Keeping Cats Together - Expanding Jaguar and Snow Leopard Ideas

In my last post, I not only wrote about what I'd like to see for the future of the area from Grizzly Gulch going south to empty Pygmy Hippo, across from Snow Leopard, but I mentioned the need to expand the Snow Leopard and Jaguar enclosures.

The Zoo put forth a plan (illusion?) to create a new enclosure for the Jaguar in the space of the old Sea Lion Pool.  How serious that plan is, who knows, they previously had it slated for Andean Condors.  Personally, I don't like either idea.  I think the one Condor that has been on exhibit, the female Claudia, has been shuffled around enough since arriving.  She is now back in her original enclosure, and should just stay put.  I also like keeping all the Cats in one area.  So, I'm not a fan of moving the Jaguar out of the Lion House area.

So, yea, I have ideas for the Jaguar and the Snow Leopard.  Projects pending funding that I think should happen after the Orangutans get new enclosures built at Triple Grotto.  Maybe nobody even cares what I think.  But, I keep putting my ideas out there, as I think they are doable, as well as logistically well thought out.  And certainly better than what Director Peterson approved for the current Snow Leopard hallway, Orangutan shit-show, and the Madagascar disaster.  At least these ideas would create larger enclosures for the Jaguar and Snow Leopard, and together with keeping the Lion House home to Our Lions and another Cat species (seemingly Tigers would be only ones that can be contained without netting), all creating a good looking Cat area.  We had that before when there were four Cat yards, before Peterson's nonsense of taking down both walls, when only one double-wide would have been sufficient, and Cats could have been rotated into the larger one. She couldn't have done it with giving them more room in mind, when she allowed the new Snow Leopard enclosure to be disgusting small.  It's literally a cluttered hallway, and shorter than the one in my flat.

When the Snow Leopard expansion was built a few years ago, it was allegedly supposed to have a second phase that included an overhead trail that crossed the path north, down south gate, running parallel to Therapy Horses.  A larger space that would accommodate rotation between Raj, the current male on exhibit and his two offspring who are currently off exhibit.  That plan needs to be completed.

The Jaguar is currently housed in the old Snow Leopard enclosure.  He seems content, and that enclosure is supposedly larger than the one he was in at Sacramento Zoo.  That said, he should have more room.  The original plan was to move him into Cat Yard B.  Keeper Staff voiced concern about escape as it is not netted.  Peterson's approved fix was to add metal panels around the perimeter to prevent any breaches over the walls.  Keeper Staff again voiced concern that was not proper containment.  The plan to move Tikal the Jaguar there were scrapped.  Like with Triple Grotto renovation for Orangutans, money wasted on fixes, rather than doing something the right way at the start.  

In my opinion, there seems to be two places in that area to expand the Jaguar's current enclosure.  Into the path and towards the Pudu and Tortoise enclosures, but not removing them, or via overhead trail to large empty area at east end of Lion House. Which is a newer thought.  

This aerial photo shows 

both Jaguar and Snow Leopard views.

Red = Existing Enclosures,

Yellow = Expansions + Trails,

Blue = Path Redirecting

I looked at those areas yesterday and took these photos, of both Jaguar area ideas, and view of Snow Leopard area.

Snow leopards path where trail could be, left side to expansion

Jaguar looking at area that could be used for expansion moving into right of photo.

Photo ... I couldn't upload the photo for some reason.  I want this to post before today's Vote Meeting, so I'll try again later.

So yea,  I want to see alot of life back in the area of the Cat Yards.  I want a new Pygmy Hippo, I want the Lions to stay IN the Lion House,  I want a both Cat Yards with Cats, and in time when funding available, I want a Snow Leopard expansion like there was supposed to be, and I want a Jaguar expansion.  That whole end where Pygmy Hippo was, can feel a bit deserted.  It was like that for too long when Tucker Hippo left, and now again since Akobi left, and when Lions are in Yard A, and B is empty, it's sad.

Aerial of Cat Yards, Pygmy Hippo, 

Snow Leopard, and Jaguar (E).

No Pandas. ... Keep this area intact, populated and improve it.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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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

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

This is that long awaited fourth post in the Orangutan/Panda Outrage series.  Finally.  

I decided to try and finish this post before the Board's Vote on Tues, because if the vote to remove Tanya Peterson as Director is successful, the few other posts I have regarding her mismanagement may not be relevant.  That would also mean, I can retire for the most part from blogging!   Can't wait!

That said, regardless of the outcome, the fact remains the same, bringing Pandas to Our Zoo is insanity at the most irresponsible level.  AND displacing the Lions from their home, and building them a new enclosure, to install Pandas is not only pure craziness, but a disrespect and slap in the faces of every Animal currently living at Our Zoo that has a Need, especially the Orangutans.

One can only hope if Peterson is ousted, the Panda Plan goes with her.  Unfortunately, the Zoological Society and any newly appointed Director could still ignore current Zoo Needs and move forward with an unnecessary Want. 

So, I'll move forward and continue with this post, and rehash what I think (well several others on staff have agreed), is the more logical and logistical place for Pandas, if someone still insists on acquiring them.

Let's start at the beginning for a short (I hope) synopsis.  

The Panda Plan, both enclosure locations and fundraising efforts has evolved a bit in this last year plus, since then-Mayor Breed chased acquiring Giant Pandas for Our Zoo, all the way to China to get the "Letter of Intent".  It started when Breed asked China's President for Pandas at the close of the APEC Convention in The City in November 2023.  By February, Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, was selling the Illusion that the Zoo had an Asian Conservation Zone, with an area specifically designed for Giant Pandas.  That area, a long ago Hoofstock enclosure, and most recently used for too many years for human kids during Zoo Camp.  That area, was never before a planned Panda area, and had many chuckling upon hearing such, as they missed Tanya's interview in front of the location and the words Asian Conservation Zone come out of her mouth.  

Outrageously, Peterson was quoted in one news report, "We hope this impacts all of our animals positively, there's a growing awareness of conservation and the excitement forging pandas will spill over to Komodo dragons, orangutans and their conservation stories. There's an instant joy between humans and the giant panda."

How dare she speak about Komodo Dragons and Orangutans after how she treated our first Komodo and our current Orangutans.  There is seemingly no limit to her delusion about the harm she caused them and many others with her lack of compassion and empathy.  

While Breed was still in the picture, the plan was for a $4 Million renovation of one of the Cat Yards for a temporary enclosure and $20 Million for a new permanent enclosure in the Asian Zone.  When Breed was not re-elected, Peterson became the bigger face of the Panda chase.  Side observation, ... Where is Breed and all her Panda excitement?   Her absence just proves the Pandas were just an election tool to her.  

