HOT*TOPIC Search Tips For Easy Subject Access

At one point several years ago, I started adding the words HOT TOPIC in front of certain post titles on this blog.  It was an effort for high priority subjects to be easily accessed using the search option.  I thought it might be helpful especially for new readers.  Unfortunately, I never kept that up.

With the amount of posts that I think contain vital information in regards to the climate of the Zoo in the News these past six months, going back through and adding the words HOT TOPIC, just isn't something I'm going to do.  

There are certain subjects I've posted about that I think are currently of higher importance than others.  I'll list them here as Keywords to Search, and add to the list if I later think I've missed something.  

Subjects:

Orangutans, Pandas, Bison, Coyotes, Barriers, Madagascar, Fundraising,  Perimeter Fence,  Gardens,  Art Installations, 

Entities:

Director Tanya Peterson, Zoological Society Board, Rec and Park,  RecPark, Commissioners, Mayor London Breed, Joint Zoo Committee, AZA, Activists

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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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Zoo In The News - Today's Chronicle Article 10.11.24

It never fails, when I'm almost ready to publish posts that have been in draft, something else presents itself.  At 3a this morning, someone sent me this new Chronicle article.  I glanced at it behind the paywall before leaving the house today.  Sat down tonight with the intention to reread without the wall and make a few notes for a reaction post.  I started reading and found myself notating for every paragraph.  What you read below are my off the cuff reactions.  Like I said in my last post, I'm sick of them all.  Them all being, anyone who has been tasked with the responsibility of monitoring, managing, whatever role, that the player is in, in regards to making sure things are right in Our Zoo.  Not one person has fulfilled their duty, and I'm disgusted by their sudden care after, at the very least, sixteen years of neglect.  The boo-hooing is shameful, since myself and staff have been shedding tears for Our Zoo for over a decade.

The article is pasted below in bold, but my reactions follow each paragraph and are highlighted.  If you want to read the full article, use the link or skip the highlighted parts.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-report-19827454.php

First, the article title.  It's sensationalism.  I doubt the Zoo is unsafe for Visitors.  At least there is nothing I know of.  I'd like to know the specifics of that claim.  It should have been included in the article.

The only issue I have with safety, is the Barrier issue I've been roaring about for over a decade.  That said, it's more unsafe for our Bears and Black Rhino than for visitors.  Visitors constantly putting the Animals lives in danger by sitting, standing and hanging their kids over or on those Barriers.  They fall in, and come into contact with one of those code red Animals, the Animals lose their life.  I'm sorry, but the visitor safety in this respect are not my concern.  Follow rules, use some sense and stay safe.  ... Now if there's a concern about Animal escape, again it should be included here.  And the only legitimacy to that would seemingly be if it came from Keeper staff.

The San Francisco Zoo is the subject of a scathing draft report from the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission.

San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission is just another entity who has had someone on the Joint Zoo Committee panel at least the fourteen+ years, since I started attending meetings and reading the monthly Meeting Minutes. So, again, just like with Commissioner Mazzola being shocked and Board Member, now Chair Melinda Dunn launching her investigation, these people are jumping on the bandwagon, of the Chronicle's continued article series.  ALL these people, have had a responsibility to the Zoo, and have never given a crap about it.  It's disgusting.  Our Zoo would not be in the shape it is, if the San Francisco Zoological Society Board, SF Recreation and Park Dept, and other Joint Zoo Committee Members had been doing the job they were tasked with, which is monitoring the Zoo.  The biggest part of monitoring the Zoo, aside from actually going there and seeing things for themselves, is monitoring the Queen of Suck that is unfortunately still the Director, Tanya Peterson.  

These people can all feign ignorance, but it's been flat out negligence.  And if anyone of them want to debate me about it, bring it on, I've been keeping track of all you all's bullshit.  

The commission, an advisory body to the city, voted unanimously Thursday night to support the recommendations in the report, which called for an audit of the zoo by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The zoo is owned by the city but run by the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society.

I'd be interested in knowing just what they've been advising on all these years, because it's not Zoo stuff.  

The report came in response to a Chronicle article published in April that outlined serious concerns among staff about animal welfare and employee safety at the zoo. According to the report, many of the zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects, including that they provide “enough room for animals to exhibit normal behavior,” “be pleasant to the eye of the patrons” and be safe for the animals, animal caretakers and the public.

"...zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects,..."  What the serious F?  I seriously can't with this self-righteousness.  Again if these people went to the Zoo at any point in sixteen years, they would have seen what's going and how Peterson has not made the Animal Residents or their living conditions the priority.  

"Parts of the zoo are best described as dilapidated,” the report said. “It looks like an institution that needs a comprehensive, strategic redesign plan to modernize the habitats.” 

Oh you think?  And who's going to fund those redesigns?  Peterson has cried poor since she started in 2008.  She has done near Zero fundraising, and thus veto's Animal Enclosure upgrades.  Yet somehow finds funds for Gardens, Art Installations and most recently, green lighting over a Million Dollars for unnecessary train bullshit.  There are many Animals that have had their needs neglected.  Again, the Orangutans are the current case and point.

"Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson and board chair Melinda Dunn did not immediately respond to a request for comment."

Haha, no shit.  Tanya Peterson does not think she has to be responsible to anyone.  She thinks she owns the Zoo, and has allegedly said such to staff.  Dunn, is supporting Peterson because like every other Board Chair and Member, has been negligent in responsibility to the Zoo, either because she doesn't care or is lazy like the rest of them. ... Now that Dunn's investigation is over, will she and Peterson be attending the Joint Zoo Meeting to answer Commissioner Mazzola's questions?

Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokeswoman for Mayor London Breed’s office, said that the commission has raised concerns about the zoo before. She added that the expected arrival of a pair of giant pandas from China next year could help fund upgrades to the zoo.

