New > KRON News Reporting ICU Capacity Jump Above Level Needed To ReOpen Zoo!

Just checking the News.  This from KRON yesterday, ... 

The Bay Area Sees Significant Jump In ICU Bed Capacity.

https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/bay-area-sees-significant-jump-in-icu-bed-capacity/

So, what does this mean for the Zoo being able to ReOpen?  Who knows.  Nothing about this Shutdown has seemed justified or logical.   

As I posted a couple weeks ago, per the State Health Dept, the Bay Area, which includes San Francisco and ten other counties, must register at 15% for a projected four week period.  The Sacramento Zoo and region, while not registering at 15% reached the projected time frame and was allowed to ReOpen last week.  The Bay Area has been fluctuating between 0 and 6% for over a month.  I wonder if that fluctuation could count against any immediate go ahead to reopen.  

The sudden increase is surprising, considering how low its been and additionally with all the people walking around with no mask and not distancing.  I surely didn't expect numbers to rise this fast, but it's a great welcome!  Hope we hear something about the Zoo soon!

Also waiting for replies to recent emails to Dr Mark Ghaly from the State Health Dept and Governor Newsom, regarding the classification logic (Botanical Garden, Tea Garden, Shopping Malls, Playgrounds, yet No Zoos).

                  

There was a curious notation on the California Dept of Health website, under the (Zoo) Industry Guidance topic, that allowed for Zoos in the Purple Tier to be open "Outdoors with modifications".  So again like stated in previous posts, questioning the logic of certain places allowing to be open when other like places can not.  This shines a wonder on why Zoos were closed during this second Shutdown.

Note:

If you follow this blog regularly, note that I added additional information to this recent post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-zoo-playground-now-open-update.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

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

New > Will 2021 Be The Year That The Orangutans Get A Home Of Their Own?

This post was started months ago, after the Zoo had  ReOpened from it's first Shutdown.  After weeks and weeks passed, and other construction projects restarted, there was still no sign of any work being done in the Triple Grotto Exhibit for the Orangutans. 

I have several Construction Update posts, but this one has been bumped as it flows from the previous one.  It was always the first in the series, as it is a constant irritation that like with the Chimpanzees for so many years, the Orangutans needs have taken a back seat to everything else.  

During the five months the Zoo had been ReOpened, the construction for the Snow Leopard expansion was in full swing, while nothing happened at Triple Grotto.  Then, a  few months ago I saw the architect going over plans with the construction guy in front of Triple Grotto.  When they were done I asked her about the project.  

Previous information was that only the North Grotto would be included in the project.  There would be no netting, no new structures, basically no new nothing.  After talking to her, it seemed like much of the same, with the exception of including the Middle Grotto.  All other work seemed to focus on bringing it up to code.  Except for the addition of the Middle Grotto, this was all a let down, but whatever gets the Orangutans into a space of their own as soon as possible, the better at this point.  That said, I asked how long the project would take.  The answer is shocking.  Maybe a couple weeks.  

It's unconscionable that a project with so little work being done, that could conclude in a short amount of time, was back-burnered while the Snow Leopard project moved forward.  

It is disgraceful that the Orangutans were not only allowed to come here by the AZA and SSP, without a dedicated home in place, but that they have been here Nineteen Months in virtually the same situation as when they got here.  The exception is that they now get access to the Chimpanzee Yard four mornings a week.  

Ollie and Amoi, November 2020

It is curious that the Triple Grotto exhibit has been left empty for two years, since the Chimps moved into their new space.  The Great Ape Passage, was supposed to be multi-phased, the Chimp Dayroom, Chimp Yard, and Triple Grotto for Orangutans, with the option of rotation once all three areas were complete.   Positioned next to the Cafe, Triple Grotto in my opinion is a focal point in the Zoo and again, it's curious that work there has not been a priority.  Not having this project done before or soon after the Orangutans arrived is a huge fail to both the welfare of the Orangutans and the Zoo aesthetics. 

Last Saturday, January 16 was Appreciate A Dragon Day. Many Zoos were posting about their Komodo Dragons.  It made me think of our passed Falcor, who was one of my besties.  I loved that guy and championed for his life to be better.  Unfortunately, he was brought to the Zoo under the guise of a temporary home, with a new home within a year and half.  It took near five years for him to get the home he was promised.  His situation broke my heart every time I visited him.  

When I think about the things at the Zoo that aren't right, Falcor's situation has to be the worst.  Sadly there have been others, and in 2019, the Orangutans became the latest victims.  