From the start I was vocal in posts about the cost of Pandas, and the irresponsibility of raising funds for Animals that don't already live at the Zoo, and the Needs of the current Residents, specifically the Orangutans.  I thought spending that amount of money on a temporary enclosure, was insane, especially since the Orangutans had been thrown in ancient Triple Grotto with no money spent on renovations FOR them.  Futher thought had me expressing that they should then just host the Pandas temporary, in the temporary location.  Two years was my thought, as any crowds flocking to see them would have waned by then, and the probability the Zoo wouldn't be able to afford past that anyway.  

As time ticked on, I continued to hear the Chinese Reps had visited the Zoo many times, concentrating on the Lion House location.  Though there was never any further info.  We now know that Peterson scraped the permanent enclosure, and plans to completely renovate the Lion House and both Cat Yards for Pandas permanently, however long that might last. There was some reporting that the lease was now three years instead of ten.  So much chaos and destruction for housing a species that is not long-term.

From the first time I heard about the Asian Conversation Zone, I had many interactions with staff, who like me wondered, Why aren't they going in old Black Rhino area?  Some even saying, they thought they were, as it is clearly the more obvious location.  

Now knowing Peterson's plan to remove the Lions from the Lion House, displacing the Lions, allegedly building them an new enclosure, although at this point, it's unknown if the Lions will even stay at the Zoo, it's back to the original wonder, Why isn't the old Black Rhino area being considered?  Seriously, if Peterson or another future Director, is hell-bent on Pandas, it seems to be a no brainer, compared to the destruction of the Lion House and the logistical landscape of the Cat area, which at one point was referred to as Cat Kingdom.  Unfortunately, it seems logic has not played a part in many of Peterson's decisions.  The whole shit-show that she approved at Orangutans is proof of that.

I know housing Pandas in the Lion House was put forth as cost saving, but it seems the cost of the renovations that have been put forth, plus the cost of a new Lion enclosure (if there's any real truth to that), could build a permanent enclosure in the old Black Rhino area.  In my opinion, it is unnecessary to have dayrooms, which the current Lion House plan includes, which seems to be in lieu of using the existing Cat caging as night quarters.  It is also unnecessary to have two huge outdoor spaces, which the plan shows as well.  I'm assuming they will be using one to grow bamboo?  That all said, the old Black Rhino area and the adjacent area going towards Grizzly Gulch, still seems to be the ideal location.  Not only would it also keep Bears near Bears, when the Zoo can no longer afford the Pandas, the Black Bears can get an upgrade and move there.

In addition to not destroying the Cat area, the construction at that location would be less chaotic at Bears.  As well, upon completion, that area is better equipped to handle crowds and large queue lines, that could extend down south gate if they cleaned that area up.  Now that there is the stupid new train track extension, Visitors who don't want to stand in line might even be able to see them from the train.  Just seems like a winning situation over using and ruining the Lion House.

Yea, there will still be the cost issue, but is it really that much, especially if there is only one yard and night quarters?  And it's an investment in the use of the enclosure in the future, unlike the destruction of the Cat yards which would require the cost of overhead netting of the whole area in order for it to house Cats again after Pandas.  As well the tear-down cost of the dayrooms inside the Lion House.  Those reversal costs should be taken into consideration, otherwise the whole Lion House area will be left vacant when the Pandas leave, just like too many other empty enclosures.

Photo of area... Orange line indicates South Gate, Snow Leopards to Therapy Horses.  Red lines indicate fences closing path on Snow Leopard and Therapy Horse sides.  Red outline is of unused area from South Gate (Snow Leopard/Hippo) north to Grizzly Gulch.  Red box in outline is specific area referenced.

Enlarged view of specific area.  I think the area to be considered should be the "Don't Remember" area, so that there isn't a space between, so that in the future Black Bears can go there.  And if Pandas stay indefinitely, then maybe a new area for Black Bears can happen in Old Black Rhino area.  That is what what I'd like to see this area develop into.   Well, because of the cost, I'd like no Pandas at all, and if that was the case, then Black Bear upgrade and Polar Bears, is what I'd like to see.

Looking further into the future (if Pandas occupy that space), going up South Gate towards Snow Leopard, moving south from Old Black Rhino, I'd like to see a new Polar Bear enclosure built with under viewing and yard, and next to that going towards and adjacent to Pygmy Hippo (which in my opinion, we should have already gotten another one!), a new Nile Hippo enclosure with under water viewing and yard.  I know, No Money.  But one can dream, that someday there will be a management team that fundraises for Needs and things that appeal to Visitors.  And of course, not before the Orangutans get a new home built, at least two Monkey enclosures are built (we need Monkeys!), and expansions to Jaguar and Snow Leopard happens.

Related Posts:  The Orangutan/Panda Outrage Series in order.

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/timeline-of-great-ape-disrespect.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

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

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

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

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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

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 , #SanFrancicoZoo , #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

Excitedly Anticipating Our Zoo Free Of Tanya Peterson

I was invited to be included in a letter writing effort in Support of Tanya Peterson's Removal as Director of Our Zoo.  I am grateful to be given the opportunity for my voice to be heard in a direct line to the Zoo Board.

I just finished and sent my letter.  Now we wait.

Like my posts, my Letter got alittle lengthy, so I separated it into two parts, the main part pertaining to Tuesday's Board Vote, and some Animal Welfare Issues that I felt should be included.  I could never make full list of all Tanya Peterson's Offenses, for the purpose of a letter or just one blog post.  So I included half a dozen that first came to mind.  Much like many of my most recent posts that I have rehashed key issues to illustrate Peterson's mass mismanagement, it was a similar endeavor.

It's still early in the day, I had thought to continue on and finish the last post in my Orangutan/Panda Outrage series, but considering what's going on, I might wait til next weekend.  We'll see.  What I will do is post those Issues from my letter, as I had planned at some point in the near future to do a short illustration for anyone coming late to the party.

--- Some of the Animal Welfare Issues allowed to happen under Tanya Peterson's Directorship.

*2010 Andean Bears ... Both lived exclusively on concrete.  The female passed away in-part due to mobility issues stemming from living on concrete.  The male had a seizure in front of me that was disregarded as such.  He then had another similar issue that left him unable to walk.  I was told by a Keeper it was known his bones were breaking down for years due to living on concrete.  He lost his life because he couldn't walk.  He was otherwise healthy.  I personally crusaded for soft surfaces to be added to his enclosure.  Even contacting Board Members.  No one cared.

