Happy Birthday Sukari! - Past Party Pix

You might see I have three posts in draft. I started them last weekend and never finished.  As I've written often, writing about the Zoo is energy sucking, so I do alot of putting it off.

I jump ahead today, as I have been thinking about this Beautiful Lady's Birthday all week.  During the week I asked if she would get a Party, but no one knew.   I hope she got some special treats today.

Happy Birthday Sukari! 

I Love You Lady!

I Love Celebrating all the Animals Birthdays!  I have Loved Suki since the moment I saw her, and she has always held a special place in my heart. Most of you know, in 2010 my friend Lee and I made Enrichments for the Big Cats almost every weekend for ten months, and on occasion for the Bears.  One of the most satisfying Enrichment Events we did was for Sukari's 8th Birthday.

I tweeted a photo of it earlier today and then started to tell this story to my Facebook Friends.  A bit through, I decided to make it a post, because it meant so much to me.

Our Enrichment for her 8th Birthday in 2010 was instrumental in helping her come out of her shyness. Brought to the Zoo in 2009, Suki was still hiding in the quarantine and cave areas, eight months after arriving.  We barely saw her!  The Keeper (Barb) wasn't sure she would even come out to participate in the fun, as until then, all the Enrichment Toys we had made, she had quickly snatched and brought to quarantine room, or not touched til after hours.  I said, no worries, we can just try.  

My idea for Suki's Ice Cream Social developed.  A Grotto-wide celebration for all the Big Cats!  I made Lion sized Ice Cream Cones, and Party Bags for all the Cats.  Lee made Suki's Birthday Cake and Mache Balls for Skylar/Leanne, Ming Wah and Rigel (Snow Leopards).

The wheels were turning about how to get Sukari to enjoy her Party with Tunya!  That night I thought the best plan might be to place her her Cake in front of one of the cave doors.  Since she would be sitting in the cave while Barb set-up, when Barb opened the door to let her in, she would most likely flee to the other side.  So, my idea was to open the door opposite of the one where the Cake was, so that when she fled to the other cave she would see the Cake in the doorway!  The plan worked exactly how I imagined!  Putting her Cake there was just the thing to intrigue her curiosity so much she couldn't resist! Shy Girl stuck her head in the doorway, just enough to grab her Cake, and bring it into the cave with her!  She wrangled the whole thing through the doorway!  Tunya was behind her and they both disappeared into the cave.  I ran out and round to the yard, and by that time they each had half the Cake!  She sat with him and they both had big fun together!  It was so wonderful to watch!   After a bit, Suki noticed the top tier had fallen off.  She went over and got it, proudly strutting away carrying it across the yard in her mouth!  She was so Happy and so was I, to see her like this!  It was amazing to see her so comfortable.  This was the first time we were really able to see her being herself and it was a beautiful thing!  It was a turning point for her and I was happy to be a part of it.

Here's the photo I tweeted, a screen-cap of some of the photos from the sequence I just described.

Too view the whole series of Sukari and Tunya and the Birthday Cake, visit this link
Sukari's Birthday Bash!
https://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/2610

Links to Pix of other Cats enjoying Enrichment Toys for Sukari's Birthday!
Suki's Ice Cream Social
https://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/2499
More Suki's Ice Cream Social
http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com/2010/08/mix-it-up.html

Link to my Enrichment Blog
http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com

SFZoo Birthday Celebrations NOT!

How appropriate that my last post was in reference to a Birthday Celebration.  

I'm very behind on posts! Ihave been attempting to write about many things over the past couple months in addition to catching up on drafts, but time and energy seems to be scarce these days.  The last couple weeks have been filled with worry about over a dozen abandoned Ducklings and attempting to rescue them.  

I missed posting two Zoo Friend Birthdays in a timely manner :(  Happy Belated Birthday to Bawang and Slash! (see my other blog for the bday pix!)  I did get to the Zoo last Thursday to wish Cobby and Skylar/Leanne a Happy Birthday!  (other blog for bday pix!).  I knew neither one would get a Celebration, but still I get disappointed.  I always hope the Zoo will start to recognize each Animals Special Day, but I guess that will never happen.  Its just not the kind of respect shown to these Wonderful Beings who give their lives to the Zoo.  Without them there would be NO Zoo, the Staff would have NO job.  To me, an Ice Treat or another special treat shouldn't be that hard to provide them.  It doesn't have to be a full blown party, but something Special should be given.  Geez, its one day a year.  

The biggest hit to my soul is always the Chimps.  These  Friends have lived at the Zoo 40+ years. They have been denied an upgrade to their home (more on that in another post), they are the oldest Animals living there and they can't even get a Happy Birthday post on the Zoo's Facebook page.  Disgraceful. 

