RIP Grace - Another Passing That Got No Recognition.

Grace the Red Panda has passed away.  Grace celebrated her 16th Birthday just a couple weeks before.

Such heartbreaking news. I will miss this beautiful lady.  The girls aren't often as active on exhibit, but when they are Grace was easily identifiable by her light face and fluffy ears!

Grace was born at the Knoxville Zoo July 15, 2004.  She moved to the Boise Zoo in 2006 and was paired with a male named Tiki.  Together they had offspring.  In 2014, Grace moved to SFZoo.  At ten years old, her name was disrespectfully changed to Hilary. 

The reintroduction of Red Panda's in San Francisco, first saw ten month old Kodari (renamed Tenzing), with Grace joining him two weeks later.  A second lady, ten year old Pele' (renamed Hunter) joined eight months later.   They enjoy their wonderful home, which includes a custom made Tree House.  It wasn't that often, but I always loved seeing the three of them napping at the same time in different spots on the wrap around balcony.

Hearing of Grace's passing saddened me further, as I heard she passed the same day as Sam the Giraffe.  Much media attention was given to Sam/Floyd, yet Grace didn't even get a mention on any of the Zoo's Social Media platforms.  It's so disrespectful, and I don't understand it at all.  There are many, myself included who loved her and who her life meant something too.  Her life should have been recognized and her passing acknowledged.  When will the Zoo get that each Resident deserves this?

RIP Grace, Bless Your Soul Sweet Lady.

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There was an article out of Knoxville last year about their efforts raising orphaned Red Panda Cubs.  Their work is amazing and I wanted to include it here as Grace was born there and two of the Cubs mentioned were Grace's Great-GrandBabies!  Sadly their Mama Xue Li, Grace's GrandDaughter passed away suddenly and left them needing to be hand raised.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/08/22/panda-kindergarten-zoo-knoxville-hand-rear-four-orphan-red-pandas-endangered-species/2083379001/

Related blog post

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/07/rip-acknowledgements-big-signage-fail.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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RIP Zoo Friends Who Passed During The Shutdown/Since The Re-Opening

I started this post last weekend, after a friend had told me that our Taymor (Sumatran Tiger) had passed away.  Before I could finish the post and publish it, there was more sad news this past Friday, that our Sam (Giraffe) had passed away.  There is a point I want to make about these two losses, but will do that in a separate post that I hope to write in a timely manner after this one.

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RIP Taymor

When I hear this news, I sobbed.  I loved this guy.  I have had a fondness for Taymor since he arrived at the Zoo in 2012.  

He was promptly renamed "Larry", which those who know me, know I hate the renaming thing.  I think it's disrespectful.  Taymor is one of Triplet Boys, born at the Sacramento Zoo.  Named by their Keepers after favorite writers, Julie Taymor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Rudyard Kipling.  Both Emerson and Kipling retained their names through life.  Thankfully, Taymor retained his name in the Studbook.

I saw him his third day out and was drawn to his beauty and personality.  He was not shy about responding to me talking to him and provided some wonderful face time.

screencap from

blog post

Over the years I came to know him as the perfect Tiger, a very sweet and loving Cat.  It was clear in his interactions with Skylar/Leanne, that they were a wonderful couple and loved being with eachother.  Their daughter Jillian was born in 2013, and remained at the Zoo far longer than expected, leaving Taymor and Skylar separated for almost five years. My heart broke for him because he was alone and regardless of Tiger wild characteristics, those two loved being together.  They were finally reunited and thankfully had the last three years together.  They could always be seen snuggled close.  I feel so bad for her.  They really loved eachother.  I would bet his Spirit is always right beside her.  I hope that he has been reunited with his Brother Emerson, and Parents Castro and Bahagia. 

I will miss you Taymor.

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RIP Samson 

Still wrapping my head around the loss of Taymor, the sad news of Sam's passing hit.  Another heartbreaking and shocking loss.  Another Friend who had his name taken from him.  Given the name Samson at his birth Zoo, when he got here, his name was changed to "Floyd".  Thankfully, Samson retained his name in the Studbook.

