SFZoo - Who's The Real Worst

Since I don't know what Zoo Management will come up with as a reason for denying my Membership, I gotta say a few things about my conduct at the Zoo and things that I've done to help the Animals.

When my Membership was revoked in 2011, it was purely based on Zoo Director Tanya Peterson trying to silence me. She didn't like me knowing anything that was going on there, and therefore being able to stand up for the Animals.  By taking away my membership and forcing me to pay each time I visited, her goal was to limit the amount of time I spent there, therefore limiting the amount of information I would gather. I didn't work there, so she couldn't fire me for being a Voice for the Animals, keeping me out was the only way.  

Someone told me they read Director Peterson's words after the Presidential Inauguration, welcoming President Trump and hoping he will take care of our wild things!  ... Is she kidding?  Did/does she support Trump?  How could anyone think that man and his murderous spawn would care about anything wild?  ... I relay this because I was outraged when I heard this.  I have never thought Director Peterson was someone who cared about the Zoo or the Animals.  She has proven that in many of her decisions in the near ten years she has been Director.  Now that we have lived through several months of this Presidential Administration, I see parallels in the was people are treated. She has run the Zoo as a Dictatorship.  Banning press.  Trying to silence those who speak up.  And firing those who don't play the game her way.

I feel like taking my membership is equal to firing me, because that's the only way she can control me.

So, let's list a few things I've done at the Zoo in the past nine.half  years.

I've shared my knowledge about the Animals with other Visitors, Volunteers and Staff.

I've made Enrichment Toys for the Big Cats and on occasion Bears, when Staff being paid to provide these items did not.  In fact two Bear Keepers called me a day before the Teddy Bear Festival and said no one made Enrichment Items for the event could we.  So after spending 25+ hrs each on Big Cat Toys for that week, both Lee and I made Bear Toys as well. For a Zoo sponsored event.

I've identified numerous Animal Health issues and report to Staff.  Including witnessing a Bear have a seizure, to which the Zoo allegedly tried to cover it up even to the Bear's primary Keeper.  ...One time I called in about an Animal bleeding, and after the Keeper came round, Director Peterson showed up in the area with a group of people, put both her hands on my arms and shook me, incoherently yelling, "He's going to bleed".  I felt assaulted.  I was later told by a Security Guard that she retold this story and said I ran up to her and grabbed her radio off her hip to call for help about the Animal. If that were true I would have had my membership taken away at that time, which was a year before in 2010.  She also told Staff I was Unstable and to keep me away from media at events.

I've identified numerous Animal Welfare issues and reported them to Staff.  Including people sitting over and standing on barriers, throwing objects at the Animals, feeding the Animals non-diet food, actually sitting on small Goats at the Farm (often while certain Staff have stood by and watched). This action could end those Dwarf Goats life.  ... If these were direct threats to Animal Safety, I of course asked the offender not to do whatever it was they were doing.  On several occasions within the last year I have been sworn at by Visitors, and when Security finally showed up, between them and Management, nothing was done.  Those offenders were allowed to stay. They were not asked if they had memberships to which could be in jeopardy.  One set of rules for me, another for everyone else.

I've posted many ideas via my blog, hoping the Zoo would use them, as they failed to think of things on their own many times. ... Many things were implemented, to name one, the Polar Bear expansion was an idea posted in my blog. They also fixed a dangerous build in the Snow Leopard training platform that I noticed. Whoever built that should have known better, as should the Animal Staff who put it there and use it.

I've documented via blog, many issue points that were not being attended to by Management.  

These are only things that I can think of off top of my head.  There have been countless things I've done and reported to help the Animals.  But to some, I'm the enemy.  And to Management, the Worst Member in History.  Unbelievable.  Yet, not really when we have a Management Team there that constantly makes decisions that are not in the best interest of the Animals, covers things up and gets rid of anyone who speaks up against the wrongs.  

In the past nine.half years there have been too many things that have been questionable, curious, concerning and just plain wrong at the Zoo.  All that come to mind have been Management decisions and these decision came down from protocol put forward by Director Peterson.  Director Peterson herself  has been in the News too many times regarding some bad press issues. 

One of the first things I will take issue with, goes hand in hand with an issue still happening uncountable times a day at the Zoo.  In 2009, two years after the Tiger event, a visitor made their way into the Grizzly Bear enclosure.  You can read the specifics online, but the issue points are such that this should never have happened.  Two things.  After the Tiger event, all Code Red Animal Exhibit Barriers should have been upgraded to prevent breaching by Human or Animal.  And my first question after hearing this, Why, is the Zoo open til 5p when the time changes?  I immediately sent an email to Director Peterson, saying the Hours need to be changed when it starts getting dark early and asked if she was waiting for another Tiger Tragedy?  She adopted it as her own and requested the Joint Zoo Panel agree to the change.  Second, the forever issue of Barrier Breaching.

