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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ollie and Amoi, November 2020

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

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

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

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

screencap from post 9.2.19

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

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

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

photo used in post 12.15.19

Maybe by Christmas 2021.

Related posts regarding Orangutan situation

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

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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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Sacramento, San Diego, Re-Opening! - Other Zoos Safety Plans

In the wake of California Governor Newsom's press release last week, stating an updated Re-Opening Timeline, this week has brought two CA Zoos taking advantage of the first approved date listed.

News yesterday put San Diego Zoo as the first California Zoo to Re-Open, stating it would be open this Friday June 12th, to Members and to the Public Monday. By this afternoon, the new date of June 20th was reported. No information available as to why the change.

Sacramento Zoo, is the next CA Zoo to announce Re-Opening, with this Friday as their date for Members, Public on Monday June 15th.

This news article has a video that shows some of the safety protocols that will be in place. Wish it were longer, I think it's an important thing to do, both for awareness and for creating community endearment.  In a previous post I noted that I thought SFZoo should do a video showing changes they have made.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OGS8h9MwpKs

I saw this one a couple weeks ago that I thought was really good.  I also liked seeing the entrance to Omaha (where our Orangutan Lady Amoi is from), I smiled to see they have a huge screen at the entrance.  This was an idea I suggested to SFZoo many, many years ago.  I think it's a great tool, to put forth many messages.

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTg4MTY0MjU4NTA6Vks6MjcwNjg1MTM3MzE3NjQy

Another good one from Cincinnati Zoo.  Gotta admit the e-ticket situation makes me anxious.  I normally visit SFZoo three mornings a week.  The Cincinnati Zoo info notes Member slots as Sold-Out certain days, and I have also read about some Zoos Member slots in Zoos that have already re-opened are sold out up to a month in advance.  I understand all aspects, that online ticketing is necessary, and that with reduced admission, there needs to be a decent portion of non-member admissions for daily revenue aspect, but there should be a good amount of allegiance to what Membership is supposed to entail. Personally I think the 30-minute arrival window or forfeit admission is a but much.  Sometimes shit happens and being late is unavoidable.  If someone makes an effort to support your place with a visit, they need to be let in. ... Make sure to watch the video.  As mentioned I think videos are a great way to familiarize visitors with the changes.  It also shows they have masks for sale, which was another one of my ideas.  Printed or custom masks would be awesome, and generate funds, but having something as simple as disposable surgical masks, really should be available for those people who are still clueless and will inevitably show up without one.  

http://cincinnatizoo.org/prepare-for-your-zoo-visit/

Good one from Columbus Zoo too ... Glad Face Covering is mandatory in San Francisco, even if the majority still think it doesn't apply to them.  If that's you, Shame on you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MwcVgGSBVfA&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1wE0g2uulC9k1jE-fJufARN_a3foEoRCexyt-KRW0O9eOzJqXt3qzeSLA

This was posted in an article about UK Zoo.  I like the distancing from exhibit windows, so if spaced six feet apart in rows, it seems everyone can see.

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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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AZA Habitat Guidelines for Great Apes - Orangutan Update Week Eleven 10.28.19

Let me start by making this statement.  I personally can not understand how the Director of an Animal Care Facility, such as the San Francisco Zoo, can consciously and morally allow Animals the size of Great Apes to sit day after day in a five foot high tunnel and not take immediate action to make their life better.  Where is the Empathy and Compassion, as the Orangutans end the Eleventh Week with the only space available to them outside their bedrooms, is the Skytrails?  

If I am missing something, Director Peterson needs to put out a statement about this, because I'm not the only one who is wondering what her thought process is on this.  Over the past two weeks, it seems that other regular visitors are also finally taking notice.  I have heard them talking within their own group, as well as ask Animal Staff, if the trails is the only (outside) place they have.  

I mentioned in my.previous post that there was a notation in the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Orangutan Care Manual, about the need for room to "stretch" and "climb".

Here is a photo of Amoi moving through the Skytrail, which by my estimate is approximately 5ft in height.  Her body and limbs bend as she moves through it, I don't think I've ever seen her stretch full length while inside the trail.

Here is a video of Ollie, trying to climb the trail mesh when he saw Chimpanzee Maggie climbing.  It was heartbreaking to watch.  This is the only time I've seen him do this.  He obviously can not climb in the trail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm2LKZcnF9M

I'm sure the Orangutans are able to fully stretch in their bedrooms, but I doubt there is any place for them to climb, and if there is, it is not a proper set-up as intended by these guidelines.

