Concerns For Our Lone Lion - How Long Will Jasiri Be Left Without A Companion?

I had a few other posts in draft to put before this one, but after another visit to the Zoo yesterday, this can't wait.  I need to document this situation now.   It's unfortunate because the other posts were Animal Updates, but energy with not right Zoo stuff is near zero and has been for many years, that's why I still haven't gotten to the Madagascar bullshit after five years.  I need to wrap up all these posts that document and illustrate the management fail by Director Tanya Peterson.  Hopefully someone who cares will see them and the Zoo will see brighter days under a new Director.   

I apologize for not being able to make those Animal Update posts, right now, this is most pressing and obviously there can't be any truly smooth times at the Zoo for that to happen.  

Two of the things I was going to write about was the passing of my sweet friend Sukari (female Lion) and how thankful I was to be a part of her life & a pleasant visit I recently had.  Three weeks ago, after hearing about Sukari, I went to the Zoo to talk to her spirit.  I am a believer that the spirits are always around, and it's important for me to have a moment after their passing to tell them how important they are to me.  I still talk to many of our passed friends when I'm at their former homes.   

It was a nice morning and not many visitors, so I had some time alone with Sukari's spirit and her son Jasiri.  As I stood there, watching Jasiri sleeping, so many questions swirled my mind.   The main one being, when will Jasiri get a companion.

I always worry about the survivors, especially when one is left alone.   The thought to bring in a companion, is not to replace Sukari, which could never be done, but because Lions are social beings, who need to live with other Lions.  Seeing him alone has sent me on a course of major upset.  

Last October, there was a notation in the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting minutes that the Zoo was seeking approval to acquire two females from the Oregon Zoo.  Reading this and knowing it was in preparation for the future of course made me uncomfortable, but also comforted that Jasiri's future needs would be taken care of.  I don't read the minutes every month for the same reason I don't closely follow the Zoo's social media.  There's always something that's going to irritate me.  So, I didn't see this until the end of December.  I immediately checked the Oregon Zoo socials to try and learn who the Lions were, but they seemed to have several females, so I emailed them.   I asked which two females were being transferred.  Their reply was none.  This was curious.

On my visit the following week, I saw Animal Staff and Maintenance in the newly finished Cat Yard.  It seemed they were doing a safety inspection, so I thought maybe the girls were already here in quarantine.   I later found out they had not yet arrived.   I was happy to hear new girls were still coming, so when the time came Jasiri would not be alone.  

Here's a video I made a few months ago of the finished Cat Yard expansions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aC6yWTq2sI&t=71s

I don't like to think of losses at all, but once an Animal reaches a certain age, while we hope and pray they continue to thrive and push the limits of life expectancy, in the case of a social being like Lions, thoughts to the future have to take place.

Over the next couple weeks, each time I've gone to check on Jasiri and see how he's doing, he's been sleeping.   The new yard remains empty.  Allegedly there are no new Lions on the way.  I'm now very concerned with how long Jasiri will remain alone.

The work on the new yard began last June, around the time that Sukari celebrated her 20th Birthday.   Twenty is a huge milestone for Cats, and I would have hoped a search for additional Lions would have started then, if not sooner.  Early last year when the first cat yard expansion started (finish time was approx six months), the Zoo knew they would have a new yard for additional Lions in the next year.  Acquisitions should have been secured.  Yes, that is here nor there now, just noting that the Zoo could have been proactive earlier.  

So here we are closing in on a month after losing his Mother and Jasiri is still alone, with no companion allegedly even identified.   It's beyond sad.

Here are my questions:

*Is the Zoo actively looking for companions? ...  They have to have known since before Sukari's passing that those two from Oregon weren't coming.

*Does the Lion SSP (Species Survival Plan) help? ...  I thought they did, as they manage the Lion population in North American Zoos. 

*Will the Zoo be passive and just leave Jasiri alone? ...  I heard a couple years ago, after the Zoo lost it's two Tigers to San Diego, that allegedly Director Tanya Peterson did not plan to ever bring in new Tigers or Lions.  Is that about to happen?

