It's Time For The Zoo To Wake-Up & Let Go Of The Panda Fantasy.

I started this post early yesterday morning.  As I settled into a day of lounge, I looked to my posts in drafts to decide where to go with flow based on the post from the night before.  A comment on that post came in while I was just about to decide on this next post.  The user questions the pursuit of Pandas, so the choice was easy.  This one, started a couple months ago, seemed the most appropriate fit to not only follow my last post, but a lead-in to a post for this week about ZooFest, and how that directly relates to what's happening with Our Chimpanzees, and the continued curiosity regarding this Zoological Society event's fundraising focus.

As I attempted to start organizing the notes already in the draft, prompted by the user comment, thoughts about the post from the night before entered my mind.  I'm still a bit uneasy about writing that last post, because I don't want those I know to be offended, or feel betrayed because we have have a difference of opinion.  That said, I feel it was necessary to document and express, considering what I know.  If there's stuff I don't know that should be considered, then it's up to someone to share that with me.  My feelings and thoughts are mine to express how I need to, and why, which is to be a voice for our voiceless friends.  I have never regretted anything I've documented in a post.  

After that, and staring at notes, I abandoned working on the post for the rest of the day.  I really am making progress on letting Zoo stuff go, even if for short periods of time.  Today is a new day, so here we go.

It's time for the Zoo to wake-up, and let go of the Panda Fantasy... and start attending to long overdue Needs.

I recently noted in an unPanda related post, that I heard the Panda Plan was still on.  That said, it coming to fruition is highly doubted among Staff.    Myself, I think anything is possible within the Zoological Society when they Want something.  That said, apparently, they still have not gotten the go ahead on many elements.  The savior for vetoing this irresponsible disaster could still be the Audit.  The Audit is still ongoing, and at it's conclusion, a recommendation for whether the Zoo is in the position to acquire Pandas, is supposed to be a key factor.  Let's hope the Auditors advise the Board of Supervisors to stop the Panda nonsense.  

Most if this will be a rehash, because seriously how many more logical points can be made about how irresponsible acquiring Pandas will be?  Yet, obviously as long as some still have it in their stubborn ignorant minds, it's necessary, especially in light of us losing Our Chimpanzees

The negligence, of Tanya Peterson's failure to provide for the Orangutans by building them a new home on the Triple Grotto site, and Management now succumbing to her failure by not finding a way to fix the problem she created without losing Our Chimpanzees, is shameful.  And, it's directly resulting in Our Chimpanzees now being transferred out.  Yet, the Panda Plan and it's financial drain and chaos continues?  It's disturbing and unreal.

The Panda Plan was announced by former Mayor Breed on April 19, 2024.  The SF Chronicle dropped it's first in a series of articles, exposing the mass mismanagment of Our Zoo at the hands of Tanya Peterson.  Still Breed kept on, and Tanya soon joined in, spewing her Zoo-lusions as to a designated space for Pandas in a non-existent Asian Conservation Zone.  Every entity from the Mayor, to the RecPark, to the Zoological Society, to the Board of Supervisors, to the Asian Community, to Donors, who have never stepped foot in Our Zoo, were all on Board.  No one came to the Zoo to see for themselves, no one talked to Animal Staff, everyone just lapped up the fantasy Breed and Peterson were selling.  Neither Peterson or Breed cared about what bringing in Pandas would do to Our Zoo, not just financially, but logistically.  The chaos and destruction to the landscape of the Zoo.  The further neglect of the Needs of the Animals currently living at the Zoo.  

Contrary to what the Zoological Society and Tanya Peterson herself have touted, other than ZooFest, the Society's party, she did little, if anything to fundraise.  The list of Needs is long and her constant mantra of No Money, leaves the belief there is little to no money for these Needs.  Among the most costly, would probably be the desperate redo Needed on the Triple Grotto site, for the Orangutans.  So, with no apparent funds for that, we will lose Our Chimpanzees, so that the Orangutans can move into their home.  Yes, that would solve the issue of the Orangutans living in a Prison Pit, it would also help secure their re-accreditation that comes up for renewal in less than two years, but, is that right?  No, it's not.  Our Zoo should be figuring out the route to building on Triple Grotto while upholding their responsibility to both the Chimpanzees and Orangutans that they gave a home to.  

Instead, of making plans to do right by two Species that are currently living at Our Zoo, the Panda Plan is still in motion.  Is that right?  Is it righteous?  It most certainly is not.

In addition to the astronomical cost,  the disturbance to Our Zoo is disgraceful.  To cut costs the Panda Plan includes an entire take-over of the Lion House, a historic building that has housed Big Cats since the Zoo's beginnings.  The Panda Plan requires displacing Our Lions, and building them a new home.  Pandas resided (only) in Grotto A, briefly in the 80s, while touring the States.  It is not acceptable to remove Our Lions, from the Lion House.  If they can't afford to build a new enclosure for Pandas, then No Pandas.  And No Pandas when current Residents are in Need.

