Visit Notes - Monday 2.3.14

Going to write this post as my Visit progressed, according to the photos as taken.  

Stopped to say Hi to Hercules the Great Hornbill.  Caught him in flight, going to get a snack from his Keeper.  In flight, seriously, the poor thing with a wing span of over four feet can only fly approximately as far because of the limited space he has to live in.  Read more in my post 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/homes-of-hornbills.html

Sad to see a large part of the Historical Swamp Gum Tree broken off at the base.  I remember this Tree from as far back as when I was very young.  I started to tear a bit, thinking the Tree must have felt some pain losing a piece of itself, after near 80 years.  Just awful.

On Tuesday Jan 21, I saw this trash in the landscape that borders the part of the Lake where the Pelicans and other Waterfowl live.  Since there was a large amount of plastic, I feared that high wind might blow it to the Lake and be a danger to the Animals.  I forgot to tell someone before leaving, so I called the Security number I have in my phone.  ... Almost two weeks later, I remembered to check and sure enough it was still all there!  Unbelievable!

Another thing thats unbelievable is that the Curators and Vets still think its ok that Ulu has all that excess loose dirt in her landscaped enclosure.  Hasn't time proven that it was a bad idea?  Ulu continues to have dirt crusted around the lids of her eyes, every time I see her.  :(  

Maybe once she finally flattens the shit, the Zoo will remove it and replant a decent Meadow like in the Grotto she and Pike shared.

Precious new Boy Bronevik continues to make the best use of the pool he's been given.  Both he and Shastyuh love water, yet both are always in Grottos that don't have pools they like.  When Shastyuh first got here she was in Grotto B and every Visit I saw her lounging in the pool, like it was a hot tub :)  As well, many of the photos I've seen of Bronevik from his former home, he would being doing the same.   For almost a year now, since Leanne gave birth to Jillian, it seems that Shastyuh and now Bronevik are only rotated between Grottos C and D, one with a pool too deep and this one with a pool too shallow, while the Lions who don't use the pools at all are in Grotto B.  Makes no sense.

Heartbreak and tears is what happened when I saw Elly in this state.  I have been long documenting the treatment I feel Elly has gotten in the past few years.  Banishment to the rear of the enclosure, not getting oiled on a regular basis, and not getting oiled appropriately or respectfully.  LOOK at this sloppy job of oiling she got recently!!!  So, disrespectful.  My guess is they literally sprayed it at her face and it dripped down into her eyes.  Un-effing-believable!!!  This Lady is 44 yrs old.  She deserves some respect and gets none.  I'm sick of it.  And seeing her like this makes me sick and breaks my heart.

You can read more about this in my previous posts

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/08/for-months-i-have-been-wanting-to-do.html

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/10/update-on-dry-elly-situation.html

In these posts you will read information in regard to the Keepers allegedly claiming it isn't "feasible" to oil her in the back enclosure.  Additionally, when the Animal Welfare Chair contacted the Zoo in regard to my concerns, the Curator told her that he "got a sprayer to oil her".  

You can see in this photo of Belozi, that I assume because the front part of the enclosure is more "feasible" for oiling that he doesn't have it in his eyes!  It has clearly been hand applied around his eyes.

Since the Animal Staff can't figure out how to get their job done appropriately and respectfully, here's a suggestion.  Since these Animals need oiling every 6 weeks or so, try this.  Oil Belozi.  Rotate Belozi to back of enclosure.  Rotate Elly to front of enclosure.  Oil Elly.  In 6 weeks.  Oil Elly. Rotate Elly to back enclousre.  Rotate Belozi to front of enclosure.  Oil Belozi.  In 6 weeks, repeat. This ain't brain surgery people!

You can also read more about Elly and Belozi not being rotated in this recent post
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2014/01/along-time-coming-catching-up-with-my.html

Last month the Zoo installed these heavy duty metal gates in a couple places to prevent people from going into restricted areas.  Too bad they don't take this kind of stance to keep people from breaching barriers to the Animals homes.

This sign is at the new Playground.  Pretty pissed that all these Donors are willing to give money to fund a new area in the Zoo while current Animals are in need of renovations.  I especially call out the Taubes, who I wrote to in regard to the condition that Wishbone the Andean Bear was living in and got no response.  While its generous for these people to give their money, Its my personal opinion that the Zoo Director Tanya Peterson and the Donors don't care anything about Animals.

