious little Annie fell ill allegedly with a respiratory issue, but I heard that was clearing up, when she started having trouble standing up.  She passed away while still in the hospital.  At the time, 2010, losing Zoo Friends was new, and I don't remember investigating the specifics any further.

I had been uncomfortable with the Andean Bears living exclusively on concrete for some time.  With the nature of Annie's passing, I was moved to crusade for Wishbone to get even just a small patch of grass.  I had never done anything like that, but something needed to be done, to bring some comfort to his living situation. 

I started a blog dedicated to my crusade.  I also contacted members of the Zoological Society & Recreation and Park Dept. both failed managing entities of the Zoo.  

This post goes into detail why I feel this was necessary.  http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/project-get-wishbone-grass.html

screencap from post dated March 7, 2012

titled, RIP Wishbone - SFZOO Bear Dies 

After Years Of Living On Concrete

I will note that this was not news to Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, as in 2009, I sent her an email detailing my concerns.  I believe if she had shown the Andean Bears some empathy,  Annie and Wishbone would have lived longer lives. 

Here is an excerpt:

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/andean-bear-grotto-letter-to-zoo.html

I hindsight after crusading for the Chimps, I feel there was more that I should have thought to do, but it was early in my advocacy missions, and thought I was doing what I could.  I'm sorry Wishy for not doing more.

View precious Wishbone enjoying some Christmas Tree Enrichment here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NzmqQ_M5rgs&pp=ygUVbGVvODExc2YgYW5kZWFuIGJlYXJz

I blame Zoo Director Tanya Peterson for many Animal cruelty situations, and a few deaths, Wishbone's being one of them.  His death could have been avoided had she shown some compassion for his living environment.  Director Peterson has failed in so many ways, but the one's that involve the lives of the Zoo's Animal Residents, is unconscionable and unforgivable.  

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This past week was Shark Week, started years ago by the Discovery Channel and it's viewing celebration of Sharks.  I'm reminded every year of the Awesome recognition our beloved female Lion Amanzi got, when I sent in her photo to the Discovery Channel and they picked it to be featured on their website, in their top favorites!

This photo is from 2010, when my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys for the Cats every week.  Lee picked the Under the Sea theme, and made this paper mache Shark, which Amanzi came out and ran straight for!  She and Jahari, and the rest of the Cats had so much fun, and I'm so happy Discovery Channel recognized our precious Amanzi!

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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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Are The Animal Care Departments Fully Staffed?

Recently someone on staff asked me if I had seen the new videos on the Zoo's Tik Tok.  I hadn't.  I've noted before that I don't regularly visit the Zoo's social media platforms, mostly because it always seemed inevitable that something would irritate me.  If I do, I look at their Twitter if I'm looking for something specific, like to see of a Birthday was celebrated.  I was blocked from their Facebook years ago lol!  I can view on another profile, but I really don't have the energy to spend switching profiles.  That said, I do think since not everyone uses every platform, that all posts should be shared, on all platforms.  I understand building numbers on all, but I think it's more important to get the content out to as many people and in my opinion that means having all content the same on all platforms.

So, Tik Tok.  I've never used it, so joined just to view the Zoo's videos.  They had some fun stuff during Keeper week, which was what I was referred to view, but it was another video that I really liked.  I wanted to share it here, but I can't figure out how.  Check it out if you can. 

screencap of sfzoo tik tok

https://www.tiktok.com/@sanfranciscozoo

I found this in line with my own ideas of what the Zoo should be sharing.  I made a list during the shutdown, and how those types of behind the scenes peeks could help the Zoo.  That's all I'll offer in regard to ideas.

The main reason I really liked this video is because even for someone like me, who does know alot about the Zoo, I learned something.  I'm not sure that I realized that the Nutrition Department actually made ALL the diets, everyday.  I know that's where the Keepers get the food, but I don't remember knowing the details of preparation and delivery.  

Watching the video immediately had me wondering if this department is fully staffed.  Because I know how many Animals there are to care for, it certainly seems like alot of work for only three people.  I may be biased, because every time I'm at the Zoo, at least one Keeper mentions they are short staffed.  This has been going on for many years, at least four, but probably more.