I call bullshit on this too.  The Pandas are going to cost more money than they will generate in excess funds that would be needed to fix the Zoo.  The Mayor is another one who doesn't care about the Zoo, only about her Pandas. Everyone knows that.  Staff joke that the only Animal who will get anything are the Pandas.  I half joke that if we get Pandas, they will be all the Zoo can afford.  So I hope they are popular enough to keep the Zoo afloat, because they might be the only Animals there!  

The mayor agrees the zoo is in need of revitalization, which is why bringing a global attraction such as the pandas would be ideal — to expedite and invest in improvements and enhancements where necessary,” she said in an email."

The Mayor is delusional, and just chasing Pandas, without seriously thinking about all the factors.  Why?  Because she doesn't care, and doesn't know jack about the Zoo.  Breed and Peterson will be gone after Pandas get here and the City will not give a penny to support the Pandas, and then what?  

Safarzadeh also noted that the zoo exceeds standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

These people need to stop hiding behind AZA Accreditation.  The AZA is another sorry entity, who doesn't care about Animals.  They sent Orangutans to SF knowing they had no dedicated enclosure.  They Orangutans lived exclusively in caged tubes for eight months. It was two years before they got access to an enclosure.  That enclosure is inappropriate for them, and was deemed ancient by the AZA who would not send more Chimpanzees to live in that enclosure, yet sent Orangutans??!?!!  Peterson says no money for Orangutans, even though she chased the acquisition.  And the Joint Zoo Committee approved the acquisition.  So, again, none of the people tasked with the responsibility of keeping the Zoo in healthy shape on all counts, has given a shit about the place.  

Commissioner Jane Tobin compiled the main part of the report after taking a tour of the zoo with Dr. Joe Spinelli, a longtime veterinarian and animal welfare consultant, Michael Angelo Torres, chair of the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, and Justin Barker, an animal rights activist and critic of the zoo who created a website called SF Zoo Watch.

Dr Spinelli is useless.  He's been sitting there for at least fourteen years, doing nothing. He made a comment about the Polar Bears once, yet did nothing to help improve their living conditions.  And Barker, that guy up til recently wanted to see the Zoo close.  Ugh.  This whole parade of people all of a sudden "caring", would be comical if it wasn't so disturbing.  

The report said that though the zoo’s safety measures meet requirements set by U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they “are minimal and even more frightening — unsafe for the animals and visitors.

Again, what are the safety issues, specifically for visitors? ... The USDA guidelines are a joke, and again the AZA is not only questionable, but inconsistent in their Accreditation process.  SFZoo should never have gotten Accreditation renewed, based soley on the Orangutan situation, which they are fully aware of, because I sent them a very detailed account of their life at the Zoo since day one. ... That all said, requirements must be followed, but to go beyond that, you have to have morals rooted in care, and some sense, and Our Zoo has not been managed by those who possess such.

The zoo has passed all recent inspections from the U.S.D.A. and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which oversee the zoo’s licensing and accreditation.

Again blah, blah, blah. Just stop with this nonsense crutch. Means absolutely nothing.  What means something is Caring.  Having Compassion and Empathy for the Beings who live at the Zoo.  Director Peterson lacks all three, and even jokes about it.

In an interview, Tobin said an example of the group’s safety concerns is a report from employees that the zoo plans to house a jaguar in an enclosure that is open on top and outfitted with hot wire and cantilevers, rather than in one that is completely enclosed in mesh, which the Association of Zoos and Aquariums considers the highest standard of safety for the dangerous big cats.

Well, that's because Tanya Peterson says netting costs too much.  That is why the Orangutans are stuck on tiny Islands.  She won't even fund to finish netting over the Flamingos.  They did a third at start, then added some years later, and it's still not covered.   Several Juveniles escaped and still no care.  That all said, I heard the Jaguar will allegedly not be moving to that enclosure.

Considering that a tiger escaped and killed a patron in the zoo in 2008 and then was killed in the aftermath, said Tobin, “To even go second best, with a minimum standard — that is just a dereliction of duty to the animal, and to the public.

That was in 2007, good grief this Tobin woman doesn't even know when the Tiger event was.  That said, those "patrons" tormented Tatiana into a frenzy.  If the Zoo had better protocols, that may not have happened. Security Protocol now is still shit and allows visitors to put our Animals in danger.  I will again note that management as far back as early 80s, has known that the Tigers could scale the walls.  And why is no one talking about the Barriers at Bears and Black Rhino?

The report will be shared with Peterson, Dunn and others in the Joint Zoo Committee, which includes members of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, as well as Tobin and Spinelli.

When does the public get to see the report?  I'd like to see what they think are issues.  Not including it here is ridiculous.  All this has been is crumbs of bullshit.  

Prompted by the Chronicle’s investigation and a vote of no-confidence in Peterson by the zoo’s union, the S.F. Zoological Society board recently concluded a five-month investigation. Last month, the board issued a statement saying it had “continued confidence” in Peterson’s leadership, but it has not released the results of its investigation, which was conducted by an outside law firm.

This was not surprising.  Keeping Peterson, who allegedly appointed majority of the Board Members, allows the Board to continue having someone they can defer to, instead of actively doing what the role requires of them.

The Animal Control and Welfare Commission’s report was not critical of all enclosures in the zoo. Commissioners praised the zoo’s lemur exhibit as “exemplary,” describing it as “a large swath of land with trees for climbing and enough space for the lemurs to play and explore.

Again, I want to see this report, not read snips!

But it described an exhibit for langurs as a series of “imposing and dreadful” chain-link cages. “The habitat is a jail from a visitor’s perspective.” Overall, it described the zoo as “uninspiring” for visitors. 

The Langur area is ancient and sad.  That said it was worse when they were holding the Fossa in there. The Langurs are being shipped out and Squirrel Monkeys are rumored to be moving in.  In my opinion, when Peterson grabbed the Donors check for the vanity project that is the MADagascar debacle, displacing five Primate Species, part of the deal should have been that the Donor has to also fund new Aviary style enclosures for those species.  Still, the fix could be to flatten the whole Langur area, and the adjacent area going towards Mandrills, and create two aviaries and a new night quarters.  Unfortunately it is too late for the five+ species that we've lost because of the MAD Want over Animal Needs.  Wants over Needs is how Director Peterson rolls.

