My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday March 30, 2014

Synopsis from http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

> March 30. 2014 - Tiger Tummy Tickles!  Silliness just because. 

> March 29, 2014 - Trash Update.  Good Grief, Seriously?  YES people, seriously!  The trash I reported over two months ago, was still there on my Visit this week.  Again, as I questioned in an earlier item, what's everyone so busy doing, that after telling several people, that pile of trash in the Pelicans Lake was still there. FAIL!

> March 28, 2014 - European Zoo Murders Continue. 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2014/03/european-zoos-thirst-for-murder.html

> March 26, 2014 - This one is for reader @Ellicruu ...  New Birds!  Well they have been streaming in for a few months now, but we FINALLY have signs for them all!  I just don't understand why it takes so long to get stuff done there. What's everyone so busy doing?  Seems like a whole lot of not much sometimes.  

Well, looks like I didn't upload the videos I had made.  Check back here (or on my youtube channel) and I will post the links.

> March 25, 2014 - Howler Monkey Update!  After losing her Papa, our Precious Bosco, in January, I hadn't seen Sweet Little Baya up and mobile since.   I was lucky to catch her enjoying some Yums :)  Thankfully I am told that the Zoo is planning to get her a mate, and one may have even already been found.  Let's hope.  It breaks my heart to see her alone.  Last year she lost her Mama.  Her Sister and Brother both went to other Zoos.  They were a very close Family, always seen cuddled together.  Hopefully her companion will arrive soon.  

Link to my video clip:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yevWOefds3w

> March 24, 2014 - Brown Pelicans out!  Not sure when this happened, but I just noticed it today!  I was wondering when they would be out, but kept looking in the Lake area where the American White Pelicans are. The Brown ones aren't there, but sharing the Lake area where the Eagles live.  Kudos to whoever built the perch, it looks nice!

> March 23, 2014 - Congratulations to Skylar/"Leanne", who became a Grandma again!  AND to Son Jae-Jae and his Mate Melati at the London Zoo.  Melati gave birth for the second time to a litter of three Cubs on February 3rd!  ... For some reason my notifications for London Zoo got turned off (when Facebook made one of their most welcomed changes) and I just read about this.

See the awesome video of Melati and the Cubs.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/video-watch-rare-tiger-cubs-3236506

My Zoo Outtings - Weekly Synopsis 10.18.13

> October 18, 2013 - Big Cat Pumpkin Catch!  A collage of photos featuring Jacko Pumpkin Enrichment Toys my friend and I made the Cats in 2010.  Photos of how we were able to make the Animals smile, make me smile :)  ... Zoo will start its Halloween Event tomorrow.

> October 17, 2013 - Finally saw the Zoo's new Lemurs :)  ... A Male and Female Red Fronted Brown Lemur have been added to the Collection.  Here one is chasing a Black and White Ruff.

http://youtu.be/jsGAb0eDlNE

> October 15, 2013 -  I recently posted that our Leanne/Skylar became a Grandma when her Son Jae-Jae fathered a Cub at London Zoo.  Sadly that wonderful news is now heartbreak.  The three week old Cub has tragically passed.  I have shed many tears about this loss.  Its just awful.  So, I won't write anymore, you can read about it here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24531460

Photographing the Tiger Cub - More Zoo Fails

I was very bothered by actions while viewing the Tiger Cub yesterday.   

At the upper level viewing area, the Zoo's volunteer pet photographer Marianne Hale was once again poised in the Bamboo planting that has been placed in front of the fencing portion.  I understand that as she is basically their "house" photographer and is documenting the Cub.

My issue is, when she left, these two guys then took her place.  The one guy only moved after I said something to him.

I initially heard that no one is supposed to be beyond the barrier, and certainly not in this area, at this grotto, for what I assumed was the protection of the Cub.  Is that not what the plants were put there for?  Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that protecting the Cub is the priority?  

I asked a Docent and she said, "Marianne told them they could."    So, the curiousness and irresponsibility of THIS statement stands alone, I need not say more.  