Top and Bottom Screencaps from AZA Orangutan Care Manual in regard to housing.  No link to provide for this, but full document is available via Google search, that will immediately download PDF of Manual.

The guideline for space for Orangutans, was not as clear to me as it was for Chimpanzees.  Using the Chimpanzee recommended guideline, (I converted the measurements) it is notated that for up to five Chimps 2000 Sq Ft is required, adding an additional 1000 for each additional Chimp.  By my calculations that is 4000 Sq Ft for a group of Seven Chimpanzees.  According to signage, the Dayroom is 1240 Sq Ft, the Yard is 2600, for a total of 3840 Sq Ft.  The Bedrooms are 1000 Sq Ft.  Using these calculations, it clearly shows that for a group of Seven Chimpanzees, there is no feasible way to rotate the Chimpanzees and Orangutans, within these two spaces.  A Third space, that of an additional Yard in Triple Grotto is necessary.  ... So again, WHY is there no third space?  WHY was there no third space constructed before the Zoo acquired Orangutans?  Why did the AZA allow these Orangutans to be transferred to a Zoo that had no proper place for them?  WHY is there no third space in the process of being constructed?  WHY is there no temporary yard being constructed?  HOW long do the Orangutans have to live in the trails?

Screencap from AZA Chimpanzee Care Manual in regard to housing.  No link to provide for this, but full document is available via Google search, that will immediately download PDF of Manual.

The Chimpanzees are still separated into two groups, as introductions are still in progress. The Official Statement by the Zoo is that once the Chimpanzees are fully integrated, they will rotate the Yard and Dayroom with the Orangutans.  I do not see how that can happen on a regular basis.  Maybe a one off here and there, if there was construction started in Triple Grotto, but there is not.  A regular rotation would by my thought, have to have one variation of these scenarios.  ... Chimps in Dayroom, with access to bedrooms and possibly long trail.  Orangs in Yard, with access to short trail and bedrooms.  OR  Chimps in Yard, with access to short trail, but locked out of their bedrooms.  Orangs in Dayroom, with access to long trail, and bedrooms.  The first scenario, logically does not provide the space for Seven Chimpanzees, as the Dayroom alone, is less than half the recommended size.  ... There needs to be a third Yard, and NOW!

So, I noted above how I've overheard visitors talking about the space where the Orangutans have to live.  I've noted the Zoo's Official Statement.  And by this recent news article from Ollie's hometown, what the Erie Zoo has reported to press, even before he left, has been a bit curious. At the time they noted that SFZoo had a brand new enclosure for him.  So I don't know who's selling the illusion, who's buying the illusion, but those of us who are there in person, can certainly see, info from all sides does not add up to what the reality is, or what it should be.   

The news article from Erie:

https://www.goerie.com/news/20191026/former-erie-zoo-animals-thrive-in-new-homes

Screencap of portion regarding male Orangutan Ollie.

I think this whole cruel situation with Ollie and Amoi is wearing me down.  Again I posted a video and forgot to make it public, as I intended to do a post update sooner.  I did Week Ten yesterday.  It should have gone in there.  Anyway, posted last week, I made it on 10.14.19, the start of Week Nine.  Sadly, the story remains the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=vPqpRznYkk8&t=4s

Last week, this news was reported.  I found it ironic, since San Francisco Zoo can't even spring for a renovation in Triple Grotto.  A two island yard to complete their Great Ape Passage and a net over one island for an immediate temporary yard.  Happy for the Orangutans in Toronto, even Sadder for ours here in San Francisco. ... I'll just leave this here.  

You can read the full article here:

https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2019/10/24/toronto-zoos-6-million-orangutan-conservation-plan/?fbclid=IwAR1ar1-q7RTYfhlSQcrHkWaLqGnCDQS8nPQH4zmIhIOaPHmrIlxY53F5w5k

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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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Orangutan Update - Week Ten - 10.21.19 - Amoi Wishes She Had Halloween Festivities Like the Chimps. Sad.

