RIP Zoo Friends Who Passed During The Shutdown/Since The Re-Opening

I started this post last weekend, after a friend had told me that our Taymor (Sumatran Tiger) had passed away.  Before I could finish the post and publish it, there was more sad news this past Friday, that our Sam (Giraffe) had passed away.  There is a point I want to make about these two losses, but will do that in a separate post that I hope to write in a timely manner after this one.

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RIP Taymor

When I hear this news, I sobbed.  I loved this guy.  I have had a fondness for Taymor since he arrived at the Zoo in 2012.  

He was promptly renamed "Larry", which those who know me, know I hate the renaming thing.  I think it's disrespectful.  Taymor is one of Triplet Boys, born at the Sacramento Zoo.  Named by their Keepers after favorite writers, Julie Taymor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Rudyard Kipling.  Both Emerson and Kipling retained their names through life.  Thankfully, Taymor retained his name in the Studbook.

I saw him his third day out and was drawn to his beauty and personality.  He was not shy about responding to me talking to him and provided some wonderful face time.

screencap from

blog post

Over the years I came to know him as the perfect Tiger, a very sweet and loving Cat.  It was clear in his interactions with Skylar/Leanne, that they were a wonderful couple and loved being with eachother.  Their daughter Jillian was born in 2013, and remained at the Zoo far longer than expected, leaving Taymor and Skylar separated for almost five years. My heart broke for him because he was alone and regardless of Tiger wild characteristics, those two loved being together.  They were finally reunited and thankfully had the last three years together.  They could always be seen snuggled close.  I feel so bad for her.  They really loved eachother.  I would bet his Spirit is always right beside her.  I hope that he has been reunited with his Brother Emerson, and Parents Castro and Bahagia. 

I will miss you Taymor.

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RIP Samson 

Still wrapping my head around the loss of Taymor, the sad news of Sam's passing hit.  Another heartbreaking and shocking loss.  Another Friend who had his name taken from him.  Given the name Samson at his birth Zoo, when he got here, his name was changed to "Floyd".  Thankfully, Samson retained his name in the Studbook.

Sam was one of the first Giraffe's I knew by name.  His Son Dozer was the first, we share the same birthday, so he was immediately a favorite.  I got to know Sam early as there was a time when I was allowed to go down in the pit of the Barn several times and feed the Giraffes.  Being side by side with them all was incredible, and standing next to Sam and having him bend his head down face to face with me was something amazing.  He could often be seen peeking up from behind the boulders that bordered the tunnel to the donga.  Every time I walk the path between the Savannah and the Lemurs, I call out, Hi Sammy! and he would look right at me.  I will miss that the most.  

I always felt bad that he spent his life separated from the ladies.  Except for short periods of time when his Sons would be on his side of the fence, he was spending his days solo with other species.  I hope his Spirit is hanging out with his ladies now.  I'll miss you Sammy.

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I don't regularly post about passings.  I used to, but this blog mostly became about documenting things that weren't right.  I want to get back to acknowledging the Zoo Friends we lose.  Many times those who know and love these Friends, never hear about their passing.  The Zoo does not announce all the lives lost equally, and I think each one deserves to be acknowledged. With that thought, I want to additionally mention other Friends who left us during the Shutdown, or since the Re-Opening.  This may not be complete, but these are the ones I've learned about.

Too much saddness.

RIP Latte, Jacob Sheep

RIP Chutney, Navajo Churro Sheep  

These two lovely Sheep Ladies left us on the same day, the week the Shutdown started.  I'm very close to the Farm Friends, and have sadly watched our senior group of ladies leave us.  Their Sister Sheep Mole, left close before them, leaving Chutney and Latte our last ladies. I think they made a pact to go together, to not leave one behind.  This was a tough one, as I spent so much time with them over the past ten plus years.  The Farm Animals are like family. 

RIP Zuko, Meerkat

RIP Portia, Kudu

RIP Pilara, Red Kangaroo

RIP Wima, Wallaroo

RIP Neville, Wallaroo

RIP Pirra, Red Kangaroo

Bless these Precious Souls.

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For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

Family Farm Frenzy!

Once again behind in posts.  So many things to do both on blog and off.   I have made space holders for posts since I like things in chronilogical order.  This is the post I have in me to do right now.  Its current and contains things that are in desperate need of attention at the Zoo.  