After that it has been a long string of building new areas to entertain Humans, and bringing in new Animals, building them new enclosures, while Animals who have lived there for years live in outdated enclosures.  ... Many times her new and shiny toys, didn't even get the homes they were promised, as allegedly funding was never in place for it to begin with.  She just moved onto the next thing. Case and Point, the Komodo Dragon.  This poor Animal was promised a new enclosure within a year.half after arriving.  Three years later he was still living in the Terrarium he had outgrown. He developed spinal issues the Zoo alleges are genetic, but many think is because he has not had the room to properly grow. ... It is no secret to readers here what happened with the Chimps.  You can search my blog, as I was the one to feed this story to the media.  In short, allegedly Director Peterson didn't like the Chimps, and wanted to ship them out without attention, in favor of bringing in Orangutans.  Things have changed but WOW to have a Director who cares so little about the Well Being of Chimps who have lived near 50 years at the Zoo, is really disgusting.  

While on the subject of Apes, another tragedy that got media attention was the situation that led to the infant Gorilla Kabibe losing her life.  Many to blame in this, and of course Director Peterson allegedly in the mix.  ... Another Primate story, recently in the News, about the young Patas Monkey and his terminal illness which it was allegedly Director Peterson's word that prolonged his suffering.  This all happened during a time when the Zoo didn't even have a full-time Vet on Staff (for almost two months), because we have a Director who allegedly cares more about getting rid of people (both Vets) who disagree with her, than having Medical Staff for the Animals. 

There's been a long string of Animal deaths that have been questionable.  One that I think of every time I see the Black Swan at the Puente.  This poor Lady had a Sister.  They were moved all around the Zoo because no geographically suitable place could be found.  They landed at the Puente.  Why couldn't they just stay there?  Oh no can't have that.  They were moved to the part of the lake where the White Pelicans used to live.  Allegedly this was a place where bacteria in the water was known that could be harmful to them.  Well it was, and one died.  Now the lone Lady is back at the Puente.  

The Zoo is old.  Many of the buildings have lead paint.  There is a protocol for removing lead paint. Do we think the Zoo follows that? No!  Allegedly the paint sanded at the male Anteaters home was not properly handled and there were sanding chips all over the ground.  Note that this Animal was moved from Puente because he was eating the dirt.  So here he is now, possibly eating lead paint chips mixed into his ground covering.  I pray for him and to never find out he had lead poisoning. ... Paint has been chipping from the Chimp House for near twenty years.  You think they could paint it? Seal it?  Something?  Even the AZA did not cite them for this?!  I have seen the Chimps sticking their fingers in the chipped part and then putting it in their mouth.  

Let's go on barriers now.  First, the lack of signage about this is insane.  ... Will mention the Anteater since I just talked about him.  Even though this is not a Code Red Animal, no Animals home should be breachable to the point where someone could hang over, sit on, stand on or cross the barriers with ease.  I have written about so many of these offenses its ridiculous that nothing has changed there. Even a Docent I know wrote Director Peterson about people laying across this poor Animals barrier.  Only when the Zoo had their AZA Accreditation inspection was a barrier deterrent put up.   That said, nothing has been done to deter at the hot spots, Black Rhinos and Hippo.  Polar Bear was included in this but with the recent loss of Ulu, this is not an issue now.  The Black Rhino and Hippo have people constantly hanging over into their enclosure.  One slip and these Animals are shot dead.   No one cares.  I've talked about it for years.  

Visitors run wild through the Zoo and do all kinds of behaviors that disturb and harass the Animals and the Zoo lets them.  Breaching Barriers, yelling at the Animals, pounding their chests at the Apes, Howling at the Wolves, banging and kicking windows, throwing things at the Animals and into enclosures (several Animals have had to have surgery because of this), feeding them non-diet food (one Animal was recently really sick, even losing his sight and hearing because of this),  there have even been people assaulting Birds in the Aviary because no one cares to watch the free roaming Animals in there.  Its all happening at the Zoo and no one cares.  Management allows this.  They say they don't , but there is very little to caution not to, and when you report it, either no one comes or when they do they let people continue on their way.  Last year someone threw rocks at the Tiger to get it to move for them, and they were allowed to stay!  Outrageous!  That is a physical assault on an Animal and nothing.  Same thing when I reported people throwing stuff at a Flamingo while it sat on its nest, on its egg!  Offenses all over the place and that's okay there.  Going back to 2007, You know if the person who saw the Dhaliwal's tormenting the Lions before getting to the Tigers, had reported it and they had been ejected, Tatiana would still be alive.  Oh and I'll end this by noting that I'm sure if the Dhaliwals wanted to get a Membership , they could!

