A New Era For Our Zoo - Let's Hope So!

While I'd like to take a long break in posting now that Tanya is gone, I gotta keep on, keepin' on, at least with a few things.  Not only does this week and into the next, have many important dates for me personally, I need that break.  I'm going to endeavor to wrap-up those two "Unpacking" drafts, as we head into a new and hopeful era for Our Zoo. 

I wrote that and the rest of this post Saturday, and planned to publish the next day, along with one of the other drafts.  Obviously, I didn't get that far.  Considering that note of immediate ambition was days ago, and my need for personal time starts tomorrow, wrapping-up anything, may not happen in the next couple weeks.  Not only do I want it done, I also think those posts are necessary for enlightenment and awareness, for those in position to bring on change for the future betterment of Our Zoo.  So, I will try to find pockets of time.

The new COO (Chief Operating Officer) Cassandra Costello started yesterday, taking the helm assumingly along with the current CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Jeff Pace.  Pace mentioned at the last RecPark Full Commission Meeting that they would be interim Co-CEOs (Chief Executive Officers).   I previously posted about his reveal,...

"It's a bit surprising to hear the word and implementation of the term "Co-" , the Zoo has not to my knowledge ever had a team leadership at the highest level, but this has been a major component of my thoughts on Restructuring Management.  I'm disappointed that someone within Animal Care is not half that team.  Pace mentioned the search for the next Director, but didn't say if he and Costello will maintain the shared CEO duties after a new Director is hired.

If the next Director is not someone with an Animal Care background, I am leaning towards doubting that there will be much change in the management structure."

I feel very strongly that someone in Animal Care needs to have an equal voice, and seat at the table, in whatever new management structure is formed.  Regardless of whether that is interim, with this COO/CFO team, or with a new Director, regardless of whether they have Animal Care experience, I think it's important that current Animal Care Staff are included in all decisions, and their voices heard at all times.

If I had to choose just one Tanya Fail in the past seventeen years, it would probably be that Tanya (Peterson, former Director), did not listen to Animal Care Staff.  She had absolutely no experience in Animal Care, yet she failed to include those who did in on her ideas and/or plans for the Animals, which could have benefited the Animals and Zoo as a whole. 

Last Fall I wrote a detailed outline on what I thought a restructuring of management should look like, for the whole system to work to Our Zoo's advantage, moving into a thriving future.  It was based on the heavy inclusion of Animal Care Staff, as well as redefining the roles and duties of both the Zoological Society Board and the RecPark Commission.  Both the Board and Commission have been negligent in their responsibilities to Our Zoo the last seventeen years, throughout the reign of Tanya Peterson as Director. 

Members of both the Board and Commission have not admitted to any negligence of duty over the past sixteen months that Our Zoo has been under scrutiny.  They need to suck it up and accept that their free rein with Peterson contributed to the state Our Zoo is in right now.  No part of past mismanagement, past misappropriation of funds, or past dictatorship, can be a part of Our Zoo's future.   Our Zoo needs a management that is tight with oversight, it needs massive fundraising from sources big and small, and it needs to be run as a team, with everyone working together for the betterment of Our Zoo.

That all said, moving forward the two big questions on my mind are,...

*Will the new COO be engaging with Animal Care Staff?

Not only including them in ideas and decision making, but most important regarding Pandas.  In my opinion, that is the one thing Animal Care Staff has to be immediately vocal about.  With the exception of one, and that person may have just resigned to it because there was seemingly no choice,  no one I have talked to thinks Pandas are a good idea.  Most infact flat-out think its a bad idea.

*Is there a plan to confer with the Board, RecPark Commission and Mayor, regarding Restructuring Management?

In my opinion, there are serious issues within the clarity and execution of the Management duties of the Zoological Society Board, and the Oversight duties of the RecPark.  These responsibilities have been ignored for the last seventeen years, thus directly related to what was allowed to happened to Our Zoo.  Sorting this out in the near future is a necessary Need.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Consensus Is - No One Will Miss The Former Zoo Director

Former Director.  That sure does sound good!  Even though I'm hoping writing about her is a thing of the past, I might have to use that a few more times!

My previous post published Friday, her last day, was my fastest moving post in all fourteen years.  It garnered forty views in less than two hours from publishing, now over a hundred.  May not seem like much, but for my outreach it's decent.  Overall, since 2011, 990+ posts have totalled just under 560,000 views. 

While the all-time total comments is just two from 1100, that post garnered the most comments at seven.   People had passionate words, so I'm including them here.

Thank you to everyone who shared their feelings.  This will always be a forum for that.

I've written much about being overwhelmed, and desperately needing to heavily reduce blogging.  That exhaustion has also led to a delay in responding to comments.  I just spent near two hours replying to these new ones and ones still waiting from last few months.  And I still haven't finished.

Unfortunately, I think it's time to take the pressure off myself.  I added a notation on the comment form, that moving forward, I can't guarantee a reply.  If a question is asked that I can answer, I will endeavor to do that.

The future of my posts will concentrate on what, if any changes I notice in new management.  I also want to get back to posting more about the Animals, less about the bullshit.  I'm hoping the bullshit moving forward will be greatly reduced.  If new management can't make a difference, Our Zoo is seriously doomed and won't make it to it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.

Anyway, I digressed a bit.  The gist is, I need to greatly reduce the amount of time I spend on documenting Zoo stuff.  The average time spent on one post is 6-8.  So, I've given approximately 7000 hrs to the cause.  That's equal to almost a year and a half, of a full-time job.  And that is only counting this one blog.  Prior, I had many other Zoo related blogs, including two that claimed over 800 hrs.  So, I hope readers understand why I need to alleviate the pressure of comment replies, and why I will eventually reduce pressure of documenting much at all.