I will start by noting there are many posts within this blog where you can find details of Humans Gone Wild.  I know that sounds comical and sure its meant to be catchy, but it also is point blank.  When I walk into the Zoo I feel like I have entered a place where people are allowed to run wild.   I look around and see people out of control.  There seems to be few places in Society where Humans have any sense of personal control, or empathy.  The Zoo is no different.  There is very little guidelines given for behavior or respect.  I can not say none, because I have witnessed Security giving speeches to school groups as they enter.  Sadly I have also witnessed the same school groups act the fool while in the Zoo, even the adult leaders.  That said, these speeches are still needed, and the Zoo should be giving these same speeches to ALL that enter, not just school groups.  I won't say more on this because I have before written much about misbehavior and what things the Zoo should being doing to deter. Search "barrier breaching" and other "misbehavior" within this blog.

This post is isolated to the Childrens Zoo Family Farm.  This past week was out of control.  In March I noted in a post about misbehavin' :

> Additionally, there needs to be some at-a-glance (BIG lettered) signage at the Family Farm entrance, telling people not to bring in food, not to feed the animals anything but food they sell there, not to bring in any plastic bags to hold the food in or have hanging out of pockets/purses, not to sit on the animals, not to pull on their horns, not to chase the animals.  Good Grief I have recently and constantly seen people do all these things, which included an adult try to sit on a Dwarf Goat, put a Lollipop w/stick in a Goats mouth, and watch a Sheep throw up a plastic baggie. <

Such instances are an every visit occurrence.   With summer in full swing its only worse.  The Zoo needs to take notice!   Zoo Management is fine with people running wild all over the place and while it is annoying and may only be "potentially dangerous to the?"  Animals in the Main Zoo, there is DIRECT ANIMAL ABUSE at the Farm.  These are free roaming Animals.  They are vulnerable to Humans.  The above instances I noted of people sitting on Animals and feeding them unauthorized food, as well bringing in dangerous items like plastic bags, is not only abuse, it can cause the death of one of these Animals.  I have also witnessed the Animals being hit and a constant stream of trying to steer the Goats Horns.

There needs to be more signs not to do these things.  There needs to be a Volunteer or Docents at the gate reminding people who enter the Farm.  There needs to be more Volunteers/Docents monitoring the yard.   It can not be left up to the Keepers.  The Keepers job is to take care of the Animals. It also can't be left to one Keeper to Volunteer to monitor two yards and two barns.   Monitoring the Visitors should be part of what the Docents help doing, both at the Childrens Zoo and the main Zoo.  I never see Docents at the Farm.  Why isn't there a better organizing of what they do?  ... That all said, there needs to be a limit to the number of people who can be at the Farm at one time.   Too many people for the amount of eyes watching the Animals should not be happening.

There is a sign when you enter the CZ:

This rule is never upheld. 

NEVER!  

Monday I was at the Farm.  It was fine til a large group of kids from the Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center came in.  They appeared to have only two leaders.  The frenzy then began and it was a sea of chaos in purple shirts.  Really awful and out of control.  There was no supervision from their leaders. The kids were running and screaming all over the place.  They were making fun of the Animals, yelling at them, it was really disgusting.  Why do they even come to the Zoo?   

Does the Zoo send out a guideline for behavior in writing to these groups prior to their Visit?  They should.  Does the Zoo provide them with a guideline in person when they arrive? They should.  Does the Zoo ask them to leave if they are misbehaving?  They should.  None of this behavior, which is not isoloated to this one group, should be allowed. 

My friend put several dollars into the food machine and these kids came up and took her food.   There was a point when they were so out of control, the Keeper had to put the food machines away.   I contemplated leaving but stayed as extra eyes.   There was a particular gang of four that made fun of a few certain Goats and in fact stalked them when they tried to seek refuge into the barn.  Finally after 45 minutes of this I said something to them.   Disrupting my right to enjoy my Visit, I asked them, "What's wrong with you?"   Telling them that they were one of the worst behaved kids I have ever seen and why don't they enjoy the Animals and learn about them, rather than run all over the place screaming and making fun of them.  They were silent after that, but seriously, what is wrong people who behave this way?  I see it in adults as well, so I guess there is no hope for society in general if adults act this way and therefore do not teach kids to act any better.  That said, when they come to a facility like the Zoo it is then up to the Zoo to set behavior guidelines.  Anyway,  I finally alerted the leader, who was sitting on a stump ignoring the behavior going on, even after being told by the Keeper in duty that the kids were wreaking havoc, he still wasn't monitoring them.   I get kids run around and yell and all that, but this is not the place for it.  This is a place where Animals are free roaming and where they live.   Its not a friggin' Fun House.  Visitors need to reign in the frenzy and learn to act appropriately in public.  Places like this should be somewhat of a controlled environment, so all Visitors have a good time.  I am not the only person there who was appalled and upset by this behavior.