Week Ten

Ollie and Amoi making the best of it.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!  I didn't get to posting this Orangutan Update last weekend, as I went to the Zoo's Boo Event.  This event is one of the only times I go to the Zoo on the weekend.  Its the Event I have loved since it started.  Its the Event that got me interested in Enrichment.  I have an obsession with Pumpkins, so paired with Animals, it bring much joy.  Unfortunately Sunday's Pumpkin festivities were for the most part cancelled because of downed tree and debris from the high winds.  I was looking forward to seeing Gorillas, but because of some exhibit damage.  I did hear they got Pumpkins, near the end of the day, but not for public viewing.  If so, Zoo Staff probably got photos, but I haven't seen them on any of their Social Media platforms.  I would have liked the Zoo to have kept the schedule and done it the next day or even on Halloween, so the public could watch.  Saturday we were blessed with wonderful Zoo Friend moments, including being in the right place at the right time, to celebrate Angelo the Anteater's 21st Birthday!  Have not gotten to videos from that weekend yet, so keep an eye out on my Youtube for that cuteness!  As well, this past week brought more cuteness, with a Birthday celebration for Slider the Cow, who turned 10 on Halloween!  Photos in real time on my Twitter (leo811sf).

The Chimps had a spectacular spread for Halloween!  The Girls outside in the yard, the Boys inside the dayroom.  The fun time for the Chimps, was not fun for the Orangutans.  Sadly I had to witness poor Amoi looking into the yard and seeing the Chimpanzees Halloween festivities.  It was heartbreaking.

I wanted to publish the video that day, but decided to wait til after the weekend, and forgot to make it public. ... See the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO6sD-SlA_0

If the Orangutans had an out door space other than the trails, they too could have had an awesome holiday celebration.

So, again we must all ask San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson,...

WHEN will the Orangutans get a yard?  

Director Peterson, How long do you plan to keep the Orangutans living in a caged tube?  ... The trails are meant to be access platforms, NOT Habitats!

Weeks ago, I wrote the suggestion, that a temporary yard be constructed for them in the South Grotto portion of Triple Grotto.  This is based on the fact that something immediate needs to be done, and that South Grotto can be used in the future to house or hold another species.  At this point, doing that is the only logical thing to do.  Any work to construct a permanent yard to compliment the new yard and dayroom and finish the Great Ape Passage, will take too long.  The Orangutans NEED an outdoor area done in the shortest amount of time, and a temporary yard is the only solution.  I suspect the Zoo would hate to take any of my suggestions, so close to me putting them out there (they have in the past but wait, so they can make them their own), but this situation is getting to the point of cruelty.  I have to assume since nothing has been done, it the Zoo's preference to not consider the suggestion in this case and instead keep the Orangutans in an inappropriate living situation, rather than do what's right and necessary.  

What I suggested could have been completed by now and the Orangutans in a space that would allow them to stretch their arms and be able to climb, which by the way is a specified guideline in the AZA Orangutan Husbandry Manual.  

Director Peterson, Give those Orangutans a yard and get them out of the trails!!!  Call the damn netting company and get South Grotto constructed into a temporary yard for them!  We are going on three months of this and its cruel!

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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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Chimps Haven't Been Outside in Almost Two Months!

I'm not even sure how to begin this.  A month ago, I had a plan for this blog.  Finish up al my posts in draft, both the couple I have published holding spaces for flow purposes, and the handful of others I've had in draft, one since February 2018.  Contrary to what some think, I actually have come to hate blogging.  Its too emotionally draining.  I ignore posting in timely manner, because of the upset, but then that back-up becomes overwhelming.  ...  Moving forward, out of order, as I can no longer ignore posting about what is going on with our Chimpanzees.

Our Chimps have not gone outside in almost two months! 

By my calculations, June 24th, the day the Great Ape Passage pathway was first opened to the public, was the the last time the Chimps were outside, and in the new yard.  

It is now seven weeks since, and while I know there are extenuating circumstances, this is not acceptable! 

At this point, most of you are asking why?  Before getting into the factual details, as to why, I want to make something very clear.  

This situation with our Chimpanzees and Orangutans, is a direct result of decisions made by Director Tanya Peterson.  She has the final word on what happens at the Zoo.  It all falls on her, because if there was any indication (and there was) that this would happen, she had the opportunity to fix it or stop it. 

That all said, I want to also be very clear, that I do not hold the Primate Staff responsible for the situation, as I believe, they are doing the best they can, with what they've been given.  The simple facts of the situation are,  we have two spaces and we have two species.   The Orangutans should have never come here until Triple Grotto was ready for them.  That is the bottom line. 

Director Peterson and the Zoological Society/Donors have been pushing to acquire Orangutans for years.  Their wants were the main catalyst for Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps (2015) and replace them with Orangutans.  So no surprise they are here, the surprise and sadness is the timing.  There was and is no proper habitat to exclusively house them in.  ... See previous posts by searching "Orangutans"

Director Peterson knew in 2014, as she put her plan to kick out the Chimps in motion, that she wanted to bring in Orangutans.  