There have been too many instances of mismanagement by the Director, and this is just another in the long list throughout her fifteen year reign.   I hope that Jasiri will not end up another Animal who's needs suffer because of her uncaring attitude toward the non-human lives that live at our San Francisco Zoo. 

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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:

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What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt Three - Pygmy Hippo Edition

Where to start...  I wrote the draft for this post after publishing Pt One and Part Two (see end of post for links) in July.  I had intended it to follow those in a decent time frame, obviously that didn't happen.  I got involved in a passion project, rescuing and finding a new home for two Animals in need.  Everything has turned out beyond wonderful for my two friends, who are now living their best lives out of the wild and in a Sanctuary.

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If you've been following my blog, you know that I've been more inconsistent than ever with posts over the past year. So, this post might be alot of back-story information.  I have noted some things along the way, since much of the back-story info has been a source of irritation.  Some of that has been resolved, some is still unknown.  So as I edit the original, and try to make it also reflect current, there are still valid curiosities to note, so I'm going to include them. 

I started this post many months before Akobi (Pygmy Hippo) arrived.  My lead-in was this...  "If there was one thing I could do right now, it would be to stop the insanity, that is the Pygmy Hippo situation.  I just hope someone comes to their senses before they arrive, and the right thing is done."

You might be wondering, What right thing is she talking about?   Plain and simple.   Renovate the existing Hippo enclosure to accommodate Pygmy Hippos.  

Now that Akobi is here, we know that the existing Hippo enclosure has been renovated.  For those who haven't been to the Zoo, I was out there a couple weeks after his arrival and took this video.  seen an overview and review of the enclosure, you can view it here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DxXNqGfe0go

You might be wondering, What I meant by the previous, wonder of, Where else would they put the Pygmy Hippo?  Surely by now, you all know, anything is possible under the orders of our San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  While not the only fail during her reign, you only have to examine the Orangutan fiasco to know that.  So, in the case of the Pygmy Hippo, while not part of the original plan for the Madagascar exhibit, the plan I first heard a year ago, was that they would now be building an enclosure for the Hippo there.  Poof, mind blown!  Seriously, I can't even with this.

Now, who knows if that is still the plan.  The complete outrageousness of the Zoo acquiring Pygmy Hippo(s) and not planning for them to permanently inhabit the existing Hippo enclosure is mind-boggling at the very least. It's another curious decision for our Zoo, that in my opinion is a fail that will disrupt the landscape of the Zoo. 

When I first heard about this, I immediately thought three things...  Ummm, Hippos aren't going in the Hippo enclosure? ... First of all, Pygmy Hippo's aren't from Madagascar. ... And if Pygmy Hippos are going in Madagascar, it's very valid to question, What happened to what was originally going there?  You know, THE reason for displacing five Primate species, and having a huge pit just sitting there for four years.  Oh, and spending money to rent a fence around that area for a good portion of those four years.  All the later will be detailed in my MAD about Madagascar post, next up after this.  So, let's concentrate on the existing Hippo enclosure and where Pygmy Hippos are actually from. 

In early 2020, when I first heard about Tucker (River Hippo) leaving, that came with the crazy notion of getting rid of the Hippo enclosure.  I was pissed at this.  Again, I have no idea what the current plan is.  That exhibit area has always been a Hippo enclosure, at least for the last fifty years.  The longtime Hippos residents, Cuddles and Puddle, came to the Zoo in 1963 and 1964 respectively.  I'm not exactly sure what year this enclosure was built, but I think it was a decent time frame post their arrival. While it's been mandated that our Hippo poll is too small for another River Hippo, it's not for a Pygmy Hippo and putting it anywhere else seemed nonsensical.  