The main pain that was the former Director, will be gone, and noting again, I think the incoming COO, future Director, Board, RecPark and Mayor, will need to recognize Our Zoos Needs, and hopefully finally do right by it.  Time will tell if new management will care and listen.  Staff have spoken, I have spoken.  My work is pretty much done, except for the wrap-up of drafts, and the estimated next few months of reiterating the Needs of Our Zoo and monitoring any progress in change.

The new era starts tomorrow, as the new COO takes position.  Fingers crossed.  

Related Post:

*Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out! - Director's Last Day

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/08/dont-let-door-hit-you-on-way-out.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out! - Director's Last Day

Well, we have finally arrived at the day we have all been waiting seventeen years for.  Our Zoo will be Free of Tanya Peterson as Zoo Director!

A few days ago I posted a Countdown to July 31st, but apparently we have this one day left.  Reports of Tanya's Retirement listed August 1st, which I think I interpreted that as July 31st would be her last day.  End of month, seemed logical. Logic has never been a part of anything Tanya has done, so I shouldn't have assumed.  Maybe it was just the excitement that threw off my count.  None of it matters.  By the end of today, Our Zoo will be rid of her.

I've heard from many people in response to some of my posts about Director Tanya Peterson's Resignation.  Almost everyone has echoed on their own, the same phrase that first came to my mind, "Good Riddance"!

Some might think that is harsh.  It's not.  It's no secret that I am not a fan of Tanya's.  She's done some really shitty things to me, and even more to Our Animals, that by my standards makes her a really shitty person. 

To Tanya, 

Your Retirement is a decade plus overdue.  You should have been gone so many torturous years ago.  The majority of Zoo Staff will be celebrating and raising a toast to your departure.

Your Forced Resignation is Justice for all Our Animals, innocents that you disrespected and treated badly. 

This is for...

Ollie and Amoi, Our Orangutans

Cobby, Minnie, Maggie, and Tallulah, Our Original Chimpanzees

Falcor, Our First Komodo Dragon

Wishbone and Annie, Our Andean Bears

Violet and Dorian, Our Fossa

Jesse Patrick, Our Patas Monkey 

...and All The Others who I may not have known about, and those I just suspect, or that my mind has fogged over the memory of, your inflicted cruelty to.

I know you will never admit to your lack of care, your mismanagement and the advantage you took of your position.  If you had been a team player and listened to those you were lucky to have around you, Our Zoo could have shined.  Instead you are leaving it with a dark cloud, like the one you came in with and vowed to lift.  You were gifted with one of the best jobs someone who cares could wish for, yet your lack of care kept you from pure appreciation and kept Our Zoo from reaching its potential.  You caused great sadness to many, both human and nonHuman. 

Happy Retirement Tanya AKA Good Riddance!

Related Post:

*Zoo Director "Accomplishment" Fails - Unpacking Director's Retirement Media Attention Pt One

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/zoo-director-accomplishment-fails.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Zoo Director "Accomplishment" Fails - Unpacking Director's Retirement Media Attention Pt One

I've mentioned several times in recent posts that I have a series of Unpacking posts related to the news articles that came out announcing current Director Tanya Peterson's Retirement.  It's now been a month since the original two that I pulled irritating notations from came out, The Standard, who broke the news, and The Chronicle that quickly followed.

The drafts I have are three parts, starting with this one which addresses statements relating to Peterson's "Accomplishments".  The focus of the next two will be statements by the Mayor regarding "new management" and "Pandas".   

With the publishing of the Zoo's own offering in their email Newsletter, "A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Tanya Peterson’s Retirement", you can probably guess I'm completely over the whole delusion of the situation.  The self-touting is shameful.  And yes, I believe Tanya wrote this one herself.

I'm glad that I didn't get to finishing this post more timely, as I'm able to include this nonsense, and not have to write a second one.  

In the Legacy of Leadership, allegedly written by Peterson herself, the paragraph of particular note for this purpose is... "During her tenure, Ms. Peterson led the Zoo through transformative growth. She spearheaded fundraising for numerous new animal exhibits, including the Great Ape Passage, Snow Leopard Lodge, and Sifaka Sanctuary, as well as major renovations like Komodo Dragon Crossing, Mexican Gray Wolf Canyon, and new habitats for rescued Back Bears and endangered African Lions. She was also the driving force behind the creation of the Wellness & Conservation Center—a one-of-a-kind facility focused on animal well-being and cutting-edge veterinary care."

The Standard quoted Peterson, saying she "Touted her accomplishments, from rescuing blind Sea Lions to creating a beloved Playground and overseeing the construction of several Animal exhibits, including the $9 million Madagascar Center, scheduled to open this fall."

The Chronicle stated...  "Over her long tenure, Peterson oversaw renovations of the Zoo’s aging Chimpanzee and Orangutan facilities and the building of a new exhibit for Sifakas, a type of Lemur from Madagascar. She also has sought to bring Giant Pandas from China to the Zoo, with a date tentatively set for their arrival of April 2026."

Peterson herself mentioning The Great Ape Forest, and the Chronicle Chimpanzees, whether in their own words or gleaning from a Peterson statement is of course my main irk.  

How dare she.

Let me just remind everybody, Tanya Peterson did not want to keep Our Chimpanzees.  Cobby, Minnie and Maggie, were the Zoo's longest residents, having lived at the Zoo over forty-five years.  All taken from the wild, their families probably slaughtered in their kidnapping, Cobby was used in entertainment before coming to the Zoo, and Maggie and Minnie arrived straight from Africa at approximately one year old.  Our Zoo, ten year old Cobby's retirement home and the only home the girls had ever known, and Tanya showed them no respect or care, deciding to kick them out.  Once her secret plan was exposed, public outrage forced her to keep Our Senior Chimpanzees, and build them the new home at the Zoo they were promised in 1997.  

Do not believe Tanya Peterson ever did anything for the Chimpanzees out of her own goodness, she has none.