I asked them if they were Media and they said, "No."   So I told them they shouldn't be there and the planting was there for a reason.   The one guy moved, the other ignored me.   The one who ignored me was whistling and making other noises at the Cub to try and get it to look.

Upon further investigation, both asking and overhearing, apparently the Zoo allows "photographers" to allegedly do as they want, and doesn't bother them.  That said. what are their guidelines for this?  Who enforces these guidelines if they are any to begin with?   Bottom line this is crap and with no one up there monitoring, it will become a literal Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Call to action San Francisco Zoo, put some signs up there pronto, saying that is an unauthorized viewing area.  No photography through fencing unless authorized.   Otherwise people will constantly be in the bushes and at the fencing, and putting the plants there will have been for nothing.

Also they have many "Meet the Cub" signs posted, with information and a few viewing guidelines.  The guideline portion of the signs are per usual for the Zoo and so small that they are probably missed by most.  Why is the Zoo so afraid to tell Visitors how to behave? 

The Zoo's sign with the Guideline info in smaller print than you are probably reading this post at.  Looks like point 9 font.

(photo to come)

This is what the sign should look like.  With large font noting quiet zone in addition to not bang on the glass.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoncapturer/8355157954/in/photostream/

"Cubbie" Proofing - Tiger Yard Adjustments Made

I've been meaning to post progress updates on this and never got to it.  It might be moot at this point but since I documented it and its relevant to both learning how adjustments can be made adn how they worked out, I'm posting it.

As the weeks moved on from the Cubs birth, I have kept an eye on the Yard at Grotto A, what will be the Cub and her Mama's outside home.   In my first post after the Cubs birth I noted concerns I had about this Grotto and scratched my head at what the Zoo would do to "Cubbie proof" it.

The main concern I noted was the ledge at the window viewing area, where the heated rock is.  The other perimeter edge at least has a gutter lip, the rock is a straight drop.

Soon after my blog post I noticed the Zoo placed a good amount of hay down the concrete below it and along the ground.

As the weeks continued and we were reaching the point of time when Leanne started bringing her previous Cubs out, I wondered what the plan was.  Then last Friday I saw them building a platform to act as a stair.

 It looked fine in theory, but I wondered if some wires and such bolted into the rock was enough to hold an adult Tiger, who may or may not use it while in leap force.

 Watching Leanne use it yesterday at least nine times, I can see that it does indeed hold her and she did not use it to leap down or as a way back up.  Only to bring the Cub down.  I will note that it did seem a bit fluid and moved while she was on it.  That made me a bit nervous, so hopefully this route doesn't need to be used too often.

The Cub doesn't seem to go near it or the other edges on its own.  It was funny, every attempt Leanne made to bring the Cub down, as soon as she got her to the moat, she ran to the stairs and went back up!  It was very cute!  ...  It did appear the Leanne was teaching her to go down the stairs.  She must have decided that is the way she wants her to go down.  She was almost forcing her at one point to learn.  You could see her vocalizing to the babie in a coaching manner.

I think the proofing done will be fine and safe.  The only other thing I can say is I hope they add some additional hay to the rest of the rock siding and area below.  The Cub is a feisty one and was very wiggly.  One time Leanne picked her up the Cub wiggled free while at the ledge and fell.  I couldn't see, but from what I could it appeared that Leanne picked her up about half down the rocks.  Staff was watching so they saw and i hope they will get some extra hay in there.

Much to photographers dismay, the Zoo added trees to block the fencing part of the upper viewing area.  I actually give them kudo's for this because I think the fencing is dangerous.  I have blogged endlessly about Visitor misbehavior.  I want all the Animals safely enclosed.  Recently while at Snow Leopards I thought there needs to be plexiglass over the fencing, not only at them but everywhere it can be. So to avoid people "bothering" the Cub I think this is a great idea.  I would even suggest the plexiglass add.

Tiger Cub Cuteness Continues!