In a post from September 2019, I even noted, suggested and questioned that the South Grotto could have been done with minimum, so the Orangutans could have their own space, at least until the Zoo got it together to do the North, and now Middle Grottos for them.  

screencap from post 9.2.19

Just awful that wasn't done before they got here.   It's cruel that they didn't have a space of their own, and I think they suffered because of it.  Thankfully the Animal Care Staff is great and has done everything they can for them under the circumstances.  Amoi, the female, has always been comfortable, but it's taken Ollie, the male, some time.  The last few weeks before the current Shutdown, I watched as he spent more and more time in the yard and on his own.  So happy to finally see him comfortable and gaining confidence.  Something he probably would have had from the start, had they had their own space upon arrival.  As it should have been. 

Having no designated space, even a year plus after bring Orangutans to the Zoo, continues to be a disservice to both species.  Enclosure guidelines for Seven Chimpanzees mandates the space size of both the Yard and Dayroom, that is why there are both spaces.  The high energy of Chimp Society dictates that size need, so each Chimp can find a corner to retreat to.  Without it, there is the probability of more unrest and injury.  Those two spaces were never meant to be shared.  They were meant to allow rotation between three spaces, yet the Zoo has failed to provide the third space.  Both species spent long periods of time, months, shut out of areas that they should have had access to.  The Chimps out of their yard and the Orangutans out of everywhere.

It's unreal that I still need to write about the same thing as a year ago.  But here we are.  Here they still are.  

photo used in post 12.15.19

Maybe by Christmas 2021.

Related posts regarding Orangutan situation

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/hot-topic-posts-chimpanzees-and.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

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

New > Even Bernie Wonders Why the Orangutans Have No Home Of Their Own!

By now everyone has probably heard about Bernie's Mittens and seen at least one Bernie meme editing his image from the Inauguration in various places around the World.  

Last night via the Bernie Anywhere Generator, the outspoken Defender of Rights made a stop at our San Francisco Zoo.  

By this morning, Bernie's force had broken the Internet so to speak.  The Generator is no longer working, as it's popularity turned it into another victim of Greed.  These days, money grubbers are killing all they can, just to put a squeeze on the regular folk.  All the bullshit of the last year and foreseeable future, and Google has to strangle the guy who gave us some fun.  UG. 

Anyway, I had worked on another one of those dang posts in draft, that I planned for this weekend.  Instead of finishing it, this seems like the perfect time to work on and hopefully finish my long overdue Orangutan Update.  

As I like to make all posts stand alone, the update will include a recap of Ollie and Amoi's history at the Zoo, and where they stood on getting a home of their own, as of December 6, the last day the Zoo was open before the current Shutdown, over Nineteen Months since their arrival at the SFZoo.

Update: Generator is back up!  If interested here is the link.  

https://bernie-sits.herokuapp.com/?fbclid=IwAR0uQR1RneExczAXnp_PfcQprAlmR8f0vyO0eT6B0gsUBK6FfWHLnh1ssX4

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

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

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

San Diego Zoo Gorillas Contract Covid - SFZoo Animal Safety

Monday was a heavy day for me.  Had a few long conversations about Zoo stuff, including the information about the ICU capacity percentage that is dictating when the Zoo can ReOpen.  Then I heard on talk radio that the ICU number dipped below 1%. Then the news report that the Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo had gotten Covid.  Then that one of the Zoo's most valued (in my opinion) Animal Care Staffers was leaving.  It was alot of bummed out stuff in a short period of time. 

When I heard about the Gorillas, my mind went to three things.  First, sadness that these poor Beings had contracted this virus.  Second, that having them infected, may make Zoos even more vulnerable to ReOpening.  Third, my feeling that our Chimpanzees and Orangutans are in an enclosure that has put them in a risky proximity to the public the whole time the Zoo was open.

If this is the first you've heard about the San Diego Zoo Gorillas, here is a screencap of information from the article linked below it. 

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/11/gorillas-san-diego-zoo-coronavirus

Let's all send some good thoughts their way.  Pray that they all recover without any complications. 

I have long complained that Zoos are not categorized appropriately and are not included with other outdoor facilities, like our Botanical Garden.  Why? has been a legitimate question.  I still think it is, but now wonder if State Officials won't use this transmission incident as yet another reason to keep Zoos closed.  If there is indeed a risk factor of transmission From the public To any Animals, of course their safety should be the top priority.  It would seem that is something each Zoo would have to identify themselves based on the enclosure distance and barrier type. 

As I mentioned our Great Apes enclosure is something I've written about a few times. I need to reiterate previous concerns as they are more valid now than ever.