Allegedly the thought (plan?) was to re-route the path by the Snow Leopard expansion, because they wanted to expand Black Rhino east (into Hippo), to accommodate a female and future breeding.  To me this would be a fail.  For one, the existing Hippo pool was renovated twelve years ago and is fine to use for another smaller water species, like Pygmy Hippos, or Tapirs.   Thinking of future adds to the Animal Collection, When could we ever build another enclosure like this?  Another reason why I hated that they cemented in the Sea Lion Pool.  Anyway, I digress.  With  Director Peterson crying poor for everything that is not in her or the Zoological Society Members WANTS,  the answer is most likely never.

Second, in regards to the alleged Black Rhino plan, there is a huge area where the previous female Black Rhino lived, and there is plenty of space going west that is not used by Bongo's and the space where the Bongo's are currently that could be used for such a plan.  Bongo's could easily be moved into a space in the closed off south gate area, where several species of Hoofstock used to live.  And then they could add a couple other Hoofstock species to rejuvenate that area with collection Animals.  That is what would be best, but we also have to consider other craziness that I've heard and documented, in relation to that.  That being, the alleged fantasy that they will build a brand new Big Cat enclosure where Bongo's are.  Good Grief, it's not only ridiculous, where is that money coming from?  We must remember the whole Orangutan no money for anything, crying poor song, that has been on loop for many Animal needs for years.  

So, who knows what whack plans are rattling around in Director Peterson's head.  Moving on to my curiosity about the housing of the Pygmy Hippo, knowing that if he was eventually going to Madagascar, I wondered what temporary set-up he would get.  Remember, the Orangutans were kept in caged tubes for the most part of eight months.  So, that proves, anything is possible.

Soon after Tucker left, I noticed and noted that I had seen plywood boards going up, and presumed they were for quarantine purposes.  Nothing seemingly changed for almost a year, so I assumed the plywood was it.  That was all the budget was allowing for.  Thankfully, it was not.  I was imagining the poor little guy, leaving his Mama for the first time, and having only plywood to stare at.

Then about a month before his arrival, I saw what the plan was with plexiglass and thought it was great.  Only thing was there were only two panels of plexi and on opposite sides.  I couldn't figure out this thought process and made a video about it, but never got to uploading.  In it I questioned why there weren't additional panels connected to create a wall of clear for him to look out.  

As you've seen, that has all been sorted.  Someone there must have mind melded with me, because the exact two that are now plexi, were two of the ones I noted should be plexi.  

As noted in the video shared at the top of this post, I'm extremely happy with the outcome of this enclosure.  Even if it's temporary, at least it's decent.  Only thing I am curious about is the pool.  Wondering whether it could be cemented up to make it permanently more shallow, or even if that would be something that would enhance the habitat for him.

So, back to the alleged craziness of building a Pygmy Hippo enclosure within the MAD project.  My initial reaction to that was What?!!!  Pygmy Hippos aren't even from Madagascar!  I allegedly heard that some staff was told that they were and this was displaying a species on the brink of extinction there.  Seriously, if this is true, what kind of illusion is being spun with this?  Madagascar did have native Hippos, but they were not the Pygmy Hippos of today.  They were Dwarf Hippos, also called Malagasy Hippo, even Malagasy Pygmy Hippo.  They looked more like miniature River Hippos and have been extinct for some time now.  I read varying reports, that spanned up to 1000 yrs. 

The modern day Pygmy Hippopotamuses that are part of the current Zoo populations, are endemic to West Africa. They only occur in four countries: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  Over 4000 miles from Madagascar.  So trying to say they come from Madagascar is outrageous.  

I'm all for providing the best homes for the Animals. My comments and thoughts are in no way about denying the Pygmy Hippo the best home possible.  I think if we hadn't lost the majority of our Monkey species, for the Madagascar project, and if the original project plan included Pygmy Hippos, and if the project didn't create such an eye sore and disruption for four years, my reaction might have been different about the Pygmy Hippo being part of Madagascar, but it all just seems so random, illogical, and desperate (to fill that pit) that I just don't know.  If the Pygmy Hippo does eventually go there, the existing Hippo enclosure needs to be saved and occupied.  By Tapirs I hope.  Demolishing it would be a huge fail.