The Chronicle also mentions Our Orangutans.  Tanya's want for Orangutans, was allegedly the catalyst for her evil plan to evict the Chimpanzees.  She still got Orangutans, bringing them here, even though there was no appropriate place for them to live.  Tanya Peterson kept the Orangutans in the caged tubes of the Skytrails.  They sat there daily, with their sad faces pressed against the mesh, watching the Chimps move freely in their new yard. That was their only outside access for eight months straight.  After two years they finally got access to the old Chimpanzee enclosure, which was deemed by AZA/SSP as unacceptable to house Chimps.  There was not one renovation done FOR them.  They were tossed in the ancient pit, two tiny concrete islands, is their only topical space.  They have languished there for six years.  Tanya has made no attempt to fundraise for them to have an appropriate home built.   But, she sure lit a fire under her ass chasing money for Pandas.

Side note, the Zoological Society, RecPark, and Joint Zoo, all managing and oversight entities, all approved these Great Ape horrors, as their negligence in responsibility blindly supported Tanya's every disgusting and disastrous action during her seventeen year reign of horror upon Our Animals and Our Zoo.

Other notable mentions of Peterson's supposed accomplishments.

Komodo Dragon...  The first Komodo Dragon arrived to Fan Fare in 2013, very young, and small in size.   Media reported that he would reside in a Temporary enclosure, with a new one to be built within a year and a half.   He spent near five years living in a Terrarium before getting an appropriate home.  During those years, allegedly at least three plans were submitted to Director Peterson and they were all vetoed, saying too expensive.  During those years, the Komodo outgrew his enclosure to the point he could no longer fit through the opening to his night quarters, he could no longer turn around in his Terrarium, and he suffered a spinal deformity, that in my opinion could have been caused by having his growth stunted due to living conditions.  

Snow Leopard... The new Snow Leopard enclosure is a joke.  Aside from the scaling wall, the design and size is a complete failure.  It's in appropriately small and narrow.  It looks like a hallway.  

African Lions... The Lions got expanded enclosures, not new.  It's still debatable whether knocking down both finger walls was the right thing to do. 

Madagascar... It's laughable this exhibit is even considered a win.  A Shit-Show from the get go.  $9 Million on a fabricated tree, a small and oddly placed enclosure for Fossa, a handful of insects, and a couple of Tortoise Ponds.  It could have been so much more, or frankly not at all.  They could have acquired Fossa, another small mammal, renovated the old Nocturnal area, built a Tortoise home with an upper level of Birds.  It's a huge Fail, and cost the Zoo over half dozen Monkey Species.  People still asking, Where's the Monkey's?  Why the Patas Monkeys and two Tamarin species were sent out, when they weren't even part of the Mad project is a head-shaker.  

One of the Monkey species displaced were the remaining Squirrel Monkey's that came to the Zoo after being retired from Lab use at Stanford.  It was reported that $250,000 came with them, to be used to build them a new home.  They never got it, and when their existing home came down for MAD, a group ended up living in a concrete room, with no outside access for at least two years.  Oh, and no one seems to know where the $250k went.

The MAD Project should have never happened.  It did because Wants over Needs was given priority.  Tanya grabbed the Donors check with one hand, and gave the middle finger to Animal Needs with the other.

Related Posts:

All relating to Chimpanzees, Orangutans, Komodo Dragon,  Snow Leopard,  African Lions,  Madagascar.

For more information, use the search option in the upper left corner to view posts with extensive detail.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

The Activist's Disrespectful and Ill Timed Jaguar Post

As I work to finish two posts by the date of current Director Tanya Peterson's exit, something has presented itself, that I feel needs immediate attention.  I hate that I feel this way, because I do have a different flow in motion, and more important, I hate giving any attention to any anti-Zoo Zealots, but it upsets me when there is disrespect to the Animals.

If anyone read my post from July 21, "Jaguar Disrespect Called Out", where I talked about the disrespectful timing of Tanya's retirement story via the Zoo's email Newsletter.  I noted issues surrounding the Zoo not announcing or acknowledging Tikal's passing, and my timeline for deciding when I would recognize his life in a Tribute post.

Before I go any further, I think it's important to again note that most references to the Zoo, specifically relate to Director Peterson.  Everything, down to a Tweet, must be authorized by Peterson.  So, when something is a fail, the fault almost always, lies with Tanya Peterson.

In my process, I expressed to several that I was waiting for the Zoo to announce, but that I also wouldn't let an amount of time I felt was disrespectful to Tikal to pass.  I also conveyed that I thought the Zoo waiting was just going to open them up to a bashing by This Activist, known for what I consider irresponsible attacks on the Zoo situation as a whole, designed to further his agenda to get the Zoo closed.

I usually don't see the stuff this guy posts, unless someone sends it to me.  That said, admittedly the last week or so, I have checked his site to see if he had gotten wind of Tikal's passing, because, as I said, I knew how it would eventually play-out in his post.  Today was the day it finally did.  

I hate to give any attention to this, but I have to, for two reasons.  The first, already noted above, readers and visitors, need to understand the protocol at the Zoo, regarding Tanya having to approve everything.  With that in mind, fails fall on Tanya and sometimes other staff at management level.  I want that to be clear, because his posts are most often very disrespectful to the Animal Care Staff.  That is the other reason.  

My takeaway from his post, is that like with Oscar Jonesy's passing, it was the same MO and not the time for an opinion piece of this nature.  His words of lack of care, are inappropriate and disrespectful to Tikal and to his Keepers.  While he talks about his take on Tikal's life, his attacks, biased because of his anti-Zoo position, are the opposite of caring.

To start with, he used what I consider a disrespectful way of referring to a passing.  He, like many, use it for shock value.

"... Tikal is dead."

His post title speaks of Shame.  The use of this wording is Shameful.  He should be ashamed.