 With each day there is a new blog post that swirls in my mind.  Anyone looking at the blog in full, will see there are more than a few posts that promote a "coming soon" teaser.  That said, there are different reasons for getting behind, but for now those in draft will have to wait, as I want to share all the joy that is this little cubbie :)

Gotta say, I am a lucky girl!  As a Native, I have been a Zoo Member my whole adult life, but the start of my passion for the Zoo Animals began when Leanne gave birth to her last litter in 2008.   I was lucky to have had the time flexibility to be able to visit them almost everyday for the first year of their life.  Watching Tiger Cubs grow was one of the top experiences in my life.  I look forward to the same with "Little Padang" (as I've been calling the Cub), "LP" for short :)

Since LP's birth I have been anxiously waiting for this time to come, the start of the adventure :)  I wrote two earlier posts about seeing her inside the Lion House.  Of all the available days (the first couple with no sighting), I was lucky to be there the first time the public saw her.  ...   Made a pin to wear that documented my first glimpse : )

Today marked the first time Mama and Daughter had access to the outside during visiting hours.  I was once again lucky and was there among the first to see her outside, playing in the yard with her Mama.

Check out how they both

have the same back footie up :)

You can view my video here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi246QNVDEQ

Note:  In the video you will hear me comment about "karma" in response to the gal next to me saying she should sell her photos to them (Media).  The story with that is when Visitors (myself included among the first) showed up to see the Cub, as advertised "Outdoors Friday", the Zoo was holding a Media Event on the upper viewing area, and since I was the first there, I was asked to go to the lower level window area til the Media was done.  The viewing is fine from the window area, so not the issue I had.  I actually shouldn't use the word issue, because the joy of getting to see her was not dampened, but for the lack of a better word...  The "issue" is that the Zoo is notorious for their Media Event timing, among other curiosities.  In this case, if there wasn't the option of the window viewing, the public would have had to wait, like with other Media Events (first viewing of Tucker/Hippo), making their public view advert another untruth.  Anyway, as luck would be with me, the viewing from the window, was much better than the upper level!  So the view I got was better than that of the Media :)  Sweet!

New for Friday April 5 - SF Weekly Feature - Wonderful Photo Slideshow!

Despite the title using the most irksome used (overused) Zoo term "Wellness", this Thirty-Five Photo Slideshow of the Zoo friends is wonderful!  I particularly LOVED the photos of my very special Friend Wakoda (Navajo Churro Sheep) getting Acupuncture!   I've been missing seeing him since his barn has been closed while the new San Clemente Island Goats are still getting acclimated.  So waking up and seeing his precious smiling face in these pix made me smile :)

http://www.sfweekly.com/slideshow/wellness-is-working-at-the-san-francisco-zoo-39278338/#1

Photos were taken by my Park pal David Cruz who captures incredible photos of San Francisco Wildlife and other on the scene happenings around the Westend.  Check out his Flickr Photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alchemicalnature/

Yay! Gotta Glimpse of the Tiger Cub!

As of yesterday the Lion House has been open four days for the Public to have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Tiger Cub.  Waiting the full two hour opportunity three of those days, paid off and the sweet little thing came out yesterday for the first time to see her fans :)  Well, she didn't actually look out, but she didn't have a fun romp and play with her Mama for about two minutes, and then back to the security of her nest she went!

View my video of the experience 

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

Until this moment, no one from the General Public has seen her, so I was very lucky and grateful to her for coming out :)  Look forward to seeing more of you little cutie!  AND watching you grow up like I was lucky to do with your big Brothers!

News Article on SFZoo Tiger Cub Public Viewing - Misinformation?

So, I thought I was done blogging for today, but then I get a Google Alert for yet another News Article about the Public Viewing of the Tiger Cub.

When I got home Friday, after the surprise of being let into the Lion House for the first opportunity to get to see the Cub,  I had alerts for three different articles.  Those articles noted that the Zoo had planned to open the Lion House on the weekend for two hours each day, so the public could view the live cam feed from the nest box, with the possibility of seeing the Cub in person.

When I read the articles, I didn't notice the wording (and havn't went back to re-read), but while I was there, many people came up to the Keepers on hand and asked about seeing the Cub, noting that the articles stated she woudl be visible.  Keepers apologized for the Zoo information being misquoted.  I wondered if I didn't get that sense because I already knew what  the situation was.   