A couple weeks ago, ground broke for building an enclosure for Red Pandas.  They will live in the Children's Zoo, adjacent to the Nature Trail where the Wild Turkeys used to live.  The Turkey Ladies have moved to the Farm.

During construction of the Red Panda exhibit, a drainage issue was discovered at the adjacent Wetlands.  Major upheaval took place to find the problem.  The future of the Wetlands being Restored pended whether or not it could be fixed properly.  I'm told it can and the area will be restored.

Ended my Visit at the Farm.  Was happy to see that Intern Katie was moved to make this lovely banner Honoring Ben for this Years Lunar New Year :)

Yet Another Lame Written News Article (KTVU) - Tiger Attack 2007

News article via Google News Alert for San Francisco Zoo.

 

http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/sf-zoo-makes-crucial-safety-upgrades-5-years-after/nTff9/

 

I'm alittle tardy on posting this, but I wrote the majority of this post immeadiately after reading this article, which was the day after Christmas.  I wil also note that while most of my posts I try to write with some organization to how I present my thoughts and observations, I batted this one out from all that swirled in my mind at the time.  I no longer have time to edit and organize as much as I might like, but my point will always be made.

 

I apologize posting yet another article on the subject of the Christmas Day 2007 tragedy.  I would like not to dredge it up, but it seems like both the News Media and the San Francisco Zoo like to repeat broken details around this event for the sake of grabbing attention.  I say broken details because each time I read something about this event I get really worked up.  Getting worked up about things involving the Zoo is common for me since I care about the Animals and I despise bullshit.   It happened in the immeadiate aftermath, as I read every article I could printed about what happen, both crying for the soul of Tatiana and because she died for no reason.  It happened as I followed the case.  Reading nonsense from the general public blaming the Zoo for not containing her properly, when it was obvious a high energy provoking was the catalyst.  It happened when the Rec and Park allegedly forced the Director Manuel Molinendo to resign, shining the blame on him, therefore using him as the scapegoat to appease public naysayers.  It happen as I heard the Zoo accept reponcibility for something that was obviously not their fault.  And by accepting this responcibility, buckling to the Jones of society under the guise of being on the side of Humans regardless of their actions.  They let the boys responcible for this tragedy get a payout, money that was probably used to pay lawyers for their subsequent crime sprees.  It happens everytime one of these articles appears, written by journalists who apparently grab from previous information rather than doing a bit of investigating, instead of seeking actual new information as well as logical.  Good grief I write better (read more accurate) copy that those employed by News Media and the Zoo itself.   As well, Journalists, Reporters, the Recreation and Park Commission, and even the Members of the San Francisco Zoological Society, do not even care to educate themselves on what really goes on at the Zoo.  By simply doing an Internet search, they would come across a bounty of information within my blogs only.  Sadly for everyone, the Animals foremost, none of the so called News Media or Authority figures at the Zoo care enough to take any hard stance and see that changes for the better are done.   

 

This article's headline states the Zoo has made "crucial changes".  By upgrading the enclosure at the Big Cats, that is considered a crucial upgrade?  This really upsets me.  For one, the above referenced "nonsense" I read, a majority kept and still does reference the height of the wall at the Tiger enclosure.   Just like in this article.  The height I will note was a height that was accredited by the AZA.  A height that had a "reccommed" measurement, not a "required" measurement.  A use of terms I have ever seen accuratly discussed in any News Article or in Public Comment. 

The Big Cat enclosure upgrade noted was the only enclosure alteration in relation to the Tiger Event.  Only a few other upgrades were made afterward.  Prior to the Christmas event, there were alerations made within the Lion House. The feeding access caging was altered and the Visitor barrier moved back.  The "after" upgrade came just over two weeks later, when an alleged near escape of a Snow Leopard and a Polar Bear, shined more light on Zoo safety and prompted two of the Polar enclosures to gain added fencing.  From what I was told, both incidents were not as projected in the Media.
 

http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Zoo-safety-questioned-again-after-leopard-polar-3232717.php
 

 As well if the Polar incident was indeed as detailed and an actual fear of escape was real, why was there never a fenced barrier of the like installed at the meadow grotto which both Polars share (located between the two enclosures) that did get the added barrier? 