This scenario is not only mind-boggling, it's mind-numbing. No funds raised to build a new home for Orangutans.  Raise funds for Pandas.  Bring in Pandas.  Remove Lions from Lion House.  Build Lions a new home.  Kick-out Chimpanzees.  

What the serious F**k?  Come On People, Wake-Up!

Related Information:

Here's a very streamlined timeline, for those interested in Why making Pandas a priority is just not right.

2013/14 - Former Director Tanya Peterson, sets in motion her shameful plan to kick-out our three remaining long-timers, Cobby, Minnie and Maggie.  These senior Chimpanzees have lived at Our Zoo over 45 years.  

Feb 2015 - Forced by public outrage, Tanya changes course, and announces Chimps are staying and new home will be built for them.  

Nov 2016 - A year/half later, construction starts.

Sept 2018 - Chimps given access to Skytrails.  This is the first time in 50 years they have left Triple Grotto.

Oct 2018 - New Chimpanzee Qadeer arrives!

Nov 2018 - Over three and a half years after promised new living space, our three long-timer Chimps access their new indoor Dayroom for the first time!  

Feb 2019 - Erie Zoo News Flash!  Ollie Orangutan is moving to San Francisco!? ... The Big Question is "Where is he going"?

Mar 2019 - Chimps move out of Triple Grotto.

Early May 2019 - Both Orangutans, Male Oillie and Female Amoi are Here!  Occupying Triple Grotto bedrooms.  There has been No other space designated for them.

5.30.19 - Full integration of Chimps successful and the four access their new Yard together for the first time!  

Jun 2019 - Chimps have random access to their new Yard.  My count is less than a dozen times and that's generous. ... Female Orangutan Amoi has been given access.

8.15.19 - New Chimpanzee Nick arrives!  The Two Females he lived with will follow. ... Twiggy and Jamie arrive 9.11.19.

July - Aug 18, 2019 - Chimps have had no Outside access for Seven Weeks.  Not to the Trails, Not to their Yard. 

8.18.19 - I made a call to the SSP Chimpanzee Coordinator about what is going on with Chimps, not having outdoor access in seven weeks.

8.19.19 - The Chimps were given outside access!  ... Sadly, the Orangutans will now have no outside access except for the Skytrails.

8.19.19 - The Chimpanzees have had continuous access to yard since 8.19.19.  Both Dayroom and Yard needed to manage Chimps as group is now at seven.

12.14.19 - I wrote a blog post, "Orangutan Watches Chimp Birthday - Extreme Sadness - My Heart Breaks" ... An excerpt, "Watching Ollie was heartbreaking.  It has been for months and the level of upset increases each week I see the Orangutans.  When I left the Zoo, I felt so down.  I loved watching the Chimps have so much fun with their party festivities, but when those moments were over, I saw Ollie and Amoi.  I spend most of my time with the Chimps, so there is no way to avoid the Orangutans.  Under normal circumstances I wouldn't want to, but in this cruel environment, if they weren't next to the Chimps, I might avoid them except to get some quick footage to document their situation. ... The next day, I decided not to go to the Zoo, because I just couldn't see them in that caged tube again so soon.  It's never easy, but I was still feeling emotional from the day before.  I couldn't get Ollies eyes out of my mind.  I went on errands, and broke down crying in my car.  I just can't shake the sadness. I had to try to distance myself from emotions just to finally write this.  I don't understand how this is happening to these Beings?"

12.15.19 - I wrote a blog post, "Shame at SFZoo -  No Christmas Joy For Ollie And Amoi".  They have had no outside access except for the Skytrails.  The breakdown of that is Male Ollie, has never left the Skytrail.  He has lived exclusively in the caged tubes since his arrival eight months ago.  Female Amoi had seven weeks, before being stuck in the tubes for the last four months.

12.16.19 -  Ollie's face was still scarred in my mind.  The level of sadness, compounded with the cruelty and disrespect, I had to do something.  I filed a report with the USDA.

12.18.19 - Ollie and Amoi got Christmas Joy, access to the Chimp Yard!   This was Ollie's first time outside the caged tubes.

12.19.19 - Non-Zoo Staff were in Triple Grotto, inspecting and measuring.  Something prompted action, that assuming will lead to work being done in Triple Grotto.

Feb 2021 - Fourteen months later, renovation to Triple Grotto started.  Zoo was closed for Covid shutdowns total of six months.  Not sure why another eight month delay.

6.2.21 - Orangutans given access to Triple Grotto North.  There were no renovations made for them.  Only thing done was bringing it up to code.  Tanya cried No Money for anything else, yet paid over three months of labor costs and material to build a huge metal bridge for Keeper access.  Something better surely could have been done with what was spent on this disgrace.

"Our Zoo Is A Forever Home" Said Zoo's Jeff Pace - Tell That To Twiggy, Nick and Qadeer!

In my recent post dated September 23, regarding Our Chimpanzees being transferred out of Our Zoo, I wrote:

I still can't shake the sadness about this happening. Sadness for them, and sadness for those of us who love them.