"The zoo had taken Tikal off exhibit—and now we know why: he had died, euthanized for reasons that remain undisclosed."

See how this contradicts the next and last quote.

"Tikal wasn’t thriving— and now we know he was hardly surviving."

Again, contradicting.  This guy admittedly doesn't know the details of Tikal's passing.  How is this statement even justified?  

"He was used—injured, displayed, then quietly discarded."

He had a previous Injury, that I have never known to have caused him pain, or interfered with his quality of life.  Displayed, that's the nature of captivity.  Discarded?  

"Tikal’s story didn’t have to end this way."

In the first quote noted, this guy says "reasons undisclosed".  He doesn't know what happened, to have caused Tikal's passing.

I don't deny Tikal should have had a larger enclosure, but the size of his enclosure is not what caused his passing.  Focusing on that and other sensational opinions at this time, in my opinion is a direct attention grab on the coat-tails of a loss.  It's disrespectful to those who cared for Tikal and those who loved him.

This guys post, showed no class.  It was purely agenda driven.  

Not ONE respectful, or caring word for Tikal.

Related Posts:

*Those Activists Just Can't Give It A Rest, Even For A Day

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/02/those-activists-just-cant-give-it-rest.html

*The Silent Death of Tikal: SF Zoo’s Jaguar Shame

https://news.sfzoo.watch/p/the-silent-death-of-tikal-sf-zoos

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

What!? Eight Years Later, Flamingo Netting Is Finally Getting Finished!

As current Director Tanya Peterson's days are numbered, literally days until Our Zoo is rid of her, I had many posts in draft to finish before then. That ain't happening. So, I reshuffled, and after this there will only be two, and then the rest after her departure.  Then we will all be free of her destruction, and hopefully there will be better times ahead for Our Zoo.   Highlighting past fails and neglected Needs, sharing ideas and suggestions for change, and documenting what's happening under new management, will be my focus moving forward.

One post I started months ago, maybe even last year, was yet another one about Tanya's lack of attention to Fundraising. Despite all her delusional friends on the Board and others who chose to ignore truths, instead speaking out and touting what a great fundraiser she was, she was not.  I will finish that post at some point, as it and others (linked at bottom) should be required reading for the delusional.

Flamingos

One of the many things Tanya cried poor about, was not having funds to finish the netting at Flamingos.  When the new perimeter around Flamingos was built, and aviary style netting was added via tent shaped poles, initially only a quarter of the netting was installed, with another quarter sometime within a year of that build in 2017.

I have mentioned the netting in many blogs posts, apparently sixteen times starting September 2018, a year after the exhibit renovation.  Every time there was something related to misuse of funds, or Tanya's claim of No Money.  

It was even rumored at one time that they were not allowing the Flamingos to go through natural nesting behavior and hatch Chicks because the netting was not complete.  

At the start of my visit last Friday, I noticed not only were Flamingos not out, but their pool was drained.  As sometimes happens, I get positioned in the right place, at the right time.  My departure route is never by way of Flamingos, as I avoid the Cafe crowd at lunchtime.  Curiously, that was the way I went.  Commotion in progress as there was a lift truck at and hovering in Flamingos, as Staff blocked area.  As I walked by I asked, "Is the netting finally getting finished?"  I was shocked, the answer was yes.  I gave up expecting that after eight years. Would love to know what initiated that happening, but I'm just glad it's getting done and at least one Need can be crossed off that long list. 

I left happy that not only might we now have Flamingo Chicks again, but more important, I never have to see another Duck fly into the window, trying to get out, or a Duckling get snatched by a Gull.  I'm still scarred by the horror of see a Gull on the roof with a Duckling dangling out of it's mouth by it's tiny footie.  Sadly myself and others were unsuccessful in getting the Gull to drop it.  It was gruesome.  No surprise even after complaints, no funding was authorized to finish the netting.

UPDATE: As I finish this post that I started days ago, I need to note, that yesterday's visit showed no change in the netting, pool filled and Flamingos back out.  Evidently there was some kind of fumble, and it didn't get done.  

Gorillas

Something else on grounds I noticed last week.  Not sure where I was going to put this, so I'm going to drop it here.

Since Oscar Jonesy's passing, every time I go round to Gorillas, I look at the Resident sign.  One of my favorite signs.  One they finally got right.

I wondered what they were going to do with Jonesy's portion.  I was hoping that they would eventually, and simply add his passing date on his photo, but now the whole sign is down.

I guess now that new Gorilla Cecil will be coming soon, they're going to make a whole new graphic.

It always makes me sad, when passed Residents are erased.  I wrote once about an idea for a Remembrance Wall in the Chimpanzee Dayroom, honoring our passed Chimps.  At the time there were only three, now five, which includes four long-timers.

Jonesy had been a part of the Gorilla Troop since the early 80s, with the exception of a short stay at another Zoo.  He should somehow be Memorialized.  

There is another signage area that has just been sitting there blank for too many years.  

It would be nice if that became a place to remember passed Troop Members.  In recent times, that includes, Jonesy, Zura, and Kabibe.

Maybe this and so many other simple things can happen with a new and hopefully caring management.

Related Links:

*Lack Of Funds = No Fundraising ... December 2024

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/lack-of-funds-no-fundraising.html

*Fundraising - My Frustration and Their Fails ...  January 2022

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/fundraising-my-frustration-and-their.html

*Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It ... December 2018

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/ducks-continue-to-fly-into-windows_21.html

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

SFZoo Free Of Tanya Peterson Countdown Is On!

Last night I thought to make a Countdown Timer.  It wouldn't save as a widget to put here, so I thought to film it.  I wanted it at three day mark, but I fell asleep.  Gotta jam out soon, so made this quick.

 View it in action in my YouTube clip...