Early on, not knowing what effort would take place, based on funds allocated for a Hippo renovation, my original post had me ranting a bit once again on the lack of fundraising from our Zoo. ... If the Zoo had created excitement about the Pygmy Hippo when they first knew about the acquisition a year ago, and started a fundraiser that would have helped with these renovations, that would have brought in necessary funds, and allowing the use of the funds that were used to be used for other needs, like my broken record of finishing the Flamingo netting, and installing netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs.

Several months ago I came across this effort by the John Ball Zoo.  Coincidentially it is for Pygmy Hippos.  Not only did they have a sandwich board effort at exhibit area, they have webpages about the Campaign and tons of media awareness.  That said, for something like this to be fully optimized, there needs to be a Community that cares.  Unfortunately Inhave seen no evidence of effort in fifteen yrs, to build one for our Zoo.  So lacking that and no creativity or ambition to fundraise, SFZoo fails to help itself and most importantly, the Animals that live there.

There was alot of work done pre and post AZA inspections.  It is a sore point to see this catch-up every five years when accreditation comes around.  If there was constant fundraising, these necessities could be done as needed.  That said, they sure found funds to get these things done, yet, and yes I go back to the Orangutan situation because that has been really upsetting.  Additionally, they have spent thousands of dollars to build gardens everywhere.  I have long had an issue with this use of funds. This has nothing to do with the talent of their creator, but soley with the outrageous expense, when Director Peterson crying poor for Animal needs for near fifteen years.  I'm especially bothered by the garden built to distract from how awful the Orangutan home is, and that there's an elaborate build at a side entrance allegedly only for use by specific people.  Those funds could have been used for the Orangutans, and the Hippo area.  Not to mention finally building the home the Andean Condors were supposed to have years ago.  

I understand Gardens is part of the Zoo name, but it seems Director Peterson has forgotten that the Zoo is an Animal Care Facility.   

Related Posts...

What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt One - Big Cat Grottos ... 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/07/whats-happening-at-to-our-zoo-pt-one.html

What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt Two - Detailing All The Construction ... 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/07/whats-happening-at-to-our-zoo-pt-two.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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Lack Of Help For Zoo From Rec & Park and Other Related Irritations (Bison Paddock and Fundraising)

I still have five final posts, in simultaneous draft.  The energy in my ambition to reach each goal for finishing and publishing continues to get pushed.  During that time other things enter my realm and I have to decide if those things are necessary to post about at this time.  While wanting to stay current, I also need to stick to the theme of those five posts.  Mostly because at this time in my life, I really do need to wrap-up documenting Zoo stuff.  

I wondered if this irritation should be documented now or wait for the last post in my series that details the Pyramid of Power that has caused the downward spiral of our Zoo.  While I maintain that direction dive is solely been perpetrated and perpetuated by Director Peterson, there is a cast of enablers, both inside and outside the Zoo, that have allowed her mismanagement.  

The Zoo is part of the Recreation and Parks Dept. As I understand it, that department is supposed to have taken a management position in regards to the Zoo, as outlined in the Lease Agreement. The relationship is supposed to provide a sort of checks and balances, along with the Zoological Society.  Neither of which has hapoened in far too long, if ever.  More will be outlined in that final post.

For the purpose of this post, my irritation is focused once again on fundraising, and mismanagement on that level by all three entities.  San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, San Francisco Zoological Society, and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept.  None of which has contributed in anyway to actively continuing to create ideas for and implement fundraising ideas outside of the Zoo's annual fundraiser ZooFest.

A few days ago, I opened an email newsletter from the Golden Gate National Recreation.  Note that I gave up reading newsletters from the Rec and Park as they were filled with reporting all the ways they spend money to beautify the Parks in their system.  They do not consider the Zoo part of their "system".  I realized this when I contacted them during their fence building project to see if there was something that could be done within that (financed) project to fix the exterior appearance of the Zoo.  The perimeter fence in the main part leading to the Zoo is literally crumbling, yet in the fourteen years of Director Peterson's reign nothing had been done to fix it.  At this point with allegedly no money for Animal Needs, I wouldn't want limited funds diverted that way, so I inquired if the Rec and Park could include that portion of the Zoo fence in their project.  The Rec and Park said No.   