Now, this article come out and it is not only curious, but as I lean more from curious to accusing, it makes me mad.  You can read the full article at this link, but I have copy and pasted the part that bothers me the most.  .. Note that this is by an Associated Press writer, John Marshall.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_22861724/tiger-born-at-san-francisco-zoo-delights-visitors

>>> "The enthusiasm was apparent Saturday, the first day of display, when the crowd gasped as the cub made her appearance. Zoo workers brought her back inside so that she would not be disturbed by the noise." <<<

So, apparently this writer was not there.  So, where did he get this information?  Was it fed to him by the Zoo?  OR Did he just make this crap up?   The Cub never made an appearance on Saturday.  I stood there the whole two hours,  I know this for a fact.

>>>"The cub needs to be used to the public, so we are not taking the cub out if its nest box if it's not quiet," said Abbie Tuller, a spokeswoman for the zoo.<<<

I don't know this spokesperson, but if this is truly her quote, she clearly knows as little about the Zoo as her predecessors.   There is no way the Cub would be physically taken out of the nest box for the public to view.  As much as I find fault with many of the Zoo Staff, I would guarantee this would never happen.   

So, the point of this post?  For the most part an outlet to vent.  BUT, it still remains, what was the actual information this writer used to create this article?   Was it made up or actual erroneous information from San Francisco Zoo Staff? 

Note that the viewing of the Cub is such, that if the Cub is visible, it will be up to the Mother to bring her out.  Visitors are allowed into the Lion House, for the opportunity at a CHANCE to see the Cub, not a guarantee.  Visitors will be able to view the Cub in the nest box via live feed on a monitor.  

Naming the Tiger Cub - Animal Names at the San Francisco Zoo

If you have read even a handful of my posts, you have either read my opinions and issues with the Zoo's "process" (or more so, lack of), for naming Animals, or you have noticed that I often include two names for an Animal.  

I will try not to repeat myself for those who have already read these posts, but for those who haven't I must repeat a bit to make this a post that is a stand alone read.

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/05/name-changing.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/01/sfzoo-does-it-again-renames-black-rhino.html

These two posts mainly discusses the Zoo's constant renaming of newly acquired Animals who already have birth names.  Something that frankly, really pisses me off.   In short, if an Animal has a name it was given from birth, that is the name it should retain.  It is, like the rest of us, their identity.  Sadly the Zoo does not see it that way and could careless what they call them.  I think the Zoo Director should change her name and see how it feels.  I got a few suggestions.  

I didn't have as big a problem with it when I first heard about it several years ago.  That was because I knew that the Animals given names were being used by their Keepers.  That is different now.  For example, Siberian/Amur Tiger Shastyuh had he name changed to "Martha".   Her main Keeper Barb called her Shastyuh, (as well always called Leanne by her given name Skylar).  Since Barb is gone, those in charge call poor Shastyuh, Martha.  And to confuse her, they started the change by calling her ShastyuhMartha.   Awful. Now the poor girls just Martha.  When I hear them call her that, I look at her and think she's probably saying , "I got your Martha right here!"

So, what's my opinion on the names being given to Animals born at the San Francisco Zoo.  I have a few.  Some Animals, like the Cubs from Skylar's first litter were named by the Keepers.  Native names that had meaning.  BUT they were also auctioned off, giving them "public/donor names."  Again that was when the Keepers retained birth names.   In recent times the one newborn that I can think of to reference is Little Romo, named by Zoo Staff after a Giants ballplayer.  So, that name is her given name and its fine.  I would certainly prefer to have the Zoo and Donors stop naming and renaming Animals after ballplayers, but that seems to be the current mentality, as Donors not only think its "fun", but the Zoo in my opinion does it to grab Media attention.

Now, we come to sweet "Little Padang", Sumatran Cub without a name.  I was told recently her name would be auctioned off at Zoofest.  A literal frown came to my face.  What kind of name will she end up with?  Seeing as the Zoo has not named her themselves, a name that will follow her for life once she leaves here.  Meaning, her given name, like her parents would be listed as such in the Studbooks.  "Leanne" is listed as Skylar and "Larry" is listed as Taymor.  As is the others who have been renamed.  