This is the most recent post regarding the subject. 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/11/safety-update-why-was-covid-safety-sign.html 

The above link is pretty comprehensive, so I'll try to make this as condensed as possible.

The barrier fence around the yard is varying distances from the open air fencing.  At some points, it is definitely less than six feet. When news of the virus broke in early March, I was concerned about people breathing on the Chimps, as they often sit right at the fence.  When the Zoo shutdown a week later, I was told that the path around the Chimps had been blocked off, I assume to all staff who didn't need to be in that area.  When the Zoo reopened, I expected the path would still be blocked.  It was not.  Not only was it open, no adjustments to shield the vulnerable portions of the fencing had been made, and there was no additional signage to indicate the Apes (Orangutans also use the yard), were vulnerable to Covid, indicating visitors needed to be masked at all times, especially in that area.  I complained in person and in blog posts.  I relayed that a barrier at the very least in the most vulnerable point, and Covid Vulnerable signage, were needed.  A flimsy shield did go up, but no sign, until a couple weeks later when Keepers put their own. That sign was taken down, allegedly by management. The Zoo was open just over four months, and every day people with their masks off gathered in front of the fence while the Chimps sat against it, unprotected.  

In light of this awful news from San Diego, I am even more furious that my concerns were not taken seriously.  It is very upsetting to think our Chimpanzees and Orangutans were left vulnerable for who knows what reason.  

When the Zoo does reopen, I hope better precautions are taken to protect the Chimp yard, and All Animals that have barriers where people can be at a distance of less than six feet.  Even six feet in my opinion isn't enough, if we are going by the documented aerosol travel distance of up to thirty feet.   One guideline I saw recommended six feet if both are masked, thirty if unmasked.  There aren't many enclosures that allow less than six feet, but special attention to the Chimp yard,  Snow Leopards, and Bobcat, should especially be taken into consideration as both Ape and Cat species have been infected.  AND if the Chimp yard path remains open, which I don't think it should, they really need to have a clear barrier, plexiglass or plastic sheeting, that goes around the entire perimeter, not dark mesh in one portion.  AND the Covid Vulnerable Signs are a must at both entrance points.  It's outrageous that this even has to be said.   

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

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

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

When Will The Zoo ReOpen? - Shutdown Update

I previously posted about what I consider an illogical thought process about how businesses were categorized for opening during the shutdown.  I noted that I planned to inquire about this and also what "Indefinitely" might look like, weeks, months, until everyone is vaccinated...?  I only got to the later.  I inquired and got an answer from someone I know in government, but didn't get to posting the information right away.  It has since been in the news, so some of you might already know, or had previously understood the situation.  Myself and many I know didn't. 

The Open status of businesses is determined by the State.  San Francisco is unfortunately in a Bay Area grouping that includes eleven counties.  In order for the Zoo to open, the Bay Area ICU capacity must be at 15%.  

This is the best online source I've found to check daily status:

https://abc7news.com/bay-area-icu-capacity-hospital-california-stay-at-home-order-santa-clara/8478535/

So, while SF is currently at 24%, down from 35% earlier in the week, the BA as a whole is at 6%, which is up from Monday when it dipped below 1%.  ... Lots of fluctuation over the course of a handful of days, but staying overall low.

With low numbers, for over a month, I would be surprised if the Zoo is able to open before Summer.  I hope my assessment is wrong, but seems like were screwed til a good number of the masses are vaccinated, since we can't count on the majority of people to follow safe practices.

As I've said before, it's my personal opinion that this Pandemic has dragged on, because of the No Maskers and non-Distancers.  So every time I see someone non-compliant with the guidelines, I look at them as the reason why the Zoo can't open.  The reason why we are heading into a year of not being able to live our lives normally.  

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

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

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

New > Info Added 1.24.21 ... Zoo Playground Now Open? - Update

So, there's a question mark in the title, as I'm not sure whether Open means, open to all, or just to those who the Zoo invites. 

On Tuesday January 5, I posted about the development of the Playground Opening.  At the time, I didn't think there was going to be a need for an update.  Silly me, by Thursday things had changed.

Before posting, I called the Membership Office to see exactly what the Playground Reservation was all about.  There wasn't much more to it, other than the allowance of the Playground only to be open.  Relevant to note that Membership was surprised that the Reservations had been posted to the website, as they had not worked out the details yet.  