The report comes as the zoo is expecting to house giant pandas from China next year. A section of the report focused on plans for the pandas but was contributed by animal rights activists and did not come directly from the commission, Tobin said.

Activists should not be contributing anything.  They don't know anything about the Zoo and only arrived on the scene five months ago.  Good grief.  Where was my invite to this party?  At least I know shit.  Talk to people who care.  The Keepers are the richest source there, yet their opinions aren't utilized near enough, if at all.  That said, if the Commission cared to learn about the Zoo, they wouldn't need the Activists contributions.  

The wrap-up in regards to just things mentioned here... The Mayor needs to fundraise for the Animals that already live at the Zoo. ...  The Board of Supervisors need to squash the Panda nonsense, until the rest of the Zoo's Needs are met. ... Tanya Peterson needs to resign and go far, far, away from the Zoo. 

Related Post: 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/animal-welfare-commission-report-piece.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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas

HOT TOPIC - The San Francisco Zoological Society Is UnFit and Ill-Equipped To Manage Our Zoo

While I prep for other weekend projects (non-animal upset related), I am making notes for an expanded post on the Society Board's decision to keep Director Tanya Peterson at the helm.  

This decision is a complete disrespect to the Animal Residents and the Staff.  

The Zoo is doomed, and it's very sad.

Not sure when I will allow my emotional, mental and physical state to be fully affected by reliving all the upset sixteen years of Peterson has caused the Zoo and it's Animal Residents, enough to write a more complete post about how disgusting and disturbing, allowing Peterson to keep sucking payroll while destroying Our Zoo will be, but I didn't want weeks to pass without anything more than what I posted yesterday.  So, here's a sneak peek at what my current outline is for the expanded post.  

Along with notating the negligence of Officials to properly oversee Peterson's management, my main points will focus on listing some of the stand-out fails during Director Peterson's reign, that the Zoological Society Board evidently SUPPORTS:

KEEPING ORANGUTANS IN CAGED TUBES!!!

You had to know this cruelty would be at the top of my list.

As well as other Animal Welfare Offenses, Lack of Fundraising, Society Member Locked Donations, and Ground/Maintenance Needs, such as letting the outside of the Zoo remain in shambles for at least the last twenty years.

These listed topics are not the categorical extent of Peterson's mismanagement, just the ones that have so far come to mind, without letting myself get too hyped up with heavy thoughts.  

If anyone has specific issues they want included, use the comment option to either add them yourself, or as a contact for me to add to my post (note not a comment).  Remember, Anonymous is always an option.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/zoological-society-retains-confidence.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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Zoological Society Retains Confidence In Zoo Director

I've said this before, I should never look for Zoo stuff at the end of the day.  In an effort to control my inner Peace, I already don't view email after 7p.  Will do likewise on future Twitter searches.  

9p and I decided to see by chance if there was any recognition for our Ollie Orangutan's Birthday today.  Admittedly, it's been a busy week and I forgot to look at my Calendar for September Birthdays.  I was reminded by a friend who sent me the Orangutan SSP's post.  The Zoo has been lax in Birthday wishes, and even if there's a celebration, allegedly Director Peterson has veto'd any posting about such to Social Media. .. So, there was nothing, at least not from the Zoo about Ollie. 

Unfortunately, for me at this hour, when I planned to settle in and start a movie, there was this...

https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/zoo-ceo-19592394.php

You all know there was an onslaught of all the Zoo Bullshit swirling in my mind.  Along with the disgust of the whole situation.  That said, I can't spend eight hours writing all my thoughts and full feelings about this.   Maybe not even in the coming days.  I got other things to do.  That said, *here is my initial offering, which I immediately posted to Twitter, @ the Chronicle, Zoo and RecPark.

*No Surprise!!! The Zoological Society, along with the SF Recreation and Park Dept, has been negligent in their responsibilities in every way to the management of the Zoo, to the Detriment of the Animal Residents (Ask the Orangutans), and the Zoo thriving optimally. All the claims by Officials & Director Peterson are delusional. I have well documented Tanya Peterson's mismanagement & fails, that have left our San Francisco Zoo in a dire position.  

I knew nothing would come of this.  You know my main concern is for the Animals, but I also know the struggle so many on Staff go through, having to deal with Director Peterson, and how her mismanagement affects every aspect of their jobs.  I know alot of the Staff was hoping the new Board Chair, Melinda Dunn, might be some sort of savior.  To that I said, I don't think she will.  Dunn has been on the Board for years, and like the rest, she took no interest in overseeing how Peterson was managing the Zoo.  The Society Board has no interest in the Zoo unless there's a cocktail party attached to it.  Even then it's seemingly straight to the party, by-passing all the issues that line the yellow brick road to the bar.  It's sad.

So yeah, the investigation was a joke.  I knew it would be. More importantly, a seemingly huge waste of money.  Five Months of Lawyers fees.  Did that come out of the Animal Care fund?

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-san-francisco-zoological-society-is.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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Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving

Let me just start by adding on to the post title a bit...

Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving ... What the Serious F%%k!!!???

So, per usual when I go off course with my current post list, I constantly rework it for flow, as I always try to get back on track with some order if possible.  That said, once again I didn't even get to pick back up with even one draft post, before something else presented itself.  

I've said before that I usually don't look at the Zoo's Social Media regularly, unless I'm looking to see if they posted something specific.  Same goes for the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, which are monthly and sometimes I go a few months without checking that.  With both, it's just a thing where there is always something that's going to bother or upset me, and I got enough without going looking for it.

So, now for getting into the title of this post.

I've been sitting on this for a week now. Last Saturday, I remembered the Joint Zoo Meeting was the Thursday before, so I thought I'd take a look.  There it was, 1.0 (meaning one male) Donation to Houston Zoo.  I was shocked.  Even though upsetting, I'm glad I did, otherwise I may never have known about Akobi, and would have went there one day and he would have been gone.  