An hour ago, I didn't even plan to write this post.  I sat here feeling sick from something I heard (the title quote).  I shared it with a friend who loves Our Chimps as well.  I thought, I have to document this in a post. I didn't know what that post would be, but thoughts came flowing in and snips formed.  As I've tried to piece them together, tears also formed.  Again, sadness for what is going to happen to Our Chimpanzees, and for what has happened to Our Orangutans.  Five individuals who have suffered here.  Our Chimpanzees, group losses, and future trauma from relocation.  Our Orangutans, inhumane housing, and the trauma from that.  

Those traumas caused by former Director Tanya Peterson's lack of care, mismanagement and sinister plans.

In that same post I wrote, "I will continue to push for a rebuild of the Triple Grotto site, in hopes that Our Zoo will one day be home to Chimpanzees again, even though it won't be Our Three that have a piece of my heart."

If this plan does indeed go through, and it is seemingly a done deal, I will push for that, but right now I need to be vocal about how I feel, and every thought I have about this, and that is, that this should not be happening.  This is not right.

I know this post is going to ruffle feathers.  I am prepared that Staff I have been friendly with for years, may not want to continue talking to me.  That would be unfortunate, but I can not hold something that means so much to me inside.  It's not healthy for me, and it certainly is an injustice to the innocents it involves.

Last weekend I was researching something about Our Chimps and came across a Facebook post in 2019 by Zoo Tampa, just after sending their Chimpanzees to Our Zoo.

"This week, Zoo Tampa bid an emotional goodbye to its Chimpanzees as they move to their new home at the San Francisco Zoo.  The relocation was coordinated as part of the Species Survival Plan and will enable the three aging primates to live with a larger, senior group of Chimps in a new social environment. The Chimps, Nick, Jaime and Twiggy, have been part of the ZooTampa family for approximately 30 years and will be missed by our team of animal care professionals, members and guests."

As I noted in that previous post, and mentioned here, our remaining Chimps have suffered losses, two losses a few months apart in 2021, one being Twiggy's sister Jamie, and two in the past year.  Six years ago Tampa labels them "aging".  Twiggy turns 40 in December, Qadeer turned 40 in February, and Nick will be 35 in December.  These senior Beings should not have to be crated, transported and have to acclimate to new homes.  

In my opinion, Our Zoo should find a way to keep Our remaining three Chimpanzees and manage them and Our Orangutans between the Chimp enclosures and enclosure that could first be built for a future primate species adjacent to South Grotto, while Orangutans are still occupying North Grotto.   

In that recent previous post, I wrote my idea.  

This afternoon, I realized I never watched the video from September's RecPark Full Commission Meeting.  The Zoo's CFO and interim Co-CEO, Jeff Pace gave the presentation.  Pace started by answering questions asked by the Commissioners at the last meeting, one being whether the passing of that many Animals was typical.  His answer noted the average amount, as well basically that the Zoo houses many senior Animals.  Adding,...

"Our Zoo Is A Forever Home"

I was like what?  Tell that to Twiggy, Nick and Qadeer!

It was this statement that literally sent me reeling.  As I write this, knowing this is what prompted this post, I realize this has slipped too far down the page, and I'm changing the title of this post. ... The original title was, Righting Past Wrongs - The UnDoing of Tanya Peterson - Chimpanzee & Orangutan Edition.  There is a long list of things to Undo, that title can wait.

So, if Our Zoo is supposed to be the last stop for senior Animals, meaning no more being transferred to other Zoos, How is Our Zoo not these three Chimpanzees Forever Home?

In April, a month after Maggie passed away, I contacted someone outside the Zoo regarding our remaining three Chimpanzees, as I had a strong feeling their future at Our Zoo was not secure.  I was told, "For all of the reasons that you outline below, the SSP does not have a hard & fast rule for minimum group size, though we do prefer that institutions hold at least 5 individuals. We do worry about a facility ending up with just 1 or 2 animals eventually, and for that reason, we make it a rule to prioritize recommending that they receive additional animals before we hit that tipping point. As such, we have tried to engage in conversations with San Fran about recommendations for additional animals but have not had any success."  

Since then, there have been changes in Staff and Management.  I continued to ask those I talk to, everyone saying they haven't heard anything.  

A few weeks ago, I again inquired to my source outside the Zoo.  This was their their reply... "At the request of San Francisco, we are working to move the remaining three chimpanzees out to other facilitates. We have located placement for Twiggy, and are working to find placement for the boys, who will not be separated. ... I hope that this helps clarify some things for you. Though we're sad to lose San Fran as a holder, we must work with our member institutions to adhere to their collection plans."

That said, the information differs from what I've heard from the Zoo's end.  That being, "It was recommended that the three be rehomed." Whether there was miscommunication, or they were told that based on SF saying they did not want to acquire more Chimps, or something else, I don't know.

I am resigned to Twiggy, Nick, and Qadeer leaving.  That doesn't mean I'm not hoping for that to change.   

Make no mistake, I am pissed and sad that Our Zoo Is Not Their "Forever Home".