I have been calling her "Little Padang" because for me that is the perfect name for her.  It honors her blood Auntie, who lived at the Zoo most of her life and recently passed away as the oldest living Tiger of any species in a North American Zoo.  Her new Uncle at the Sacramento Zoo has been named Castro Junior in honor of his Father (LP's Grandfather), since he has been battling some recent health issues.  A very sweet and touching tribute to not only his Father, but to an Animal that has contributed to the Sumatran Tiger population with this being the fifth Cub he has sired.

So, since I doubt any of the Donor's read this blog, because I doubt they do any research of their own in regards to the Zoo or the Animals that live there, I wonder just what kind of name this little girl will end up with.   Sadly, the Zoo's Director does not give any guidelines for naming Animals, and so many like poor Tucker the Hippo who ended up being the joke of a deep pocketed donor who named him Brian Wilson  (after a Giants ballplayer) while our Director just smiled and thanked him while taking his check.  Maybe she will end up being "Kelly", a donor who seems to want every new female Zoo friend named after her, as both Sable the Otter and Niya the Snow Leopard have recently been given the "Kelly" brand.

San Francisco Zoo, I understand the need for raising funds, but if you're not going to try to auction the rights to Sponsor the Animal (with a name plaque at the exhibit), which would be the better option to this crazy name game you play, at the very least provide these people with some guidelines, starting with no ballplayer name (or any celebrity for that matter) for this little girl OR any more of the Animals.  Suggest names with meaning even if they aren't of Native origin.  I don't have a problem with a common name I guess if its from birth, my real issue with that is the renaming.  Although I do think the name should mean something.

I wish the Zoo was more creative in fund raising, so they didn't have to auction names.  I'm sure other Zoo do it, but more often I hear of naming contests like the current one for the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo Lion Cubs.  Keepers narrowed down the suggestions to ones they liked best, which regardless of actual chosen percentages may be what they go for, but at least the names are a pool of thoughtful suggestions.  

Last year for the SFZoo Penguin naming, they did a contest, and it clearly said to choose a female name and they even gave character trait suggestions.  My friend Lee and I had great names, that meant something.  They said the little girl was always at the front, so my pick was Starlett.  Lee's was Serifina, which means Mermaid.  At least we thought about it.  The gal who won picked Russell Brand (a male British Comedian).   I about went postal.  No joke.  For one, if its going to be a random pick, someone should have taken the entries by hand and looked at the names a filtered them, otherwise it should not be random, but the best one chosen by the Keeper.  In this case I can't fault the Zoo, because they tried and it was the people who again think its funny to name something awful.  Thankfully, Keeper Anthony Brown did not let this name happen.  He had the winner chose another name.

This all said, I hope sweet "Little Padang" does not end up Kelly, a male ballplayer, or celebrity.

I apologize if I was kinda all over the place about this subject, I'm just over the disrespect of renaming and the naming in general of ballplayers!  I want this little girl to have a beautiful name that means something and doesn't just mean how much money will it gain.

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

As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank You for taking the time to read

about things that matter to me.

Tiger Cub Cuteness! - On View Update :)

Yesterday (Friday 3.22.13) we were lucky enough to be at the Zoo when they had the first open (Lion) House since the Sumatran Tiger Cub was born on February 10th.   I have been anxiously waiting to see the new addition, an unnamed female I call little Padang (in honor of her Auntie who passed away last Spring).  I learned last week that she will actually be named by auction, so sadly she will probably end up being named after a local athlete instead of something thoughtful with meaning.  Make me wrong Donors!

Anyway, the moment I heard we would be able to go in the Lion House with the slightest of chance at being part of the first public viewing, I literally thought the stars had aligned and could almost hear music :)  Turns out little Padang was napping with her Mama in the nest box the whole hour the LH was open.  No worries because she was viewable on the monitor via live feed from inside the nest box.  