So I write this on the eve of the Gorilla babie's 1st Birthday.  This is not to take anything away from Kabibe, I'll be there for her Party, but the Zoo seems to be selective in their "celebrations".  I wrote about this before.  They certainly seem to only do things that will possibly get them Media attention, and all the rest get ignored.  

As I said I'm behind on stuff, and one of the Zoo Friend Birthdays I missed posting in a timely manner, was Bawang, who is the surrogate Mother to Kabibe.  She has raised two infant Gorillas now, Hasani and Kabibe.  Without her the Zoo could not have kept these infants.  Its shameful that she can't even get a shout out or special treat.  I mean really, what's the criteria for rating a Happy Birthday recognition on Facebook?  A Special Treat?  A Party?   Its pretty sickening that some some Animals are Celebrated by the Zoo and others get nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Zero. 

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday May 25, 2014

Have another entry to make today, so check back this evening!

>May 24, 2014 - Zoo Grandbabies!  News from London Zoo, Tiger Cubbies have Names!  The Zoo has thoughtfully named the Three Cubs, whose Papa Jae-Jae is our Skylar/"Leanne"s Son with her former mate Bali.  Cub's Mama Melati was sent to London Zoo from Australia (If I remember right), as a perfect match for Jae-Jae :)  ... View the naming video and see these Beautiful additions to the Sumatran Species!    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu6TQhuo9TU

>May 23, 2014 - I was wrong when I previously posted that there were Three signs at the Red Panda, there are EIGHT!  AND NONE note anything about behavior, especially at the too low windows.  Four Signs are you enter the area and another four inside, including two on the glass.  I was there for less than five minutes and people were knocking on the glass, one kid repeatedly kept backing up and running into the glass, ramming his reflection while his Mother sat there smiling at him. Again why can't we get anti-reflective glass?  Sorry I digressed. SO, SFZoo, Why are there no signs on the glass here or at any of the exhibits stating not to Bang, Rap, Tap, Kick, ect the glass at these Animals Homes?  Been questioning this for years now.

>May 23, 2014 - Female Red Panda in quarantine!  I've known about this for a couple weeks, but haven't had time to fully research her and post.  Her name is Grace and she came from the Boise Zoo. She and her mate Tiki had Two Cubs there, who have now gone on to live at other Zoos.  So, here she will not be breeding, but here for companionship with Kodari/"Tenzing".  So, there will soon be double the cuteness at this new enclosure :)

>May 22, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 1st Birthday Erin!

>May 21, 2014 - And it starts already.   Visitors breaching barriers at the new Red Panda enclosure. What is wrong with people?  What is wrong with the Zoo?  Why do they continue to make bad decisions in regard to the barriers at the Animals homes?  When I saw the constructing this exhibit, I thought the height of the glass was too short, then when I got up close, its definitely too short!  Its not even Six ft.  and there is no "stand back" barrier in front of it.   I just don't get it.  ... As well they got about three big colorful signs around the exhibit area and some smaller ones actually on the glass, yet not a one notes anything about barrier behavior.

Note to Visitors:  The view is the same through the glass as it is over the glass.  DUH!  To me when Visitors hang on/over barriers, its like home invasion.  Think about how the Animal feels People. You want People hanging in the windows of your home?  

>May 21, 2014 - Visited the cuteness that is the Sloth :)  When I saw him for the first time last week, one of the Curators was there and I asked if the mixed Species in this enclosure have been done before and he said yes.  I have thought this enclosure was too small to house the Anaconda and Toucan, and now with the Sloth it really seemed cramped to me.  The Toucan is the only one that probably NEEDS the extra space, as he's very active and flight is probably stunted.  Those observations made, while watching them today, the Sloth leaned over as if to say Hi to the Toucan and the Toucan bit him in the Face!  It was awful to see.  Poor Sloth, seems like such a sweet and gentle Animal.  His Face around his Eyes looked a bit red afterward, which I confirmed when I got home by looking at photos from last week and today.  I asked Security to alert the Keeper to this, so I sure hope they are monitoring the situation.

>May 18, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 11th Birthday Tucker!

>May 16, 2014 - Meet New Zoo Friends!  Please view my blog post on my other blog, much cuteness happening at the Zoo!  Toucan - Black Howler Monkey - Sloth

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2014/05/meet-new-zoo-animals.html

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday May 11th, 2014

>May 11, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 11th Birthday Bititi!

>May 10, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 12th Birthday Inti!

>May 7, 2014 - Yesterday, the Farm Celebrated Three Zoo Friend Birthdays!  