I feel bad for all of us who love this guy, but most of all for him.  This was his first home away from his Mother, and he seems happy.  

Akobi coming to sat Hi! 

screencap from video linked below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3jcEl1Elwwqm_eTNfCcqVrVUYHKoRCGslEaqOLYFn6N0tlK-HlizsyP7A&v=nTRMjDTho6w&feature=youtu.be

The Animal Care team did a good job renovating the enclosure for him, even adding to it after his arrival.  As well, modifications were made to the night quarters as Pygmy Hippos have different needs than Nile Hippos.  Will this be the end of Pygmy Hippos occupying this enclosure?  Akobi is popular and not having him (or another Pygmy Hippo) here is big hit to the Zoo.  Hopefully the Zoo doesn't go ahead with a previous plan to demolish this area, because that would be a really bad call to not use this enclosure, and another waste of money, doing one thing, then changing it not long after.  

I waited to write a post about this because I wanted to confirm it verbally with someone there.  I was 99.9% sure this meant Akobi, but just in case, I like to be as sure as possible when I'm documenting something.  There are times, and coincidentially one listed right after this Akobi entry, where transfers for Black Rhinos (or other Animals SFZoo owns that are not part of the onsite collection) are listed and it's just paperwork. I knew this couldn't be the case, because we don't own any Pygmy Hippos in other Zoos.  So, I visited the Zoo on Tuesday, and my inquiry in regards to Akobi leaving was curious.  Usually I can ask a question and get an answer, but literally four people quickly said, "I don't know anything".  When I added that we don't own other Pygmys, one said, "There's your answer".  That's essentially giving me the answer without actually telling me, which leads me to believe, staff has been told not to talk about it, or not to talk about it to me.  The fifth person I mentioned it to, said, "I heard something about that".  

So, while it is sadly indeed true, I do not know when, or why.  I can speculate on why, but don't think I'll be confirming it, since no one is even talking about him leaving.  I was told Akobi is high on the genetically valuable list for breeding, and that is the only thing I can think of that would be a factor.  When he first came here, I was told that at some point a female would be joining him.  Considering that, I am assuming that SF does not want to breed him, so maybe he is going to where a female will join him.  It wouldn't be the first time we lost an Animal because of breeding conflict.  Again I'm just speculating, but it's worth the lead-in to documenting the whole non-breeding issue.

Like with Akobi, who was brought here as permanent resident, I thought when our Tiger Jillian came back to SF to be paired with a male (Teddy eventually transferred here) for breeding, they too would be permanent residents.  Then we lost both Tigers back to San Diego who owned Teddy.  This allegedly happened because San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson allegedly will not breed any Animal that might result in a birth that will require round-the-clock care if it is rejected by the Mother.  You may wonder why, as other Zoo's hand rear infants.  Allegedly Director Peterson will not pay for after hours care.  That point lends to the fact I have continually presented, Our San Francisco Zoo has been mismanged by Director Peterson through-out her sixteen years at the helm.  No money for any Animal related need, but we got gardens galore, and art installations keep on coming.   

Since I got a Panda post in draft as well, it's worth it to note that part of the agreement with China for acquiring Pandas is that they breed.  So, that makes me wonder how that would then come into play?  Would Director Peterson create yet another illusion and lead them to believe she would allow them to breed, or would they get a pass on the alleged no breeding issue?  Or would millions be spent to get them here, only to have them repossessed?

Another example of no breeding is with Gorillas.  In late 2019 female Kimani was transferred to the Zoo to breed with male Oscar Jonesy.  Jonsey bred with two first-time Mothers, resulting in two offspring, both who had to be hand-reared until a surrogate could take over.  Both our resident female Monifa and Kimani have breeding reccomendations with Jonesy.  Kimani was supposed to breed first, as she came from a Gorilla group where she witnessed births and mother raised babies.  It was hoped she would do the same and that would show Monifa how it's done.  It's been almost five years and this still has not happened.  Jonesy will turn 43 this year.  

Also note that the Orangutans have and I think still do, a breeding recommendation.  Nothing yet and last I heard the female was still on birth control.  That all said, while I'd be over-joyed to experience a babie Orangutan, I personally don't think they should bring a babie into the situation that is, that shit show, ancient, enclosure they were thrown into.  It needs a complete overhaul to provide a new life an appropriate home.  They've already damaged the personalities of Ollie and Amoi, hope they don't bring a babie into it.

I digressed a bit about the no breeding issue, but let's get back to the lack of transparency issue, specifically about Animal transfers.  Since the Zoo is owned by the City, it is responcible for certain transparencies.  Even though Acquistions and Dispositions need to be documented publicly in the Joint Zoo Minutes,  that often doesn't happen until after the the transfer, and the Zoo does not let the public know anything via their Social Media platforms.  Which in my opinion is a huge disservice to Visitors who are endeared to the Animals.  Before I expand on that, I want to make a notation that will support a future post about how the the Zoo management system works and the Pyramid of Power.  All Acquistions are supposed to be approved by the Joint Zoo Committee.  In my opinion, that is all paper pushing, as no managing entity really cares about what goes on at the Zoo.  The whole Orangutan situation has singularly made that clear.  And in relation to the Joint Zoo approval, the female Orangutan arrived at the Zoo, before her acquistion item was even introduced to the Joint Zoo Committee.