I'm just happy they made this available.  I wish they had it outside so even when the Lion House is not open, Visitors can see her.  They did this when Hasani (Gorilla) was little.  ... Having it online would really rock.  SFZoo, show us you can rock!

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/03/happy-one-month-birthday-tiger-cub-is.html

Not being able to wait to see the major cuteness that this little one will be, I went back today.  She didn't make an appearance, but still worth it to watch the feed when she did move about :)   I captured some cute clips and made a couple videos, a one minute version and a full length four minute version.   The Zoo has yet to post video so I think this is the first footage of her made public :)  Enjoy!

One Minute Version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBjT_dA1oa8

Full Length Version

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCXuUiyagWs)

More Still Cuteness!

(hard to see face, because of glare
but look at that tummy!)

Happy One Month Birthday! - Tiger Cub is Four Weeks Old

As time passes by, my friends and I anxiously await the time when we will get to see Leanne and Taymor's Cub!  I saw her first litter at six weeks old, so hopefully soon!  More about the Cubs birth, its Parents and a link to photos from Leanne's first litter:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/02/welcome-cubbie-tiger-gives-birth.html

Until then, we keep and eye on the Grotto and watch the Cub (who we call little Padang) grow via photos the Zoo posts to their Facebook page.  Visitors who don't view Facebook, see this and other "flyers" posted to the Grotto windows.

We also wish there Zoo would catch up with times and do some webcam broadcasting on their website OR even live at the Zoo.  When Hasani (Gorilla) was a baby, they had a big screen monitor set-up outside the Gorillas where you could view behind the scenes of him before he was out on exhibit.   From the webcam screen captures the Zoo has been posting of the Tiger Cub, we know there is a camera focused on them in the nest box.  So, why can't there be the same set-up outside the Lion House?

Happy Birthday Cublets! - Tiger Trio Born at SFZoo Turns 5!

March 6, 2008, current new mother Sumatran Tiger Leanne/Skylar gave birth to her first litter of cubs with father Bali/George.  

Happy Birthday 

Jae-Jae, 

Burung, 

and 

Kami-Sambol!

Hope you boys are loving life!  

I miss you!

The three male cubs were named by the keepers and lived at the San Francisco Zoo, where they were born, until they were alittle over a year old.  You can view some of my fav fotos from my own archive

http://iamnotananteater.shutterfly.com/pictures/463

All three then moved together to the Akron Zoo for their new Tiger exhibit.  I was given some wonderful photos by the Staff at the Akron Zoo to put on my first Zoo blog, please take a look, they are beautiful!

http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com/search?q=cublets

The boys have since moved on to other Zoo's starting a journey that will eventually lead them to meeting their selected mates as part of the SSP (Species Survival Plan).   Burung and Kami-Sambol moved together to the Montgomery Zoo at the end of 2010.   Information I have indicates they are both still there, but I'm trying to get an update.   Jae-Jae moved to the London Zoo in October of 2012. 

You can keep up with them via Social Media sites.

The London Zoo posted this update on Jae-Jae last week, as he met his new girlfriend Melati for the first time :)

https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/news/keepers-chuffed-with-tigers-first-date,1055,NS.html

Montgomery Zoo was in the news last year when Kami-Sambol made a Super Bowl prediction.

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2012/02/tiger_at_montgomery_zoo_picks.html

Welcome Cubbie! - Tiger Gives Birth!

Congratulations to Sumatran Tiger mates, Skylar/Leanne and Taymor/Larry on the birth of their first Cub, born one week ago today, Sunday February 10.  It was not a surprise as I have been on babie watch for weeks after seeing physical signs that she was pregnant :)  When the Lion House was closed on Monday, I knew we had a babie!  I look forward to seeing your little one and watching it grow!  It will be an honor :)

Seeing adorable photos of Leanne's newborn via Zoo released photos, sparked memories I had of watching her previous litter with Bali/Georgie grow up.  Being able to see a Tiger Cub from its second day out in public, until it was full grown at one year plus, was one of the most incredible and valued experiences I've had.  I have some friends who didn't get the chance so I picked some of my favorite photos from that time frame and posted them.  Enjoy!  and taste what you have to look forward to with our new arrival!

http://iamnotananteater.shutterfly.com/pictures/463

Now, let's talk names. 