*2013 Komodo Dragon ... A male was acquired, one of Tanya's shiny new toys welcomed with fan-fare, then ignored.  He lived in a terrarium for five years.  When he arrived he was supposed to get a new home built within year and a half.  I was told Tanya vetoed every design, saying too expensive.  Komodo out-grew the terrarium to the point that he couldn't access night quarters, or turn around.  A bump grew at the base of his tail, that was not attended to for six months, at which point it was four inches off his body.  When he finally had surgery, it was diagnosed as genetic, yet the Zoo he came from that breeds Komodos told me there were no others that had that condition. I suspect his bones did not grow properly due to cramped quarters.  I was also told that allegedly he was dropped.

*2015 Chimpanzees ... Board Members should be familiar with their story.  1997 City Bond money delegated for their new home, was misappropriated and no fundraising done to replace it.  2014 after the loss of one female the year before, Tanya decides to kick-out Chimps, seniors who had lived at the Zoo over forty-five years. I crusaded for them, saving them with the help of a news story that created public outrage.  

*2018 Squirrel Monkeys ... Group of twenty retired from laboratory experiments, arrived in 2010, with a donation of $250,000 for a retirement home to be built for them.  They were initially housed in an enclosure in the Primate Discovery Center.  After PDC was torn down for the disaster that is the Madagascar exhibit, the Squirrel Monkeys were housed in various locations, some transferred out.  At which time I saw that one group was being kept in a concrete room with one window and no outside access.  I was told they had been there 2-4 years.  They never got that home built, and no one seems to know what happened to that $250,000. 

*2018 Fossa ... Acquired without a dedicated enclosure. The Fossa lived in the hospital almost a year, before being moved to rusted old cages that hadn't been used in who knows how long.  They stayed there too long, before being moved to FCC, where at the very least they should have gone to begin with.  The Fossa enclosure built as part of the Madagascar exhibit finally opened in 2023.  The female was moved there.  The male remains at FCC, no room for them both in this ridiculously designed enclosure.  

*2019 Orangutans ... Acquired without a dedicated enclosure.  The Zoo the male came from told me they were told a new enclosure was being built for them.  Another one of Tanya Peterson's illusions.  She allegedly passed off the enclosure being built for Chimpanzees, as also being used for Orangutans.  No one questioned it.  So, the Orangutans lived here two years without a dedicated home, eight months of that time exclusively in the caged tubes of the skytrail.  IN cages!!!  In 2021 they were finally let into the Chimps old home, that was deemed by the AZA as outdated, with no renovation for them.  They have languished there on tiny concrete islands for four years with no new home being built for them in sight.

BUT, Hey, let's bring in Pandas for Millions of Dollars.

Tanya Peterson should have been fired for her treatment of the Orangutans alone.  Unfortunately she has remained there six additional years.  Let's all hope the vote is successful and we see the end to this seventeen year disgrace.

Related Post:

*Director Tanya Peterson - Will She Stay Or Will She Go?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/director-tanya-peterson-will-she-stay.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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

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 Tanya Peterson - Will She Stay Or Will She Go?

It's as I've said before, something always happens to derail me from continuing on with my post goals.  This weekend I wanted to finish the fourth post in my Orangutan/Outrage series.  But, now I feel I should first say something about this important event in what could prove to be the greatest change Our Zoo has ever had happen.  It would be remiss of me to not to pause and post about this.

In my May 9th post I wrote, ... "This week presented two shocking turns of events within the Zoological Society.  I have chosen not to go into detail at this time, but feel noting that twists that could possibly save Our Zoo's future, are seemingly within reach.  At least that is what we are all hoping for."

Yesterday I woke-up to a message sharing the Chronicle's latest Zoo article.

"A union representative for San Francisco Zoo employees said Tanya Peterson, the CEO and executive director of the facility, is expected to face a vote on her potential ouster next week amid concerns about her leadership and the well-being of animals and staff."

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-tanya-peterson-20313664.php

I'm thankful to whoever alerted media about this.  I have been chomping at the bit wanting to break this news, since I first heard a version of this over a week ago.  I say a version, as there's a bit of curiosity still at large about that initial information that shocked those of us in the know eleven days ago.  That said, I would not have unless like many other things I'm privy to, it were something I could confirm with my own eyes.

May 6th, my day out ended with a text, "The Board fired Tanya, have you heard anything?"  Not gonna lie, a big smile formed and I was giddy with delight!  Unfortunately, it didn't last long, as I quickly learned that was allegedly initially true, but it was then rescinded.  There was a collective sigh and thought, We were so close!

Whether truth or rumor, something surely went down that day.  In that article from yesterday,  it is also reported that, "Peterson said she was not aware of a scheduled vote...", referring to next Tuesday's event.  Even if the information from May 6th was rumor, I find it hard to believe she does not know the jig may be up.

Speaking of up, if we get so lucky to see Tanya Peterson removed as the most destructive Director in Zoo history, who will be next up and take her place?

Hehe while probably accurate, just alittle fun.  I'm hoping the Board is smarter than I give them credit for and will look to a long-time member of our Animal Care Staff to replace Tanya. Someone who knows our Zoo, it's Needs and challenges. Someone with invested care for Our Zoo's Animals, and future.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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

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 #Bisonlo

Memorial Mishaps - Far Too Many

Today is two months since Maggie Chimpanzee passed away on March 13.

There is still no Memorial for her.  Maybe I'm the only one who this means something to, but I doubt it.

Considering I've had this series of Orangutan/Panda Outrage posts to finish, I didn't know where to put this on the flow of things.  The post I finished and published Sunday should really be directly followed by it's intended successor, but the absence of a Memorial for Maggie has bothered me each and every week since she left us.

This past Sunday, Mother's Day, a Memory from my personal Facebook page came up.  Last year, May 11th was the day before Mother's Day.  I posted to my friends, my feelings about the Zoo still not publicly announcing Minnie's passing the week before on May 7th. ... "I have been waiting for the Zoo to announce Minnie's passing, before I post my tribute to her.  I feel I've given them enough time, and plan to post mine tonight, as it's not only respectful to acknowledge her in a timely manner, but I reference Mother's Day in my post and want it published by then." ...  It was important to me that I published on Mother's Day, in tribute to her having babies, even though she sadly never got to be a Mom. ... The Zoo still has never publicly acknowledged her passing.

I think that this coming up in Memories at this time means now is the time for me to say something about Maggie's Memorial, or rather lack of.  