 

https://youtu.be/yLFjJk2C2Q8

Or use this Link to the Counter and follow along!

https://www.tickcounter.com/countdown/7774403/sfzoo-free-of-tanya-peterson?fbclid=IwY2xjawL1OJNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpS64MdQkoYJ-H_SJvG1ydNRMsiHmUJBYATCZAqyFaZvAMPPOxD9jaXCO9Wp_aem_VgnCptq7VuDIymdZ1fjUfg

More Unrecognized Passings To Acknowledge

In a post I made July 13, just after Tenzing the Red Panda passed away, I wrote...

"Unfortunately because of so much Zoo bullshit and the often overwhelm of it, my recognition of Zoo Friend losses is inconsistent.  That really bothers me, especially if it's also a passing that has gone unacknowledged by the Zoo.

Admittedly, the Friends I have given recognition to, have been those I know and/or have visited regularly.  That said, whether it's a larger, recognizable resident, or a smaller, often mostly behind the scenes resident, all of these lives matter.  Every Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Amphibian, and Invertebrate, are part of the Zoo Family, and has someone who cares about them.  Each one is part of the heart that is Our Zoo." 

After Tikal passed away, I was thinking about another passing, that had gone unrecognized. My Sweet Friend Angelo the Anteater, passed away in December.  He was one of my besties and it hurts my soul that I missed making a Tribute post for him.  I couldn't believe it.  When I realized it, I looked back for others, who then kept coming to mind.  I have missed too many.  I'm mad that Zoo bullshit has interfered, causing me to lose my way on what is really important to me, which is respecting these Friends.  With every loss, I privately give remembrance to them, and think of them every visit, acknowledging their spirit.  Still, it's upsetting when they aren't recognized by the Zoo.  

There doesn't need to be a full on press release, but with the onset of social media there is no reason a mention can't be made, especially of the Animals that are visible to the public and who the public may be endeared to.  It's all about Respect.  Respect to the Animal, their Care Staff and the Visitors who love them.  

I mentioned there were others who kept coming to mind.  I ended up going back through several years of documents and made notes.  Maybe someday I will make a long list and post Remembrances for those who never got a mention.  RIP to each Zoo Friend lost.  Bless Their Soul.  

Remembering Angelo

I knew Angelo for sixteen years, since I started learning about the Animals as individuals.  Angelo was born Oct 26, 1998 in Fresno, and came to SF in August 1999.  Like many of the Zoo Residents, Angelo quickly started recognizing me and/or my voice.  I talk to all the Friends, and always sweetly say Hi to them.  Angelo has always come over to the front to greet me back.  

Angelo Giving Me Some Sniffy Greetings

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U-JX_h17Qd0

With His Awesome

21st Birthday Fun in 2019

Some other memorable moments caught on video

Bathing In His Pond

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

Playing With Utensil Enrichment

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/EBMnhbpUKBU

About ten years ago Angelo was moved from his home at the Puente exhibit, to an enclosure across from the east side of the Lion House.  His old home allowed him too much access to dirt, which he loved to eat, but his tummy was not happy.  At this new enclosure the ground covering was chipped bark, and he thrived there.   Not long before his Twenty-Sixth Birthday, he was taken off exhibit, and moved back to the Puente, to breed with his past mate Evita.

This move, like with so many before him, was very upsetting.  I've expressed my feelings before about these moves without any notice.  It's not right.  Visitors should be given advance notice so visits can be made in preparation that it might be the last time you see this Animal that you have become endeared to.  This time, with Angelo, he never came back. 

In Angelo's case, the sadness was even worse, as in my opinion he should not have been moved.  He had become a Super Senior, with the health issues that come with that.  His living situation, routine, and physical behaviors, should not have been disrupted.  He should have just been left alone to motor around his own home, in his old man ways, not be forced into a completely different situation at this stage in his life.  Certainly not for breeding. My opinions are from a compassionate point of view and from watching him. I will always wonder if taking him out of his comfort zone, exposing him to female scents, then the actual action of mating, just wasn't too much for him.  

I voiced my concern after his passing, in conversation with someone I trust.  I asked whether this all could have exacerbated his time here.  They said that wasn't a factor.  Still, I'll always wonder, and think no one will ever really know how it affected him.

RIP Sweet Angelo, Bless Your Soul.  

Thank you for the friendship.  I really miss you and your Precious face to face hello sniffs. Knowing you has enriched my life.  It was a Beautiful, long journey.  I Love You.

Remembering Otters

This past week, while in a conversation, two other disrespected Friends came up.  While it's been a couple years plus, I think about them every visit, and still hear visitors mention them.  I will never forget that their passing's were never acknowledged,  Trent and Si'hal the Otters.  

I have Loved all Our Otters, and thinking back, I don't think any of their lives were recognized by the Zoo when they left us.  Female Pescita and Trent were companions when I first knew them.  

In 2010, after seeing a video of Otters with Coconut for Enrichment, I brought some for Pescita and Trent for her Birthday.  See the video...

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

After Pescita passed away, Sable joined Trent.  

Sable

When Sable passed away, male Si'hal became Trent's final companion.  

Trent and Si'hal Wrestling in Snow for World Otter Day!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s3pRIXH6AUw

Each one of these Friends was a Joy to watch, especially when they would swim up to the window and give some face time cuteness!

Sadly, Trent lived through several losses and was alone for many, many months before his passing in 2023.  All these babies deserved to be acknowledged.  Trent, like Angelo, was a long-timer.  I don't know when he arrived, but he lived at Our Zoo at least fifteen years, possibly much longer.

One favorite memory was watching Trent eat a Green Pepper.  I got a fun faced pic that I titled, Trent Gettin' His Pepper On.  Wanted to share it, but while I saw it the other night when I was looking for pix, now I can't find it.  Here's one from when I used to post all the Zoo Friends Birthdays.  