Related Post:

*For The First Time In It's History, Our Zoo Will Soon Be Without Chimpanzees

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/for-first-time-in-its-history-our-zoo.html

Video Link:

From Zoo Tampa Facebook.   Video of Tampa Staff visiting SF, with Jamie and Twiggy's reactions and interactions.  It's a tearjerker!

https://www.facebook.com/ZooTampa/videos/620373265522982/?mibextid=9drbnH&s=yWDuG2&fs=e

This Week At The Zoo - 9.29.25

I didn't do a week wrap-up last weekend, and as I'm starting this Sunday nearing 8p, not sure I'm even posting this.  Going to put down some thoughts and see how it goes.  I hate blogging now, and have made progress not to constantly think about Zoo stuff for the most part, and definitely not have it take over a large part of my peaceful days in, hence the late start.

The last post I planned and bagged was for World Gorilla Day on Wednesday September 24.  I did a history chart of Our Zoo's Gorillas, and it had been rumored that new male Gorilla Cecil would be out, so I thought I'd wait to include that first glance sighting.  Eleven days later, he has still yet to be seen.  The exhibit area was finally open on Gorilla Day, after being closed since several days prior to Cecil's arrival on August 12th.  Unfortunately, it has been closed again since Gorilla Day.  Many have asked me when it will open.

Early this past week, I was told introductions to the females were still in progress, but that Cecil had access to yard.  At the end of the week, I was told all Gorillas had access, but Cecil is still hesitant to explore the yard.  I was happy to hear that integration has allegedly been successful, and hope in the near future, Gorillas will be open.  I think it's important that Animal Staff take time to monitor how he navigates the yard, and the groups interaction while out together.  I had heard he was "a climber", so the enclosure has been upgraded with hot wire that covers the entire perimeter wall.  In hindsight, I couldn't remember if there was any before, and if not, of course wondered why.  Another curiosity is why after painting the barrier bar, they didn't reinstall the secondary barrier wire that was attached below the bar.   Kids will still gravitate to the window, but maybe that's not an issue.

While I understand the need to give the Gorillas time, and I am all for whatever is best for them, I maintain that the radio silence on Cecil has been a disservice to what little Community Our Zoo has, and to his fans in Louisville.  In my opinion, updates should have been coming out of Our Zoo since his arrival.  There doesn't seem like a logical reason to not share at least a photo and some words about him since arriving here.

I pulled some video clips of Cecil for friends, and was going to add to that Gorilla Day post.  Sharing here for those interested.  My favorite is the Drumming one.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/725706035681667/?mibextid=9drbnH&s=yWDuG2&fs=e

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1150559616055639/?mibextid=9drbnH&s=yWDuG2&fs=e

While waiting for a chance to see Cecil, I have documented things that in my opinion should have been done in the last two months, since new management has taken over.  I still have faith, and continue to be reassured of that.  I have been told things take time.  I understand that, but there are also things that can be done immediately, that make a difference.  Those are things that stick in my mind.  I walk the grounds and look through eyes of visitors.  After the last year/half of bad press, I am even more hypersensitive to appearance.  The need for establishing and building a Community that Cares, remains one of my top issues.  More on that another time.

These are some of the things I think need attention.  Hopefully I can be short on words, as photos are self-explanatory.

First, a follow-up to the Renew the Zoo efforts to clean-up the perimeter fence line along Sloat.  The Monday after the Saturday event, the garbage and weeds were definitely cleaned-up, but I was expecting the sand in the corner that catches trash to be removed.  In hindsight, maybe it runs deep and can't be?  Maybe additional attention to preventing that is needed, as it continues to be a catch zone.  That said, the other catch zone at the curb could have had sand removed.  This needs to happen routinely to avoid trash build-up.  As well that sand corner needs to be cleaned daily.  The removal of the weeds along fence line, has exposed even more wear on the fence.  I reiterate my broken record, that the fence and pillars need to go.  The fence also had the same graffiti on my visits, Monday and Friday, and Friday part of the fence was detached and just propped up.  The fence is screaming for help, does anyone but me hear it?

The plants I documented that had been layed out at Black Rhino barrier, have been planted.  While it looks nice to create a landscaped area, like with other funds spent on "gardens", I would prefer to see jagged fencing along the barriers of code red animal enclosures, as it continues to be a breaching issue that puts Our Animals lives in danger.  I continue to sing this broken record of mine as well.  Been documenting this dire Need at Black Rhino, Black Bears and Grizzly Bears, since the beginning of time.

After many years of complaining, a jagged barrier was finally added to former Anteater enclosure, now Pudu.  This idea has been successful and could be added to Bears and Rhino.  Additional height above existing barrier needed.  This one has areas that are too close to existing height and at Bears and Rhino would not prevent people from still hanging their kids over.

This type of fence, in place at Chimp yard, with spacing would probably keep people off barrier best!

Every visit, someone has got their kids hanging over barriers. The last post I mentioned this in a couple weeks ago, I showed at Black Rhino.  This one from last week, at Grizzly Bears.  Two kids were over the barrier.

While on Bears...  The windows have been an eye-sore for too long.  I understand there's a cost to replacing the film, but geez, people got to see in there!   