Once it was confirmed, the Chimps would be staying, three things needed to happen.  

*A new living space for the Chimps had to be built. 

*Additional Chimps needed to be brought in.

*Triple Grotto needed to be renovated

Two of those things have been achieved.  The last is still a mystery to everyone.

Since 2015, not one of the Zoo's annual fundraisers, ZooFest has focused on raising funds for the Chimps new space, or subsequently, the renovation of Triple Grotto for the acquisition of Orangutans in the future.  As well, it appears that no Donors have come forward to contribute to the Triple Grotto cause, as they hadn't wanted to for the Chimps for the twenty years prior. 

As soon as the Chimps staying was confirmed, renovation plans for Triple Grotto should have been drawn up, and after sorting funding for the Chimp Expansion, funding for Triple Grotto should have started.  ... The Zoo was seeking Orangutan individuals as early as Fall 2018.  As soon as the Chimps moved out of Triple Grotto in March 2019, renovations of Triple Grotto should have started.  Again, Orangutans should never have been brought here until Triple Grotto was ready.

So let's reiterate, we have two spaces and two species.  One space is indoors. Do the math. 

Now, from the beginning, the Expansion, was supposed to be new bedrooms, a dayroom and a yard, for the Chimps.  No one expected Orangutans to be brought in before Triple Grotto was renovated.  When they were, word was the two species would be rotated.   The Great Ape Passage sign, shows both species, so rotating them sounded like a fine idea when Triple Grotto was part of the idea.  Now that it isn't, we have a huge problem. 

The huge problem, is that not having two outdoor yards, leaves one species inside.  That species has so far been the Chimps.  This is unacceptable.  The Chimps were supposed to be the priority.  They waited decades for this and are now apparently being slighted again.  Its not right.  They are old, they may not have ten, fifteen more years to wait for the Zoo to get its act together.  

Again, I think the Primate Staff is doing the best they can, but something needs to give soon.  The Chimps can't be cooped up in the Dayroom forever, yet what can be done?  There is no other place to put the Orangutans.  The situation has been and is as follows.  The Chimps got access to the new yard May 30, for several days following that, and a few more sprinkled through til their last time in there June 24.  June 25th and forward to date, the female Orangutan has had access.  Her access was limited shortly after her first outing, as the male basically barricaded himself against the trail door leading to the yard, since he doesn't have access the door was closed. That left the new yard with neither Chimps or Orangutans using it for at least two weeks.  New yard, warm weather, and it sat empty.  Note the male Orangutan doesn't have access to the yard because of recall issues.  If he goes out and refuses to come in, that's a problem.  Once the male Orangutan was moved to the long trail, the female could have access.  Since then, I have not seen her spend any extended time in the yard, just in and out.  I estimate her time in yard during an eight hour day is less than an hour.  So with both trails and yard being used for Orangs, the Chimps are shit out of luck for fresh air and sunshine. ... This needs to change NOW! 

The Chimps are obviously not going to get to go to the yard anytime soon.  It also seems like there will be no rotating, so they at least need access to the long trail.  This in no way is meant to be mean to the Orangutans.  I love them, and are very much enjoying them, but them being a priority at the detriment to the Chimps is not acceptable.  ... They have all seen eachother through the windows, there is no drama, so the Chimps need access to the trail.  The Orangs can have access to the trail that leads to the yard.  They can figure out if they are going to let them both have access to the yard or keep them both with only access to the trail and bedrooms.  But again THE CHIMPS NEED TO GO OUTSIDE!  ... The only sad thing about this is the Chimps will see the Orangs using the yard that they can't.  Such a messed up situation, that could have been avoided.

My video about the situation  https://youtu.be/n65rxmqGHD8

I will note here as I have previously.  If Triple Grotto was ready when Orangs got here, the male Orangutan would possibly not have the stubborn recall issues he is exhibiting.  He was taken from his Family for the first time, brought to a new place, with new people, he was most likely scared.  Add in the loud major construction going on right outside, because the new yard wasn't finished either, no wonder he isn't being cooperative.  Bringing him here prematurely made the situation worse.

Let's talk about the detriment to the Chimps that I mentioned. For the past three weeks I have been noticing a change in the Chimps behavior.  The have increasingly pulled back their activity, culminating in them just laying around all day.   These new areas, were supposed to be enriching and exciting for them.  If you look at my early videos, it was.  They were happy, they were exhibiting behaviors and interactions that showed that.  They were up and active, and now they look like their spirits have been broken.  They looked happier, were outside in the sun and had more room (and their twigging mound) in Triple Grotto.  This is not how it was supposed to be for them!