Is your head spinning yet?  Mine is and its dinner time.  This list could never be complete, but I think I've put forth enough to illustrate my point.

All these Animal issues, together with the long list of Director tyranny against Staff, and I'm branded the worst thing to happen to the Zoo?   The whole thing makes me sick.  We need a Zoo leader who has the Animals best interest in mind.  Can work together and respect Staff who have experience and care. For that matter, respect anyone who cares, because its those who care who are going to keep the Zoo thriving for the future.  

Comment from Zoo Member Lee ... Is She Denied too?

I've had two Comments on the blog to my original post about the Membership issue.   I appreciate all the Comments and encourage anyone with one to add it.  Remember you can use the Anonymous option.  Thank you to all who take the time to Comment.

I am posting the comment by Andie aka Lee, one of my friends who I was sharing a Membership with.  I think its important for anyone involved to have their voice heard about this, because its wrong and shouldn't be happening to any of us.

Here is the other comment left, which sums up a bit of why things happen when dealing with Director Peterson.  Thank you to whoever this Anonymous poster is.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Membership Posts and Why It's Important

I apologize to those who read my blog to learn what is going on at the Zoo, for what will probably be more than a handful of posts on the subject of my membership issue.  This blog has the most traffic, so I must post about it here.  I guarantee it will not be pity me posts, but documenting the situation and putting forth information about Zoo Management that reflects the situation, so it will still be about the wrongs at the Zoo.

Every weekend I sit down to attempt past posts in progress, and except for a few entries, I haven't kept up on posting here about the things that just aren't right at the Zoo.  Its very weighing on me to think about these travesties, and energy zapping to organize thoughts to post about them.  Some are the same old topics, like the on going barrier safety issue, which is at the top of my list, as I see barrier breaching issues every visit and fear for the Animals lives.  Some of it new stuff that comes up unexpectedly, like the Patas Monkey tragedy, that I had to write about, there are other awful things that I just never get to, that don't get media attention.

Last weekend I started a post that I abandoned.  The post was meant to reiterate for those who don't know me and/or are new to this blog, a brief history.   I had run into someone I've known along time, someone who knows the Zoo, Management and Politics.  Someone who knows me and what the Zoo Animals mean to me.  The subject of the Zoo always comes up.  They ask and I always rattle off my frustrations and how behind I am with putting all my thoughts to paper here on my blog.   I was encouraged to get it all out.  I try every weekend, both to free it from my mind and most important, as a Voice for the Animals.  For me, it has always been about the Animals.

So much that isn't right goes on at the Zoo and I used to be able to write about everything, then it became overwhelming. Each time I don't put something out and document it here, I feel like I'm failing the Animals.  I am without a doubt, the only person outside the walls of the Zoo who pays attention to what goes on there, and is a Voice for the Animals.  I never used to identify with labels, but I am an Advocate for those precious Zoo Friends.   Inside the walls there few, as most Staff including Security who pays zero attention to what's going on, and those who do are reprimanded, and often fired.  Its a sad and frustrating situation for anyone who cares. 

I am a San Francisco Native, life-long Resident of the Richmond District.  I grew up going to the Zoo and have been a Member most of my adult life.  As a teenager, my Mother sent me and my friends to the Zoo in the 70s for Summer Volunteer Orientation.  Learning that we wouldn't immediately have hands on experience with the Animals, but instead cleaning, we opted to continue our goals of meeting teen idols instead.  I believe everything happens for a reason, but in hindsight I wonder if I had chosen the Zoo as a teen, would I be in Management by now and having a hand at making the Zoo the best place it can be.  Who knows, as there are some who have worked there and still do, who started as teens and made the Zoo their life career choice, because they care about the place and the Animals in their care.  Sadly things haven't been easy during this current reign for those who care.  

In 2008, I started to visit more often and learn more about the Animals, both from the Keepers and my own online research.  I wanted to share what I had learned.  I started my first blog to do that.  I was there on Christmas Day the year before and was heartbroken over the events that took the life of Tatiana (Tiger).  I was also bothered by the dark cloud it left over the Zoo, a place that was dear to me.  Part of sharing my knowledge was to hopefully endear people to the Zoo Animals and change peoples minds.  I wrote to the Director Tanya Peterson and put forth that goal.  I also included other suggestions, as being there so often, I could identify things that were in need.  One Keeper warned me that the Director didn't like suggestions/comments, and I'd have trouble.  As I became more involved emotionally to the Animals and privy to other things that went on, I felt there was so much the Zoo could do to be better.  I continued to share those ideas regardless of the warning.  Director Peterson always replied and thanked me for my suggestions.  I had also been lucky to have my idea to make Enrichment Toys for the Big Cats accepted by the Keeper and Vet Staff.  My friend Lee who was a Docent at the time, and I made toys for most of 2010.  In October politics played into it a few times and we finally opted out of continuing under the impossible guidelines the Zoo decided to put forth in order to squeeze us out of something we created.  By Feb 2011, Untruths were fabricated and Director Peterson revoked our Memberships.  Six years later,  its happening again.  

