Another News Piece on the Young Patas Monkey

I wasn't prepared for what came through on my News Alert today.  I'm sick to my stomach by the photos shared by Jesse-Patrick's Keeper Dayna.   I feel like crying.  It sounded awful when described in the first article 4.23.17, but these photos are shocking and heartbreaking.  I visit that Patas Monkey's near every visit, and I'm not sure how I missed this.  It has been raining, and I remember several times looking into the exhibit and not seeing them out.  Somehow these few weeks went by and I've felt guilty for not knowing, since I first heard about this.   Now,  I feel it would have broke my heart to witness this

You can read the article and view the video containing photos, and Keeper interview here:

http://abc7news.com/news/exclusive-zookeeper-concerned-about-euthanasia-decisions-at-sf-zoo/1942530/

I'm going to post my personal Memorial photo of Jesse-Patrick and one of his Family.  After seeing those heartbreaking photos in the news story, you must see him in happier times.

                                          Jesse-Patrick at six months old

                               In December at one year old with his Mama Winnie and Sister Freida.                        

I sit here trying to organize my thoughts through sadness for this poor little Soul and his Family.  I feel awful for Dayna to have to watch this develop and hope for an end to Jesse-Patrick's suffering.   

When I wrote my first post about this tragedy, I was heartbroken, I still am that this little life was cut short.  As I often do, I write posts with peripheral information.  Reading it back now, I realize there was so much of that (because there's a lot of wrong at the Zoo), and wasn't enough about the specifics of Jesse-Patrick's situation.  Maybe, I feel that way in hindsight because of how powerful what Dayna has now shared is.  

I also call attention to the follow-up post that I wrote, right after the first one.  I hesitated to post it and then didn't get back to it.  I posted it before writing this one, in light of today's News story.  I want to reiterate something that I wrote in that post.  ... The Keepers at the Zoo work in fear of losing their jobs if they say anything about what goes on there.  That said, a lot that goes on, stays secret.  If this story is being made public,  all details, information, accusations, everything, are true.  Sadly.  

That said, I trust Dayna's observations, compassion and that she knows these Animals.  She would not make a claim to end an Animals life, if it wasn't the best thing for him.  Unfortunately as I've noted before,  Management does not value the knowledge that the Keepers have in regard to the Animals in their care.  Keepers are the core of Animal Care, yet at the Zoo, a facility that supposedly cares for Animals, they (Keepers) are pretty low on the totem pole.  Its not right.

In my previous post I wrote about the Director, the Zoological Society and the SF Recreation and Park and how that all plays to the highest levels of Management.  Let's also take a look at a couple of the "players" in Animal Care, Management.  I'll note here that these are upper level positions and allegedly will always side with the Director over the Keepers. ...  I'll start with Jason Watters who was interviewed in this news piece and sided with Director Peterson.  I'll start by saying, I have never met this guy, I've seen him maybe three times, and I've heard nothing good about him.  So, who is he? He's the head of the Wellness Dept.  Let me say something about the Wellness Dept.  While I don't know everything they do, I've had a problem with the word "wellness" since I first heard it used at the Zoo in 2012.  To me, Wellness is a given.  I assume its part of the Animals expected health care. I feel like they pulled out this word to pat themselves on the back, and then developed a whole Dept. Anyway, I rarely see this guy, so what's he doing all day, since he's full-time?  I have seen the Wellness Interns observing the Animals.  I think that's a good thing.  Anyone else in that Dept, not sure what they do.  David Bocian, haven't seen this guy around in months, but I know he's still there and I think still the head of Animal Care.  Personally,  the conversations I've had with him, I haven't learned anything, if you get my drift.  So, in this particular situation, the Animal Care Management team seemed to be Watters and Bocian, who then conferred with Director Peterson.  If they wanted to keep their jobs, they did what she told them to do, because that's how the Zoo is run.  ... In my opinion, the Animal Management Team needs to value and support what their full-time Keepers tell them about the Animals in their care.