Sam was one of the first Giraffe's I knew by name.  His Son Dozer was the first, we share the same birthday, so he was immediately a favorite.  I got to know Sam early as there was a time when I was allowed to go down in the pit of the Barn several times and feed the Giraffes.  Being side by side with them all was incredible, and standing next to Sam and having him bend his head down face to face with me was something amazing.  He could often be seen peeking up from behind the boulders that bordered the tunnel to the donga.  Every time I walk the path between the Savannah and the Lemurs, I call out, Hi Sammy! and he would look right at me.  I will miss that the most.  

I always felt bad that he spent his life separated from the ladies.  Except for short periods of time when his Sons would be on his side of the fence, he was spending his days solo with other species.  I hope his Spirit is hanging out with his ladies now.  I'll miss you Sammy.

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I don't regularly post about passings.  I used to, but this blog mostly became about documenting things that weren't right.  I want to get back to acknowledging the Zoo Friends we lose.  Many times those who know and love these Friends, never hear about their passing.  The Zoo does not announce all the lives lost equally, and I think each one deserves to be acknowledged. With that thought, I want to additionally mention other Friends who left us during the Shutdown, or since the Re-Opening.  This may not be complete, but these are the ones I've learned about.

Too much saddness.

RIP Latte, Jacob Sheep

RIP Chutney, Navajo Churro Sheep  

These two lovely Sheep Ladies left us on the same day, the week the Shutdown started.  I'm very close to the Farm Friends, and have sadly watched our senior group of ladies leave us.  Their Sister Sheep Mole, left close before them, leaving Chutney and Latte our last ladies. I think they made a pact to go together, to not leave one behind.  This was a tough one, as I spent so much time with them over the past ten plus years.  The Farm Animals are like family. 

RIP Zuko, Meerkat

RIP Portia, Kudu

RIP Pilara, Red Kangaroo

RIP Wima, Wallaroo

RIP Neville, Wallaroo

RIP Pirra, Red Kangaroo

Bless these Precious Souls.

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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

My Soul Is Weeping - RIP Paddy ... RIP Falcor - The Loss of Two Friends Today

I write this through sobbing tears.  I haven't posted about Zoo Friends passing in many years.  Today has been devastating.  

I woke up to the news that my dearest Farm Friend Paddy passed away.  My heart was broken.  Paddy was my bestie.  We spent so much time hanging out, having walks, and treats and many hugs.  I could go on, as I have known Paddy many many years, filled with many special memories, but the point of this post isn't to pour my heart out about how much I loved him and our time together. He knew how I felt about him.  A senior, as time went on, every visit with him was a cherished blessing. The Farm won't be the same without him.  For those who don't know Paddy, he was born at the Farm, the longest living Goat. I looked forward to celebrating his 18th Birthday with him in June.  Bless you my Friend.  I Love You and will miss you.

I sobbed all day.  Devastated at the loss of my Paddy.  Hard to believe I would never see him again. Sad there would be no more Paddy hugs and seeing his smiling face.  When I woke from a nap not long ago, feeling nauseous and sad, I had to break the news to a friend, now that she was home from work.  She also loved Paddy.  With tears streaming I typed the words. As we exchanged messages about how much we loved Paddy, another friend messaged me, Falcor (Komodo Dragon) died.  My heart was crushed again.

I have written many posts about Falcor.  I loved this little guy since before he got here.  He was another one of my besties.  I may not have been hands on with him like with Paddy, but he had my heart and I know he knew me.  I spent alot of time with him, especially when he was still living in that awful terrarium.  He would come to the window for face-time and I would often open the door so he could see the outdoor world.  We would just hang-out while he looked outside.  I am heartbroken he is gone.  We spent alot of time together and very sad, I won't see his little face again or look into his eyes and smile at him.  I knew he was having some health trouble.  I have been worried and have been saying prayers all week for him. When I saw him Tuesday, his head was slumped on the ground, eyes closed and he had a sad look on his face.  Hard to see.  I came back around to check on him and his eyes were open.  He saw me and lifted his head up in my direction.  I was so happy to see him be alert.  Thankful for this last eye contact with him. This has been a truly gut-wrenching and devastating day.  