So, transparency.  Let's start with another Hippo, our Nile Hippo Tucker.  The Zoo knew about his transfer over a year before him actually leaving.  At no point did they alert the public.  It wasn't until he was gone and Cinncinati anounced his arrival did they post a sign at his enclosure.  In my opinion, that was a COMPLETE mismanagement of his departure.  Tucker was extremely popular. He had a huge fan club among visitors.  Many Zoo's will post about their Animals moving to another Zoo, giving their fans a chance to come and see them before they leave.  Some have even have going away parties.  When Tucker left Topeka, they had a party.  Not San Francisco Zoo.  You become endeared to an Animal, and you go there and one day they are gone.  I've mentioned the lack of Community for our Zoo, meaning there has never been an effort to build a community that cares.  Having a community that cares, lends to people being invested in our Animals.  Creating an enviroment that endears people to our animals, gives them the opportunity to learn more, feel more, care more.  It also leads to more Visitors, more Members and productive fundraising.  A win for everyone.  Our Zoo has none of that.  The individuals that are invested and endeared, have had to seek out information to feed their interest.

So, like with Tucker, there have been many residents before him that just disappeared, who have had their fans upset.  A big one for me, was the departure of Slider the Cow.  I have a stand-alone post about that in draft.  Before him, my little Turaco Friend Zabebu, was sent away.  Usually I get wind of these things, but with both of them, I didn't know.  I have a friend who's a Member, who five years later is still upset that Hasani the Gorilla is no longer here, but at least I knew and she was able to visit him before he left.  The Zoo didn't announce it at all and that was a huge mistake.  He was born here, and hand-reared, so he was in the News, and had alot of fans.  Going back a bit further, when Director Peterson was going to kick out our senior Chimpanzees, she was trying to do so without anyone knowing.  The Zoo's longest residents, having lived here near fifty years, and she was just going to ship them out in the dead of the night, without telling anyone.  It's Disgraceful, and very rude to every Visitor and Member, to not alert and allow for people to know what's happening, especially if its an Animal they'd like to see before it leaves.  My guess would be she doesn't feel like she has to, but a good and decent "manager" would want to.  The disappearances are not even all transfers to other Zoos, but taken off public view and never to be seen again.  There have been many.  I've been attached to three Snow Leopards, Ming Wah, Rigel, and Niya who were taken off view and retired to the off exhibit area FCC, never to be seen again.  Most recently the Great Hornbill Hercules, who has been my first stop of the visit for over a decade, was taken off view.  I can hear him talking from FCC behind Black Rhinos, but who knows if I will ever see him again.  These are all just a few of my personal accounts,  I'm sure everyone who visits regularly has their own sad stories.

So, the goal of this post was to alert everyone to Akobi's upcoming departure.  If you're endeared to him, be sure to visit as who knows when he will disappear. 

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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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Former VP of HR is Now Deputy Director? - A New Level Of WTF?

This is a big effin' Good Grief!

I'm sorry, but I seriously got to hate on this, because of who it is AND  because it shows continued mismangement on the part of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  

So I learned last week that Director Peterson has promoted Vitus Leung, the VP of Human Resources to Deputy Director. ... Where do I start? 

I've had an issue with this guy for over three years, since he called one of our Animal Residents Ugly!!!  

I will go on, but in my opinion, NO ONE that works in an Animal Care Facility should be calling the Animals names.  So, I hope some of you can understand why I am outraged that this guy is now Deputy Director.  Someone who doesn't respect the Animals, who has been sucking $190,000+ salary out of the Zoo's payroll as VP of HR, is now being rewarded with a promotion.  Unreal. But hey, we have a Director that that called a 50 year old male Owl a drag queen, and kept Orangutans in a caged tube for eight months.

In a post dated March 8, 2020, I relayed an interaction I witnessed as part of a multi-issue post.

I can not express enough, how wrong I think this is.  

I have to assume there are many on staff that feel the same way.  If calling the Animals derogatory names, isn't enough, this guy isn't even qualified.  He's about as qualified as Director Peterson, who became Director with no Animal Care and allegedly no management experience.  I'm more qualified than the both of them!  At least I care, which is a character quality evident that neither one of them possess.  I seriously can't believe this.  There is a highly qualified staffer, who would have been an obvious choice, and probably others more qualified than Vitus, so his appointment seems to be motivated by personal favoritism, and this allegedly isn't the first time.  

When the previous Deputy Director retired, I thought that was the end of that title.  Why?  He was the first and only to hold that position.  It was an alleged promotion after claims of inappropriate behavior toward him by two high level staffers.  So, to see someone unqualified elevated to this position, is curious.  It seems to scream, personal agenda, part of which includes this is just another yes mam person to pick-up Director Peterson's slack.  She can't even dial into the monthly Joint Zoo Meeting.  I seriously don't know what this woman does to earn $320,000 a year plus bonuses, because it's not managing the Zoo with it's best interest in mind.  

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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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The Zoo's New Summer Events ... Wonder Where They Got This Idea?

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated June 30th.

I wrote a post on May 29, 2023,  For The Lack Of A Better Title,... Our Failing Director.  Prompted by the Oakland Zoo posting about their Summer hours.  It reminded me of ideas I've had that fall into that category.  I expanded on that a bit, and how the lack of ideas, related to a major past of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson's failure and extreme mismanagement.  This paragraph was included in that post:

On June 22, this announcement was included in the Zoo's email Newsletter: 

Curiously (or is it?) coincidental on the timing, but hey, however it gets done, is a bonus for the Zoo.  I did not put forth my complete event ideas, so I'm glad someone had the smarts to include vendors.  They have been missing out on that front the last couple Christmas holiday events.  I wrote about this fail in detail before the pandemic.

Hope to keep seeing decent ideas (yes there are some head shakers!) come to fruition.  The Zoo has been desperate for them for the whole fifteen years of Peterson's reign.

Mentioned Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/for-lack-of-better-title-our-failing.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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Zoos R Animal Prisons Graffiti Update and Disgrace

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated Jun 30th.  

On Sunday June 23rd, I tweeted my original blog post (same date) about this issue directly to the Zoo.    

The next day, I started my week, by cruising by the Zoo while out on errands, to check if this graffiti was still there.  Almost a week after I first saw it, it was.  This is really shameful.

I alerted someone at the Zoo, as this should not be still there.  That said, if I had not called attention to it, How long would it have stayed there?