I'll note here while on the Rec and Park, that I continue to take issue with them in regard to keeping the Bison Paddock meadow in Golden Gate Park hydrated.  It is my understanding that the grounds are the responsibility of the Rec and Park.  The Bison are grazing Animals, yet their meadow is always dried up. I don't see that in any other part of the park.  Everywhere else the grass is lush and green, except in the one area where it is a diet supplement to the Animals living there.  Why are the sprinklers never turned on?  I saw them on once, two years ago.  They can not claim water reducing as they continual have the sprinklers on everywhere else.  Last week I saw a sprinkler flooding the road at Stow Lake.

This post from three years ago contains more information about the fence and Bison issues.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/blog-status-future-post-subjects-rec.html

The Oakland Zoo recently did a Facebook live about their Bison.  In it the Keeper noted, "They have over fifteen acres of habitat to naturally graze on.  So when you look out you'll see there's lot of grass out here and that's really important because they are natural grazers.  So, they'd spend about nine hrs of their day out in the wild foraging and grazing, so we wanted to replicate that here at the Oakland Zoo and that's why you see so much grass and so much land, cause they do actually need all that."

FYI this was the Bison meadow last week...

Back to the Golden Gate National Recreation newsletter, the main reason for this post.  Apologies for the digression.  Their newsletter contains updates for our Park areas that are on Government land versus the Rec and Park which is City owned land.   In this email, there was a link to an extensive update on the new Presidio Tunnel Tops project.

https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/presidio-tunnel-tops?utm_source=pev&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pev-june-2022

The linked site noted that their campaign raised $98 million.  I thought Wow, if only the Zoo could raise a quarter of that, the things it could do (with the right management of course).  I was curious, Who is raising these funds?  I expanded the link to view the names of the Campaign Committee.

Surprise, surprise, none other than the SF Rec and Park Manager Mark Buell is the Co-Chair.  All I could feel was disappointment and disgust.  Good grief, the Zoo is in the Rec and Park Dept and seriously, What has Mark Buell ever done for the Zoo?  He must know their struggles.  If he has some magic as far as raising funds, Why hasn't he lent a hand to the Zoo?

Oh yea, because the Rec and Park does not consider the Zoo part of its responsibility.

Fundraising irritation side note...

This was recently posted to the Zoo's social media.

So, in addition to the usual irritation if renaming Animals, that arrive at the Zoo with an established name, there's this...

While I think these trips are a great thing to offer, I do not think it's something necessary (and certainly not a Need), especially at a time when the Zoo is so desperate for funds for Animal Needs.  It is my understanding that donors have previously underwritten these trips.  I have never seen the Zoo do outreach to fund for travel expenses.  

I'm completely offended that there are actual Animal Needs that have never been fundraised for, and that the Zoo is choosing to use the word NEED in this way.  

Unfortunately, our Zoo excels in skewed priorities

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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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Will Anyone Have The Balls To Seek Justice For Eko?

Today I woke up intending to move forward with finishing those blog posts in draft and a couple others.  I never make my own deadlines, some years old.  My serious deadline for wrapping up this blog to date was end of year.  Yesterday I pushed it to next weekend.  Good Grief, the weight is heavy.  

I opened the computer with great intent, but after a morning of reading Twitter about the Naples Zoo Tiger Event, I still couldn't shake it.  Eko being contained and the fence between them is everything in my opinion. In one of my replies to a Tweet, I started typing #JusticeForEko and it had already been in use.  Searching for the Tweets associated with it, I read more of the same that I had been, but almost exclusivley here, calling for the perpetrator River Rosenquist to be "charged".  

In my experience with incidents at the San Francisco Zoo, and from other instances I've read about through the years at other Zoos, that never seems happen.  So it's something I have come to not entertain as reality. 