I've written before about my disgust that every Zoo Resident's life is not acknowledged in their passing.  There is someone who becomes endeared to every Being they meet at the Zoo.  Whether that someone is a Visitor or Staff member, whether that Being is big or small, someone cares.  I know this, because many years ago I once met a gal who's favorite Zoo Friend was the Praying Mantis.  

I develop strong emotional attachments to my Zoo Friends, and when they leave us, it affects me.  Their lives mattered, and should be acknowledged.  It has been upsetting when one life is acknowledged with more fanfare than another's.  Some higher profile Animals will get press releases, while others not even a mention on social media.  The equal attention has always troubled me.  Not even a mention is really disrespectful, to both the Animal, and those who cared about them, and for them.

When Ulu Polar Bear passed away in 2017, it was the first time I had seen the Zoo do a Memorial in a big way, maybe any way at that point.  There was a sign, and they provided paper for people to leave notes to Ulu, memories, ect...

The next time I remember a substantial Memorial was when Cobby Chimpanzee passed away in June 2021.

After Cobby, both Chimpanzees Jamie (2021) and Minnie (2024), had the same type signage and receptacles for the public to leave flowers.  Unfortunately, the Zoo completely dropped the ball when they posted an invite on social media for Visitors to leave flowers, notes, ect, at the Gorilla enclosure for Jonesy after his passing.  The next day, there was no Memorial sign, no receptacle for flowers, no indication where to leave notes.  There was eventually a sign, but nothing else to make good on their invitation.

Minnie's Memorial is still standing at the Keeper entrance to Chimpanzees.  So, when Maggie passed away, I assumed Minnie's photo would change to Maggie's, and the receptacle that had been empty for the year, would be available to flowers for Maggie.   I'm still waiting.

This sign was put up in a timely manner.  

Unfortunately, that's where the acknowledgement at her home ended.  It states, "A Memorial will be put up soon, ..."  I don't know what soon means to the Zoo, but for me, two months and still nothing is not only not soon, but it's Shameful.  And Sad.

You can see in the photos above, one of the several the "soon" signs, is located just feet away from Minnie's Memorial.  Too many times I have seen people read the green "soon" sign, and then walk over to Minnie.  To most there is no distinction.  For me, it hurts my heart.  I feel bad that there has not been anything for Maggie.  I feel bad that I haven't been able to bring flowers for her.  How hard is it for someone on staff to print out a photo of Maggie, even with no tribute text, and replace Minnie's photo with Maggie's?  I'm sure Minnie wouldn't mind her sign being retired to acknowledge her Sister.

Considering that Director Tanya Peterson allegedly demands every little thing at the Zoo has to get her approval, this falls on her.  This kind of lack of acknowledgement and in consistent recognition is what happens when you have a Director who doesn't care.

Our Zoo really needs help if it can't even manage to do something as simple as respecting the Animals after they have left us.  They are the Souls of Our Zoo.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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

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 Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

This is part three of the series of four posts that highlights the connection to the disrespect of Our Orangutans, and the irresponsible acquisition of Giant Pandas.

I got a bit extra wordy prior to my intention to show the actual construction plans.  Scroll down for them if you're short on time or patience, but come back for the rest at some point!

It's an understatement to just say, I'm tired of this whole Panda situation, and what it will mean for Our Zoo.  

The insanity and irresponsibility, is hard to wrap my mind around.  Actually not just my mind, everyone I talk to who cares about Our Zoo seems to have the same trouble with it.  It's also mind-blowing, that anyone, would think bringing Pandas here (certainly not at this time), is a good idea, especially considering the last year of bad press and frankly shame, the mismanagement by Director Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society Board has shined on Our Zoo.  Tanya and the Board, obviously don't give a shit, but what about the other supporters?  City entities like the Mayor, RecPark Commissioners, Supervisors, Donors, even members of the Public?  Does no one care?  Have they all ignored what's been reported, in favor of their own selfish Want?

When I first heard about this insanity, then-Mayor Breed was talking $20 Million for a new enclosure, $4 Million for a temporary.  These may be accurate numbers for state of the art enclosures, but to me, for the state of Our Zoo, using funds of this amount, for Animals not already living here, seems outrageous.  Especially since there are currently so many Animal Needs, and specifically those of the Orangutans.  Just the fact that it was perfectly fine to even entertain $4 Million for temporary use, is offensive.  I remain offended by this, but more so by Director Peterson's quote, "The Zoo plans to launch a major fundraising effort."

So, "major fundraising", yet Director Peterson has not done any real fundraising for the Zoo in the fifteen+ years she's been there, has left the Zoo in a desperate state, including with too many empty enclosures, and begs the question, WHY was it not important to her to do "major fundraising" for the Orangutans to have a decent home? 

So, before I rant on and digress to stuff I've already written about, let's see how Peterson plans to use the funds she's raised for Pandas.

Last December, with the plan for a new enclosure scrapped, the Zoo released it's plans for the "remodel" of Cat Yard A.  The price tag noted at $8 Million.  I looked at all the other North American Zoo's Panda enclosures, and visually without any work, the landscape and size, seemed already comparable, so $8 Mil seems a bit much.  That said, we must always take Tanya Peterson's words as weaved with suspicious truths, and illusions.

There had been been constant curiosity about how housing inside the Lion House would be handled.  Would there be a partition built?  What about the issue of temperature needs for each species?

Then it happened, less than two weeks after releasing the enclosure plan, Peterson's words from an internal newsletter were quoted, "However, that does not account for the cost of building a new exhibit for "the lions that will be ousted from the Historic Lion House."  

I can't even with this.  Removing the Lions from the Lion House.  And spending money to build them a new home, when they have a home, and the Orangutans need a new home.  Am I the only one with smoke coming out of her shaking head?  I was against the cost of a new build for Pandas, but this in insanity, just build the Pandas a new enclosure already and leave the Lion House alone.  

Our Cat exhibit area, does not need this logistical destruction.  

*It Needs to leave the Lions in their home, THE Lion House.

*It Needs to bring back a species of Tiger to the Lion House.

*It Needs follow-thru on the Snow Leopard expansion, that was supposed to cross the path into South Gate, to create an additional enclosure, which is much needed.  Originally the additional space, rumored to connect to the current enclosure by an overhead trail, and allow for the rotation of the current male on exhibit and his two offspring, currently off exhibit.  The new build done several years ago is embarrassing in size.  

*It Needs to expand the Jaguar enclosure.  The Zoo has a mocked up plan on the side of the Tropical Building, which makes no sense to me.  There is space on that same site.  In my opinion, a more logical and logistical place. 

Anyway, one would think it couldn't get any worse than the Cat area, being dismantled, yet the final Project Plans for the Pandas, that have been submitted and approved, shows remodeling seemingly of both Cat Yards and building two Dayrooms inside the Lion House! 