I could have done the experiment, and let it just ride, but unlike too many people, I actually care about the Zoo.  I walk in, I walk around, I eyeball everything, inside and out. I basically do what people there, including Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, are paid to do.   

I know there are people who check the fence for Coyote dig holes, at least there used to be a couple years ago.  So, whoever dropped the ball on noticing this, shame on you, and frankly you don't deserve to work there.  Having something like that remain on the outside of the Zoo is unacceptable.

I'm tired of lazy people, sucking funds from the payroll, and that includes Director Peterson and each of the top earners there.  A member of the public should not be doing other people's jobs. 

I'm sure the top non-animal staff will be like, it's not my job.  If you're reading this and you think that way, you're a big part of the problem with the management structure at the Zoo, again starting at the top with Director Peterson.  I ask each one of you, why are you getting monetary bonues on top of your already outrageous pay, for the little that you do?  Each one of you should be making sure all needs at the Zoo are tended to and have some pride in the Zoo.  

This awful graffiti remained on the front of the Zoo, for a week, while Zoo Director Peterson pulled in a $6,000+ paycheck for the week.  Does this seem right?  

Anyway, when I went by Tuesday, the wording had been removed, yet there is still the red stain.  As well, no other graffiti has been removed. 

I ask again, Why is the Zoo holding onto to this old, crumbling fence?   This fence should have been torn down a decade ago.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-fence-graffiti-zoos-r-animal.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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This Week At The Zoo - Fun and Fails

I experience things that make no sense, but aren't something to make a whole blog post about, so I just shake my head and move on.  Sometimes I've written posts and just tacked on off topic irritations and curiosities, in fits of frustration.

Sometimes I want to share a Zoo Friend experience, but I usually never get that far unless it's a whole post subject like a new resident arrival.

So before I get into a couple things (fails), I'll share a couple Animal experiences (fun) from the week.  

Don't think I've ever seen Claudia the Condor eating.  So this was different.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fF575Arp8CQ

I had some lovely face-to-face time with two Kudu Ladies in the creep area (a small area often fixed with branches to create an area that only certain sized animals can access) where our precious Duikers used to hang out.  

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qpBLwBYoMRU&feature=share

I don't get down to the Donga often, I maybe do that loop once every few weeks.  I wanted to see the new mural in tunnel leading to it.  The mural is beautiful, I love Mosaics.  I must admit that every time I see artwork and gardens, while I think they are nice and needed additions to the grounds, it does rub me the wrong way that money is either spent or donated for these installations specifically, when there are many Animal Needs that arent fulfiled.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xaelKduD9Jc&feature=share

I had decided to do the Donga loop around the Savannah to get to Gorillas so to get in some extra walking.  Just short of the end, the loop was closed off and I had to circle back.  Tired and short on time, I never got to Gorillas.

Two things I asked Security about yesterday on my way out, have just come to mind and I want to document it, as I wasn't satisfied with the answers I got.  It's not on Security, but on the Zoo to just do better.

So, the Donga loop closure.  I mentioned it to Security, noting there really should be a sign at the start of the loop, noting loop does not go through.  

I asked if that's something Security could have done.  I was told, it's (sign) on order.  Needing signs in the moment has come up before and I've noted before that the Zoo has a Computer, Printer and Laminator.  A sign can be made in a matter of minutes.  There is no reason to let the need go or order something fancy for that. I was told people complain about signs not being nice?  Who complains?  And if they were worried about how such temporary signs look, they got a sign made as I've noted can be done, on the stupid $15,000 water station.  I took this photo not for the sign, even though it lent to this issue, but because I still can't believe money was spent on this bullshit when people can get water for free in the cafe and $15,000 x 2! could have gone to Animal Needs.

In addition, by having no sign and just letting it go, someone with physical disabilities, intending to do the loop was forced to back-track around if they wanted to go to Gorillas, African Aviary and that side of the Savannah.  This is a Fail, the Zoo needs to do better.

If you read my recent post about Wolves, you know this is a fresh issue.  I will note that I probably wouldn't bring it up again, at least not now but considering that recent (?) sign, it's up to the Zoo to do better to try and make what their sign says happen.  This is another Fail.

So, from Grizzlies I heard screaming.  I see that a school group is gathered at and eventually fanned out along more than half the length of the Wolves window. When I got closer, I viewed and heard, not only screaming, but howling, banging in the window and chasing the Wolves (all of them were at the window) as they paced the perimeter.

Security should be giving more detailed Rule Talks to these groups and leaders.  Additionally Rules should be mailed when reservation is made and given on entry to the leaders, teachers and chaperones.  There is no reason the adults in this group should have allowed these kids to behave in this way at an Animal Enclosure. 

There is a head of Security and a head of Safety.  In my opinion it's up to these two people to provide Security with talking points that need to be covered.  I'm not going to make a list here, because that's what they get paid for.  They just need to do it.  

I shared my experience with Security, noting the interaction at Wolves last week as well and that I had written a post suggesting they put roping up.  I was told, an order has been put in.  In previous experience years ago with orders having to be "put in", it took months to get barrier poles replaced at Chimpanzees and Lions.  Hopefully things move quicker these days.  That said, in my opinion, not good enough.  This is happening on a daily, probably hourly+ basis.  In my opinion, if the Zoo cared to "protect" the Wolves in the goal stated on their own sign, they would temporarily put up something.  There has to be some rope some place in the Zoo, if not, I find no reason someone can't go to home depot and buy some. There is also the the yellow caution tape like seen in my photo above, "protecting" the mural. Depending on how it can be secured, and if there's no concern it could come loose ànd end up in the enclosure, otherwise there's always the movable metal barriers.  Allowing this to go on repeatedly everyday, is a Fail.

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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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History and Hope For The Mother's Building

Not sure how many readers have had the pleasure of viewing the inside of the Mother's Building, but the murals depicting Noah's Ark were a favorite of mine as a child, and up until it was closed.  I taped a 360 ° video of the room, being used as the gift shop, not long before it closed.  Wish I knew where that footage was.  