The Zoo may have made little changes here and there in the past couple years (some coincidentially on the heels of stuff I've blogged about) but in no way have they made any major changes to deter misbehavior.  Up until about two years ago, their Emergency protocol was still a mess. That protocol was in part to blame for why Tatiana lost her life. 

In the past five years there have been two newsworthy instances involving the Grizzly Bears and the Black Rhinos.  On a daily basis, Visitors can be seen harrassing the Animals and/or breaching barriers.  I have seen this.  My friends have seen this.  Other Visitors have told me they've seen this.  I write about it and I know members of the Zoo Staff read my blogs.  Part of why they can't blame ignorance to these issues is why I post about it.  Read thru the archives from the past couple months, there are several posts about enclosure intrusion. 

So, that all said the Zoo has made little effort to deter this behavior, both in t he way of enclosure upgrades or with additional Security.  Once I became a more regular Visitor, I tried to provide this insight to the Director on many occasions.  That flow of information stopped when Director Peterson made the descision to use my friend Lee and I as scapegoats to cover-up the Zoo's faulty Security (take and) Dispatch of Emergency Calls.  She blamed us for calling in a prank call reporting someone over the barrier at Bears and then revoked our Memberships for almost a year.  Curiously this action coincided with the Zoo's upcoming AZA accreditation for Security practices. 
 
There continues to not be enough eyes and ears on the grounds who are sensitive to spotting misbehavior to curb these offences.  Yesterday (Thursday Dec. 27) was the first day after Christmas that it didn't rain.  The sun was out and the Zoo was packed.  There were two Security Guards working for the first half of the day.  I saw one in the Lion House and none monitoring the grounds. 

While at the Family Farm I saw a grown woman giving one of the Goats a lolipop and laughing.  If I hadn't said something, this could have gone very wrong and that Animal could have lost its life because of a stupid Human.  Maybe not as violent a death as Tatiana, but the end result the same, and the cause the same. 

This type of incident is not isolated.  I have found Silica pouches in two areas within the Zoo, near Animal enclosures.  I have heard that both the female Snow Leopard and one of the Sea Lions both ingested foreign objects that may or may not have been tossed into their enclosures by Visitors. 

These instances noted, sadly the Zoo chooses to spend money to build a new Playground for Humans instead of raising funds to make sure the Animals who live there are safe (not to mention living on natural surfaces RIP Wishbone). 

As well, THIS type of information I have put forth, is the kind of copy that should be taken on by real reporters.  They should be writing stories that ask the AZA (Association of Zoo's and Aquariums),  why Zoo's are allowed to continually build new exhibits before upgrading old ones, whether for safety or habitat issues, providing Animals with both a safe environment and a healthy one.  As well the same of the San Francisco Recreation and Park, and the San Francisco Zoological Soceity, in regards to our Zoo.

I will close with a couple other out of order comments.

I don't know how much the Zoo PR has to do with articles like this, but I do know they have in the past provided information to grab attention.  One specifically that I found in bad taste was their announcement of the arrival of the new female Siberian, Shastyuh.  As I wrote in my post, the Zoo picks and chooses which Animals to "promote", based on how much Media attention it can garner.  Because of the attention Tatiana got, Shastyuh should have been allowed to settle into the Zoo without hoopla AND without stupid comments from "Zoo officials,... the staff was ready and the grounds secured."  Sensationalized and Ridiculous.  

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/06/zoo-officials-fumble-again.html

Oh and once again, the statue in Entry Village is not of Tatiana.  That is a Mountain Lion and was there before the Tiger Attack.  As part of the small group who donated to Tatiana's Memorial Bench, I was told that the Zoo had not planned to have a Memorial for her for some politically correct reason that to me was an act of cowardice.
 

News Article - Looking Back at Tiger Event Christmas 2007

I woke up this morning to this article via a Google News Alert email.

 

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=8931297&status=ok

 

I commented on the ABC site:  (Note that my comment was split into parts and ABC deleted all but the first part.  So I requested them delete the full post, since I find censoring public News forums in violation of the Constitution.)