Additionally, we need the Monarch statue reinstalled. As well the info sign. It was taken off site, which was across from Grizzly Bears in a beautiful spot, along our once beautiful lake, which was destroyed with the waste of a Million Dollars, for BS Train extension.  It has sat where they left it, behind the south gate, and continues to be ignored.

Statue in original spot.

I deco'd the photo for some use in 2013.

Monarch, abandoned at South Gate.  

New location idea.  I like the placement under the flag pole, where the State Flag bearing Monarch's image flies.  Get rid of the rocks, and expand concrete cut-out area. ... Move the blue sign to the X spot.  

Over-head view of Lake landscaping before destroyed for Train BS. ... Monarch was at orange dot.

Destruction to Lake area for Train BS.  This area eventually needs attention, it looks so ugly.

Speaking of ugly, seriously What The Hell with this eye-sore?  This area is sad.  This is the former Pygmy Hippo enclosure.  They added plants on the stair to the pool months ago.  I was told it was supposed to be some Asian Garden?  I can't even with that.  The sign says Temporarily Empty.  As far as I know there is unfortunately no plan to acquire another Pygmy Hippo.  They use these signs sometimes for a year+.  Just make a sign that says This Enclosure Currently Empty.   

The pool is nasty.  The plants are dying and the water is dark and has clumps of waste in it.  This needs to be cleaned-up and left empty.

Who knows what the plan was here.  Months ago the Plexiglass panels were removed, and these trees propped up against the wood panels.

This drives me crazy.  The Plexiglass has been laying against the fencing since it was removed.  The top corners on some are broken.  As well, some other random wood against the enclosure.  Looks messy and needs to be moved out of sight.

Sorry for all the complaints, but again little things matter.  All it takes is a walk around the property by caring eyes to see these issues.  That said, finally there are signs at Snow Leopard and Tortoises.  Maybe in the future they can have signage in place when the Animal moves into the enclosure.

I think I'm going to end here, as I've noted enough (and added additional) that Needs immediate attention, for both the benefit of the Zoo's appearance, but most important, for the safety of Our Black Rhino, Black Bears and Grizzly Bears.  

For The First Time In It's History, Our Zoo Will Soon Be Without Chimpanzees

I wrote a blog post after Maggie, our last long-timer Chimpanzee passed away in March.  In that post, I noted my suspicion that in the near future, we could lose our remaining three Chimpanzees.  Sadly, now that suspicion has come to fruition.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/04/are-our-chimpanzees-at-risk-for-leaving.html

ReHoming our remaining Chimpanzees is more than just eliminating them from the Zoo's collection.  It's about those three individuals, Twiggy, Nick and Qadeer. Them as individuals is what is most important to me in this.  

Yesterday morning, I parked and closed all apps on my phone, before going into the Zoo.  I know better not to check email at certain times to keep my inner peace.  Still I glanced at it before closing.  I got an email from an outside (the Zoo) contact, confirming my suspicion.  My first thoughts went immediately to Our Chimps.  To what those thoughts had been back in March when my suspicion was, that this could happen.  Our Chimps as individuals are where my concerns are.  

Ten years ago, I started my crusade to make sure our three Chimpanzee long-timers home at Our Zoo was secure.  That crusade was successful and Our Zoo welcomed four additional Chimpanzees after that.  Their home at Our Zoo should have been secure as well.

Our Zoo acquired Qadeer, Nick, Twiggy and Jamie in 2019. Once the new Chimpanzee enclosures were completed, it was necessary for the Zoo to add to our three long-timers to make the group size acceptable by AZA/SSP standards.  Qadeer was brought here first.  He came from a rough situation where I was told he was low in social standing, picked on to the point he lost fingers and toes. Introducing him to Our Cobby benefited them both.  It gave Cobby a male friend, his first in over fifty years, and it gave Qadeer acceptance within his new family group.  Jamie, Twiggy and Nick arrived seven months later.  The girls, half-sisters, had lived together their whole lives, and with Nick reportedly for decades.  Just under two years later, the new family group lost their Patriarch, Our long-timer Cobby.  Not long after that, Jamie passed away.  Last year they lost Minnie, and this year Maggie.  This group has suffered enough, the thought of removing them from their home to me is unconscionable.   My emotions tug a bit more for Twiggy, as she lost her Sister, and also had an injury early this year that kept her separated from the group, and after Maggie's passing, left her the lone female. 

I wrote in that post, or one after it, that the Zoo should acquire one or two females so Twiggy has same gender friends, but not anymore males because it's unnecessary since we have two and they are seem to have a good relationship.

At the time of Maggie's passing, my suspicion was fueled by then Director Tanya Peterson's disrespect, disregard, and general lack of care for Our Chimps, coupled with her disrespect, disregard, and general lack of care for Our Orangutans, whose living environment has been shit since the day of their arrival.  Her mismanagement, her zero attempt at raising funds to build the Orangutans an appropriate home here, has left them living on two tiny concrete islands.  I had a feeling that now that all our long-timers are now gone, she would send our remaining Chimpanzees packing, and move the Orangutans into their home.  I originally thought she would see it as an opportunity to solve her Orangutan housing problem, but now, and I mean this moment as I am literally writing, I see very clearly, that this was most likely her plan all along.