A three quarter view of the main room interior can be seen in this photo from sfchronicle.com

I miss being able to view that artwork and the mosaics at the entrance, especially the one of St Francis.  After the inside of the building was closed, the outside was still accessible for a time.  

Closing the Mother's Building was sad, because it's a significant part of the Zoo's history.  What has become even sadder is that it was left to deteriorate, with no apparent upkeep.  I value history, and letting it fall into dispair is shameful.  

Anyone interested in the history and mural/building restoration progress of the Mothers Building at the Zoo, give a view to the first eighteen minutes of this March 2023 video.

https://m.facebook.com/video.php/video_id=1006793866955797

I met the presenter, Richard Rothman at a Joint Zoo Mtg over twelve yrs ago.  He's been working since then to get the place restored and reopened.  He has a Facebook group, Friends of the Mother's Building at the San Francisco Zoo.  It was on his group I found this video.

I was prompted to revisit his group by a post on the Facebook group SF Ocean Beach: Fulton to Fleishhackers, from Mother's Day, that I just saw this weekend, thus this post. 

Coincidently, I very recently had a conversation with a staffer at the Zoo about the Mother's Building. I was told it was allegedly in shambles and the roof could cave at any time.  That would be the ruining blow to the murals.  It's always bothered me that the Zoo just let it go.  I hope that report is over exaggerated and there is still a chance it can be saved.  The City's Rec and Park Department should have taken an immediate interest in preserving this piece of history.  Shame on them.  Unfortunately, its not surprising, they take no interest in the Zoo, even though they are supposed to be a managing entity, they have proven to just not care about anything that has to do with the Zoo.  They can say they do, but their actions have shown they don't.

The person I was talking to didn't seem to think the Building had Landmark status when I mentioned it.  I did a search and found that the Mother's Building was indeed named a City Landmark in October 2022.  Hopefully this Historical status will aid in moving forward to repairing and restoring this iconic building.

There are many articles about the Mother's Building online, here are a couple reports about the Landmark status.

https://www.sfheritage.org/news/mothers-building-on-path-to-city-landmark-status/

https://sfrichmondreview.com/2022/10/11/mothers-building-at-sf-zoo-named-a-city-landmark/

As stated in my opening, the last thing this space was used for was as the previous gift shop.  Other media mentions, have included what future uses could be.  None seem appropriate.  I have always thought it would be a good spot for a Zoo History Museum.  Glass cases holding memorabilia, historical videos shown, etc. Coincidentially, in that video Richard Rothman mentions it being used as a Museum.  If it does reopen, I do hope it's used to showcase history.  Many years ago, I was aghast when I heard Director Peterson allegedly wanted to use it for offices if it ever got repaired.  Good Grief, that would really be a mismanagement of a gem like the Mother's Building.  I sure hope that was a myth and never happens.

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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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Bringing Up Barriers, ... Yet Again.

So yea, bringing up unsecure barriers yet again, because doing so seventy times in eleven years just isn't enough to call attention to the necessity of additional precautions and deterrents.  I guess Zoo Director Tanya Peterson is ok with spinning the roulette wheel with the safety of our Black Rhino, Bears and Hippo.

Before I get into what prompted this post, I want to add in a thought I missed documenting in my previous post.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/wolves-interacting-with-domestic-dogs.html

I noted that there was still the red (stay back) line from Covid safety and that was ignored.  My thought for this area is that a rope barrier should be added along that red line (which needs repainting).  Granted, a rope barrier would not have helped in this situation unless the Dog(s) were kept at a distance.  That said, considering not many pay attention to signage, which doesn't mean there shouldn't be ample, and the sign noting to "admire them (Wolves) from a distance, a rope barrier (I personally would choose red rope) would at least act as physical reminder for people to stay behind it and away from close contact with windows.

So, yesterday was the seventh anniversary of Harambe's death.  I was outraged when it happened and still outraged.  In my experience at our SFZoo and from media reports about other Zoos, neither Visitors or Zoos have learned from what happened to Harambe.  

I'll start by saying I hate media rehash of Animal tragedies.  There's always some words of opinion that rubs me the wrong way.  With this one about Harambe, it's the "imprisonment" notation, as well the hashtag "OpenTheCages".  These " Close Zoo" mantras are ignorant of reality.  Sure we would all love to not see captive Animals, but the reality is not only is the wild not the safest place for too many species, but the cycle of keeping captive Animals in Zoos can not just be halted.  Close Zoo Zealots do not think about what will happen to these Animals.  Most are captive bred, you can't just turn them loose to survive on their own.  Too many say, send them to Sanctuaries.  Obviously none of those people have ever taken a look at how a Sanctuary operates.  Sanctuaries are non-profit, meaning they rely on donations.  It's a huge cost to provide shelter, food and healthcare to each Animal they take on, something the Zealots forget that Zoos do.  And the biggest hurdle of releasing Zoo Animals to Sanctuary is space.  There isn't enough space in Sanctuaries for every Animal that is already in Need, let alone for Zoo Animals who are already being cared for.  

Sorry, I went off on a tangent that was not planned as part of this post, but someone replied to my comment on the Harambe post with this nonsense and I can't let it go without some words.  I wish these Zealots would just shut the hell up, and instead of spouting dangerous words, get off their asses and try to make a difference in their corner of the world.  Set their sights on their local Zoo and try to make a difference there.

The tragedy that happened with Harambe hit home with me.  I have probably spent more time at our SFZoo, than any one person not on staff, in the past fifteen years.  I have personally witnessed so many offences by visitors it's sickening.  The list is long, I'll spare you.  There is no way to stop humans from doing evil things, but there are ways to deter the stupid and self-entitled.  That is why I've been stuck on this unsecure barrier issue for over a decade.  It's the number one offense, and needs to be addressed, especially at Code Red (Dangerous) Animals.  

I went to the Zoo two days after the Harambe tragedy and people at Black Rhino and Hippo acting the fool, hanging their kids over barriers.  I'm sorry but people who do this are either dumb as shit, or so self-entitled they don't think an accident can happen.  Google Pittsburgh Zoo, Wild Dog.  

