Pandas - Here's What The Mayor Should Do!

*Why I think San Francisco should only committ to hosting Pandas for two years.

I have made it no secret that I think the Needs of our San Francisco Zoo, specifically those of our Orangutans, should be met before bringing Pandas here.  In seeking Pandas and touting Asian Conservation, our San Francisco Mayor London Breed should want to make sure all the Animals are "Happy", and that means fixing our Zoo and building a new home for the Orangutans, who are a major Being in Asian Conservation.

Since the last time I posted about Panda Talk, there have been many news articles noting all the costs, fundraising, hoops and hurdles, bringing Pandas to our San Francisco Zoo will entail.  In addition to my own reluctancy (and that of many I know), to be on board with this acquisition, at this time, opposition by many others have been expressed in articles, tweets, and comments. 

As noted previously, my main issue is the use of $25 million for this Want, when our Zoo has been breaking down for fifteen years under the mismanagement of SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson.  This Want, would ignore all the Needs, specifically the Orangutans.  If the Mayor and/or Director can raise $25 million to use for enclosure builds alone, they need to include building a new home for the Orangutans as well.

When Panda Talk started, Director Peterson apparently sold the illusion that the Zoo had created an "Asian Conservation Zone", that included a specific area for Pandas.  Mayor Breed apparently bought this illusion, and set-out on her quest.  Both have been quoted talking about the area, which has been used for the past many summers for Zoo Campers to run wild in.  My point in rehashing this is if Director Peterson was concerned, actually lets say, in the least bit interested, in Asian Conservation, she would have provided for the Orangutans, ideally before they got here, but definitely at some point in the five years they have been here. 

During my Zoo visit last Monday,  I had an idea, that frankly should become more than just an idea by a member of the public, but a serious consideration by Mayor Breed.  I think my thoughts, are the most logical way for the Zoo to  forge ahead with bringing Pandas here, because let's face it, if all the permits and financial obstacles are taken care of, there is no way of stopping those Pandas from boarding the plane.  That said, there should be room for compromising the plan into something that works for the overall good of the Zoo, and that would satisfy those who are against the outrageous cost being spent on one Animal, before any Need is fixed.

Aside from all the unknown costs that will be added to having Panda, the main number reported has been the $25 million that will be spent on housing alone.  As anyone who has read my posts knows, when that number got broken into $3-5 million for a temporary enclosure and $20 for a permanent one, is where I became enraged.  Zero dollars were spent for the Orangutans and now, an asinine amount will be spent for a new acquisition. It's outrageous and irresponsible.  And, let's not forget that the Pandas could be repossessed at any point in time. 

So, last Monday, there I was standing in front of the Big Cat Grottos, when the idea hit me. 

I had asked a few people weeks ago if they had heard where the temporary enclosure would be.  No one had even realized two enclosures were part of the plan.  I know there aren't many options that would fall into the "upgrading an existing enclosure" parameter, as it would have to be one that could hold an Animal the size and strength of a Panda.  I also feared in doing so, a current Zoo Resident would be displaced.  With the two Lions recently taken off view for introductions, I realized they would eventually be occupying only one Grotto and the other one would probably be where the Pandas would go.  The Pandas that were at the Zoo in the 1980s, were housed in one of the Cat Grottos.  I saw them, and always thought they were in Grotto A, but also remember it feeling dark, so I don't know.  The number of yards have been reduced and expanded from four to two since then.  Grotto C/D (now B) was renovated for the Jaguar, but he was never moved in.  So, I have to assume that B will be the temporary home of the Pandas.

Looking at B, it is already a huge enclosure, with lots of ground greenery, cave cubbies, and a platform.  It already looks better than other Panda enclosures I've seen online, and the current (permanent?) Orangutan enclosure for that matter.  Aside from some topical additions (more platforms, leaning items such as logs, etc., and possibly some planting), and work to night quarters, I don't see $3-5 million in upgrades needed.  I can't even imagine there being a million dollars worth. 

*The logical solution to this whole Panda Plan is to back-burner the Permanent Residency plan, and committ to Pandas for two years, of which they will remain in the renovated Cat Grotto.  After one year, the situation will be evaluated. 

*The factors to consider would be... Are there (still) crowds being drawn to the Zoo specifically to see the Pandas?  Is there (still) a significant increase in attendance and funds generated from that?  Those factors will determine if it's financially justifiable to move forward with investing in building a permanent enclosure.  If not, the Pandas are here for two years and that event will have been a great experience, just not a permanent one.  If it is, and the funds have been secured for a permanent enclosure, then it could be a welcome addition. 

That all said, those secured funds must be independant of increased attendance revenue, which should be used exclusively for fixing the Zoo.  And initial fundraising should include all Panda related costs for the two years, and funds for a new Orangutan enclosure.

Even without spending $20 million on a permanent enclosure, the costs will include a reported $1 million per Panda rental fee per year, transportation costs for bringing in Bamboo (of which would be at least 30 lbs for each per day), payroll for extra security, and I recently read a Panda specific Vet and possibly Keepers.  Those factors alone would exceed a few million minimum per year.  So if the Mayor believes she can raise $25 million for housing alone, she can surely swing an initial $10 million or so to cover the upgrades, two years of costs, and an Orangutan enclosure.  

Mayor Breed, can you make this happen, so everyone will be happy?

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