Two more things that are very bothersome about Jesse-Patrick's heath situation.

The USDA came out and found that there was "no non-compliant" issue.   ... I assume that means they felt all decisions being made by Management were in accordance?  ... I contacted the USDA on a previous serious issue and never got a response.  So, my faith in them is not the highest.

The AZA said that it requires Director's to make final decisions on Animal's lives.  ... What happens when the Zoo has a Director with no Animal knowledge?  and a fear of looking bad to anyone outside the walls?  Because she doesn't care how she looks to her own Staff.  Not well liked, yet she stays. ... Again I have contacted the AZA on a couple serious issues.  They don't follow-up with you, but since nothing changed in those situations, I assume they didn't care.  My opinion of the AZA is that they will do minimal to "push" a Zoo to do right things, because that could influence their monetary intake in a way that doesn't line their pockets.

Lastly, I 100% believe Dayna when she says Jesse-Patrick's life was held hostage based on what Director Peterson thought would be public perception. .

I know there are other Animal Welfare situations that are not tended to for the same reason.

I'm Sorry Precious Little Jesse-Patrick.

What Needs to Happen, To Replace Director Peterson?

I second guessed myself in posting this, originally written April 23, 2017 as a follow-up to my last post regarding the passing of the young Patas Monkey Jesse-Patrick.  In light of today's news article regarding JP (and the post I will write about that), I feel like putting forth all my thoughts.  What I know, gives a better picture of what goes on at the Zoo.  I am the only one outside the walls who seems to know anything and/or cares enough to make it public.

4.23.17

I feel like crying about this whole situation with the Patas Monkey death.  I am beyond frustrated with things that go on at the Zoo.  And then there are things like this, that are just heartbreaking.

How many troubling incidents involving Animal Welfare, have to happen, before we can get rid of Director Peterson and get a Director who actually cares about the Zoo?

I know it sounds odd as I write "we", since I don't work there, but I'm very involved emotionally with the Zoo Animals and therefore the Zoo.  The Zoo is City owned and therefore is owned in a sense by all San Francisco Residents.

Anytime there is a news article, I can't help but read the comments.  Even though I start by telling myself I'm not going to.  I'm compelled and then I just get upset.  I'm defensive because I care about the Animals, and I care what happens to their home.  I care that a place I've gone to my whole life, continues to thrive for the future.  I have grown to think of alternative ways Zoos should exist, but keeping the Zoo healthy in all aspects benefits the Animals, current and future.

It started with the Tiger event in 2007.  Then I didn't know anything about the inner working of the Zoo, all I knew is that I was there that day and Tatiana was not agitated or underfed as many said.  I know that I stood in front of that enclosure my whole life and never felt unsafe, and would have done it again the day after the attack.  I knew the difference between a recommended and required wall height.  I felt I had to defend the Zoo, often spending hours responding to comments and trying to educate people.  I continued to do so for the next two years.  As I learned more about the Animals, I continued to try and endear people to the Animals, hoping to clear the dark cloud from the Tiger event.

There are not many people outside the walls that know what really goes on at the Zoo.  Yet I hear and read comments based on I don't know what.  It makes me mad.  I don't claim to know everything, but I do know alot and contrary to what some think, I only write about things I know about.  I'm also the only one I know of outside the walls that is a voice for these Animals.  In the case of Director Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps, I'm the only one, who cared enough to help them stay in their home, a place they have lived for over forty years.  Not one person who even works there did anything.  They could have called attention to this move, and done what I did, but no one did. 

The comments I read on today's article, had many defending Director Peterson's caution for delaying to end the Patas Monkey's life.   The reason I do not believe this to be true is I have myself questioned decisions that I thought may have ended lives too soon.  So I suspect that may be something that happens.  What I do know, is that Staff is very apprehensive in letting anything outside the walls for fear of losing their jobs.  So, if they went this far, to make this public, I believe there is truth to their claims.