This is a super cute video of Trent Rubbing on a Log, that possibly had scent for enrichment on it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yKxlMwXimH8&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

RIP Pescita, Sable, Si'hal, and Trent.  May each of Your Souls be Blessed.  I have been blessed to know each one of you.  I miss you all.  Thank you for being a part of my life.  I Love You.

RIP Tikal - Jaguar Passes Away

I had a sad feeling for a week before learning last Monday, Our Precious Tikal had passed away.  Another week has gone by, a real sad one.  It's still raw, and often filled with many tears.

Tikal was born at the San Diego Zoo on 4/26/12.  He was moved to the Sacramento Zoo in August of 2013.  He moved to Our Zoo from Sacramento in May 2023.

A friend shared these cute photos, as she was lucky to see him within the first few days he was outside. 

I got to meet him the next day.  I remember him coming to the fence and it sounded like he was chuffing!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G72q0vPuffQ

The moment I heard we were getting a Jaguar, I happily anticipated meeting my first traditional colored Jaguar.  I grew-up knowing Sabrina, a black Jaguar, who was a favorite of mine.  She lived at Our Zoo from 1976-1999.

Getting to know Tikal also provided another first, hearing a Jaguar vocalize.  I was away from his enclosure when I first heard a new sound.  I realized it was Tikal!   I ran over, so I could see, and record him still vocalizing.  During that time, I also heard Lulu, the new female Lion vocalizing.  I think they may have been calling out to each other.  I later learned that he had a crush on her!  Sniffing the doorway to her enclosure that adjoined his.  It was a cool sound, that I luckily got to hear a good amount of times.  

Listen here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UfP1_5z51b8

Tikal would be seen pacing the front of the enclosure.  Perimeter checking?  Monitoring the peoples?   Often it included along the glass wall that faces his Snow Leopard neighbor.  Early on it was clear that Raj was not a fan, but Tikal just seemed curious.  In addition to trying to catch a glimpse of Raj, he also spent alot of time lounging peacefully on the back platform in the sun.  He really seemed to enjoy playing with Enrichment Items.  Here are two favorite videos of him with very different toys.  

Playing with Barrel in his pool

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WR9EZJQTTPY&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

Playing with Nesting Material

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4dj4J0qeV18

I'm going to really miss him.  He was a good boy, and almost always came over to see me when I greeted him.

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/nB46M9isCDI

RIP Sweet Tikal, Bless Your Soul.

Thank you for the Friendship, Beautiful Boy.  It was wonderful to have known you, and have you be a part of my life.   I Love You.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Jaguar Disrespect Called Out

If you read my post on Saturday, and/or saw my video published to my YouTube on Thursday morning, you might remember my mantra, "Not This Week".

I referenced a sensitive event that happened last week, and my disgust for Tanya, that she chose to have her self-important Retirement story bullshit sent out in the Zoo's email Newsletter, Wednesday afternoon.  

You may have guessed by this post title and these two paragraphs, Our Precious Jaguar, Tikal, has passed away.  I am heartbroken over his loss, and will be writing a proper Tribute to him in a separate post, as I didn't want it tainted with the Tanya disrespect rehash.  I hope to finish it tonight.

After the previous week of Tikal being off exhibit, I found out last Monday, what I had already began to fear.  When I got home Wednesday late afternoon, I sat on my stairs, opened email, and saw that Newsletter.  The timing of it made me sick.  The lack of care and respect for the loss of one of Our Zoo Family, and for those who cared for him, and for those who loved him.  It shouldn't have happened.  "Not This Week".

Tanya Peterson had two more weeks. Tikal's announcement should have taken precedence.  It would have, if someone with Compassion was the Director of Our Zoo.

I had planned to wait to write Tikal's Tribute until the Zoo announced it.  I'm not about "Breaking News", but I am about Respect.  I am about Recognizing and Acknowledging, the lost lives of Members of Our Zoo Family.   It's important to me, and I think it's important to those who love and cared for them.

When I went to the Zoo on Tuesday, there was a sign that said, "Animal Off Habitat".  It upset me.  I've seen this before, after the last Fishing Cat passed away.  It's just wrong.  By Thursday, the Jaguar signage was down.  At that point, together with Tanya's Newsletter, I decided to make my own timeline of when I felt it was appropriate timing to post something for Tikal.  This past weekend, I decided middle of this week, pending a personal circumstance.  Both clarity of that circumstance, and the fact that Raj, the neighboring Snow Leopard was in the Jaguar enclosure today, I decided to move forward with my Tribute.

Considering the inconsistency of acknowledging Our Beloved Zoo Friends when they pass away,  waiting any longer than this, at this point, doesn't seem necessary.  And, any longer seems disrespectful.  The Zoo may never announce his passing.  I'm still waiting for Minnie, the Chimpanzees acknowledgment from May last year.  I won't wait to acknowledge Tikal.  In my opinion, the respectful time to do so, is now.

Moving forward, I had wondered if Tikka, the female Snow Leopard, would now be brought down from FCC the off exhibit enclosure site.  Seeing Raj, have access to this enclosure now, I think it's likely we will again see Tikka in the Main Zoo.

I also want to note something I held back on in my two posts this past weekend about the RecPark Commission Meeting that took place on Thursday.  The Zoo's CFO Jeff Pace did the presentation.  One of his graphics included, "a timeline notation for New Exhibits, which he expressed excitement for.  It reads, Madagascar (August 2025), Jaguar (2026-27), Panda (2026), Lion (2026-27).

In my last post I wrote, "There is something that really bothered me about this, but that will be for another time".  Do you see what it is?  ...  He said something like, We're excited for these new exhibits...  including Jaguar, even four days after his passing.   Considering Pace also announced he would be Co-CEO when Tanya leaves, it made me feel like there will never be any real change at Our Zoo.  This guy, stood in front of the Park Commissioner's and seemingly lied.  Creating an illusion of grandeur, just like Tanya has, so many times.