Last week on my last day out of the house, I got home and started my evening routine, the whole time, thinking about my visits that week with the Chimps. By the time I was ready to sit down, I was so upset that I was in tears.  The tears continued this past week as nothing had changed.  The only ambition to be active that I saw in them was Wednesday, when there was activity outside in preparation for the arrival of new Chimps.  The only good thing about the timing of them coming, is that the Chips will have reason to be up and about.  There is no way they will be just laying around with the excitement of new Friends in the house.So, yeah, for those who don't know, we were scheduled to receive three new Chimps by the end of the week. 

So, if you're keeping track, that would be 7 Chimps, and two Orangutans, to manage in two areas.  

The situation just keeps getting worse.  Will 7 Chimps be cooped up in the Dayroom?  How will introductions be done with only six bedrooms and the dayroom?   If we were going to have Orangutans by this time, we needed Triple Grotto done.  ... Now regarding that.  I have heard that the plan remains a mystery because there is no funding! What?!  Its obvious that we need Triple Grotto for the Orangutans, yet no funding for it?  Well, Director Peterson needs to start crying to the Donors, because this is a necessity.  I also heard because of lack of funds, that maybe only one Grotto will be done.  Uh, no, that is not an acceptable sized space for two adult Orangutans and future offspring.  Both the North and Middle Grotto need renovation.  Geez, anyone with compassion can see that.

I also want to note that I understand that there are many factors that both the incoming and outgoing Zoos need to work with to make transfers happen.  I understand that certain Animals need to be moved from their current homes to new homes, even at times not ideal.  But I have to wonder, at what expense?  If there is no proper housing?  No proper area for proper management?  

I've also been thinking about this rotating situation.  Why hasn't it been done?  I early on wondered about whether it would be a sanitation issue.  I then just assumed, since it was mentioned that it wouldn't be, because they were both Apes, and I knew there had been mixed species Ape and Monkey enclosures at other Zoos.  ... This week thinking about it more, I did some research, and come to find out, yes it is an issue.  Before being able to rotate these two species, the areas would need to be sanitized before and after, use by each species.  How this was ever a considered option is beyond me.  I can not see there being enough staff or time for this to happen on a regular basis.  

That said, its seeming like the Chimps would then be kept inside most of their life.  This is wrong, and again, it comes directly back to Director Peterson, not making sure Triple Grotto was renovated before acquiring Orangutans.  

The way these poor Animals are and will be living, is a result directly dictated by how Director Peterson has managed the priority of projects at the Zoo.  

The damage has been done.  The Chimps need to go outside NOW.  Triple Grotto renovation needs to happen NOW.  Director Peterson, what is your plan?

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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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Orangutan Update - Amoi Explores New Yard, and Ollie Ventures Out to the Trail! - Name Changes -

Monday 7.8.19

I started this post a month ago, after seeing Amoi for the first time, I think it might have been her second day with access to the trail.  Since then, Amoi has not only accessed the Skytrail, but the new Yard!  Ollie has finally gotten comfortable enough to come out on the trail, and just today Amoi had some fun seeing the Chimps for the first time!  Alot has been happening at the Great Ape Passage!

This video is from that first day I saw Amoi.  She is as pretty as the pictures I saw of her in her previous home and when she moves her hair flows.  She is definitely the Super Model of the Zoo! 

https://www.youtube.com/watchv=r7amLa1m_2M&t=12s

The next first, was getting to see Amoi in the yard!  Which I've now seen a few times!  On my Youtube you can search or scroll for more videos, there's a handful by now!  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEQTNA7C8WI 

            

While Amoi has been out and about, Ollie has stayed in the house.  That all changed last week, when he came out to the trail for the first time!  So lucky I was there and saw him peek out and then be like, yea, don't think so

As the days passed he became more comfortable and started going out daily, often bringing a blanket and napping out there.  I saw his second day out.  You can view the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e3NeSo477M

And then today, this happened!  This narrative is also on my Chimp update.  While I was standing outside watching the Orangutans, I again wondered if they would ever let them see eachother, like one group in each trail.  Literally a few minutes later, Amoi came out into the trail that connects to the Dayroom.  Same moment, the Chimps started screaming.  It was happening!  They were in full view of eachother!  Amoi ran to the door, as the Chimps hooted and hollered in the windows.  She stopped short of the door, and waved her arms towards them.  When they vocalized, she ran back towards Triple Grotto.  No long after she ran out again, this repeated itself many times.  In the early rushes, she started knocking on the door lol!  and instead of running back to TG, she stepped back a few feet and looked at the Chimps in the window!  I think it became a game for her!  Soon everyone was calm.  Surprising that Cobby once again, was the least animated.  I'm really proud of him how he has handled all these new things.  I was reminded that Our three Seniors had lived side by side with Orangs in the past, and found out Qadeer, had never seen one before!  So, that explained why his reaction was the most high energy.