So, this brings me back to the question, how long before we can get rid of Director Peterson?  Here's the problem.  The City relinquished managing to the Zoological Society.  The Zoological Society is made up of rich society folk, who have no interest in the Zoo past writing checks and throwing cocktail parties.  The City appointed the SF Recreation and Park to oversee the Zoological Society.  The Rec and Park, have no interest in doing that beyond the monthly meetings, where they push papers, pat each other on the back and take Peterson's word on everything.  So she would have to be removed by one of these groups, the City, the Rec and Park, or her cocktail buddies at the Zoological Society.  In a 2011 letter to the Zoological Board Chairman (at the time) David Stanton, I stressed there were no checks and balances, no interest from the Society, and unrest between Staff and Management.  Nothing has changed, its only gotten worse.   So, who exactly will fire her?   

Terminal Patas Monkey Allowed to Suffer (Allegedly)

Juvenile Male Patas Monkey "Bernardo" (originally named Jesse-Patrick) has passed away.  His recent death is the subject of a today's news article.  

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Tension-at-SF-Zoo-exposed-in-conflict-over-11091824.php

I haven't been posting consistently to my blogs, for various reasons, mostly because its emotionally draining.   I just read the above article and I'm sick to my stomach. Heartbroken about this loss, and a bit shaky from rage, because I know too many things, and sadly poor Jesse-Patrick is not the last victim of disrespect at the Zoo.  

Hopefully Zoo Staff along with their Union representative will finally band together and make sure every little thing that is wrong at the Zoo, is reported to proper authorities and made public.  Too many things, for too long have been kept inside the walls.  I know if Director Peterson hears about them talking, they lose their jobs.  I know she has allegedly "made life miserable" and "threatened" Staff who go against her.  I'm sorry these things happen, but these are lives of Animals who depend on Humans there, this stuff can't continue to go on.  

For anyone who has followed my efforts on behalf of the San Francisco Zoo Animals, you know that I started out posting on every little thing I find questionable.   My main points of issue are Animal Welfare, Barrier Abuse, Animal Disrespect, and lack of Enrichment.  Every time I visit the Zoo, I encounter the later three. I take photos, make notes and rarely get to posting.  

The Barrier Abuse issue is out of control.  I have posted for over six years about this.  I've called to action via a Petition for the Zoo to take this Animal Endangerment issue seriously.   People constantly hanging their kids over Barriers into Animal Enclosures, including those of Code Red Animals.  I tweet photos of offenders to the Zoo and AZA every time I'm there.  Nothing changes. Security is rarely around to handle the incidents, Management lets people off get away with this behavior, and does nothing to deter it.  I have a longer blog post about this in the works, so so now I will leave this subject, and let you search this blog for more if you're interested.  Use search word "barrier".

I have also been documenting issues with how San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson manages the Zoo. You can also do a search using her name on my blogs. 

When I first became aware of things that weren't right at the Zoo, I addressed them with Driector Peterson.  I formed at open and valued (at least I thought at the time) correspondence with her.  I expressed my concerns and submitted suggestions to help the Zoo, as seen from a Visitor's perspective.   At the time I was told by many Zoo Staff that she allegedly didn't like "people with opinions" and that wasn't going to work in my favor there.  I am not one to keep things to myself or shy away from difficult conversations.  I continued to put forth my thoughts.   It turned out, what I was told was accurate and I eventually had a major situation at the hands of Director Peterson, who slandered me and tried to keep me away from the Zoo because she allegedly didn't like that I knew too much.

Under Director Peterson, the Zoo has had many problems.  Mostly kept internal issues, some that have gone public.  You can do a News search using her name for more.  The internal issues stem from Management being a dictatorship. Director Peterson is both Director and President.  There is no checks and balances.  What she says goes.  The Zoological Society, plays no real role in the Management of the Zoo, although they are listed as the Managing group. The San Francisco Recreation and Park, while who the Zoo is responsible to, plays no real role in Management.  In fact it appears they and the City just don't care.  Once a month, Members of the Rec and Park and Board of Society meet for the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting and basically listen to what Director Peterson says and takes that as word. Within the Zoo Staff, whoever says anything against her rule, gets fired, or has their time there made so uncomfortable that they quit.    Over the past couple years the Zoo has seen too many long time and good Employees leave, because of one of these reasons.