When Peterson tried to kick our long-timer Chimpanzees out of their old Triple Grotto home in 2015, public outrage forced her to keep them, and build them a new home.  It was reported that she told a lead donor it would benefit the Chimps and future Apes.  She meant Orangutans.  She took two years to start construction on the Chimps new home.  I have always maintained she tried to wait for one of them to pass away, so the Zoo would have no choice but to reHome the remaining two, allowing her to proceed with her original plan and her agenda to rid Our Zoo of Chimpanzees.  It is my opinion now, that is why she never made any effort to give the Orangutans a proper home, or spend money on them at all.  It is my opinion, she was again waiting for our long-timers to pass away, so she could reHome the remaining four (now three) who arrived in 2019, and move the Orangutans into their home.  

 

Regardless of my opinion now about what I think Peterson's plan was all along, make no mistake, if the Triple Grotto exhibit site had been rebuilt for the Orangutans, before or soon after their arrival, both species would have secured homes at Our Zoo.  Losing our remaining Chimpanzees, is on Tanya Peterson.

Maybe if Peterson had cared, she would have spent less time on sinister plans and more time trying to not only raise funds for Our Orangutans, but save funds instead of the long list of unnecessary spending, like the Million Dollars spent on the train extension bullshit.

It's mind-blowing and shameful that Peterson is not even there anymore, and Our Zoo is still furthering her agenda, when they should be righting her wrongs.  

I literally have a post in draft titled, Righting Past Wrongs - The UnDoing of Tanya Peterson. 

That said I had high hopes that new management would have a game plan to prevent any further destruction to Our Zoo.  I would expect new management to take a look at everything that happened while Tanya was here and try to make things better.  This is not better.  

With the action of reHoming Our Chimpanzees, I certainly do not like the direction Our Zoo is going.

From 2014-2018, Our Chimpanzees security weighed heavy on my mind and emotions.  For the last six years, the living space of Our Orangutans has weighed heavy on my mind and emotions.  I have had several ideas for how the Triple Grotto site could be rebuilt while both species are still occupying existing enclosures.  Both with homes secured here.  I have had one in a draft post for months.  Last week, the best of all suddenly came to me.  It does involve the Orangutans moving into the Chimpanzees home, but does not have the Chimpanzees being moved out of Our Zoo.  It has Triple Grotto being rebuilt for them.   I recently realized that our remaining Chimps don't make use of the dayroom window, or the netting in their yard.  Both something the Orangutans would, and would need in newly built enclosures.   The Chimps like being outdoors and on the space of both Grottos currently being used, a huge outdoor front moated enclosure would be ideal for them.  It would also save on netting, glass and additional supplies needed to build the Orangutans a yard and a dayroom.  And yes, I think there is a way to do all this, with both Chimps and Orangutans staying on site.

I feel like I make efforts in thought that others don't. It's frustrating because I can only put forth ideas.   Those who had a say in this, should have tried to keep Our Chimpanzees here.

So, now we're going to have the Great Ape Passage, with No Chimpanzees. Not only is this move not fair to Our Chimpanzees, it's an emotional upset for those of us who love them.  Regardless of whether the Zoo has ever respected that, visitors become endeared, attached and care.  Additionally, it is a blow to Our Zoo to lose another large Animal species.   It gets in line with the transferring out of our Pygmy Hippo, River Hippo, Tiger, too many Primates, including five Monkey species, and our Siamang.  And if my suspicion is right about the displacing of Our Lions, so Pandas can take over the Lion House, we could lose Our Lions too.

I have heard the Panda Plan is irresponsibly still on.  So, at the rate things are going, it looks like Our Zoo will soon be, The San Francisco Panda Gardens.

While writing my thoughts for this post, I started to feel like I let Our Chimpanzees down.  Even though I have put alot of time and effort into documenting and networking, the Orangutans plight, need for a home, and the moral crime of funding Pandas which includes a new Lion enclosure, I obviously haven't gotten the attention to the situation and Need that was, or is needed.  I feel like I should have tried harder, and Our Chimpanzees would not be leaving.

I tried to help both Our Chimpanzees and Our Orangutans.  I grew-up with our long-timers, and when their home here was threatened by Peterson in 2015, I launched a crusade to save them.  That was successful, and they got a new home built. When they were locked out of their new yard, so Our Orangutans could get out of the caged tubes Peterson had banished them to, I called the SSP Chimpanzee Coordinator who I was friends with, and the next day, Our Chimps were in their yard.  Sadly that meant Our Orangutans were back in the tubes. It was extremely sad, a no-win situation for either species.  I then called the USDA, which I was told allegedly got things rolling in Triple Grotto for Our Orangutans to have their own yard.  With the exception of pushing harder to get media attention to their plight, I really tried.   I really have given so much of myself, for so many years, often to a detrimental point, but that's what you do when you care.   

I will continue to push for a rebuild of the Triple Grotto site, in hopes that Our Zoo will one day be home to Chimpanzees again, even though it won't be Our Three that have a piece of my heart.