My way of thinking is very Black and White.  I don't think within any middle lines.  There's right and wrong, good and bad, responsible and irresponsible.  So way back in 2007, when the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept and San Francisco Zoological Society, so-called managing entities of the SFZoo, absorbed all responsibility for our own Tiger event, I was outraged.  Regardless of Human vs Animal, Tatiana would not have lost her life if she had not been provoked out of her enclosure.  Now maybe there is some loophole of bullshit, because in her case she was lose, but still, it was clear those three delinquents had caused this, and yet there were no repercussions.  No examples set.  Instead with one dead, his family and the remaining two walked away with a 900k settlement.  Within a very short time, the two brothers went on spree, robbing multiple Target stores and ending up in/out of jail over the next few years.  Probably using their settlement money to hire lawyers for that.  Disgusting.  Since everyone knew they were responsible and the evidence of the (Zoo) investigation was sealed for five years, there should have been a hold on their settlement for that long, only then releasing it to them if they had not had any trouble with the law during that time.  Yes, I'm evidentially a dreamer.

In 2009 a man entered the Grizzly Bear enclosure.  Even though it got as far as the emergency response team pointing rifles at our girls heads, no legal action was taken against the guy.  There have been others, most recently with the Breaking and Entering, Trespassing and Kidnapping of Maki the Lemur.  No charges against the perpetrator stuck.  He was told by the judge not to go to the Zoo.  Are you Fking kidding me.  So, you see, I have no faith that there will be Justice for Eko.

It seems that Zoos, and in the Maki case, Judges, cower behind the Human priority factor.  It's disturbing, and sets no example to deter future incidents.  I've been waiting fourteen years for someone to stand-up for the Animals in captivity who are tormented by human trash.  Many years ago, when we received a new male Amur Tiger, he was napping peacefully in the moat of his home.  A pair of Stroller Moms, most likely even Members, threw rocks at him to get him to wake-up and entertain them.  Security only told them not to.  That's how it is at SFZoo.  It's happened too many times that I know of. Ask people not to assault our Animals, and let them continue on with their day. NO! They should have been escorted out.  Asked if Members and Membership revoked. Shit, I get my membership revoked for writing this blog, but assaulting an Animal you get nothing?  It's insane.  These trash should have been made an example.  They should have been arrested, and this should have been made a media event.  It was the perfect example to stand-up and say, do not come to the San Francisco Zoo and misbehave.  The reason it was perfect is because it was an Amur Tiger, just like Tatiana.  That five year mark had come up when finally the investigation records were released, making public what we all knew, Tatiana was taunted.  I'm still waiting for an example to be made of someone.  

When will someone, in some Zoo stand-up for the Animals in their care?  

The last thing I read last night was an article on the Daily Mail.  It contained two quotes from the Naples Zoo President/Director Jack Mulvena.  As you can see by my adds to the screencaps, that I had sent a few friends,  my reaction was and remains, WTF?

So, the Naples Zoo President/Director in my opinion is spineless.  This guy should have not made any comment on the recovery of  the "trashman" as he's being called.  The only thing he should have done was talk about how this behavior is not ok.  Expand on all the scenarios and warnings to the self-entitled, and creating awareness for the empty headed.  

Additionally, I'm so sick of hearing self-entitled people being referred to as stupid, idiots, etc.  They are not.  They are self important, do whatever the fck they want jerks.  The other category is those with sinister intent.  The evil doers, like the Fker who Kidnapped poor Maki.  Why can't people just be called what they are?  Stop referring to Aholes as idiots.  Good Grief, am I the only one who is frustrated and pissed enough to speak with the vocabulary of a Sailor?  I just can't take it.  Sorry I'm just so disgusted by Humans, at my old age, vulgarity is pretty much all I have. 