Related Posts:

See the next one, and the two prior to this one.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

RecPark Meeting - Additional Notes - Staffing and New Exhibits

Yesterday I posted my main reactions to the Zoo's CFO Jeff Pace's presentation at Thursday's RecPark Full Commission Meeting.  I had some other notes that I wasn't sure if or when I'd use them in posts.  Before shifting the flow and moving onto posts in draft, I'm just going to document them now.

It is no secret that I think the Zoo has had too many Staffers that pull alleged full-time paychecks, while seemingly not having full-time work to do.  Who they hire and what they do shouldn't be of my concern, but that doesn't mean I don't have an opinion about it.  The reason I have an opinion about it is, the Keeper Staff continues to seem understaffed.  This is one department that should never be run thin.  This is an Animal Care Facility.  Those whose job it is to care for the Animals should never be pushed and stretched to limits, especially while nonAnimal Staff and suits, are being hired in excess.  

At Thursday's Meeting, Pace notes to the Commission that the Zoo is, "Back to pre-Covid Staffing levels throughout the Zoo".  I'll have to check with Keeper Staff on what they think about that.  What I think, is that there are too many positions that are unnecessarily filled or even existing.  The payroll needs to be tightened, at the very least until the Zoo gets a grip on finances.  That is (just) one a part of past mismanagement that should be addressed, not celebrated.  Maybe I'm misaligned in my thinking, but with my management background, and what I've witnessed within the Zoo, there seems to be logic that is more out of line.  When I see money seemingly being wasted, whether that's on gardens, art installations or excess payroll, and there are Animal Needs and other necessities not being attended to, I am going to have an opinion about it.  

I opened this can by saying, there are Staff who don't have enough to do, yet are pulling alleged full-time paychecks.  While I haven't seen as much to support this in recent times, I do see some.  I wasn't going to go any further on this, but since it's relevant, I will.  There are two Staffers, who I see one or both on every visit.  I don't know their job title, but they lead the VIP Tours, and otherwise seemingly walk around doing nothing.  Again this is nothing personal, I just look at it as wasted money.  Pay that could be funding projects at Animal enclosures, like the completion of the netting at Flamingos that has been unfinished for over six years.

Last week, I crossed paths with one of these Staffers.  I talk outloud to myself constantly, so as they approached, I said to myself something like, "here they are, doing nothing".  They heard me and said they wanted to say something to me.  I paused my stride but didn't break it.  They said, "My job description is to Wander the Zoo".

When I didn't respond, they said, I should look at them when they talk to me, and that it was rude that I didn't.  First, I am not obligated to have conversations with anyone.  No one is.  When you initiate conversation, whether in person, via phone, text, email, whatever, there is no guarantee of response.  Second, the literal concept of "wander", is doing nothing.  One dictionary notation of the meaning of Wander, is to move aimlessly.  A synonym is Dawdle, which means to waste time.  I don't mean to be a bitch, but my perception seems to be pretty on target.  How is this my bad?  Seems it's on the Zoo.  They should either eliminate this position, taper it's need down to weekends, and/or alter the job description to include initiating educating interaction with Visitors and monitoring bad visitor behavior, like people putting Our Animals in danger by hanging over the barriers.  That, would be beneficial to the Zoo and it's expenses.

The other thing to note from Pace's presentation graphics, there is a timeline notation for New Exhibits, which he expressed excitement for.  It reads, Madagascar (August 2025), Jaguar (2026-27), Panda (2026), Lion (2026-27).  

There is something that really bothered me about this, but that will be for another time.  Just want it noted now.   That said, for the purpose of this post, I am concentrated on the Panda and Lion dates.  

I have written extensively about the Panda Plan's effect to Our Big Cat area.  I'll include some links at the end. ... Initially the Panda Plan was infuriating because of the amount of money, and that nothing was ever given to the Orangutans, who continue to languish on the concrete islands of the ancient Triple Grotto exhibit.  Now, because the push for this seems imminent, the most upsetting thing is the destruction to the Lion House, Cat Grottos, and Displacing the Lions.  

You can see from this timeline, the Pandas are set to open before the Lions.  This begs an answer to the question, What is the plan for Our Lions while major construction is being done to their home for Pandas, before an alleged new home is built for them?

Are we going to lose Our Lions, in this Ridiculous,  Irresponsible and Insane Panda Chase?

Related posts: 

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/what-will-happen-if-panda-plan-goes.html

*There's An Alternative To Ruining The Lion House For Pandas

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/theres-alternative-to-pandas-in-lion.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-moral-crime-of-bringing-pandas-to.html

Previous Post:

*RecPark Commissioner's Meeting 7.17.25 - UnPacking

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/recpark-commissioners-meeting-71725.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

RecPark Commissioner's Meeting 7.17.25 - UnPacking

Thursday's Recreation and Park Full Commission Meeting Video is available here:

https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/50442?view_id=91&redirect=true

I don't always have comments about the Meetings, but this one struck some chords.  I think there might be stuff regularly going forward in regards to Management changes, and how that will pan-out versus everyone's hopes and expectations, that might prompt a reaction post.

The Zoo's current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jeff Pace, gave this months report to the Commission.  My main points are regarding finances.  Admittedly, my reactions are based solely on what I think seems logical.  

First thing to note, Pace told the Commissioners that he would be Co-CEO (Chief Executive Officer) with Cassandra Costello, who has already been announced as a new hire position COO (Chief Operating Officer) who will start in August.  Now it appears she will be Co-CEO.  

It's a bit surprising to hear the word and implementation of the term "Co-" , the Zoo has not to my knowledge ever had a team leadership at the highest level, but this has been a major component of my thoughts on Restructuring Management.  I'm disappointed that someone within Animal Care is not half that team.  Pace mentioned the search for the next Director, but didn't say if he and Costello will maintain the shared CEO duties after a new Director is hired.