When this happened in 2011, my friend Lee was given a reason via email from Director Peterson. Untrue as it was, it was a reason.  That reason had nothing to do with me.  So, why did I have my Membership revoked?  Over eleven months, I contacted the Zoo, including Director Peterson and Zoological Board Chairman David Stanton, requesting a reason and was never given one.  After my second letter to Stanton, I received a condescending letter from him, noting that I had been given reason, and listing several untruths, all from the mouth of Director Peterson.  I responded that had I got a reason I would not be continually seeking one.  I let him know that he had no idea what goes on there, since he or anyone else on the Board ever goes there, only taking Director Peterson's word for everything.  I then asked him if he wanted to be the face of Director Peterson's words?  ... Our Memberships were reinstated within a week, complimentary. 

Now, again I have been given no reason other than, "past circumstances".  Since "past circumstances" were based on untruths, what exactly does that mean?   This came out of nowhere.  I had not been warned of any misconduct.  So,  I am waiting for the answer.  Tuesday June 6, 2017,  I sent an email to Steven Haines, VP Strategic Growth and Marketing.  I relayed that I had been advised not to speak to Management and requested my Membership Fees be mailed to me, along with a letter, detailing the reasons for denying my membership renewal.  I noted I had not received one the last time and I have been told it is their responsibility to provide me with that.   I said I would be expecting that by next week.  Once I receive that I will post it here.

HOT TOPIC! - San Francisco Zoo Animal Welfare - Vistors Assault Animals - Get a Pass Again

If you Assault, Harass, Taunt, Terrorize, or Throw Objects at the Animals, San Francisco Zoo Management will allow it, as long as you don't do it again.

Oh gosh, where do I begin.  This post has a catalyst issue, but so many other things factor into the whole picture.  Ironically I had planned to write a post today about the same subject, concerning the Andean Condor, but then decided to leave the house and then went by the Zoo to check on a pipping Flamingo Egg.  For those of you who are interested in the Flamingo Chick Hatchings, please check out my Facebook Group, San Francisco Zoo Animal Friends.  Until today, I have been tardy in keeping up with my Zoo Awareness efforts. Its been months on one blog ( iamnotananteater.blogspot.com ), and a year on another ( savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com ).  Its very draining to write about Zoo issues. The Zoo, because of the Animals, is a passion point.  I used to post regularly about everything that I found issue with. As the months have passed, I have decided to narrow my issue points to the Chimps situation, and to Animal Safety.  After the death of Harambe Gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo, I started a Petition and Facebook Page aimed not only at our San Francisco Zoo, but at the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) as the governing office of all North American Zoos.  I haven't done much to promote it after the initial posting, but still hope to.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/559/379/586/keep-all-zoo-animals-safe-san-francisco-zoo-secure-your-barriers/

So today...  While at Flamingos, I overheard the male in a couple (both holding Beers) say, "I want to grab an Egg".   Now, whether jokingly or not, I don't find it funny and it left me on alert, as I profiled them trouble.  Some find that funny and think I'm nit picking, but I've heard and seen too much disrespect to the Animals, that I'm easily irritated, and frankly I don't think that's a bad thing.  

A few minutes later, I was looking at my phone and saw the female bend down to pick up something off the ground.  I knew what was coming next, so as she was in motion, I said, "Don't throw that in there" and "What is that?"  I was met with, Its none of my business. I don't work there, and then name calling, and she went ahead and threw the object at one of the nesting Flamingos.  I was outraged!  Not only throwing something into an Exhibit, but at a Parent sitting on an Egg/Chick? That's just Evil.  I said I was calling Security and going to have them thrown out.  They continued name calling and mocking.  Security came by on a bike and I stopped them and relayed what had happened and requested them be thrown out.  I added that I was tired of this shit and nothing happening.  Security told me that Management would make that determination.  I noted that if they weren't thrown out I would make a big deal of this, which I completely plan to try doing.  Allowing behavior like this is epidemic at the Zoo and I'm sick of it.  