I know Our Orangutans will be very happy in the Chimps home, and they deserve that happiness.  I've shed many tears throughout their plight, and will share in their happiness, I just wish it didn't happen like this.  

Post Publishing Note:

I published this post six hours ago.  It already has some views, but I just woke-up and realized that I didn't come right out and say I was sad and pissed.  Expressing my feelings was the catalyst for this post.  As I wrote, my feelings were expressed in different ways. Hopefully the words I did use to illustrate the situation, made my feelings obvious, because make no mistake, I'm Sad and Pissed that this is happening.

Bison Meadow Saga - Fall Update & My New Idea

The plight of the Bison Paddock Meadow in Golden Gate Park continues.  No surprise.  

For those new to this issue, you can search this blog for "Bison" and/or my YouTube for "leo811sf Bison".  I've done extensive, and exhausting coverage for too many years, regarding the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's negligence of keeping the irrigation/Sprinkler system continuously working, to maintain a healthy landscape of edible green vegetation for the Bison.  The Paddock is RecPark's responsibility, while the SFZoo is responsible for the Animals.

Before I move on, I have also documented, and most likely alerted RecPark of the negligence in replacing needed signage at the Paddock.  Signs like this, of which there are four on the side alone, are necessary.  One Bison babie lost their life years ago, due to an off-leash Dog that accessed the enclosure through a hole at the fence line.  That was another RecPark Fail to the Bison Paddock, as there was not just one breachable opening, but I counted thirty-six around the perimeter at the time of that incident.   

RecPark, in addition to the Sprinklers, you need to replace all defaced signage.  These signs have been like this for years!  For a City that touts embracing the natural environment and green spaces, the Animals, whether wild or captive like the Bison, sure seem to get the lowest priority of attention.  

In April, I reached out to Richmond District Supervisor Connie Chan for help on this, as the alleged decades old issue is shameful.  

At that time, two things happened.  One, a back and forth between myself, Chan, and RecPark, ending with a declaration from RecPark that the issues were fixed and the Sprinkler was working.  

Two, I decided to let it ride through the non-rainy months, and prove that the declaration is seemingly untrue.

Above is that declaration correspondence from LaMonte Bishop of the RecPark.  With the Meadow becoming more dried out in the month since my original contact, I replied back, " If the Sprinklers are working, Why is the Meadow brown?"  I never received a response.  

As June, July, and August have passed, and it's now nearing the end of September, as predicted the Meadow has continuously become more and more dried out. I documented almost weekly during the last four months.  So, now I'm back on it. 

Below my video taken in January, during rainy season.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NYyR0ZrLxOI

Below my video taken in May, after no rain for a month.  And now in September, is only worse as it's died of thirst for near six months.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wvnW3J_WsJg

It's very clear by these videos that the Meadow is green when water is involved.  When it rains, it's green.  When it doesn't rain, and there are NO sprinklers, it's brown.  The untruth about the sprinklers needs to just stop.   

Also note, Don't be fooled by what appears to be areas of green, those are plants considered to be Weeds, not edible vegetation for grazing Animals.  The two found in that meadow are Mallow and Thistle, the later reportedly toxic to Animals. While Mallow is considered harmless, it is noted as not favored.

These plants are not part of the Bison's diet.  They do not eat these plants.  This is evidenced by those visually green-ish patches with the Weeds looking to be near three feet tall!

I started this past week with an early morning visit, spending some time with the Ladies as they were gathered at their feeding area, snuffling through the dirt, dried vegetation and even trying to reach outside the fencing for a snack while waiting for the Keepers.  

These additional photos are worth documenting.  They show a bit of a close up of the Weeds, but also the bowls, one for each, that the Keepers leave with food to supplement their diet, and a small green patch that grows green during non-rainy season,  probably because it gets watered when the Bison drink from the trough that's there.  

While standing there, I had a couple thoughts.  One, I'm going to email LaMonte and find out what time in the "overnight", the Sprinklers are supposedly going on, because I do not believe they are.  All the other Park Sprinklers are on when I've been through between 8a-9a.  So many Sprinklers, to the point of excessive overflow in all areas.  The Park's priority seems to be to keep every area lush and green for Humans, but screw the Animals that need it for their natural grazing behavior and supplemental diet.

Above is Lindley Meadow, not far from the Bison.  It is green every day of the year.  If there was an irrigation issue there, you can bet it would be top priority to make sure the Sprinklers were working.

Before I continue with what my second thought was, because I want to end with that, I want to document the reply I got in regard to my first thought.  

So, I emailed LaMonte on Friday and asked for the Sprinkler time.  He was out of office, so Beverly Ng from the RecPark responded as I included her along with Connie Chan in my inquiry as that was the original chain group.  This was her response...

I responded by saying I was "Hesitant to believe this information, as I was told it was fixed and working four months ago.  It's too coincidental that I inquire about the timer the day after it's supposedly fixed (AGAIN?), and the Bison were in the main Meadow yesterday, so no way workers had access to it the irrigation system."  