In a facility that is based on the lives of Animal Residents, one would assume that those working in Animal Care, the Keepers, would be one of the highest regarded positions, expert to the primary part of the Zoo, the Animals.  If you assumed that, you are wrong in relation to the San Francisco Zoo. Management under the reign of Peterson, does not value the knowledge, observations or opinions of the Keepers.  As a result, there have been too many Animal Welfare related issues.  Some public, most not.  The Chimps were vulnerable to losing their lives because of her.  Kabibe the Gorilla did. While I also blame several on the Animals Care Staff, Peterson was allegedly well aware of the issues with doors and shifting staff.

I noted that there is no checks and balances with the Managing groups.  I want to also note that often National Organizations like the AZA and USDA have ignored concerns.  I have contacted them in regard to a few issues in the past, only to still see these things an issue point. The article I posted in regard to the recent death of the Patas Monkey, notes that both the AZA and USDA have become involved.  Maybe they will take notice and start listening.  

Zoo Management needs an overhaul.   For one, Director Peterson needs to be demoted to Fundraising if anything at all.  She has no Animal background, lucked into this position because of Social connections.  She is Not an Animal person.  She has No Regard or Empathy for the Animals that live there, their position, or their history. That is growing in evidence for years, culminating with her decision to kick out the Chimps.  She should not be making any decisions on when to end an Animals life, yet she has final say.  As noted in today's article, that was not in the best interest of this Patas Monkey.

Additionally, there needs to be a Director and President.  Otherwise we have the Dictatorship that we do.  As well, any Zoological Society Board Members need to be active with the Zoo and knowledgeable about what goes on.  There also needs to be Recreation and Park officials who do the same. There is serious problems at the Zoo and no one has paid any attention to what really goes on there for years.  

As the article also mentions, the lack of Animal Care Staff.  This is one Department that needs full staffing, yet has been the Department most slighted.  I have known for sometime that they lost members of the Vet Staff.  That is just unacceptable.  The Keepers are stretched thin.  This is a facility that is home to living Beings who depend on the best care possible. I'm not saying they aren't getting good care, I'm saying that the department is run on the most limited Staff, yet has Staff in Animal Care Management employed full-time that does hardly anything to contribute to actual daily care.  If you are going to commit to having Animals, you must commit to providing care for them.  

I understand that Zoos are businesses, but they are foremost homes to living Beings who need attention, compassion and respect.  If you can't provide that to the Animals, then you should not be running this as a business.  The current Management is failing to put the Animals well-being before the dollar.  It has been apparent in so many things.  From the lack of improvement of Animal enclosures (homes of the Chimps, Komodo Dragon, ...) Barrier upgrades Zoo-wide, Signage to deter misbehavior towards Animals, Security to recognize misbehavior, Management to enforce repercussion of misbehavior, the building of areas for Humans before Animals, Bringing in New Animals before taking care of Current Animals, all these things and more, are big issue points in Management fail, and contribute to the Well-Being of the Animals.

I often say, when I win the lotto, I'm going to buy my way in and fix the Zoo.  Some may think that's comical, but frankly I think I can do a better job at running the place than most of the Management Staff. At the very least I can identify issues on a daily basis, I have empathy for the Animals, and I can listen to those with  expertise in their departments.  Too much stuff that goes on there is a joke and sadly, many Animals have lost their lives because of it. 

Zoo in the News - Mention from Thursday Sept 20,2012

Once again the Zoo is in the News regarding their new appointed fairy godfather Terry Maples.  Believe me, I have no grief with this guy, I don't even know him, but so far the information put forth has not given me much hope that the priority of "fixing" is as it should be.  I certainly hope he does become the much needed leader in directing attention to dire issues.