If the next Director is not someone with an Animal Care background, I am leaning towards doubting that there will be much change in the management structure.

This screencap from Pace's presentation of new Fiscal Year projections, broke down some numbers I have both long thought about, and one that I have newly thought was questionable.  

I have previous wrote in at least a couple posts wondering, Why no Director has sought to have the Management Fee renegotiated at any time since the Lease Agreement in 1993?

The Lease is a curious thing.  While I'm no fan of the Zoological Society because of their lack of involvement in managing Our Zoo which they sought to be tasked with, I have wondered Why the Zoological Society, is responsible to the City for Utilities at a City owned facility?  This curiosity came up many years ago when there was an article about a huge water bill the Zoo owed the City.

In more recent times, I was again a bit stunned when after years of being bothered by the sight of the perimeter fence, I happened upon a fence project the RecPark was doing.  Since they included the entire perimeter and some of the interior of the Botanical Gardens, a facility that like the Zoo is independently managed, I inquired about the Zoo.  The project manager asked his manager, who told him, "No, the Zoo needs to take of that themselves". 

Two weeks ago, I heard for the first time, that the Zoo is taxed on income from the Parking Lot!  I thought that was effing outrageous!  Yet, it was right there in print, during Pace's presentation.  He broke down the numbers from Utilities, Parking Lot, and Gifts to the City, which I don't know what that actually is, but assume possibility fall under my other curiosity, Grounds Upkeep?  Which seemingly should also be funded by The City, as the property/facility owner?   

Anyway, you can see from that video screencap, that the Zoo basically gives it's whole Management Fee from The City, back to The City.  That does not seem logical or right.

That all needs to be sorted and redefined better, or rather more logically.  Similar to the Bison Paddock, in which the Zoo takes care of the Animals and their needs, and the RecPark is responsible for the enclosure.  The RecPark is neglect in those duties, but still that is how it's laid out.

The Zoological Society, Fundraising, Attendance Revenue and other income should be what goes to caring for the Animals, building new enclosures, exhibits and other operating costs.  With all these paybacks and an no cost of living increase in the Management Fee since 1993, The City is making out.  That, together with the lack of Fundraising for seventeen years from Tanya Peterson, it's no wonder Our Zoo has struggled and is in the state it is.  

The City and the Zoological Society seemingly have some stuff to sort out.  Moving forward there are two major Financial hurdles for Our Zoo's immediate future, Funding basic neglected Upgrades, and their outrageous Panda want.  Now that Tanya Peterson won't be there to mismanage and misappropriate funds, The City needs to make some changes to the amount of the Management Fee, and re-examine the Utility charges and eliminate that ridiculous Parking Tax.  Likewise the Zoological Society needs to pony-up, as it was their neglect of duty that allowed Peterson to slack-off with fundraising.  

These two entities, need to figure out where funds are coming from to Fix Our Zoo.

A second breakdown of expenses, shows a projected Deficit of near $600,000, that is causing them to dip into their Reserves.

Pace's presentation mentioned, "being excited about Pandas", shown in the first screencap as arriving in 2026.  Commissioner Vanita Louie circled back at the end with an inquiries regarding Pandas.  Two statements of note by Pace have the Panda construction taking a year, and noting that, "They already have more than a Million".  Adding, "I think we can get there".  What?  They've only raised a Million?  Big Whoop!   They have a Deficit of over half a Million.  

It continues to be obvious the Panda Plan needs to be put on hold.  Bringing financial and construction chaos to Our Zoo at this time is irresponsible and insane.   

Related Links:

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part Two - Restructuring Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo_19.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-moral-crime-of-bringing-pandas-to.html

The Continuing Saga Of The Disgraceful Perimeter Fence

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-continuing-saga-of-disgraceful.html

Next Post:

*RecPark Meeting - Additional Notes - Staffing and New Exhibits

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/recpark-meeting-additional-notes.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Director's Disgusting Disrespect - Her Lack Of Care And Class

This post is a supplement to a Video I made Thursday morning and posted to my YouTube...

San Francisco Zoo Director's Disgusting Disrespect 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_j0n7M3On_I

Some of you may have seen it already, but for those who haven't, you can either watch it now, or continue reading this post, which is a synopsis of what was said in the video. 

I made the video in an effort to capture how something made me feel.  I would have preferred to document those feelings immediately, but didn't, so my verbal expression is much softer than it would have been, because in my opinion this action by Director Tanya Peterson, at this time, is beyond unacceptable.

When I got home Wednesday late afternoon, I sat down on my stairs as I usually do, to decompress from the day of people-ing.  I opened email, and an installment of the Zoo's email Newsletter had posted a couple hours prior.  I was immediately pissed by the title, "A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Tanya Peterson’s Retirement"

It is well within Peterson's right to put this forth, and a back-patting of this kind was to be expected (I'd bet she wrote this herself), but this now, this week, was completely narcissistic and self-indulgent.  

I literally could not read past the first paragraph as I was overtaken with Disgust and Sadness.  I read further, hours later, and only to grab bullshit touts to use in a later post already in draft.

There was a very sensitive event this week at the Zoo, that is not yet public, and at this time I will respect that.  That said, documenting how wrong the timing of Tanya's Retirement fluff piece in consideration of that event, and the way it made me feel, is in my opinion necessary.  

That said, having consideration and compassion, should have prevailed over publishing this, at this time. It didn't, and it is completely Disgusting, and Disrespectful.

I was so upset, sad, and sickened by the timing of this.  This should not have happened now, Not This Week.  She has two more weeks, it should have waited.  

One would have hoped that Tanya's disregard for care would have tapered down as her exit date approaches, but evidently she had to get another act of not caring about Our Animals, Our Zoo and the Zoo Staff, in before leaving.  

The timing of this showed No Class. 

This should not have happened this week.

Not This Week.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison