Sadly, More Unacknowledged Zoo Friend Losses

Well, I woke up yesterday morning ready to dive into posts in draft and then I thought to check if this months Joint Zoo Agenda was up.  It was, and it contained the past three months of Animal Transactions.  I was shocked by two losses that I hadn't heard about, and that just added to the sadness coming off writing about Tenzing the night before.  I had to abandon writing anything yesterday.  So, here it is another weekend where it's my last day in, and I'm still not getting to posts in draft from two weeks ago.

While writing my last post, I tried to remember if I had written about the passing of our last original female Red Panda Pele, last October. .. 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.  

I looked and found I had mentioned Pele in my post dated February 7, regarding the passing of Gorilla Oscar Jonesy.  

I looked and still had the post I mention writing.  Her passing was never acknowledged by the Zoo.  Here is my recognition of her life...

Goodbye Precious Pele - Red Panda Passes Away

Last week we lost Pele.  I found out just after spending time at Red Pandas, that she had passed the day before.  Her passing has yet to be, and may not ever be recognized by the Zoo.

I don't post about all the Zoo Friends when they leave us, but that doesn't mean that each one has not touched us.  Each life deserves to be respected with acknowledgement.  There was a time I did post, and way back even made Tribute videos.  Now, the acknowledgement is mostly done privately, with me reflecting on memories of that Friend, and thanking their Spirit for the friendship and that I was happy to have known them.

I chose to post about Pele (P-lay), because she was renamed when she came to the Zoo, and ReNamed something disrespectful, and I want to acknowledge not only that, but her true identity.

Those who have known me a longtime, know one of my original irks is rooted in the ReNaming of Animals when they are acquired by the Zoo.

All the Red Pandas we have (or have had), never got to keep their names.  Pele came to live at the Zoo at age ten, with the name Pele.  It was quickly changed to Hunter.  

The name change to Hunter in honor of the Donor Family's Son, is completely inappropriate.  Any Animal person should know that.  Unfortunately Our Director, Society Board, and Donors are made up of people who don't really have any care about Animals.  NO Animal should be given the name Hunter!

According to the Red Panda Network, Illegal Hunting is a main threat to these Animals. Further reading revealed they are not only Poached for their Fur, but their meat has also been found on menus in China.  

It was completely unacceptable that this Sweet Lady had to carry that name for the remaining ten years of her life.  

RIP Pele, Bless Your Soul.

After rereading my words, I remembered a further disrespect.  In addition to being reNamed, Hunter, in 2022, she was also given a moniker in reference to a movie character, like her Identity didn't mean anything.  So, she was pimped out in this way just so the Zoo could get momentary media attention.   

Sadness From Joint Zoo Documents...

RIP Thelma, Bless Your Soul. ... Reading Thelma the Black Necked Swan passed away was shocking.  This happened in April.  I visit the Puente exhibit where she lived, almost every visit, so at least once a week.  I greet all the residents.  Thelma always responded back.  So, of course I noticed when she wasn't there.  I never thought to ask (if she was still with us), as I assumed she was off exhibit due to the Avian Flu.  When in recent weeks, even the Aviary's were reopening, I should have thought to ask.  Would have been nice if someone told me.  I always talk to the Friends Spirits, especially when they pass.  Now I feel bad that so many months have gone by.  I will miss hearing her greeting me back.  She has sadly been alone too long, after the passing of her Sister.  Now they are reunited.

RIP Solongo, Bless Your Soul. ... I confirmed Solongo the Przewalski Horse's passing when I noticed her missing from her enclosure two visits in a row.   This wasn't a surprise to read, just a reminder there was no acknowledgement of her passing either.   I feel sad for her companion, who I think may be her Sister.  They were together at their previous home Zoo as well.

RIP Irene, Bless Your Soul. ... Seeing "Macaw" listed was surprising.  I guess I never knew the ages of ours.  We have two longtime bonded pairs.  I confirmed it was Irene.  He was 54!  Irene and female Pepe, came to the Zoo in the 70s, so they lived well over forty-five years here.  Not right that Irene's passing was never acknowledged.  

RIP Wilbur, Bless Your Soul. ... Wilbur the Barn Owl, was the first Barn Owl I ever saw in person.  I remember the first time I saw him.  He used to be brought outside the ARC on occasion. When new Aviary's were built, he was out on view regularly.  Wilbur was blind, so I would greet him with a soft voice.  Whether he recognized it or not, I hope it was friendly.

RIP Tsering, Bless Your Soul. ... Reading Tsering the young male Snow Leopard had passed away was shocking.  It still feels unreal.  He was only seven years old.  I thought about him and his Sister's Birthday last month when I passed by their old enclosure, close to that date.  I love those Cubbies and was invested in their lives.  I watched their parents introduction, anticipated their birth, saw them take their first steps outside, and was there for their First Birthday.  And then, they were taken off exhibit about four years ago.  It's been sad to have missed so much of their life.  Tsering's passing has really brought to the surface how that's affected me.  The heightened awareness of them still being here and not having had them be a part of my life, is upsetting.  Now he is gone.  I'm sad for his Sister who now is alone

https://youtu.be/KKYm5YPuLuA

Their move, is not the first of it's kind.  Many Animals that myself and other's are endeared to, have been taken off exhibit without warning, and never to be seen again.   It's not right.   Our Zoo under the current Director has not created or encouraged any sense of community, and it shows in so many ways.  In regard to removing Animals that members of the public have become endeared to, warning, and consideration should be given.  In cases like the Snow Cubs, and others who were moved off exhibit, but still live in the Zoo, there is no reason Social Media Updates on them could not have been given.  I have more to say about this in a future post.

To all these Friends, I will miss you.  My life has been enriched having known you.  Thank you. 

To those who have passed, who I may not have known as individuals, Bless Your Souls.

Related post:

*RIP Grace - Another Passing That Got No Recognition (Aug 2020)

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/rip-grace-another-passing-that-got-no.html

*Another Sad Day In Zoo Friend Land (Feb 2025)

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/02/another-sad-day-in-zoo-friend-land.html