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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Information:

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 2018 - New Chimpanzee Qadeer arrives!

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

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

Mar 2019 - Chimps move out of Triple Grotto.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In that recent previous post, I wrote my idea.  

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

"Our Zoo Is A Forever Home"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Post:

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

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

Video Link:

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

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

This Week At The Zoo - 9.29.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statue in original spot.

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

Monarch, abandoned at South Gate.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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