I continue to wait for the information requested about the time the Sprinklers are active.

My second thought, was in regard to a long-running want of mine.  In a previous post I noted that the RecPark needs to remove those Weeds, rototil, and reseed, at the very least, in that huge center area, where non-edible vegetation grows.  Then I re-thought that, and realized it was not a good idea for the Parks gas fueled mowers to be in the Meadow, as a precaution to any leaks that could happen in the Bison's living space.  I then thought, maybe the Zoo's Horticulture and Maintenance team could work that area and remove those plants.  Now, my current thought, is the best idea of all.  

Last weekend the Zoo held a Renew the Zoo effort to clean-up the perimeter fence.  We need a Renew the Zoo to remove those Weeds!   This way, there is a larger group of people working to get this done.  And done by hand, so no gas fueled or other toxic fluid equipment has to go in the Meadow.

Ideally this could be done soon, before the rainy season, so that when Mother Nature starts crying on the Meadow, one of two things can happen.  A) We can see if the same green vegetation that grows in other areas of the Meadow are present there, or B) Skip that experiment and reseed that whole area, which I think is the best plan.  And the RecPark needs to provide the seed.

After visiting with the Ladies that morning, I was at the Zoo and lucked into a conversation with someone, who I shared my idea with.  They thought it was good and said they would pass it on to the person in charge of Renew the Zoo events.  

Hopefully, this will come to fruition, and at the very least, that largest area with the inedible Weeds can be removed.  The dirted area close to their eating shelter, trough, and bowl area, possibly doesn't need much except weeding near fence, as Bison use dirt for dusting to cool off and to keep insects away.

National Bison Day is November 2nd, a Sunday this year.  The Zoo usually does Renew the Zoo on Saturdays, so maybe on the 1st, if not earlier at one of the already scheduled dates.

My Photo of One of Our Ladies

circa 2013

As for the Sprinklers, we have to assume after over a decade, the RecPark is just never going to have them consistently working, or be truthful about the situation.  

Madagascar's Radiated Tortoises - First Glance In Outdoor Enclosure!

In my post Sunday, I shared a photo of them inside, as well as the overview of the enclosure.  Monday I got there just as they were exiting their indoor space.   My first time seeing them outside!

Meet Female Tim and Male Sammy!  They are very cute and I think that we will really be able to see their personalities in this enclosure.

Tim has been a longtime Resident, living at the ARC, and Sammy arrived recently.  I remember meeting Tim several times out on Nature Trail.

Tim gave me some face time!

Tim

Sammy, who has a little heart shape 

on his shell!

I took a few videos, but per usual with my current sucky storage situation, often videos take but don't save.  Lucky one did!

https://youtu.be/Wf1AoLK8UZA

I really like their enclosure.  I've been watching the build weekly, so I knew it was big, but seeing them in it, it's huge!   I originally heard the Aldabra Tortoises would be moving here, and was worried about the door size, because of how big the Aldabra eventually get. Then months ago one of the construction guys said they heard "new ones".  Further inquiry revealed Residents would be Radiated. Though now seeing this, I want the Aldabra's to have a larger home.  They are happy at the Farm, but will continue to grow, and eventually out grow their barnyard home.   I'm now eyeing the former Duck Pond site across from the Farm as possibility.  More on my ideas another time.

I asked about the log structure middle front, and was told it held an overhead heater, and that the boulder behind it had a panel heater that faces out from opposite side. 

The only fail is that there is no signage!!!  Seriously, the continuing no signage issue, is a big problem.  I was there for awhile and had to tell people who was in the enclosure.  I just don't understand it.  I've written about even putting a temporary one in places, like (currently) Snow Leopard.  It's a head-shaker and just reflects bad.  There is a small sign on one of the viewing windows, they need one like this on the fence asap!    

One thing I did learn was that this is allegedly the second of many phases for the Madagascar Exhibit.  I've been watching this since 2018, and have had many posts in draft over those six+ years, and have not been happy about much if it.  That said, this area for the Tortoises, and being able to see the Fossa have been bright spots in the whole thing.   

I hear, other enclosures are part of the other phases. Hoping for additional Animals, meaning Mammals and Birds. There's definitely space, especially if they knock down the ridiculous seating area I call the BBQ Pit.  That was a complete waste of money.  Take the loss and move on.  Use that space for Animals.   I look forward to seeing this area add more Animals, it desperately needs it.

I had hoped the Nocturnal Exhibit would have reopened, and the Aye Aye (from Madagascar) brought back.  Maybe that can still happen, although I heard that area might be further renovated for Dorian the male Fossa who remains at the off exhibit FCC area.  They originally built an indoor area for him, but something wasn't right.  Anyway, I need to hear more about that, because the enclosure that was built, that houses Violet the female Fossa, is way too small for it to be split to accommodate both at the same time, and I'm not a fan of them rotating, and one being stuck inside.

I'm sure there will be much more on the Tortoises in future This Week At The Zoo posts!   If you are a Visitor, you can also view the other male Radiated Tortoise, who shares the enclosure with the Sifakas.