That incident, which I've witnessed similar many times, really affected me.  Not that the Zoo cares at all about me, but I left there really hyped up and immediately felt anxious and nausea, which I haven't been able to shake all week.  Just writing about this I can feel a physical upset.  

When I visited on Thursday, there were no school groups at the time, but there was limited eyes on the crowd and I found this on the ground.  

Baggie of Raisins

I see alot of stuff at the Zoo, everytime I'm there.  I sometimes feel like I'm guided to be in that place at specific times.   While that thought might be alittle too spiritual for some, it is true that I seem to be witness to things for a reason.   Thankfully I was there to see this before one of the Animals got it.  People don't need to bring in unsecured snack bags or other items that can cause harm tot he Animals.  A sign needs to be posted that says to keep them secured in purses, zip pockets, whatever but not where they can fall to ground or an Animal can snatch from hand or pocket.   If your kid needs treats that bad eat them before or after visiting the Farm.  ... This also goes hand in hand with feeding the Animals anything other than the Zoo treats for purchase.   I heard that the day before on Free Day (another Run Wild at the Zoo event) was out of control with people trying to give the Animals unauthorized food.   

San Francisco Zoo, take note and protect these free roaming Animals at the Family Farm.  

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director 

Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Fans of the Family Farm! - New Facebook Community

Yesterday, I launched a Facebook page for those of us who love the Animals at the Zoo's Family Farm.   I had wanted to do a Fan page for my Main Zoo Animal Friends a couple years ago and never got to it.   I spend alot of time at the Farm visiting with all my wonderful Friends who live there.  There is a great community there among regular Visitors, Volunteers, Keepers and of course the Animals!  So, I do this for all of them, which includes my friends who love our Barnyarders!  

Please check out my page and "like" if you are a Fan of the Farm Friends or Animals in general :)  

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-the-San-Francisco-Zoo-Family-Farm-Friends/425684734187762

I hope to build a Community to Celebrate the Awesome Animals who live on the Farm! Learn about these Wonderful Beings! Communicate & share your Photos w/other Farm Fans!   Hope you will join us!

Breaching Barriers Continues - Ski Week Stupidity

Much like the Zoo's Lunar Event, and the Day following it, the Zoo does not hire enough Security to patrol the grounds not only on a daily basis, but on days they know will be extra busy.  Sadly, some Staff have even said to my friend Lee and I, that they count us as Security.  The day after the Lunar Event it was packed and not only was there not enough Security ( allegedly two total, of whom are directed to mostly patrol the parking lot and entrance, unless they are called elsewhere), but the Chimps didn't have the extra barriers in front of them like what is put out on free day.  Again, these Chimps, are particular targets for Visitor Abuse and with their aging, they need the extra protection.

A common occurrence (seen here @Chmps) kids chasing the free roaming Peacocks.  Sadly most of the time they are encouraged to do so by the Parents who think its funny to document this terrorizing in photos.   Often times they also try to pull out their feathers.  Aren't Humans wonderful?   The chasing also happens with the Gulls, Pigeons and Squirrels.  Some of which most would think who cares, but note that they all have souls and the old saying goes, "Do unto others as you would want done unto you."   Remember people, Act with Empathy.

The Zoo has still failed to put up proper signage at ALL exhibits, in regards to how to behave at Animal Enclosures (their Homes), including the most dire (for the Animals, who will lose their lives if they do a natural attack on an intruder) keeping the hell off the barriers!  Good Grief people, What's Wrong With you?  This is directed at both the Zoo Management, who should have more signs (and not ones the size of an index card like at Rhinos) and the jerks who continue to think its ok behavior to hang over and stand on barriers.  They are barriers, do you know what that means?  Keep the hell off them! 

 @Sea Lions

 @Mandrills

this was only moments after another family 

had their kids legs completely daggling over.

 @Mandrills

Would the photo be worth it if she fell in

and the Mandrill attacked her?

Not to mention the Animals don't need to see 

Humans faces hanging into their homes.

 @Black Rhinos

Not one but two!  That's nice, lose your 

whole family by accidentally dropping both kids in.
Think it can't happen, tell that to the
gal in Pittsburgh who did just that.

This happening a foot from the tiny sign that

the Zoo put up after I blogged about this the last time.

 Both these pix @Anteater

Poor Angelo's home continues to 

be breached on a daily basis
and the Zoo Management doesn't care.

Stupid behavior comes with Stupid comments.  I hear them every Visit, but these were the prizes last week during Ski/Snow Week (no school for fools!)

@Polars Bears -  "I didn't know they had Polar Bears in Canada, cool!"  ... Seriously, what planet are people on?

@Family Farm - "I bet that Sheep wishes he had Horns in the back of his head for when Lions sneak up." ... Yea for all those Sheep on the Savannah lol!