Anyway, I hope someone seeks Justice for Eko.  I also hope the Naples Zoo and other Zoos will rethink their after hours protocols, and have someone on Staff, Security or other, that can make non-lethal decisions, and have those methods in place and at the ready, especially for Animals that are contained, like Eko was. I hope they all work with their local Authorities, and it is clear that only authorized Staff can call for a Shoot Order.  Clearly none of that was in place at Naples Zoo.  It is my opinion that the Collier County Sheriff's Office made the wrong call in shooting Eko, at the urging of the jerk who put himself and more important that poor Tiger in that situation.

Like with those who caused Tatiana's death, I hope that he who caused Eko's murder, will be haunted by nightmares every night of his life, and that Eko is there to meet him on the otherside when his time comes.  Since the trashman survived, it's all we can hope for in the name of Justice.

Related Posts

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/12/naples-zoo-tiger-shot-to-save-human.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/follow-up-thoughts-to-naples-zoo-tiger.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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News Flash! ... Gorilla Born At SFZoo Gives Birth At Cleveland Zoo!

Congratulations to our Resident Matriarch Bawang on becoming a Grandma for the second time.  Bawang's Daughter Nneka, who was born at the San Francisco Zoo in 1998, gave birth to her second babie, last Friday!  

Screencap Cleveland Zoo Facebook

Unfortunately, Nneka once again showed no interest in her newborn infant. Another troop female named Freddy (Fredrika) has now assumed the role of the little boy's Mother.

Here is a link to one of the News articles, that also includes a video of the babie and Freddy.

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2021/11/gorilla-born-for-first-time-ever-at-cleveland-metroparks-zoo.html

I am happy the birth was successful, for both the health of the babie and Nneka, and I am thankful for Freddy, who was available to be a surrogate Mama. 

In 2013, when Nneka gave birth in SF, it was on exhibit.  She had it and then walked away. Thankfully her Mama had been trained to surrogate, when five years earlier, our female Monifa did the same thing.  Both ladies had not been around breeding females, and their first-time experiences were chalked up to just not knowing what to do.  

View an SFZoo visitor video of the birth here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bGIlI1_JMP0

At the time, considering this had happened twice now, I asked if there had been any prepping in hopes for a maternal connection, via some kind of education.  There had not been.  I questioned whether using videos of other Apes, even Humans giving birth would be a good tool?   Response was favorable, saying that was a good idea.  One would also think, watching a surrogate to be education, but I'm wondering if from the Gorilla's perspective, that triggers anything more than, drop it and someone else will come by and pick it up. 

Nneka moved to the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo around three years ago.  She was moved there on a breeding recommendation.  I thought I heard that there were other breeding females, for her to learn from, but I can't be certain I'm not confusing that with our current SFZoo situation.  Our Monifa, who walked away from her newborn in 2008, still has a breeding recommendation.  Before breeding her again, it is my understanding that they want her to experience a birth and care by a biological Mother before that.  Two years ago female Kimani was transferred to SF to be that teacher.  Kimani had seen births and care by other females in her previous troop.  Neither of our ladies has gotten pregnant yet, so it remains to be seen if that will be teachable in Monifa, or Kimani for that matter, as it would be her first-time.

So, I have to wonder, considering this birth at Cleveland Zoo is reportedly the first in 139 years, What, if anything, was done to prepare Nneka to be interested in her babie after giving birth?  ... Likewise, I have to wonder if anything has been done with our females to help them learn what they should do, to avoid possibly needing Bawang to take care of a third babie.

I also am concerned that in the future Cleveland/AZA/SSP,  may still want her genetics represented and they will try to breed her again, regardless of her history.  I hope this will not happen and all parties will take her cue and not put her through a third pregnancy, when she obviously does not want to be a Mom. 

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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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Great Plains Zoo Snow Leopard Passes Away From Covid - Protecting Captive Animals

Baya the female Snow Leopard lost her life to Covid.   She was the first non-human casualty to the virus in a Zoo setting.  RIP Baya, Bless Your Soul.

Screencap Great Plains Zoo FB

Big Cats and Great Apes seem to be the captive species most affected.  The first reported case was a Tiger at the Bronx Zoo in April 2020, close to the start of the pandemic.  Since then there have been many Covid cases in the captive animal community.  