One Cincinnati resident commented that "The parent was soley responsible for their child's action, yet faced no charges."   You can not argue with that.  It's disturbing and disgusting, but what usually happens.

Unfortunately, I would guess there is no situation where a parent/caregiver of any child would be held responsible for their own negligence in a Zoo situation such as this.  In every Animal/Human conflict situation, the Human, no matter whether irresponsible, stupid, self-entitled, or evil, will always take priority.  Their actions will be protected, as will their lives. The Animals always lose.  It's just the way it is.  Even if a Human trespasses into an enclosure of their own free will, and there's contact, the Animal gets a bullet to the head.  

Would people care more, or be more responsible if they knew their actions put the Animals lives at risk?  Why don't Zoo's have signs that say,  Keep Our Animals Alive and Safe.  Stay Off and Behind Barriers.???

You can't sinister proof every Code Red Animal exhibit, but you can "accident" deter them.  So why not take every precaution to prevent that? 

I've gotten a bit off on my goal here, which is to again document that The San Francisco Zoo needs to add deterrents to the barriers at Black Rhino, Hippo (pool), Black Bears, and Grizzly Bears (grotto).  The railing just isn't enough.  

I complained countless times about the lack of barrier at the male Anteater's home, as did staff, but it wasn't until right before their accreditation inspection did anything get done.  What they did was simple, and effective, and should be (have been) done at the four Code Red Animals I have noted.  Why it hasn't is beyond me, and probably many staffers.  It's negligent and mismanagement.

The only alterations I'd like to see are less really short poles as there are still some who sit their kids on them, but the jagged poles do seem to deter.  As well the sign.  All the signs that indicate to stay behind barrier only, do nothing to deter sitting on, which is the biggest issue, and the one that can lead to accidental fall-in.  ... The signs should read "Off and Behind".  

As for the "charges" that commenter noted, unfortunately I don't recall hearing of any Zoo situation where charges have been made.  Good grief, not even the asshole who trespassed into the SFZoo, broke into an Animal enclosure, stole a Lemur, caused it mental, emotional and physical endangerment, received any repercussion.  He was let go and told not to go to the Zoo again.  What the serious F***!?  

In fact, WTF with it all?  Our San Francisco Zoo needs to fix these barrier situations I've mentioned, so none of our Animals gets killed because of human misbehavior.

 

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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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Wolves Interacting With Domestic Dogs At Zoo

Before I get into the incident that happened this past Monday which prompted this post, I will start with the signage.  

So, when I walked past Wolves on Monday I got closer to this sign. I don't know how long it's been up, but I think I may have only seen it for the first time the week before.

While I'm all about signage, and have no problem with this, I think this is really curious especially since the Wolves have been here for over seven years.  I learned when the Wolves first got here that the Zoo was in partnership with the government wildlife department and that there were guidelines about a hands off approach to caring for them.  So, it was always curious that the enclosure was designed to have the walk-in area, as well as sixty feet of glass right at the habitat, with no visual barriers to break it up.

As well, starting from their arrival I complained in person and in this blog about people howling at the Wolves, yet it was ignored.  It took over three years for signs not to howl at the Wolves to go up. 

Anyway, when I circled back, I saw a guy with two Domestic Dogs in the walk-in area.  

This bothered me.  Not only is the same sign right next to him, and he like everyone else who disregards signage, gave it the middle finger, but in this particular case, the case of Service Animals at the Zoo, and the Zoo apparently takes no real stand on guidelines.  

Let me explain further.  Three other instances come to mind from previous years.   The first was a woman who wanted her Dog to have eye to eye contact with a Tiger.  The Tiger saw the Dog go by and ran to front of yard, stood on rock and was very interested.  The Dog saw the Tiger and wanted no part of it, yet the jerk owner dragged the Dog to the window.  The second, a similar situation in the Chimpanzee Dayroom.  I questioned this and was told it was ok and enriching.  Maybe that's a valid viewpoint.  In my opinion, especially with the Chimps, they are so sensitive to upset, I don't think chancing them get worked up and possibly turn agression on eachother is something that should be allowed.  The third, a woman at Snow Leopards let her small Dog roam free, while she was several feet away, while it went in and out of the bushes that bordered the fencing.  The Snow Leopard was stalking the Dog and if the Dog went to the fence line that situation could have been very bad.

I have also questioned in the past what the guidelines are for Service Animals, and have been told there are certain places they can't go, etc.  After this weeks event, I asked again and wanted to know what the rule was specifically at Wolves considering the signage.  I was told the same as before, specific areas can't go to, Bear window was one, but unknown if map had been updated since Wolves!!  What?  Not in seven years? Unbelievable. Well not really, but you know.   Anyway it's all noted on a map given to people with Service Animals, which I could not have.  So I'm left with only this as the written rule posted on the Zoo's website. 

This seems too vague to me.  There should be more rules.  In my opinion Service Animals should no be allowed within six feet of any Animal enclosure.  I would have said five but given Covid guidelines everyone should now know what six feet is.

So, Monday.  After the guy was in the walk-in area he went to the front.  You can see the red line from Covid safety still there, and it was crossed, by him with his Dogs at the window barking at the Wolves.  The Wolves were circling and both sides interacting.  As I got closer to film, people around were telling him not to do that.  You can hear me tell them to complain to the Zoo about this.  View my video here:

https://youtu.be/ojz_4_kP2iQ

The interaction to start seemed more curious on the Wolves side, so obviously not detrimental, yet still not following the rules as stated on the signage is an issue.  But then there's this that I captured.

Both the Wolf and the Huskey seem to have their ears down and the Wolf showing teeth. I find this completely unacceptable to have an animal on the defensive in its captive home.

Of course I called Security, but still this shouldn't happen.  Yes people are going to ignore rules and signs, but the Zoo also needs to have better and more specific rules in place.

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