Minature Donkey Clint had Cake with his Papa Nikos :)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-32vZ4ejAGI

This video makes me smile so much, I love how they are singing too and then give each other kisses! LOVE! ... I didn't know about Clint's Birthday til yesterday, so I just posted his photo.  Scroll down to May 4th to see him in his Party Hat! :)

San Clemente Goat Twins shared their Cakes with their Grandma Ramona :)

(uploading now :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmVOUHMFeD8

>May 6, 2014 - Meet Kodari!

I was lucky enough to see him and all his super cuteness for the first time today!  They are still working on the outside of the exhibit area, but I could view him from the path.  You can see more of my photos and a video clip at the links below.  

https://www.flickr.com/activity/photostream/

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

As well learn more about him on my post on my other blog.  I try to write a post there, when I have enough information to post a good new Animal profile. Enjoy learning more about him :) http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2014/05/red-pandas-return-to-zoo.html

>May 5, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthdays Today!

Happy 1st Birthday Maverick & Dakoda!

>May 4, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 19th Birthday Clint!

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday April 27, 2014

From my blog mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com

>April 27,2014 - Happy World Tapir Day!

I used to love going to the Zoo and spending time with my Precious Friend Goober on this day that celebrates his species :)  I sure do miss him!   ... Please visit the World Tapir Day page on Facebook to learn more about all species of Tapir and check this link to learn about their plight.  Thankx!

>April 25, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthdays Today!

 Happy 45th Birthday Maggie!

Happy 44th Birthday Minnie!

April Zoo Friend Birthdays!

I try to post this as close to possible at beginning of the actual Month.  Sorry that I didn't get to it even close :(  ... Please check my other blog as I post them on the actual day almost always :)

April

6/1991 - Edna/ Chinese White Goose

9/2003 - Poppy/Nigerian Dwarf Goat

16/1994- Rigel/Snow Leopard

18/2013- Brooks and Shania/San Clemente Island Goat Twins

25/1969- Maggie/Chimpanzee 

25/1970- Minnie/Chimpanzee

(Chimp info taken from Studbook/differs from Zoo info)

You can see the individual Birthday announcements on my other blog 

http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis- Sunday March 2, 2014

Since I was behind and only one post during week of 2.17-2.23, I am posting synopsis of two weeks.

> March 1, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy Birthday Trent!

(My bad, I didn't upload this on Saturday :(  Sorry Sweetie!)

> March 1, 2014 - Happy National Pig Day!

Happy National Pig Day to

My Sweet Friends Tiki and Kai!
(Kune Kune Pigs :)

About Pig Day from Wiki:  National Pig Day is an event held annually on March 1 in the United States to celebrate the pig. The holiday celebration was started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina. According to Rave the purpose of National Pig Day is "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals." The holiday is most often celebrated in the Midwest.

> February 27, 2014 - Happy International Polar Bear Day!

Happy International Polar Bear Day to 

My Precious Polar Girls Ulu and Pike!

International Polar Bear Day at the San Francisco Zoo...

Once again the Zoo failed to give mention to an Animal Awareness Day.  I waited til the end of the Zoo day to post this, because I knew they wouldn't disappoint me.  Sadly, its not me that I am disappointed for, but for our Polar Bears, who deserve to be Celebrated on this Day, as Ambassadors for their Wild Cousins who face quite a plight.  Part of the Zoo's Mission is to "Advance Conservation Action".  What does that mean when they don't Recognize and Educate on these Awareness Days?

> February 17, 2014 - Marabou Stork Nest Has Three Eggs!

See all the nesting action in my Video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kqB2FxR3JQ

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday February 16, 2014

> February 15, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy Birthday Chutney!

> February 14. 2014 - How lucky am I?  Giraffe Babies first day out!  Guess I can announce it now :)  Lady Willow had a babie last Thursday :)  She is beautiful, just like her Mama!   ...  I think it would be a wonderful tribute to name her Mari. 

You can view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUyEQPFHm7c

> February 14, 2014 -  Miss Hazel's Birthday Party!

Hazel and Miss Almond check out her Birthday Cake!

View the Video Sing-a Long :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JTe6M_ojg

>  February 14, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 15th Birthday Hazel!

> February 11, 2014 - I made some Valentine Fun with my Zoo Friend photos!  Printable (non-watermarked) versions available to download, contact me if interested.  Make your own Valentines, featuring Zoo Friends!     

Full size individual pix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leo811_sf

> February 10, 2014 - Here are some of my captures from Jillian's Party.  Look for a full blog post in the next couple days (i hope!) on http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/

Full size individual pix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/leo811_sf

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BPZo9hnbBw

> February 10, 2014 -  Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 1st Birthday Jillian!