I had made a few reservations, since when I saw it listed, I didn't know what the details were.  After talking to Membership, I canceled all but one, as I didn't want to take away a Playground option for kids, since I was obviously not going to use the Playground.  I kept the one, as I still wanted to check out the situation, as well be able to have access to the parking lot and maybe get to see my Cow pal Slider from the perimeter fence. as well I could see the Savannah.  

So, Thursday I got an email and phone call that my Reservation had been canceled, stating they weren't ready to open.  I looked at the website and the Reservation option was no longer up.  This all begged questions, so I called to get clarification.  I asked if all reservations had been canceled or just mine (because you know, ... it's me lol!)  All were canceled, they weren't ready to open.  I asked if when they were ready, would the reservations be back on the site and open to all or only by invite as they did during the first shutdown, when they allowed only Members they invited to visit the Zoo?  Yes, would be open to all Members. 

I decided I was not going to reserve again when they did open up, but wanted to monitor the situation anyway.  I didn't check the website again until the other day.  There were four reservation slots only for a Saturday and Sunday.  All were sold out.  I checked this morning and there were daily reservations through the end of the month.  All sold out. 

The curious things are, when they were first listed, only the weekends were sold out, all other days were completely open and there has been no mention of the Playground being open by reservation, on any of the Zoo's Social Media.  So how are 40+ events sold out?   My conclusion is that possibly these reservations are not being openly offered, instead being obtained by invite only, and then marked as Sold Out.  Of course I could be wrong, but this is how it seems to me.

So, I apologize if my alert to a potential Zoo experience option got anyone's hopes up, when it may very well not be open to all Members equally.  Those who have kids and want to take advantage of the Playground, should call Membership and inquire about a reservation or invitation.

New > 1.24.21 Additional Info - Instead of making a new post I am adding to this one for documentation purposes.  I never read the fine print on the Tickets but when I went to delete my Playground one that was cancelled, I did.  It notates that Playground reservation includes access to the Children's Zoo.  This of course peaks my curiosity, as it was not mentioned to me when I inquired about the details, and is this even allowed?  It does not seem in line with the Shutdown order.  So, whether this is still an active part of the reservation, I don't know.  I probably won't be seeking to find out further because I find the situation exhausting, when the Zoo could have made it not only simple but fair to all Members.

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

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

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

Response To A Comment From An Anti-Masker

I usually don't get to comment replies this quick, but considering we are on the eve of another Zoo Shutdown, I thought that this comment that came in today would be appropriate to post and respond to at this time.   The irritations about many aspects of this Pandemic, especially why we are still in it, nine months later, have been circling my mind all day.  So let's get to it!

Link to the blog post referenced 

is at the bottom of this page

@Brenda -  Thank you for your comment.  As much as I enjoy a good debate, this is not a topic I'm going to engage again,  because I don't have the time, energy or more importantly, the need to. 

First, you didn't have to note that you were an Anti-Masker, because your words showed your lack of respect for rules, orders and the health of others.  They illustrated that you are in the category that has given the middle finger to the Pandemic, and you and your like, are more than probably to blame for this situation continuing, for what will soon be a year.

You certainly have the right to do as you want, but that does not make it the right thing.  And while you can do whatever you want outside the Zoo, in the Zoo there are rules that need to be followed.

The Zoo is a controlled environment.  The rules for being on the grounds, as a Visitor or Employee were set in accordance with the City Health Department.  These rules allowed the Zoo to ReOpen.  If these rules were not in place, the Zoo could not have ReOpened.  If the rules are not being followed, the Zoo would have had to close again.  As a Visitor one must agree to follow the rules.  Not following the rules while at the Zoo risks closure, which causes lack of revenue and puts the needs of the Animals in jeopardy.

You started by noting that I called out an Employee for not wearing a Mask.  You are damn right I did.  Employees are not above the rules, and they set the example for Visitors. 

In response to my issue with people being unmasked in areas common with masked, and to wear appropriate masks, you called me Entitled.  It is not Entitled to expect rules to be followed, so everyone is safer.  This isn't just about me, contrary to your position as someone who is anti-mask. 

  

That all said, I am Entitled.  Myself and anyone else who wants to stay safe and is following the rules put forth by establishments we enter, and recommendations by health professionals, WE ARE ENTITLED to have the air in our space be as free of unhealthy toxins as possible, especially in a Pandemic when those toxins have proven to be deadly.

Maybe your wish for Christmas should be that no one you care about gets Covid.  

And yes, I am a piece of work.  I am confident,  I am opinionated, I am outspoken, and I don't bow to bullshit.  Thank you for the compliment.

Related Post:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-irritation-with-un_15.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

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