That said, How true is that $8 Million price tag?  Peterson has reortedly declined transparency about the amount of her fundraising and where the funds are coming from.

The Lion House has historical landmark status, so I'm not even sure how it's possible to completely change the inside. But, somehow The City Planning Commission signed off on it.

                            Aerial Diagram

                          Outside Cat Yards

                        Both Yards A and B 

                     Shown As Remodeled

Yard A? (Shown)

Before and After (Architect Rendering)

Aerial Diagram Inside Lion House

Full Floor Plan To Be Used

Lion House

Before and After (Architect Rendering)

The Peterson Zoo-lusion tried to sell us, one yard remodel, but, according to these Planning Commission documents, appears to be both Yards, and two Dayrooms.  How is all this less expensive than just building a new enclosure?  One Yard, No Dayroom, because this just looks like they are building rooms, in lieu of not using existing bedrooms, and using both yards just so one is not left vacant.

So, that's all that will happen, but not all that could happen. What could happen is all this goes through and for some reason, unforseeable, political, financial, whatever, Pandas aren't sent, that is a huge amount of money to lose.  As well the destruction to the Cat Yards will make them inhabitable by Big Cats, unless more money is spent to net them over.  Can't see that happening as Peterson vetoed netting for Orangutans in Triple Grotto North and Jaguar in Cat Yard B, she has also neglected to authorize finishing the netting on the Flamingo renovation from ten years ago.  The other gamble is, Pandas are sent, but as I predict, the expected attendance spike will not last, thus not produce the funds needed to maintain them and their annual fee. Then there's Trump who could piss China off at any moment and then they start repossessing Pandas in the US.

Additionally, according to one reported expert on Zoo Panda Acquisitions, a Zoo can do all the prep, jump through all the hoops by Chinese Officials, but until Pandas actually land here, it's not a sure thing.  Oakland Zoo reportedly spent a Million building an enclosure and Pandas were never sent.  

And finally, the emotional upset to us all, as suspected by some is, we might lose Our Lions because of all this insanity. Some have suspected that the new enclosure for Lions would never get built.  They may be right.  According the notation on the Planning Commission documents, the Lion Plans submitted are "On Hold".  One would logically think those plans would need to be Approved before, or at the same time as the Panda Plans, otherwise where are Our Lions going to be housed as Panda Plan moves forward?  Will this unfold as another Tanya Peterson untruth?

Next Post: Coming Soon... ETA Probably next weekend.

*What's The Alternative To Pandas In The Lion House?  ...  Pointing out the obvious location for the Pandas, and probably more ranting with reason.

Previous Posts in this Series:

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans ... part one 5.4.25

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/timeline-of-great-ape-disrespect.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo ... part two 5.5.25

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

Related Posts:

*The Zoo Has Released Their Panda Enclosure Design

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-zoo-has-released-their-panda.html

*Zoo Director Plans To Kick The Lions Out Of The Historic LION HOUSE?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/zoo-director-plans-to-kick-lions-out-of.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

A Crucial Moment In Time For The Future Of Our Zoo

I apologize for once again interrupting the flow of posts I have in draft that belong in a series.  Consecutive flow is always my goal, but there are times I feel certain things need to be documented timely, something that has gotten away from me too many times.

This week presented two shocking turns of events within the Zoological Society.  I have chosen not to go into detail at this time, but feel noting that twists that could possibly save Our Zoo's future, are seemingly within reach.  At least that is what we are all hoping for.

Discussions this week were again extensive, with certain things (ideas and suggestions) I've put forward in previous posts, brought up and suggested that I forward them to those in Authority beyond the Zoo walls.

One post, a two-parter posted in October 2024, was the main one discussed.  I'm linking them next.  Note part-two is the one that contains my detailed thoughts on restructuring management.

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part One - Current Management 

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

*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

After posting part-two, I thought of some tweaks to my well thought out idea for a successful management structure.  Some might say, who is she to put forth such ideas?  Well, at least I have thought of ways, better ways to make Our Zoo have a fair management system, instead of languishing status quo in a pattern of neglect by authority entities, that have allowed a dictatorship to flourish.

Since this post is meant to put forth information in a timely manner, I have not put my tweaks to paper in any presentable way.  I also don't think it's necessary at this point, but if a change is on the mind of anyone with authority, who is further interested in my ideas, they can contact me.

That further thinking many months ago made me realize what I'm proposing is that Our Zoo be run as a Co-Op.  Not only out of what has seemed logical to me for many years, but in light of certain members of the Joint Zoo Committee, and allegedly the Board, considering the opinions of Anti-Zoo Activists as Animal Welfare authorities, instead of the knowledge of Our Zoo's long-time Animal Care Staff.  Director Peterson has run-off many, but there are still a good number of qualified Animal Staff who should have a seat at the table.  The Zoo is at the core, an Animal Care Facility.  Sure, there's a business side, but the Zoo as a whole, is about Animal Welfare.  That department should be at least half of the management equally.

I then looked-up the meaning of a Co-Op Management. ... "The co-operative method of management is modelled after participatory democracy: depending on their size, co-operative members not only vote for their board members or representatives but directly participate in the management and decision-making process of the organization."

Democracy.  Under Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society, the Zoo has not been run as a Democracy.  If it had been, the No Confidence vote against Peterson would have had weight.  Instead, the Society Board, who knows nothing about the Zoo, supports Peterson and her morally criminal offenses against the Animals, Staff and Zoo.

Management of Our Zoo should not continue, as is.  New "leadership" is long overdue.  It is extremely vital to Our Zoo thriving into the future.  I seriously fear without it, and the irresponsible acquisition of Pandas, Our Zoo will not see it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.  

The fact that it took eight months of media exposing mismanagement to even get anyone at City level, even that of the Zoo's own oversight entities, SF RecPark and Joint Zoo Committee, is sad.  All these entities, including the SF Zoological Society, have known about problems for over a decade.  They just ignored them, literally rolling their eyes, which I witnessed with my own eyes, at the concerns from Animal Care Staff at Meetings and myself, who spoke at Meetings in regards to the Chimpanzees.  So far, the only City entity to move forward with any seemingly serious attempt at uncovering any unbiased mismanagement is the Board of Supervisors, who have launched their own investigation.

It's disturbing that the incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie, has been silent in regards to the Zoo.  A San Francisco Native who took office in January, is well aware of all the bad press.  Additionally, up until just over a month ago, I was in contact with his team, since he won the election.  They led me on for months, yet never committed to putting a meeting on the calendar, and avoiding answering my question of Why? Clearly, the Mayor, like every Mayor before him, has no interest in Our Zoo, despite it being City Owned.  