Will upload full video on weekend, but heres a bit I filmed on my cell from my camera!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuCV1tLMW40                                                         

So yeah, of course the Zoo has changed these poor Beings names.  First Amoi and now Ollie.  I never use the new names, so if you follow the Zoo, regardless of what they are calling them, the female is Amoi and has been for her life of sixteen years and the male is Ollie, his name all of his nine years.

I don't often check out the Zoos social media, unless I'm looking to see if something specific has been posted, or its been a couple weeks.  The Zoo posted about Amoi and Ollie, and I of course loved the comments by their fans at the Zoos they came from. Screencaps from the Zoo's Facebook page below. Additionally, I think its rather rude that the Zoo doesn't bother to reply to the comments. 

I've made it no secret that I hate the name changing.  I have blogged about it for almost nine years, since Tucker (Hippo) arrived.  You can search the blog for posts about this if interested.  In short, I don't think any Animal with a name already, should be renamed.  I think offering to put a plaque with the Donor's name, noting that the Animals care is  supported by a donation from X, is a much better way.  No one I know likes the name changing, and obviously its farther reaching than that!

So, any fans of Amoi and Ollie, from their previous home's, make sure to check out my YouTube channel and Subscribe as I visit the Zoo every week and try to post my videos of the week on the weekend.  You can keep updated on your Friends Ollie and Amoi!

                                                                                                                             

Meet Sally, the Zoo's new Komodo Dragon! - She's Falcor's Sister!

I'm a bit behind on posting about new Residents, but I wanted to post about Sally, so that people knew who she was and to share my video of her first hour out on exhibit!   ... Unfortunately since I was delayed in posting, during that time, Sally has already been renamed. UG. 

Sally is 6 years old and came from Omaha Zoo.  She was hatched in January 2011 at Memphis Zoo.  She shares the same Mama as our beloved Falcor! Possibly the same Papa.  I'm very happy to be able to know one of Falcor's siblings :) that is bittersweet.

Here's a link about the hatching of her clutch which hatched sixteen babie dragons!

https://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2013/02/komodo-dragon-memphis-zoo.html

I was told she is very smart and came trained in many ways.  At the time of her debut, she had been at the Zoo for two weeks and is still currently under quarantine, but is quarantining on exhibit.

She sure is a pretty little girl!  I love the markings over her right eye that look like eyelashes, and the spot on her lip that looks like lipstick.  She's a fancy :)  ... Look forward to knowing you Sally!

The arrival of a new Komodo so soon, was a bit of an emotional tug for me.  Those who know me or have read this blog, know how much I loved Falcor, who recently passed away.   I think that the Zoo had planned to acquire a second Komodo while Falcor was still here, so this was probably already in the works.  You will hear me say in my video, how I wish Falcor was here to meet her.  That said, any meeting they would have had, I assume would have been with a barrier, since I have not read of Komodo's cohabiting.  Based on that, I do find it curious that the Zoo would need a second Komodo, as they would have to be rotated and one would always be off exhibit.  I'm not a fan of keeping Animals locked in night quarters, while the other is on exhibit.  I don't think its ideal and certainly not necessary.  So, I hope there will not be a second acquisition in the Zoo's future.

I got lucky, and happened up to the Komodo exhibit within the first hour Miss Sally was out!  I was surprised, as I had heard one had arrived not long ago, but the previous week there was a sign on the window saying coming soon, and the next day the sign was gone, so I didn't know what the deal was. But there she was, in the exhibit and digging her way around the perimeter of the wall!  She had dug a hole in one area, that was about eight inches deep.  She was head first in it, up to her shoulders!  She is a cute little girl, giving those of us at the window, some face time!  

You can view my video of her first hour and second day adventures!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE_3jcay5_Q

Also want to give the Zoo kudo's for keeping up Falcor's memorial sign, even though the exhibit has a new resident.  His young life deserves to be remembered.  ... I Miss You Falcor!