For those who haven't followed Falcor's story, you can search his name on this blog.  I don't want to get into it all, but its not secret I have never felt he was respected at the Zoo.  It started with the name they gave him.  At least he won't have to hear being called Big Daddy ever again.  They waited too long to do something about his injury.  He was forced to live in an inadequate home for too long, possibly hindering his growth and the progress of his surgery rehabilitation.  Finally getting a proper home, I think he had some time of happiness in his short sad life at the Zoo.   Bless you My Friend.  I Love You and will miss you.  

The tears won't stop.  The frown won't leave my face.  I Miss My Friends.   

The person who messaged me about Falcor's passing, saw it on Facebook.  I don't look at the Zoo's FB, but went there to see what they had written and also to confirm what I knew in my heart, they didn't mention Paddy's passing at all.   No surprise, like with whose Birthday they mention, they pick whose passing to mention.  As if the loss isn't hard enough, it makes me feel incredibly sad that all Animals are not given equal recognition.  That was the purpose of this post.  Shameful. 

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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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RIP Kiwi - Nigerian Dwarf Goat Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

RIP Kiwi

Precious Sweet Girl XO

I didn't see my Little Friend when I looked for her Monday to say Hi.  I asked, only to hear the sad news that we had lost her the day before.  With tears streaming, I remembered my chat with her on Friday, while she enjoyed the sun.    In recent years she had some physically uncomfortable health issues, but despite that she always seemed like a Happy Girl :)  She was one of the Sweetest Goats on the Farm.  A very Gentle Soul.  

You will be missed by all those who knew and loved you.

Love you Honey Girl

RIP Milky Way - Nigerian Dwarf Goat Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

RIP Milky Way

Precious Sweet Little Boy

You were a Special Friend XO

Today when I went to the Farm, I heard the news that we lost this Sweet Little Friend yesterday.  I hate hearing this kind of news when I'm there because I always start crying.  I am so sad about my Little Friend.  He was adorable.  He would hang out right next to you for hugs, sometimes walking with you.  Just Precious.  He was a spunky little thing, despite having some recent health issues he was always right up there front and center, butting for the treats :)   

You will be missed by many whose hearts you touched.

I love you Sweetheart.

You are daydreaming with your Papa now.

RIP Tallulah - Chimpanzee Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

RIP Tallulah

You were a Sweet Special Girl

XO

I was at the Zoo when I was told of this very sad news.  I cried that very moment and am still shedding tears.  I loved that Lady.  Tallulah and all the Chimps are Zoo Icons.  They have lived together at the Zoo for over 40 years.  They are the Chimps I grew up with.  I always think of Miss T/Tallulah Belle (as I called her) as the Queen of the Chimps.  It will be hard to not see her there with her Family.  My heart breaks for them, Minnie, Maggie, and Cobby. 

RIP Bali/George - Sumatran Tiger Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

RIP Beautiful Bali  XO

Last night I shed many tears as I read about the morning passing of my Sweet Friend Georgie.   I loved this Tiger and have missed him.   

George's given name was Bali.  A beautiful name (that paid tribute to an extinct species of Tiger) that of course the San Francisco Zoo chose to change like they do of many other wonderful Animals that come to live there.   I came to know him as George and most of the time that stuck out of habit, but when I learned his given name, I tried to retrain myself and call him Bali.  

Bali came to the SFZoo to breed with Leanne/Skylar.  They had three cubs :)   When Bali's brother Java didn't prove to be a good mate for a female at Point Defiance Zoo, to keep that genetic match intact, Bali was transferred from SFZ to PDZ.   He has been very missed since then.

I kept up with him via social networking, even sending him a Birthday card the first year he celebrated there :)   He and his mate Jaya produced two cubs :)  

Flowers for our Goob :)

Last weekend, Lee went by Goobies place and saw there were (dried) flowers there.  She wanted to put fresh ones out, so she planned on doing that today.  I hadn't been to Goob's place since he passed and didn't think I could do it, but I decided I had to be strong for Goob and be there even though I'd cry.  I'm glad I did.  The flowers Lee got for us to leave for him were beautiful!  Thank you Lee.  Sunflowers make you smile, just like Goob did :)  She crocheted a sweet little blue ribbon  (for our boy) for them.   Thank you to Staffer Deb Howe for her assistance so we could pay tribute to Our Precious Special Friend.

