August 1, will mark one year since disgraced former Zoo CEO/Director Tanya Peterson's exit. The other day I remembered that I wrote a post last year about Our Zoo Gaining Independence from her mismanagement and all-round toxicity.
Today, I'm expressing some of the changes I've seen, and those I haven't, in the eleven months of new Leadership. That Leadership is lead by new CEO/Director Cassandra Costello, but unfortunately backed by the same Zoological Society Board. I mention the Board, because I still strongly believe the Board (as well as the RecPark as oversight entity) needs restructuring, and redefining. In my opinion, without that, it seems like the same game, and that can hold Our Zoo back from reaching it's optimum potential.
I'm going to start by flat-out saying, I expected more betterment changes in a years time than I've seen happen. I feel like after witnessing eighteen years of destruction, I personally would have made better use of a year's worth of time. That said, maybe I have no idea what it takes to get things done, but I have the fixer mentality, I see an issue and want it fixed now. I acknowledge, the situation Costello has stepped into, so maybe then there needs for a better process and delegation of tasks.
In a brief overview from my perspective, the last year has seen the the decision to exit both Chimpanzees and Lions from Our Zoo, no Fundraising efforts (with the exception of the Entry Bricks) and no attention to the broken down fence that leads people into Our Zoo. These are major issues rooted in, the lack of recognition of what two large species mean to Our Zoo, the lack of creative ways to fund Our Zoo's needs (like those needed to keep Our Lions), and the lack of pride in the outside appearance of Our Zoo.
These personal highlights, are not meant to take away from the immense overall change that Costello has brought, but these things I've mentioned are big thumbs down. There can be both. I have appreciated a lot of things that have been done, and do not discard those efforts, but I want to see more. People tell me things take time. I'm sorry, but in my opinion, Our Zoo does not have the luxury of time.
I applaud Costello coming in with enthusiasm, and tenacity, to better Our Zoo, and I hope that carries on, despite the tight rope and obstacles. I welcomed that she immediately created an environment that fostered optimism, and lifted morale. Although, it is my guess that the initial morale is not as high as it started, as no one is happy about the decision to evict Our Lions.
I'm going to leave it at that.
This Summer's Dino event looks to be a draw, and I hope successful. Last week's weekday visit, was crowded, so hopefully that's the sign of increased attendance. But, the Zoo needs increased attendance all year. So, hopefully they are planning big things, in the way of events and fundraising for the Holidays. I'll be watching, as I did last October thru New Years, when I saw three months of missed opportunities during Giving Season.
I look forward to the next six months, and seeing how things progress. The clock is ticking.
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> Related Posts:
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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 , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees , #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison , #Gorillas , #Lemurs , #Lions
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