 

As someone who is a frequent Zoo Visitor I remember this day well.  I was there.  Unfortunately not at the right time, as maybe I'd have seen the Dahliwals taunting the Animals and I would have said something that might have made them stop before this tragedy they allegedly caused.  I went a if route that day and was there earlier, possibly capturing the last photo of Tatiana at 2:48pm.  Happy and lounging in the sun with her companion Tony.  .. Yes the Zoo made changes to the Big Cat Grottos, but there is no such sign to not taunt the Tigers.  As well there are many other exhibits that leave the Animals vulnerable to Visitor harassment and stupidity, the later which could result in an event much like the one last month at the Pittsburgh Zoo.  In my opinion, the SFZoo and Zoo's in general have not made any changes in the past five years that keep up with the mounting acts of misbehavior of Visitors. 

 

Additionally, I will say in referenece to what is reported in this article, there are no specific signs that say not to taunt the Tigers.  In fact I recently witnessed a kid about to throw objects at one of the Tigers.  There are generic signs that request Visitors "Respect the Animals".   Althought these signs have become more plentiful, they are still not enough both in quantity and in words.  Visitor misbehavior is rampant, both in harassing the Animals and breaching barriers. 

 

As well, to my knowledge the only tribute to Tatiana at the Zoo is a bench that sits in front of the grotto she shared with her companion Tony.  The bench was purchased by a small group of her friends who were heartbroken that she lost her life defending her home and companion, because of alleged, yet apparent Visitor misbehavior.   That said, neither of the bronze statues at the entrance, are not of Tatiana, they are not even of Tigers.   I'd like to know where this rumor got started, as I've heard this before.  Writers these days do not seem to do any investigative reporting.

 

There's more I could say but won't.  Its Christmas and I'm sure there are innocent people who were affected by the acts of these three boys. 

 

 

RIP Tatiana

 

December 25, 2007  2:48pm

 

Two hours later Tatiana was dead.   Remember when visiting any Zoo, Act with Empathy.  Do not harrass, heckle, throw stuff at, mimic, or otherwise taunt that Beings that live there in captivity so that we can enjoy their beauty and learn about them.  As well, please report any misbehavior you witness and if you are able to, tell people yourself not to behave in such a way.  You might save a life.  There was reportedly a woman who saw the Dahliwals harrassing the Lions prior to the Tigers.   Tatiana might still be alive if she had reported this.

Zoo Spirits :)

It may be a few days before I get the past couple days of photos up, so I thought I'd put up some other fun Zoo related fotos.

Over the past few years I have caught some interesting photos in different places around the Zoo.  I 100% believe in the afterlife and that our Spirits remain after we've passed on.  I have had experiences that are undeniable.  Some believe, some do not.  Once you've experienced first hand, you can't deny the existence.

Below are photos I've taken (or been taken with my camera of me :) or otherwise noted as my friend Lee's,  that I think have captured Spirit activity.  To me this is interesting and fun!

 Orbs in the Giraffe Barn!

Spot of light above Lion House room.

Only appeared when Lee was standing there.

This was just after Tunya's passing.

 Another day recently after Tunya's passing,

an Orb appeared in the with the Lions.

Top: Orb is near Amanzi (Lion in back)

Bottom: Orb is near top of blue ball.

 Tons of Orbs in Seamus' stall!
This is in the Red Barn in the Barnyard.
Photos by Lee

 Amanzi in the last Lion House room, closest to the "nesting" room.

In the top photo you can see clearly a spirit figure passing behind her!

Both her hands, feet and tail are visible holding the Enrichment Item

and flat on the floor, respectively.  So it is not any motion from her body.

Below was taken within the same minute.  Spirit had passed.

After I showed the photos, one LH Keeper told me 

of odd instances coming from the "nesting" room.

Photo taken in the Yellow Barn at the Barnyard.

You can see two Orbs, 

one to the left, one the fencing above a Sheep

the other on the blue back door.

More photos soon!  Lee's has a couple i'm waiting to get.

Zoo Friend Tattoos :)

It may be a few days before I get the past couple days of photos up, so I thought I'd put up some other fun Zoo related fotos.

My friend Lee had her three special Big Cat friends immortalized in ink!  The art came out very well and catches the personality of these awesome Cats :)  ... They were all still here with us in body at the time, but have now moved on to play together in spirit and watch over their Lion House-mates.

paddy, tony tone tone, and tunes :)

Padang :)

 Tony :)

Tunya :)

Valentines Day!