Lee and Goober having a chat :)

Lee loved goober too :)  

Here are her Words:

This was a very horrendous loss. I know Goober was your zoo boyfriend but glad you shared him with me. I know how this loss has hit you. Goober was the sweetest animal at the zoo and he always loved our visits with him. I am forever thankful that we actually got to go back and meet him in person twice!!! He loved the visit as much as we did. Goober survived his illness and smiled through. He was so strong to have fought the fight for two years. It's his gentle and loving personality that kept him going, and his weekly visits. Little did we know that morning when he wasnt outside that he had already passed. This was so devastating and heartbreaking. I will always treasure and never forget the Goobster. The world is a better place because it had Goober in it and the world will not be the same without this very precious guy. I love you Goober and I will never forget you. RIP precious friend. 

RIP Goober - Bairds Tapir Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

This was the last time I saw Goobie and he greeted us :)

Three weeks ago today, unknowingly I stood at Goober's home and as sometimes it is, I didn't see him.  I assumed he was in his bedroom under his heater keeping cozy.  As usual,  I yelled out, "Love you Goob, will see you during the week!"  When I got home I received word of the devestating news my precious Goobie had passed away that morning.  I was devastated by this news.  I continue to be heartbroken at the loss of my special friend.  As tears stream down my face and I again begin to sob, I am finally able to honor him with a post. 

RIP precious Goober.

I love you my dear sweet friend.

You were a gem, with a wonderful soul.

I'll miss you and your nose wiggle greetings :)

Goobie Kisses forever!

XO

RIP Balboa - Barbados Sheep Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

Sadly I learned today that
we lost another precious Zoo Friend.  

Beautiful Balboa passed on Wednesday.

RIP Sweet Precious Girl  XO!

You and your wonderful smile 

will be greatly missed :(

Check back in a few days
I should have her Memorial Video done.

RIP Margie and Sally - Llama and Ostrich Pass

Sadly during the past two weeks we lost two more Zoo Friends.  

 Forever Loved 

Forever Missed 

RIP Sweet Margie  XO!

RIP Lovely Sally  XO!

Admittedly there are certain Zoo friends that I don't know as well as others, the Ostriches are one.  I was lucky to meet these three ladies recently and according to my information this is a photo of Sally.  If for some reason I am mistaken I apologize to those who knew her.

RIP Corona - Navajo Churro Sheep Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

Sadly we have lost another Zoo Friend.

Lovely Lady Corona passed yesterday morning.

RIP  Sweet Precious Girl XO!

At age 16, Corona was the Grand Dame 

of the Navajo Churro Sheep Family.

She held court in the Yellow Barn 

and even while plagued with arthritis 

she gracefully let children pet and brush her.

She was an elegant lady. 

You can view her Memorial Video here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYSWGqjo05s

RIP Rosie - Nigerian Dwarf Goat Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

Sadly we have lost another Zoo Friend. 

Our Sweet Little Rosie passed yesterday.

RIP Precious Girl XO!

Rosie is a favorite on the Farm to many.  

All the Barnyard Friends are wonderful and loved :)

but it seemed many knew Rosie by name.

I think she had quite a fan club among kids.

View her Memorial Video 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS7rqgUukwE

RIP Seamus - Patriarch Nigerian Dwarf Goat Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

Sadly we have lost another Zoo Friend.

Our Sweet Seamus, passed on Tuesday.

RIP Precious Friend XO!

I woke up Tuesday morning and knew I had to visit Seamus.  I am thankful I was guided to see him and was able to spend some of his final moments visiting with him.  You will be missed special friend.

The Barnyard Keepers are awesome and I am sorry for their loss.  He was the Patriarch of the Farm and Father to many :)   His Farm Family put out this loving memorial for him.   

You can view my Memorial Video for Seamus here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijFaqsGHJFc

RIP Padang - Sumatran Tiger Passes

Forever Loved

Forever Missed

 We have lost another Zoo Friend. 

Our Precious Paddy, passed over Easter Weekend. 

RIP Sweet Girl XO!

You can view the Memorial video I made for her here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqND93IWfNc