I will start by noting that in my posts as well as in person I flux between calling Leanne by that, her donor name and by Skylar, her given name.  I have written much about how I feel about name changing, so I want to explain.  Even though I have been a lifelong Visitor and as an Adult a Member of the Zoo, it wasn't until 2008, just after these Cubs were born, and I suffered the loss of my kitty of Twenty years, did I start visiting the Zoo almost daily and began to learn about the Residents as Individuals.  I first came to know Skylar as Leanne and even though I eventually learned of her given name, out of habit I often call her Leanne.  That said, until the long time Big Cat Keeper Barb left in December 2011, the Cats (at least) were given the respect of being called their given names by the Keepers.  Names they have been used to their whole lives.  Things changed with Barb's departure and new Management, and the Cats are called by their donor names.  Disrespectful and confusing.   I have posted about this, and you can search for those posts within the blog.  In relation to the Tigers making the news, last night I read something that bothered me even further.  

When Taymor came to the SFZoo from the Jackson Zoo, he came with a name he had his whole life.  Of course the San Francisco Zoo could not leave him to own his own name, changing it to Larry.  In a couple articles on the Cubs birth, it noted that "Larry" was on temporary loan for breeding and where he'd be going next was unknown.  I had no idea the Zoo didn't plan to keep him (as often breeding loans are indefinite), so to change his name and call him by something other than what he knows for almost a year, then send him off someplace else is really disgusting.  This poor Cat is going to be really confused.  No wonder he has had stomach issues since he got here.  Buts thats another curiosity, for another time.

That all said, what name will the Zoo bestow on this precious little innocent Cub?   I can only hope the trend of naming after ball players is over.  I would hope the Zoo would think hard and give this special little one a special name.  A name that means something.   I for one have already started calling it little Padang.  Whether its a boy or a girl, I would love to see it named after its Auntie Padang!   The Zoo's Sumatran Tiger Padang passed away last spring, reaching a milestone 22 years old, making her the oldest of any Tiger species in a North American Zoo.  Padang's Brother Rengat is Leanne's Father.  It would be an awesome tribute to an awesome and classy Cat.  It is also the capital city of West Sumatra.   ....  Unless the Zoo sells the naming rights at Zoofest (or another cocktail party) or has a naming contest, in which then a liquored up Donor with a fat checkbook or a five year old could pick a name ranging from Brian Wilson (donor name Tucker the Hippo ended up with) or Russell Brand (name a precious little girl Penguin almost ended up with).   Hopefully the Zoo will give this little one a dignified name.  If not Padang, maybe Valentino or Valentina since its birth was so close to Valentines Day.  My vote is still Padang.

Since I've gone on about names, I'll shelve my curiosities about pregnancies in the Lion House. I'll move on to a concern, just so its noted in print.

When Leanne's last litter was born, they lived in Grotto E, which is now occupied by the Snow Leopards, who at the time were still living in the Feline Conservation Center.  Grotto E unlike all the other Big Cat Grottos is flat.  Currently the Big Cats rotate the other Grottos, although Leanne's nest box area is within Grotto A, so I assume that is where she and the Cub will be on exhibit.  My concern is the moat.  I certainly hope the Zoo plans to put up a barrier to prevent the Cub from falling off the ledge.  A fence was put up to keep Padang from going down during her senior years.  Cats climb so not sure if a fence could be made tall enough or what.   That said, two other concerns even with a barrier.  I know the fence was only usable for Padang, as it was feared that more agile Cats would attempt to leap over it and fall into the moat.  I would hope any type of barrier would be positioned farther back to avoid that with Leanne.  Also the edge of the Grotto that borders the moat is only one ledge concern.  Grotto A also has the hot rock ledge at the viewing window, that I'm not sure how could be barriered.  I do know that when Jahari and Kimani were about six months old I saw them in that exhibit with no barrier, but I also know Leanne started bringing her Cubs out at 6 weeks.  Hopefully this will be well monitored.