Before my initial contact with Team Lurie, I inquired with Supervisor Aaron Peskin, former President of the Board of Supervisors, to confirm my understanding, by simply asking,... 

Since the Zoo is City owned, only "managed" by the Zoological Society, ... What City entity has Authority over them? ...The Mayor, BOS, or another entity? (alluding to RecPark)

His answer...

"Recreation and Parks Department under the Mayor."

So, it would seem that not only my logical thought, but actual fact, Our City owned Zoo, pyramid of power, is...

* #1 ... San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie

* #2 ... San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission

... above overrides below, as they are "Management Entities"

* San Francisco Zoological Society Board

* San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

Every entity, collectively or individually is an accomplice to what has and continues to happen at Our Zoo.  There has been negligence of duty by all.  It's time that the Authority holders, Mayor Lurie and the RecPark Commissioners, make executive decisions for the future of Our Zoo.  

If the Mayor and RecPark do not act to not only remove Tanya Peterson as Director, but Restructure the management system, they will send the same message they have in at least the last seventeen years I've been monitoring the Zoo, which coincidentally coincided with Tanya Peterson's reign as Director.  That message is, they just don't care.

The lack of care, and subsequent oversight from these City Officials, have allowed The Zoological Society and their appointed Director, to not only mismanage Our Zoo, but to operate it with the thought they are untouchable, unaccountable and that nothing anyone outside their self-entitled clique says, has any worth.  They deflect, they lie, and they put forth creative narrative to suit their needs and protect their position.  Where and more important, When, does it stop?

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

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 Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

Got to admit, that last post wore me out.  Rehashing those heartbreaking details of disrespect to innocent Beings, really affects me emotionally, in addition to really f*cking pissing me off.  

It's mind-boggling that not only with the awareness of the complete financial irresponsibility, disregard for both current Animal Needs, and Zoo fixes, plus the absolute injustice to the Orangutans, that a post like this even needs to be written.  Yet, here we are.  The same broken record playing.  Maybe Someone With Authority to put an end to the Panda Plan, will hear the tune, step-in and Save Our Zoo, from the greedy, misaligned clutches of Director Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society Board.  What say you, Mayor Lurie and/or the RecPark Commissioners?

Anyone who supports bringing Pandas to Our Zoo at this time, is just plain selfish.  Pandas are a Want, not a Need.

So yeah, I have already mentioned the Orangutans.  Their situation is probably the single most irk I have about bringing Pandas here at this time.  Let's make no mistake, that irk is quickly followed by the plan to house Pandas in the Lion House, throwing that whole area of the Zoo into chaos, and foremost, displacing the Lions.  Then, using funds to build a new enclosure for Lions.  The Lions have a home, in the Lion House.  The logic of it all is insanity.

It makes no sense to build the Lions a new home, when it's the Orangutans that desperately need a home.  If you have read my previous post, and still think it's justifiable, after being confined to caged tubes for a total of a year, and then being banished to live on tiny islands for eternity, then there is seriously something wrong with anyone who doesn't think this is morally criminal.

Tanya Peterson should not be allowed to bring in her next new shiny toy, while her last ones still live on small ancient concrete islands.

Peterson's habit of acquiring Animals with no appropriate place to house them, misappropriating funds for non-Animal projects, and general Wants over Needs has to stop.  Starting with putting the Panda Plan on hold indefinitely, and possibly revisit it once all the Needs for current Residents and Zoo fixes have been met.  It's not rocket science to see what needs to be done to Save and Fix Our Zoo.  Yet no one with Authority has the balls to do it.  Panda's will not Save Our Zoo.  New management will.  Until that happens, righting the wrong that was done to the Orangutans, and not rewarding a Cruel Animal Welfare Offense, by allowing the acquisition of Giant Pandas, a large costly Species, should be the example of Caring set forth.  

The Zoo has been under immense scrutiny the past year, the right steps forward need to be taken.  Care and attention to current Animal and Zoo Needs, is how you do that.  Not obsessively focusing on bringing in a Species that is outrageously costly, while the rest of the Zoo suffers.

The Zoo has used "Economic Growth", as one selling point.  I have a problem with this hypothetical in general, as I know funds have been used for non-Animal Wants, ignoring Animal Needs.  That and other factors make it clear, that there is no guarantee that the current Needs of the Zoo will benefit from any influx of funds from a spike in attendance.  A spike I will add, will most likely not last long and definitely not through the lease.

For one, and this is a big one, it was reported that US Zoo's hosting Pandas do not benefit from additional revenue.  Rebecca Snyder,  Chair of the Giant Panda Conservation Foundation, is quoted, "Snyder said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers permits to zoos,... does not allow them to keep any profit from pandas. Instead, it expects extra money to go to back to panda conservation in China."  A recent financial breakdown of sorts, reported such a kick-back.

The news article that broke-down the alleged budget outline noting an estimated $8 million to renovate an existing Lion exhibit for the Pandas, $7 million for operational expenses, and $10 million in “conservation gifts” to China.

So, the largest chunk of the funds raised is being kicked back to China, in addition to the $2 million annual rental fee.  That is not a "gift", that is an additional payment.  Way to waste money that could be put to better use.   That money could do wonders for Our Orangutans and other Animal Needs.   These costs are obscene.

If Tanya Peterson had not spent the last seventeen years mismanaging Our Zoo, and actually done her job, maybe the Zoo would be in the position to build an dedicated enclosure for Pandas, and one that doesn't take away the home of current Residents (Lions), or from the Needs of current Residents (Orangutans).  At this time, it is not.

After Maggie Chimpanzee passed away, the thought came to mind... Would, rather could (because she is certainly capable of it), Tanya revisit her plan from ten years ago, and try to kick out the three remaining Chimpanzees, to free-up THEIR HOME for Orangutans?  There has been no word of our Chimps future, whether they will stay or whether the Zoo will acquire additions to their troop.  I wrote about this in a blog post, but I bring this up again, here and now, as I put exclusive pressure on regarding the Need for the Orangutans to have a new enclosure built, in the light of the Panda Plan, and the proposed new Lion enclosure.  

If this Chimp transfer notion were to come up, I'm sure Tanya would see this solution as a win.  Tanya should not be rewarded for not building an appropriate home for the Orangutans.  She should not be rewarded for not fundraising for the Orangutans.  She should be required as part of her job to build them a new home, by any means possible.  If she can raise funds for Pandas who don't live at Our Zoo, and displace, building new for Lions, she can raise funds for Ollie and Amoi, who have waited six years for a new home to be built for them.  Their Needs matter.  They matter.

