The Zoo's Response To The EcoPark Fantasy

When I woke in the early hours of this morning, I had an email alerting me to the Anti-Zoo Activist's latest post rebutting the Zoo's response to his EcoPark SF fantasy.  

I should have known and been on the alert, as on my way home from South City yesterday afternoon I saw a news truck (no station indication), outside the Zoo.

The post contained a screencap of a quote from the Zoo's Co-CEO.  You can see the ABC-TV logo in the lower right corner.  I immediately searched for it online, and while it may have appeared on the 11:00 news last night, it was seemingly nowhere to be found online under google news or on ABC Bay Area's social media, this morning. 

I replied to the person who sent me the post, noting that I liked her wording.  She uses "reality", after I used fantasy, in reference to the EcoPark idea.  The Activist used fantasy in his rebuttal.  Possibly having gleaned that from my post yesterday morning.  

It does strike curious, that this EcoPark idea didn't garner a response from the Zoo, or news media attention for days, but happened the same day as my post.  I had planned to send it to City Officials this morning, but not necessary now.

Another coincidence (?), after exhausting an internet search, I emailed the News desk early this morning, and asked for a link to the story.  Instead of replying, not long after my inquiry, the story appeared via google news.  

https://abc7news.com/amp/post/tear-down-san-francisco-zoo-new-ecopark-proposal-ignites-debate-sf-how-future-proof-outdated-plagued-problems/18404473/

The Zoo's full reaction to the EcoPark fantasy is contained in the text article linked above.

Cassandra Costello, co-CEO of the San Francisco Zoo, sent a statement to ABC7 News:

"We genuinely welcome feedback and ideas about the future of the Zoo, and we're always open to thoughtful public input. That said, the first time we saw this proposal was this week in a newspaper opinion piece, and we do not consider this idea realistic. Anyone can come up with a fanciful plan and pretty pictures, but these images do not reflect the complexity or responsibility involved in caring for animals, conservation of species, and operating a major public institution."

Prior to this longer version of Costello's response being published, I had made some notes for an upcoming post...

As I mentioned in a previous recent post, I had made graphics, more of my famous aerial view mock-ups.  This was months ago, obviously before the EcoPark idea debut.  While I liked the initial words of Costello in response to the EcoPark idea,  I think I have had good doable ideas in the past and continue to.  That post is in draft and coming soon.  Regardless of whether my ideas are valid in regard to those of Zoo Officials, they are realistic.  In a counter to the EcoPark fantasy, they more align with the reality of Our Zoo's landscape, scope of fundraising if serious aggressive and creative attempts are made, as well as what Our Zoo going public seemingly is interested in.  I talk to a lot of people, both inside and outside the Zoo, I also make mental notes of overheard comments being made by visitors.  And as a lifelong visitor, and someone who has been deep into everything regarding Our Zoo for the last eighteen years, I think I know more than a little bit about Our Zoo and what would work and help it thrive.  

Costello's quote also includes this statement...

"SF Zoo has begun initial work on a Master Plan in partnership with animal experts, the city, and other stakeholders. We'll be providing our community with more information on the zoo's future as it is available."

I've already written words relating to this, in that draft post from November that I previously referred to.  So, I'm going to leave my reaction to this for when I publish that.

I will say this...

Having seen previous Master Plans, that are elaborate dreams of grandeur, I seriously hope the Zoo does not itself entertain fantasy.   

Previous Post:

Anti-Zoo Activist Entertains Fantasy For EcoPark on Zoo Site

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/01/anti-zoo-activist-entertains-fantasy.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

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