The Animal Care Staff being short is shameful.  Does Zoo Director Tanya Peterson dictate this?  I certainly believe that it is lost on her in many ways that the Zoo is an Animal Care Facility above everything else.  While there continues to be non-animal care positions filled and promoted, with those staffers doing what to pull-down a full-time paycheck?  While those who take care of the Animals are run ragged.  It doesn't surprise me, because it's been made very clear in her actions, and lack of, that caring about the Animals is not Director Peterson's priority.  During the pandemic shutdowns, Animal Care staff were allegedly made to take pay cuts, while high level non-Animal Care staff, allegedly did not.  From the online tax forms, it seems other than some bonuses, none took a pay cut.  The most disgraceful is that of Director Peterson, who I still don't know what she did during the shutdown, other that use the fact that she kept Orangutans in caged tubes, as the butt of her social distancing joke, because she sure wasn't doing any fundraising.  

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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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Lulu is here! ... Will She Be Able To Keep Her Name?

As noted in my last post, my assumption from the post Lee Richardson Zoo made about last chance to see female Lion Lulu before she left for San Francisco Zoo, was she would be traveling immediately, was right.  On my visit last Monday, I learned she had arrived!

I was told that she is in the Lion House, and that she and Jasiri have seen eachother! Also, that when he is out in the yard if he hears her vocalizing, he is alert and looking toward the cave that leads inside!  Finally, joyous relief that Jasiri is no longer alone.  Happy tears were welling for sure!  

I hope the Jaguar proofing in the neighboring yard will be done soon so she can have outside access as soon as possible. Hoping once her quarantine is done, introductions go smooth and they like eachother.  

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So as expected since it was on the ZooFest auction, male Jaguar Tikal, has been renamed.  As well, they threw in renaming female Ocelot Tica as well.  

screencap sfzoo newsletter

Anyone who knows me, I'm a name purest and this is a real issue for me.  It hurts my soul when these Beings get stripped of their identity.  I'm not going to rehash much, all my renaming rants about this can be found by searching this blog.  That said, I just don't understand the disrespect.  I get that it's a way to raise funds, but why can't Donors just be satisfied with Sponsoring an Animals care, and with a plaque at their home stating such?  Is this even a presented option?  I have to think it's not.  So, in my opinion this is another mismanagement that falls under lack of care to not only find creative ways to raise funds, and laziness in more fundraising efforts that might augment any less amounts not raised from stealing identities.

Anyway, hopefully Animal Care staff will continue to use Tikal and Tica's original names.  Which should have ALWAYS been protocol, but cruely has not. This has happened more in recent times, but wasn't always the case.  Our poor Black Rhino Balozi, was renamed after a damn ball player, and Keeper's use that name.  Note that I dont fault the Keepers, they have to do what they are told. Although I hate all name changes, renaming Balozi is probably the biggest name crime, as his name literally means Ambassador in Swahili.  There is no more perfect name for an Endangered Species.  There are also two Giraffes, Willow and Amani, that were renamed and Keepers use those names.  One being Barbro, which is completely ridiculous and frankly offensive, as she is I think the fourth Giraffe to be named that.  Some way it's related to the Donors, but seriously, how long must that go on?

Anyway, while we wait to see if Lulu will be able to keep her name, please say Hi to her, Tikal, and Tica using their given names, so they don't forget who they are!  

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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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New Female Lion Is Finally On Her Way!

I'm behind on my news alerts, so I just saw this last night.  Looks like Jasiri's beautiful girlfriend is on her way!  Either she arrived last week, is in transit, or prepping for travel, it's finally happening!  After almost six months alone, I can't wait for him have a companion.

Hopefully Lulu will be here and out of quarantine in time to help him celebrate his Birthday on August 30th, even if only with a barrier between them.  Although I do hope they like eachother and introductions go smooth and fast. 

Lulu is noted as having lots of energy, so hopefully she will keep him active, he needs it!   It will be wonderful to watch them together.  Til then, maybe she will be out in the adjoining yard, as soon as they finish the Jaguar proofing that's currently going on.

Video of Lulu enjoying some Christmas tree enrichment:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=197376725372883&id=502821003146114

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/new-lion-news-jasiris-new-girlfriend.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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Former VP of HR is Now Deputy Director? - A New Level Of WTF?

This is a big effin' Good Grief!

I'm sorry, but I seriously got to hate on this, because of who it is AND  because it shows continued mismangement on the part of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  

So I learned last week that Director Peterson has promoted Vitus Leung, the VP of Human Resources to Deputy Director. ... Where do I start? 

I've had an issue with this guy for over three years, since he called one of our Animal Residents Ugly!!!  

I will go on, but in my opinion, NO ONE that works in an Animal Care Facility should be calling the Animals names.  So, I hope some of you can understand why I am outraged that this guy is now Deputy Director.  Someone who doesn't respect the Animals, who has been sucking $190,000+ salary out of the Zoo's payroll as VP of HR, is now being rewarded with a promotion.  Unreal. But hey, we have a Director that that called a 50 year old male Owl a drag queen, and kept Orangutans in a caged tube for eight months.

In a post dated March 8, 2020, I relayed an interaction I witnessed as part of a multi-issue post.

I can not express enough, how wrong I think this is.  

I have to assume there are many on staff that feel the same way.  If calling the Animals derogatory names, isn't enough, this guy isn't even qualified.  He's about as qualified as Director Peterson, who became Director with no Animal Care and allegedly no management experience.  I'm more qualified than the both of them!  At least I care, which is a character quality evident that neither one of them possess.  I seriously can't believe this.  There is a highly qualified staffer, who would have been an obvious choice, and probably others more qualified than Vitus, so his appointment seems to be motivated by personal favoritism, and this allegedly isn't the first time.  

When the previous Deputy Director retired, I thought that was the end of that title.  Why?  He was the first and only to hold that position.  It was an alleged promotion after claims of inappropriate behavior toward him by two high level staffers.  So, to see someone unqualified elevated to this position, is curious.  It seems to scream, personal agenda, part of which includes this is just another yes mam person to pick-up Director Peterson's slack.  She can't even dial into the monthly Joint Zoo Meeting.  I seriously don't know what this woman does to earn $320,000 a year plus bonuses, because it's not managing the Zoo with it's best interest in mind.  

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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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World Chimpanzee Day! - Thankful We Still Have Our Precious Chimps

Last Friday, July 14th was World Chimpanzee Day.  I am Thankful to be able to spend that day, with our precious Chimpanzee friends.  My long-time lady friend Minnie came to the window to say Hi.  Interactions with her are priceless, and still cause me to put my hand to my heart, as tears well up a bit.  It's something I cherish and never take for granted.  

This year, as I have been recently trying to finish all my draft posts that document mismanagement by our San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, the horrific disregard for our original Chimpanzees, Minnie, Maggie and Cobby, has come to mind.   It is never forgotten.  

Most know this shameful action, but I like to make my posts stand-alone for anyone happening by to understand.  In 2015, SFZoo Director Peterson, decided to kick-out our senior trio.  She planned to send them packing from their home of over 45 years, and for the girls, the only home they have ever known, instead of making it a priority to build them a new home within the Zoo.   

Knowing of my love for the Chimps and being vocal about any wrongs, especially related to the Animals, a Keeper told me of Director Peterson's plan.  A chill came over my body, as they said, "What are you going to do about it?".   I said, " They aren't fucking leaving on my watch!".   

All my Roaring, public outrage and the help of Dan Noyes from KGO News, these babies stayed, and they got the new home they were promised in 1997.  

I delivered the wonderful news to my Chimpers:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KoN7uG9uEAg&t=5s&pp=ygUUbGVvODExc2YgY2hpbXBzIHN0YXk%3D

I cried then and I'm crying now rewatching it.  

For anyone interested in more details, you can visit my blog dedicated to this despicable event:

http://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com/2015/01/welcome-help-save-san-francisco-zoo.html

In recent years the Zoo has been celebrating these World Animal Awareness Days (as well the Animal's Birthdays!)  I say recent because there was a time when none were celebrated.  Chimpanzee Day, Polar Bear Day, Rhino Day, nothing.  Very big fail.  These Days are designated to not only celebrate these species, but bring awareness to the plight of those living in the wild.   I tried to call attention to them and this fail repeatedly, but for years still not a mention on the Zoo's social media or anywhere on the grounds.  Thankfully that has changed now.   So much to be gained by these celebrations and putting forth the awareness. 

That all said, as I'm writing this, many celebrations run through my mind. Considering my mission to document mismanagement, it's definitely inline to mention that I've never once seen or heard of Director Peterson ever making an appearance at or mumbling some words about, any of these Awareness Day celebrations.   tsk tsk.  Not that I think she has anything worthy to contribute, but geez she's the damn Director, she should at least act like she cares.

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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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The Zoo's New Summer Events ... Wonder Where They Got This Idea?

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated June 30th.

I wrote a post on May 29, 2023,  For The Lack Of A Better Title,... Our Failing Director.  Prompted by the Oakland Zoo posting about their Summer hours.  It reminded me of ideas I've had that fall into that category.  I expanded on that a bit, and how the lack of ideas, related to a major past of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson's failure and extreme mismanagement.  This paragraph was included in that post:

On June 22, this announcement was included in the Zoo's email Newsletter: 

Curiously (or is it?) coincidental on the timing, but hey, however it gets done, is a bonus for the Zoo.  I did not put forth my complete event ideas, so I'm glad someone had the smarts to include vendors.  They have been missing out on that front the last couple Christmas holiday events.  I wrote about this fail in detail before the pandemic.

Hope to keep seeing decent ideas (yes there are some head shakers!) come to fruition.  The Zoo has been desperate for them for the whole fifteen years of Peterson's reign.

Mentioned Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/for-lack-of-better-title-our-failing.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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Zoos R Animal Prisons Graffiti Update and Disgrace

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated Jun 30th.  

On Sunday June 23rd, I tweeted my original blog post (same date) about this issue directly to the Zoo.    

The next day, I started my week, by cruising by the Zoo while out on errands, to check if this graffiti was still there.  Almost a week after I first saw it, it was.  This is really shameful.

I alerted someone at the Zoo, as this should not be still there.  That said, if I had not called attention to it, How long would it have stayed there?

I could have done the experiment, and let it just ride, but unlike too many people, I actually care about the Zoo.  I walk in, I walk around, I eyeball everything, inside and out. I basically do what people there, including Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, are paid to do.   

I know there are people who check the fence for Coyote dig holes, at least there used to be a couple years ago.  So, whoever dropped the ball on noticing this, shame on you, and frankly you don't deserve to work there.  Having something like that remain on the outside of the Zoo is unacceptable.

I'm tired of lazy people, sucking funds from the payroll, and that includes Director Peterson and each of the top earners there.  A member of the public should not be doing other people's jobs. 

I'm sure the top non-animal staff will be like, it's not my job.  If you're reading this and you think that way, you're a big part of the problem with the management structure at the Zoo, again starting at the top with Director Peterson.  I ask each one of you, why are you getting monetary bonues on top of your already outrageous pay, for the little that you do?  Each one of you should be making sure all needs at the Zoo are tended to and have some pride in the Zoo.  

This awful graffiti remained on the front of the Zoo, for a week, while Zoo Director Peterson pulled in a $6,000+ paycheck for the week.  Does this seem right?  

Anyway, when I went by Tuesday, the wording had been removed, yet there is still the red stain.  As well, no other graffiti has been removed. 

I ask again, Why is the Zoo holding onto to this old, crumbling fence?   This fence should have been torn down a decade ago.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-fence-graffiti-zoos-r-animal.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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Have A CATacular 4th! - Enrichment Highlight

Good grief people, I started two update posts last week and then felt crappy and dropped the ball.  Still don't feel great, in fact going through something and it's been a struggle to feel well the last four months.  Not much can do when there is situational unrest in life thats beyond your control.  Anyway...

This came up in my Facebook Memories this morning.  These Firecrackers were some of my favorite Enrichment Toys I've made.  And our Amanzi and Jahari provided perfect photo ops!

One of my first interests with our Zoo Friends was learning about Enrichment.   The Zoo would do fun stuff for Halloween and Christmas on occasion and those were always the best times at the Zoo.   Seeing the Animals up, active and having fun.   

Back in the early days, there weren't many Celebrations for any of the Animals Birthdays.  Sometimes certain Animals would be highlighted for Members Mornings and there would be some Birthday fun.  In January of 2010, two Lion Friends had Birthdays, Amanzi on the 4th and Tunya on the 26th, and when I realized celebrating was missed, I asked Barb if we could have a Lion Party on Jahari's Birthday February 7th and she said yes!  I made big cat sized party favors, that were filled with Lion treats!

Amanzi

After that, I wanted more of this amazing opportunity, and to try my hand at paper mache!  One of my most cherished moments was having my friend Tony be the recipient of my first mache ball especially for his 18th Birthday party.  He went right for it and walked off with it!

Tony

My friend Lee and I would continue to make Toys for the Big Cats and on occasion the Bears, every week for nine months, until it became a drama because of jealous and embarrassed staffers who whined and made it impossible for us to continue.  It ended something special to us, but stole weekly Enrichment from the Big Cats.  It was disgraceful behavior from those two people who were supposed to have the Animals best interest, yet denied them because of personal insecurities.   

Thank you to ex- Big Cat Keeper Extraordinaire Barb Palmer, who always shared her knowledge with me, and is responsible for allowing me to have one of the best experiences of my life.

See all the fun on my blog that documents the toys we made:

http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com/2010/08/welcome.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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