Furthermore, Shame on anyone who would Donate what I assume would be locked funds to Pandas and Lions, while the Orangutans wait.  

And, if Donors don't know there are desperate Needs, that is what the Oversight of the RecPark Commission is SUPPOSED to be for.  They should be aware (but aren't) of everything going on at the Zoo, to make sure Tanya and the Society Board do not step-on and over Needs, for their Wants.  Which is What has been happening for seventeen years, and Why Our Zoo is in the state it is.

This has been part-two of a series of four.  There is a method to my madness of continued Orangutan/Panda Outrage.  

In the next two posts, I will continue to illustrate why I think the Panda Plan is a bad idea.

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through ... This post will outline what the Plans are, what they means for Our Zoo and current Animals, plus what can go wrong.

*What's The Alternative To Pandas In The Lion House ... I still believe the Panda Plan should be shutdown, but if it continues to be sought after, in my opinion there is a better location option. 

Previous Post:

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/timeline-of-great-ape-disrespect.html

Related Post:

*Are Our Chimpanzees At Risk For Leaving?

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

Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

Pre-read... I just finished this post.  I intended it to basically be a sterile bullet pointed list.  It's long.  There's more to it.  No way to avoid it. The sad plight of our Orangutans, Ollie and Amoi, is personal for me.  I watched every step of their disrespectful time at Our Zoo, and it was heartbreaking.  There is no way my emotions would not sneak into this a bit.  It's important that newcomers understand and that no one forgets that everyday since these poor souls arrived here, they have been disrespected.  This will not end until an appropriate home is built for them.   An illusion of one was sold to get them here, it's way past time it became a reality.

...

When I started this post and it's one, now three successors, back in December, I thought I was finally seeing an end to Zoo blogging as it has been for fourteen years.  I felt I had said all that could be said about the mass mismanagement under Director Tanya Peterson, and more than well documented most issues that made it into my realm.  I was energized to get to that finish line.  Then of course other Zoo BS happened in between and I've been talking about these two posts since. 

The reason for these posts was I wanted the last posts up to reflect, even if a repeat of previous words, some kind of synopsis to illustrate what I feel are key points in mismanagement that connect the disrespect of the Orangutans, to the insanity of bringing in Pandas, because make no mistake, they are related.  I wanted it laid out for anyone new to the saga to get a general understanding of at least this one factor that I believe should have been reason enough for some authority entity (Mayor, RecPark Commissioners) to override Director Peterson and Zoological Society Board, and shut the Panda Plan down. 

I know long-time readers might be like, geez, how many times she going to do this timeline?   Well, hopefully this will be the last, and it will be a bit different, as all the previous were focused on the Chimpanzees, and then Orangutans added on.  This will be focused on the Orangutans.  I do this not only to document a relatively, if not exact timeline, but because I don't expect others to have kept the same records I have. 

Ok so, let's get into this.  Starting with the history of Triple Grotto, the current home of the Orangutans.  Built in the mid-60s, each grotto is 32 feet across, according to this document. 

My estimation on the size of the islands, is less than half that.  You can see in this photo that the island raises up to a leveled off point, that is ridiculously small compared to the circumference. 

This is a photo of how a grotto island looked in the earliest days.  I was told soil landscaping wasn't added til the 80s.

These are aerial views of Triple Grotto, I used in a previous post to illustrate the size of the Islands, compared to a quarter of the size of the Chimp yard.  

Keep in mind the severely reduced topical space, due to added structures, as seen in this photo.

Photos below have also been included in previous posts.  They show the size of the Islands compared to other areas in the Zoo.

Anyone who knows these areas and have looked at them can readily understand the inappropriately small area the Orangutans are living in.

Present day view of the Triple Grotto enclosure our Orangutans are living in viewable in this video.  They have access to North and West (Middle) Grotto.  There is very little topical area on either island.  

*Orangutans 3.28.25 ... Shows Triple Grotto Building to Island + Bridge Bullshit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=anp1Ri3u3xI

Timeline Continued...

I'm not sure the time frame for each species/grotto but I do know that Chimps, Orangutans, and Gorillas all occupied a grotto.  Pretty sure at the same time at some point.    

*Chimps - mid60s - March 2019

*Gorillas - mid60s - 1980s & approx 2002-2004 (Temporary relocation for two teenage bachelors set to be transferred to another Zoo.)

*Orangutans - mid60s - 2003

1997 -  San Francisco Residents Vote and pass a Bond for improvements to the Zoo.  The bond was for specific projects, the building of The Great Ape Forest, a new home for the Chimpanzees and Orangutans, was at the forefront of the campaign.  That never happened.  Money was misappropriated and never replaced by fundraising efforts or donor driven.

2005 - Bond Update showed the Great Ape Forest  had been cancelled.

2008 - News article notates, that over 10 yrs after the Bond was awarded, there were still questions about How the money was spent and Why the Chimps were still living in the "ancient" Triple Grotto.

2008-2013 - The SFZoo is very well aware of the AZA/SSP Guidelines in regard to Chimpanzee troops being four or more.  There has been no fundraising for a new Chimpanzee enclosure.  There has been no plans made for the inevitable future, when our troop number reduces.

2013 - Tallulah passes away.  Zoo Director Tanya Peterson does nothing to ensure that Tallulah's Chimp Family, Cobby, Minnie and Maggie are guaranteed a lifelong home at the SFZoo.

2014 - Triple Grotto deemed too outdated for Chimpanzees, AZA/SSP refuses to send anymore Chimps to SFZoo.  Rather than raise funds to build Chimps a new home at the Zoo, Director Tanya Peterson decides to kick our senior Chimps out of their home of over forty-five years. ... Allegedly she already had plans to bring in Orangutans.

2015 - Director Peterson's cruel plan to get rid of our Chimps is foiled by public outrage.  Chimps stay and new home to be built for them. 

Nov 2018 - New Bedrooms and Dayroom completed.

March 2019 - Chimps move out of Triple Grotto. ... Shockingly, news of Orangutans on the way is leaked.  Everyone's (myself and staff) big question is, Where will they go? 

April-May 2019 - Orangutans arrive.

With Triple Grotto previously deemed too outdated for Chimpanzees, and no renovation in sight, the horror and fear that the Orangutans would be tossed into Triple Grotto as is, is real.  Unimaginably, what actually happened is far worse. 