I didn't go to the Zoo today, but I hope all the friends were given some kind of fun Valentine treat!

I was home with my Valentine Kitten, but remembered last Valentine's Day.

Last year, unbeknownst to me the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson and her cohorts, had already made the move to revoke my Membership based on severe untruths and other petty nonsense.  Both my friend Lee and I received refund checks (no explanation at the time, see  sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com for full details) for our Membership's dated February 14th.  That same day I was at the Zoo, bringing Valentines to my Goober (Bairds Tapir) and the Big Cats.  I thought it would add a nice festiveness to the Lion House.

 Amanzi watches as the Keeper puts her Valentine up!

 Amanzi with her and Jahari's Valentines :)

Padang settling in for a nap in her Valentine adorned bedroom :)

Even the Fishing Cats got Valentines!

Saturday January 7, 2012

Wore my Amanzi Birthday fascinator today, and as usual was the most fascinating person at the Zoo ;)  

Not fascinating was once again seeing little Security presence except for one sighting of two together.  For me, this is ridiculous.  There is no need for two of the few guards on duty to be walking about together, while whole areas go un-monitored for misbehavior.    But alas, that is just my opinion.

Capybara sisters were out enjoying the sun!

I still have a hard time telling them apart, 

but their names are Kyme and Ria :)

Silent Knight was trying to take a nap :)

Sukari was meditating,...

then had a  nice stretch!

Shastyuh is getting more and more comfortable 

being inside the Lion House :)  

She even rolls over and does the Tunya!

FYI the Tunya is a footie int he air pose

originated by Tunya the Lion :)

Leanne isn't having any of it lol!  

She is trying to see what Shasty is up to!

Cobby was thankfully having a peaceful time

in the afternoon sun :)

so was Miss T (Tallulah) :)

Zebra tried to sooth a bum itch on this boulder ;)

Little Miss Kudu always makes eye contact :)

Wednesday January 4, 2011 - Happy Birthday Amanzi!

Having my Membership back ( Yes, I do!  More on that win soon!  Stay tuned to the blog san francisco zoo crime) means that as time permits I have the luxury of visiting my Zoo friends more often.  It not only makes me happy to see their faces, but it is a great place to be able to stop at to get in a good walk.  Walking is important to me, because I'm not a fan of other types of exercise.   The Zoo and the Park are pretty much it.

Mid week visits are good for my soul.  There are less people, which equals less chance of witnessing misbehavior, which really upsets me.   Right now, my time is flexible, so I'm often able to swing by and wish my friends a Happy Birthday! on their actual special day :)

Today's visit was just that kind of visit.  Amanzi turned 15 today!  I have been lucky to have been a Zoo visitor when she and Tunya came to the Zoo in 1997 as cubs.   I remember their arrival along with Kita very vividly.  She is pretty activity orientated, which I guess is a blanket statement for most Lions.  Unless there's something going on they are nappin'!   If they don't think there's the possibility of food or toys, you might not get to see their faces.  Thankfully, I got some great face time with the pretty Birthday girl!  

Right place, Right time as the Keeper was just about to shift them from grotto B to grotto A.  In case you don't know, the Big Cats are rotated between grotto's for Environmental Enrichment.   

Amanzi and her mate Jahari came into the yard more cautiously than I've seen.   He let her take the lead, she stood solid, almost posing for sometime, long enough for me to sing her a little Happy Birthday :)  He slinked about the edges sniffing for messages.   They both spent much time investigating, which lent to getting some great captures!

I didn't see what she was looking at,

but I love when the light lends to 

really highlighting how beautiful their eyes are.

On the heated rock and saying hello to the people's,

hoping no one bangs on the window to her home.

Happy Birthday Amanzi!

I actually wore my topper the following Saturday

to be festive with my friend.

Jahari, the California tree hugger!

I love this capture!

(Jahari picking up a message left by Leanne)

I got a whole series of these,

I call them the Feline Vamp!  

He's very silly lol!

Female Patas Monkey

Shastyuh is the only Big Cat who really loves 

and makes use of the grotto pools!

I love that she has this option so it distracts her from pacing,

which she often still does along the edges.

I also captured a cute video clip of Gauhati the Indian Rhino getting hand fed some nom nom's!  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVj9_IgrJJs&feature=related