On the way out, I stopped into the office and asked who in Management makes the decision to throw someone out.  I was told the Manager on Duty today and that was Bob Cooney.  Within seconds Bob Cooney rode up on his bike.  Perfect!

Before I dictate the conversation, I think I'll note a few things about Bob Cooney.  Now, I got not grief with this guy as a person, I don't know him enough to make that judgement.  What I do know is instances in regard to the Animals, that has him on my list of curiosity called, How do these people have jobs?  of which there are sadly many at our SFZoo.   Here are my issue points, you be the judge. Earlier this year Cooney was down at the Farm and I had heard he was the one in charge of making signs.  I heard he had been asked a few times to make certain signs that never materialized, one was about feeding the Farm Animals and minding belongings such as Maps, which the Goats will steal and eat.  I had just seen a Goat eat a Map so I noted that to him and asked if he could get a sign put up about that.  He mumbled something that could have been a yay or a nay who knows.  What I do know is there is still no official sign, and the Staff had to make some of their own, and yesterday I tried to pull a Map out of a Goats mouth.  Fast forward to two weeks ago, after the first Flamingo Chick hatched only hours before.  Cooney comes by and I asked him if he could make a sign telling people not to hang their kids over the barrier, which is about 4-6 feet from the Nests.  He says to me, "That hasn't been an issue."   Ahhh, excuse me < (I think), I just spent 6 days watching this Egg and seeing a constant stream of people hanging into the exhibit, are you kidding me?!  I said, it really has been.  He says, there's no place to put a sign.  I gave a few suggestions, that he poo poo'd.  So folks, I guess because he and maybe others in Management can't figure out how to secure a sign some place that people are allowed to Abuse Barriers and hang into Animal Enclosures?  Good Grief.

Back to today.  So I go over to Cooney to find out what happened to the Offenders at Flamingos.  I asked if they were thrown out.  He told me No.  I asked Why?  He said that they were asked not to do it again and unless they ignore that, they don't throw people out.  I said, so people are just allowed to throw stuff at the Animals and that's ok?  He said it was just a Cracker.  (I did photo it and determine it was a Goldfish Cracker).  I said, but still, they threw something AT an Animal.  He said, "Its a judgement call."  So I said, fine, let's then talk about the person who threw Rocks at the Tiger a few months ago.  He said, they were thrown out.  I said, No they weren't.  He  said he wasn't there, but if that did happened, it was a "judgement call."  I said, can you explain to me, just so I understand the situation, because this person threw Rocks, at an Animal and was not asked to leave, as well if a Member,  they should have their Memberships taken away.  He said, Oh No, we can't just take someones Membership away.  Well readers, who have followed my blogs from the beginning, you have to know where this is leading and those who haven't I'll explain later.  So, I then ask Why?  He says, because of the Membership Bylaws, there is a process to that, several steps and can't just be done by one person.  You don't say!?  < (I'm thinking).  So I then ask if he can give me details about the Bylaw, he sorta laughs and says you're a Member you can look it up.  I said, well you know Tanya (Peterson, Zoo Director) took away my Membership once based on lies, and before I could continued about how no Bylaw protocol was followed, Cooney says I'm not talking to you anymore Kim and rides off.  Comical and Shameful.

Now, I don't offend easily, so my point is not that I'm offended, my point is that this behavior is unprofessional.  It doesn't surprise me, but I always find it curious that I seem to stump so many people there with logical dialog.   Here is a person who is in a professional role at the Zoo and yet cannot hold a conversation with someone and was at a loss for words at several points.   Additionally I think it's pretty disrespectful regardless of whatever the situation for anyone in Management to be dismissive.   Now, maybe Cooney has taken the position same as those who bought Director Peterson's slanderous words against me, but fact remains, I am a paying Member there and if I have a question, I can most certainly ask it and Management needs to answer it (or at the very least, officially decline to answer it),  like they would do with any other Member as I guarantee they would not treat any other Member or Visitor in such a dismissive way.  He or anyone else, may not like the questions I ask, but I'm not breaking any Zoo Rules, or Constitutional Rules by asking them.

Before I continue on, for those who do not know my history with the Zoo, in short, I am an SF Native and I've been a Zoo Visitor my whole life.  In 2008, personal grief and the flexibility of my job allowed me to visit the Zoo more often.  I befriended Keepers and learned about the Animals as individuals. In 2009 I became friends with a Docent and in 2010 we began to make weekly Enrichment for the Big Cats.  During that time we both had an open dialog with Director Peterson. One Keeper cautioned me not to share my suggestions or ideas with her or Management because they don't like outsider opinions.  After a couple of political issues, we stopped making Enrichment.  In 2011, Director Peterson slandered both my friend and myself and based on those lies revoked our Memberships without warning.  After near a year of seeking justice, we were both reinstated complimentary, which I think says it all.  You can read more details as I documented the entire event in a blog,  http://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com/

I also want to go back to today's incident and document that these Offenders were let off the hook for throwing something at an Animal, as well as calling me names.  I could almost guarantee if I had thrown something at a Visitor or called Visitors names, I would have been thrown out.  But its ok for Visitors to throw stuff at Animals and call me names.  Just to clarify.  