@Train - Mother hearing the Sea Lions says to her kid:  "What's that?  Is that an Elephant?"

All you got to do is listen, there are some doozys out there and these people are serious!

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

 

Check back as I reply to all comments.

 

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

 

Thank You for taking the time to read

about things that matter to me.

Happy World Farm Animals Day!

I just read that today October 2 is World Farm Animals Day!  

 The San Francisco Zoo Farm Animals are my besties, 

I LOVE them!
so Happy Day to all of you, my Special Friends!

Please view some awesome photos and 

videos of these Wonderful Animals at the links below :)

A Barnyarder video with alot of the Friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9tQGB_Xc3M

Also search my youtube channel for vids of:

Kune Kune Pigs

Donkeys

Chickens

Sheep Shearing

Lots of photos here, 

names included if you want to learn 

who's who on the farm!

http://iamnotananteater.shutterfly.com/

Zoo Friends Birthdays!

I love Birthdays!  Everyone has one.  For the Zoo friends, sometimes its their actual day of birth, sometimes its their arrival date and the facility they first came to from either the wild or as a rescue.  As I became endeared to the San Francisco Zoo Animals, I wanted to celebrate them, by celebrating their Birthday!  Again whether the actual day or the estimated day, every Animal has one and if they don't they should (bad record keeping) and that date or any date, at least once a year should become their special day!  

The Zoo has no interest in honoring these awesome beings on their Birthday, but I was lucky enough to befriend the Big Cat Keeper who cared enough to share my interest.  Because of her, I was lucky enough to do something special for the Cats and Bears birthdays during 2010.  Now I just go and wear something festive and sing them Happy Birthday :)   

Here are some dates that might be of your special Zoo Friend's special day!  ... If not or any other info needed, please contact me, I am always available to provide what I know about the Zoo Animals. 

OH almost forgot.  While compiling this list, I had to laugh, as I noticed one of the Zoo's famous blunders.  They have Lulu the Mandrill's date listed in July of 2008, and her mothers passing date as January 2008.  Amazing!

January

1/1971- Elly/Black Rhino

1/1982- Sureshot/Eagle

1/1987- Olive Oyl/Anaconda

1/2003- Grizzly Sisters

3/1998- Monifa/Gorilla

4/1997- Amanzi/African Lion

February

6/2002- Hercules/Great Hornbill

7/2003- Jahari/African Lion

7/1993- Margie/Llama

20/1991- Pelican

March

1/2002- Trent/Otter

16/1980- Boomer/Emu

18/1989- Cleo/Mandrill

25/2001- Wakoda/Navajo Churro Sheep

April

4/2008- Nataani/Navajo Churro Sheep

9/1992- Bosco/Black Howler

13/2002- Kristin/Giraffe

16/1994- Rigel/Snow Leopard

24/1959- Tallulah/Chimpanzee

25/1969- Maggie/Chimpanzee

25/1970- Minnie/Chimpanzee
(Chimp info taken from Studbook/differs from Zoo info)

May

10/2002- Inti/Bobcat

11/2003- Bititi/Giraffe

14/1988- Sauna/Lion Tailed Macaque

18/2003- Tucker/Hippo

25/1995- Gauhati/Asian Rhino

31/2001- Spice Kids (Basil, Nutmeg, Paprika) Nigerian Dwarf Goats

June
10/2001- Paddy Nigerian Dwarf Goat

11/2002- Sam/Giraffe

14/2003- Goldfish/Fishing Cat

28/2002- Sukari/African Lion

July

10/1958- Cobby/Chimpanzee

10/2003- Skylar/Sumatran Tiger

13/1980- Bwang/Gorilla

13/1994- Slash/Cassowary

19/2003- Lupe/Black Howler

21/1989- Jesus/Lion tailed Macaque

22/1999- Pokemon/Blackbuck

24/2008- Lulu/Mandrill

31/1989- Jonesy/Gorilla
July/2008- Belozi/Black Rhino

August

1/2000- Shastyuh/Amur Tiger

2/1998- Eric/Duiker

12/1994- Goober/Bairds Tapir

September
5/2005- Tiki & Kai/Kune Pigs

8/2003- Lily/Duiker

13/1981- Zura/Gorilla
14/2005- Razzleberry/Nigerian Dwarf Goat
19/2007- Jesse/Mandrill

23/1998- Nneka/Gorilla

October

26/1998- Angelo/Anteater

29/1989- Diamond/Black Howler

30/2001- Snickers & Milky Way/Nigerian Dwarf Goats
30/2003- Wasabi/Rooster

November

25/1982- Pike/Polar Bear

December

19/1980- Ulu/Polar Bear