I've written endlessly about how heartbreaking the lives of our Orangutans has been since arriving, starting with the emotional and mental trauma forced on the male Ollie, who arrived first.  With the Chimp yard still under construction, this poor little boy was held inside the old Chimp house, while loud sounds of metal banging and screeching, were happening directly outside.  At nine years old, Ollie was allegedly not slowly separated from his Orangutan family at his previous Zoo, including his infant brother who he was bonded to.  One day he was with them, the next on a plane here.  Alone and with the sounds of a war zone going on around him.  This should not have happened.  This didn't need to happen.  At the very least he should have stayed at his previous home until that construction was done.  Ideally, until a proper home at our Zoo was constructed for him and the incoming female.

Some might ask, How is this treatment possible?

I've been questioning that for six years.  The only story I can piece together from information I've gathered is... Director Tanya Peterson once again created and sold an illusion, that the Orangutans were getting a new enclosure built.  That is what the male's previous Zoo was told.  Tanya allegedly used what was being built for Chimpanzees, was going to also be for Orangutans.  Other than selling the idea of rotating the species, I can't figure why no one asked how that was going to work.  One species would always be contained either inside, or in the Skytrail, which is what happened.

Also note:  The hands-off oversight approach that the Rec and Park Commissioners and Zoological Society Board Members have given Director Peterson, have allowed this and all other disastrous issues to happen.  Animal Acquisitions are supposed to be approved by Commissioners and Board Members, at the monthly Joint Zoo Committee Meeting.  In regard to the Orangutans, the female was already at the Zoo when her acquisition approval came-up.  Not sure anyone but me noticed.  No one noticed, because no one cared to.  Acquisitions are approved without question, specifically, Where will this Animal live?

May 2019 - New Chimpanzee Yard opens.  

June 2019 - Chimps have random access to their Yard.  My count is less than a dozen times and that's generous. ... Female Orangutan has alternating access.

July - August 18, 2019 - Chimps have had no Outside access for Seven Weeks.  Not to the Trails, Not to their Yard.  Exclusive access given to Female Orangutan.

8.18.19 - I had enough of what was going on with the Chimps, and made a call to Steve Ross the head of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan.  He said he would make a call to the Zoo.

8.19.19 - In tears, I witness the Chimps were given outside access!  

Sept 2019 - Three new Chimpanzees arrive and integration by gender completed.  Two groups require use of both spaces, Dayroom and Yard.

9.26.19 - The Chimpanzees have had continuous access to yard since 8.19.19. ... This means that for five weeks, with no other yard, the only access outside of the bedrooms for the Orangutans is the Skytrails. ... Note the Male Orangutan has NEVER had any other outside access except for the caged tubes of the Skytrail.  

11.18.19 - All seven Chimps now integrated.  Due to Chimpanzee behavior and space requirement, they continue to use the Dayroom and Yard that was built for them.

8.19.19 - 12.17.19 - The Orangutans only outside access for Seventeen Weeks was the Skytrails.  I documented two things each week, that they were living in caged tubes, and that there was no attempt to provide them with a dedicated home of their own. 

*Orangutans Continue to Live in a Caged Tube 12.2.19

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

Dec 2019 - At Seventeen weeks, I thought, enough of this crap. What is going on?  Why is this being allowed to happen?  I sent an email to the AZA President Dan Ashe, the Orangutan SSP Chair Lori Perkins, and Orangutan Studbook Keeper Megan Elder.  I never expect to get responses, and I didn't, but I wanted the people responsible for sending these poor Animals to a place that has no proper home for them to know what was going on (if they didn't already), and that someone is watching and documenting this crime.  After eleven days, I sent the same message via Facebook Messenger to the AZA and the SSP.  The gist of the message was a repeat of my emails, Do you know...?  Maybe they did and didn't care, maybe they bought the illusion that there was or would be a place for them in the new Great Ape Passage.  Hard to believe that any professional with authority, would think rotating them through the Dayroom and Yard with an eventual Troop of seven Chimpanzees, was a feasible option, which I have illustrated many times it is not.   My message included a link to one of my shaming videos.  I also made a call to the USDA and reported the situation. ... Three days later the Orangutans had access to the yard.  Two days after that, there were non-Zoo people in Triple Grotto.  I'm not assuming my correspondence is connected to those events, but I'm also not one who believes in coincidence. 

12.17.19 ... Hallelujah!  Orangutans get access to Chimp yard.  Note: While female Amoi had some access four months ago, this was male Ollie's FIRST time in an enclosure since his arrival.  His ONLY outside access for eight months was the caged tubes of the Skytrail.

*OMG! There Was Christmas Joy for Ollie and Amoi! - Orangutan Update!

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/12/omg-there-was-christmas-joy-for-ollie.html

12.18.19 - 6.1.21 -  During at least a year of this time frame, The Orangutans got access to the Chimp yard, two days a week.

6.2.21 - Twenty-Five Months after their arrival, Ollie and Amoi finally have access to a dedicated enclosure.  It is a horrible Prison Pit, but at this point, at least they have a daily yard option. 

I've provided several links below.  Just a few in the multitudes of videos and posts I've made about the treatment of our poor Orangutans under the direction of Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, and because of neglect in duties of faux management of the Zoological Society Board and the oversight negligence of the Rec and Park Commissioners.  No one will like being called to the mat on this, but that is the truth.  If any entity from the above is reading this and cares, I urge you to visit the links I've provided.  If you really want an education, search this blog and my YouTube for "Orangutans". The information matters.  It mattered then and certainly matters now, six years later.  Do not continue to turn a blind eye any longer.

*News on Triple Grotto! - Orangutan Update - 1.13.20

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/01/news-on-triple-grotto-orangutan-update.html

*Triple Grotto Renovation/Home For Orangutans Update 3.9.21

https://youtu.be/1ykFLabiXrs?si=-4oLzIl4VPDP4GCz

*Disgust At The Triple Grotto Renovation - Our Poor Orangutans

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/03/disgust-at-triple-grotto-renovation-our.html

6.2.21 - Present - The Orangutans have languished in the Triple Grotto as is.  There is NO Plan to give them a better home.  An appropriate home.  They spend more time in the trail than they do in this enclosure.  The caged tube of the trail is what they first knew here.  It's all they knew.  

I can think, maybe Ollie and Amoi don't know how bad their living environment is, but they are smart.  They look down at the Chimps all day in a nice yard, with netting they remember climbing on.  I think they understand.  Even if they don't know how horrible it is, I know.

Related Posts:

March 29, 2019 

*Orangutans - Where Will They Go?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/03/orangutans-where-will-they-go.html

Next Up: The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

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"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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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

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