So back to this issue of Animal Safety.   In regard to today's incident.  I don't care if it's a Cracker, or if it's a Rock, its Assault. You don't throw things at the Animals or into the Animal Enclosures!  This is their Home. They should be Safe.  Its the Zoos responsibility to keep them Safe.  Its that Plan and that Simple.  Why is this something that has to be told to anyone?

Let me update on the Tiger Rock event.  If you haven't read my tirade of that day you can do so here:

http://sanfranciscozoouncensored.blogspot.com/2016/04/san-francisco-zoo-visitor-throws-rocks.html

On my next visit I asked Security if these Offenders were thrown out.  He said, No.  Unbelievable to me.  Well, not really in the sense of the word, anything is possible in that place, but still hard to believe that with the Zoo's History, that an offense against a Tiger of all Animals, would go unpunished by even a simple ejection.  Shameful, Disgusting, Disturbing.  I was told that the Protocol they follow comes from Management.  An example should have been made, a Message sent publicly, the San Francisco Zoo will not stand for this kind of behavior from Visitors against our Animals. BUT I guess that's just fantasy for if I was the Director.  Under the current Directorship apparently the Zoo does stand for it and I'm told that unless people are repeat offenders, they don't get thrown out.  Sad.

I'm offended by this for the Animals.  You have no idea the offenses I see every single time I'm at the Zoo, and multiple times in a visit.  I have posted about it on my blogs endlessly for years.  I have been vocal to Management.  I have Tweeted.  Nothing seems to get anything changed in the Animals favor.  The Zoo Management takes a nonchalant approach to Offenses Against the Animals in their Care.  IN THEIR CARE! < Operative words!

Why is San Francisco Zoo Management Afraid to be Strict with Offences Against the Animals In Their Care?   ... Are they afraid to offend someone who's spending money there?  News flash, these aren't the kind of people we need at the Zoo.

At the start of this post I mentioned that prior to today's event, I was going to write a post.  That post was about another Animal Endangerment issue I had been hearing about.  There has been a Member repeatedly feeding the Andean Condor.  She has been talked to several times and told not to do it, but continues, as she claims she has a relationship with the Bird.  Finally she was asked to leave one day, but her Membership was not revoked.  WTH?!  After several offences, she is still allowed to come to the Zoo, and this Bird is still vulnerable to this offence.  

These offences of objects entering Enclosures intentionally is not new.  The female Snow Leopard, a Sea Lion, and one of the Female Gorillas have all had to have intestinal surgery to remove foreign objects.

Other repeated offenses against the Animals include banging on Exhibit Glass,  Species specific mimic vocalizing to the Animals.  I have reported the constant stream of Visitors Howling at the Wolves, to no avail, there is still no signs not to.   These may not seem like issue points to some, but to me, they are offensive, disrespectful and harassment towards the Animals.  Just last week, two Members and their combined five children stood at the Wolves windows, banging on them and Howling.  Disgraceful.   They were not thrown out either.  

I have for years posted about the Barrier Abuse issue that is epidemic at Code Red Animals.  Code Red Animals are considered the most dangerous if in contact with public.  Code Red Animals are on a Shoot to Kill list regardless of whether Human is at fault for incident or not.  Not Fair, so in my opinion any steps possible to deter any incident should be taken.  Again, Zoos do not take this seriously and our San Francisco Zoo is no different.

That all said, my Petition in regard to this has been up for months.  The Zoo knows about it, the Zoo has seen the photos and video showing offenders and nothing has been done at the three hot spots, Black Rhino, Hippo and Polar Bear.   Not one new sign, no additional barriers, nothing.  Not one thing.  Additional barriers were put up at Chimps and Gorillas, in the wake of Harambe's death. Needed but odd choices for first concern, since neither have been much of an issue, unlike the three I mentioned previous which are an issue multiple times a day.  There continues to be small, limited or non-existent signage at Exhibits.  The signage is inconsistent and selective.  There needs to be signs at every exhibit in regard to objects and people in Exhibits,  backed up by a sign at the Gate House that plainly says, Do Not Throw Anything into Animal Exhibits or you will be asked to leave.  Do Not Stand On or Hang Over Animal Exhibit Barriers or you will be asked to leave.  That's it.  I think the Zoo thinks they have done their job by neatly tucking the Rules in the corner on the side of the Gift Shop.  NO being in people's faces about Respecting the Animals in their Homes is doing your job!