You can read the actual blurb here:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-Prop-E-payroll-tax-lovefest-3882351.php

>>> A roaring success? The San Francisco Zoo's new professor in residence has only been on the job for a few months, but he recently told the Animal Control and Welfare Commission that steps to improve animal welfare have already been taken during his short tenure.

Terry Maple, the former director of Zoo Atlanta, said the 30-year-old gorilla exhibit has recently been altered to give the public more viewing space at ground level, while certain sections of the upper perimeter have been closed so that visitors are no longer "looming down" on the gorillas.

He also said the zoo plans to conduct physical exams on the animals in front of the public in the coming months, a better way for people to see the animals up close instead of the old, but popular attraction of tossing hunks of meat into a big cat's cage at feeding time.

"I'm very confident that this zoo will become a leader in this forward-thinking wellness concept and design," he said.

The commission has a history of contention with the zoo on animal welfare issues, proposing in 2008 that it be turned into an animal rescue center following accusations of mismanagement and a fatal tiger attack in 2007.

"The commission took a very critical look at the zoo and had some serious concerns," said commission Chair Sally Stephens. "In the time since then, I think there has been some changes at the zoo; this (wellness program) is quite encouraging."

Commissioners questioned Maple about how the zoo would measure the success of wellness initiatives and wondered if some of the zoo's animals weren't meant for captivity regardless of attention to their welfare.
Maple said he is suggesting that the zoo undergo a complete evaluation of its collection and said quality, not quantity, is his philosophy.
- Neal J. Riley  <<<


For me, everytime I read another news item about this guy, I feel like the Zoo is just trying to get media mileage out of something they should have already been doing.

First, the Gorilla's have a wonderful area, updating their home should not have been a priority, while the Polar Bears are each living 50% of their lives on concrete and one of the three grotto spaces the Chimps have (had), has been unusable for almost two years.

Don't get me wrong, I am pro-glass at all the enclosures.  I don't like how Visitors behave arond the Animals and glass is a protector.  I just don't think starting at Gorillas is taking care of the most desperate of issues.

As far as doing medical exams in front of visitors, why is that necessary?  I'm sure the Animals don't want to "see the Doctor" in front of an audience as much as they didn't like eating in front of one.   I thought Zoo's aren't supposed to be circuses? The message being put forth should not be for Visitors to expect to be entertained by the Animals.  If they happen to see any of the Animals getting Enrichment treats or happen upon a training session, that's one thing, but this other stuff, unnecessary to the well being of the Animal.  That said, the training with the Big Cats for them to present themselves for exams and blood draws without being anethesized is not a new thing.  Its been in the process for a couple years.  As well, it has been part of the public display in the Lion House periodically for at least a year.

So far, the "Wellness" concept is a crock in my opinion.  Wellness is something that should have already been in place.  If not, we have to ask, What kind of care have the Animals been getting to date?

I planned to write a whole blog post on this but never got to it.  Some of the issues I had with even using this term was like stated above, I personally would have thought Wellness was a given.

When Terry Maples came on the SFZoo scene, I googled "wellness" in regards to Zoo's and found not much, except what is associated with him and our Zoo.  Using this term to me felt much like the Zoo's prior frenzied attempt to make public all they do in regards to Enrichment, since that was the big thing other Zoo's were concentrating on, even though they were lacking in that department (literally).  Now with tossing about the word Enrichment on the back burner, the new word is Wellness, which again I must repeat, should be a given.

As well, I will repeat, if we now have Terry Maples, why do we still have those on Staff whose job it was to already be doing this kind of thinking?

I will end this with the last quote of this blurb, "Maple said he is suggesting that the zoo undergo a complete evaluation of its collection and said quality, not quantity, is his philosophy."

Let's see if all that the current collection (Animal Residents) get what they need before their plans for the new North American area are fulfiled.