I have always had an issue with signage.  The size, the wording, that lack of.  The Zoo for whatever reason seems afraid of signs, that is unless they are for advertising something they are selling.  I'm offended to see sandwich boards in the middle of paths letting you know where you can buy Beer, when there isn't the same for Respecting the Animals.  AND I'll note that the whole group with the Flamingo offenders today had Beer in their hands. It seems the Zoo is more interested in money passing through their hands than keeping the Animals Safe.

Another issue is that while no one seems to get reprimanded and tossed for their offences, outside of Animal Staff, there doesn't seem to be that many people actually paying attention to what Visitors are doing.  Last week alone I witnessed a Security Guard watching Animals never noticing a kid in front of him throwing stuff into the Exhibit, and someone hanging their kid over a Barrier in front of a Docent.  Why aren't these people more aware?  

So where does this leave us with Keeping the Animals Safe?  Not enough people watching for Offenders, and when we do catch Offenders, they are nicely asked to stop it.  Only when one finally harms an Animal, oh wait, that happened when the Woman threw Rocks and hit the Tiger, so shit, you got me, when are Visitors going to be held accountable for their actions against the Zoo's Animals?

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I recently got a comment submitted for an old post I did on Visitors throwing stuff at the Chimps.  I didn't publish it because it was nonsense and Anonymous.  So, let me just say this so that nobody wastes their time, if you're going to comment something that reflects you thinking any of what I've outlined here is acceptable behavior don't bother unless you sign your name and it's a verifiable name. Its not getting published because I want to be able to respond to you because you are part of the problem.

Facebook Users please comment on the San Francisco Zoo UnCensored Page if you don't mind your Identity known.  Would be great to start a comment community for the posts.  Those who want to remain Anonymous or do not use FB, please continue to comment on the blogs.  Thank you for your comments.   https://www.facebook.com/SanFranciscoZooUnCensored

If you are inclined to,  

you can reach San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at 

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Is SFZoo Director Peterson Fundraising For Our Chimps?

I've talked about our Chimps alot over the past few days.  Yesterday I spent time at the Zoo with Friends meeting Friends and Celebrating our Chimps.  I also did an interview for the Documentary being made about our Cobby.

Those events have resonated the feelings of passion I have in my advocacy for our Zoo Friends, and for my Chimp crusade in particular.  So, again I thought my days off would be filled with catching up here.  Instead I caught up on sleep, only to wake up and click on a google news alert for the Zoo that pissed me off.

Its not hard to piss me off in regards to the Zoo.  That is part of the problem.  Too many things are upsetting, and rather than write about them on the spot, they just get added to the to do list.  

Today, I'm bypassing my want for chronological order, for things to have backstory, for each post to flow into the next.  I just couldn't keep my thoughts to myself, until the right time in the post line came up.

So, even without proper updates, we all know, at this point,  four months after Zoo Director Tanya Peterson promised upgrades to our Chimps, that nothing except painting one structure from the 80s and doing neglected maintenance inside their night quarters has happened. 

We know that to date, Director Peterson has not forged into the "biggest fundraising campaign", that she touted at the announcement Meeting in February.   The only apparent effort to raise money for the Chimps has been by putting up a Donation page on their website, which was mentioned once on their Facebook page.

We know that one million dollars came from an Anonymous Donor, and I was told as of April 6th, that $10,000 was raised via the website.

I have been focusing on the asthetic state of the Chimps night quarters, as to me, this shows the blatant disregard and disrespect these Beings have gotten over the years.  At the very least, their home should have been painted by now.  I think they can afford a few cans of paint and manpower to get it done.  At the very least, it would show they care.

Cobby, wishing he was watching paint dry rather than peel.

On the extreme end of the upgrade situation, I was told by Director Peterson that the 1 million was enough to get the Sky Trails done.  So why hasn't that begun?   She knows very well that with the ages of our Chimps, that this is a time sensitive project.  This is an upgrade that in tempoary lieu of a new exhibit, will allow for more space and an additional holding space for bringing in additional Chimps, which is essential to them being able to remain at the Zoo, under the AZA guidelines.  

So, let's talk about the new exhibit.  With a price tag of ten million, Director Peterson has been quoted saying that she's found it difficult to fundraise for this project.  I'd personally like to know what attempts she's made?  I've written before that I have not heard of any attempt for the Chimps needs at any ZooFest during her reign.  I have also yet to hear whether they were mentioned at this years ZooFest.

I also want to add, as I've done before and will again, that I think its disgusting that Members of the San Francisco Zoological Society are choosy what they donate to.  Maybe they should be reminded this organization they chose to be part of is a home and facility that is supposed to be dedicated to the care and well being of Living Beings.  Their Needs should be priority over "pet" projects.

That all said in brief, this is a ScreenCap of what came through the google alert today.

Don't get me wrong, as a San Francisco Native I'm all for history festivities, BUT you got to effin' be kidding me "led an expert fundraising charge to support these frolics and raise multi-million dollar funds,..."   So, the way I read this is, Director Peterson had ambition for and was able to, raise funds for frolics and lights, but can't seem to do the same for Living Beings in Need?   I'm also pretty sure she and every other Member of our illustrious San Francisco Zoological Society live in homes with no peeling paint.  Shameful.

Chimp Updates

From my Save San Francisco Zoo Chimps blog:

I've been posting exclusively to this blog, here is a post list in case you haven't been following.  For the time being I will continue to concentrate on the Chimpanzee situation, so a majority of my blogging will be on that blog.  Thank you.

SFZoo Chimps Moving? - The Story So Far!

The San Francisco Zoo Chimps In Jeopardy of Losing Their Home.

If you have been following this blog since the start, you have read all the information on the situation that I have gathered from fact, third party, and research.  There has been more since my last attempt at a synopsis, so this will be a full update, of the story so far!

Three weeks ago I started this blog, after hearing the disturbing news that Director Peterson was planning to move our Group of Senior Chimps.  

The information I got was, they were being sent to a facility in Florida.  Allegedly Lion Country Safari.  Allegedly Director Peterson had been there to see the place.  Allegedly the move is happening end of March.

Our Chimps are aged 45, 45 and 57.  In my opinion they are too old to be moved to another facility.  They have lived at the Zoo for near half a century.  I think it would be traumatizing.  Additionally at 57, Cobby, should not be integrated into an established group with other males. That alone could prove to be life-threatening.  These Chimps should be allowed to live out their lives at the SFZoo.

Why can't they?  THAT is the question!  Two scenarios.  One, the AZA guideline recommends social groups of four minimum. After losing Tallulah in 2013, we only have three.  The AZA may or may not be willing to send additional Chimps, based on the current condition of the enclosure.  The other senario is, Director Peterson, just doesn't want them there and is using this AZA guideline as an excuse.

From my research, the AZA would prefer Zoo's to keep their Chimps and they are willing to give generous timelines for fundraising, upgrades and/or new exhibit builds.  So, the Zoo could be given the time, as well, I believe the Zoo has or has access to the funds.  They recently broke ground on another play area for kids that is rumored to have cost over a million, but down from three!  As well, rumors are there is plans to bring in another species of Lemur, and build a new exhibit for it.  As well as the rumor that a version of the previously planned Great Ape Forest is still on, only not with Chimps.

If the enclosure is the issue, then there lies the issue of Zoo Management disregarding the Chimps for years.  The enclosure was built in 1968.  The last upgrade was made in mid 1980s.  In 1997, City Residents voted a Bond in for the Zoo to build a new Chimp exhibit, the Great Ape Forest.  That never happened. Nothing for them ever happened.  Why?

The Zoo under Director Peterson's rule, has seen the Chimps home with peeling paint and rusted structures, while Director Peterson spends money bring in new Animals and building new exhibits for them.  The only obvious answer for this is that she favors the New and Shiny over the Old and Gray. Is doing right by the Chimps and other current residents in need?  Hell NO!

In an effort to fact find on this, as much as possibly considering, Director Peterson has made a statement in personal correspondence to several members of the public, as well as Zoo/Park/City staff.  

In her own words, Director Peterson states "... there has been no decision to move them anywhere (zoo or sanctuary)."   ...  This is very interesting.  Good to hear if true, but interesting as it differs from what Staff have heard.  OR is it a play on words, as Lion Country Safari is neither a Zoo or a Sanctuary?

Additionally, the other day, they were building transfer cages in the Chimps indoor quarters, one Staffer said, "in preparation for when they move".   .. Where does that fall into the "no decision to move" statement?

Something else that was curious in her correspondence was this quote to a member of the public, "...I too am not eager to see them leave." 

? Director Peterson, if you are not eager to see them leave, WHAT are you doing so they can stay? Are you preparing to upgrade their current home so additions can be made to the group?  Are you going to stop building new play things for humans and new exhibits for new animals and plan for building the Chimps the new home they were promised 18 years ago in 1997?   Are you doing what it takes to keep them in the only home they have ever known?   

Remember to follow this story on its own blog

http://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com

You can also find the Chimps on Facebook!