This year San Diego seems to have been hit repeatedly.  In January, eight Gorillas at their Safari Park were infected, in July the Zoo's two Snow Leopards, and in August six Sumatran Tigers at the Safari Park came down with Covid.  Among them, possibly our own Jillian and Teddy, who were transferred there not long before.

Last month saw two Zoo's with large groups infected.  Eighteen Gorillas at Zoo Atlanta, and Nine Big Cats at DCs National Zoo, including their African Lion Matriarch Shera, who came very close to having her life end due to virus complications.  Thankfully in the last few days she is doing better, but her condition is still guarded.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, I have been roaring in person and via this blog, about the lack of protection in the way of signage, distancing and sheltering, at our San Francisco Zoo Chimpanzee yard. 

I spend most of my Zoo visits at that enclosure and admittedly worried most for them, as Chimpanzee Jamie would almost exclusively, sit at the netting in a place that was considerably less than six feet from Visitors, expelling possibly contaminated particles on her, and into the enclosure.

It took over a year for the Zoo to get proper signage in that area.  There was never any additional barriers to distance people or any kind of physical sheltering added.

It was not lost on me that the Snow Leopards and Bobcat enclosures were also vulnerable in proximity to Visitor aerosols.  Earlier this year, in a post dated January 17, I wrote ...

Regardless of whether I mentioned this or not, the Zoo should have been and still should be posting awareness signs regarding Mask wearing around all Vulnerable Species.  While neither the Snow Leopards or Bobcat linger at the fencing, aerosol particles travel up to twenty-seven feet, and that is this distance that should be used as a guideline for distance between random Humans and the Animals who are considered a Vulnerable Species.

Yesterday I saw a photo posted to the Fiona the Hippo Facebook Group, that made me gasp.  The San Antonio Zoo is conducting their behind the scenes Animal Experiences, allowing Visitors to not only go without Masks, but also feed the Animals without gloves.  The photo also shows a Keeper with no Mask.  I know it's Texas, but geez, talk about irresponsible.  I have to wonder if the AZA has a Covid Safety mandate for their Accredited Zoos?

I have made a case for protecting the Animals from Visitor aerosols.  While I think that it is necessary to take all possible precautions from the public side, infection from Zoo staff that has access to indoor animal quarters, has to be considered the most likely point of transmission.  Since Keepers have the closest contact, they are the ones that have been linked in most reports.  

As I questioned above, Is there a national mandate for Animal Staff safety protocol?  Are all Keepers required to be vaccinated?  Wear masks and gloves?  At our SFZoo, all Staff seem to be following the local mask mandate, and only once did I see an Animal Care staffer without a mask.  I was shocked.  I saw the Vet at the fencing, mask down, observing the Chimpanzees.  I'm still bothered by it.  

Mask wearing protocol has been a irk of mine from the start.  I have an endless stream of words and tales, about the subject.  The purpose of mentioning it here, is that there has to be some reason these captive animals are getting infected.  Are their Keepers not adhereing to safety protocols?  I'd be surprised, but not shocked if they weren't.  For those who are, mask handling and good hygiene practises, in my opinion, has to play a part in transmission.

In my observation over the past nineteen months, I've been disturbed by the lack of attention to mask handling and good hygiene.  In recent years I've been hyper-sensitive to other people's funk, so going into this my personal protocol may be considered extreme, but since we are about to be in this health crisis situation two years, extreme isn't a bad thing.   And those in close contact with others, non-human and human, especially caregivers, should adopt extreme protocols.

People might be wearing their mask and wearing gloves, but did they sanitize their hands prior to putting that gear on?  If not, whatever was on hands prior is now being transferred about.   I see people taking masks out of their pockets, touching the inside and then putting them over their mouth and nose, which are the places that the mask is supposed to be protecting.  It makes no sense, and it has to have played a part in the spread. Mask handling should be done by ear loops only. Additionally, masks that continually slip, need to go. Masks need to fit properly so they aren't being touched constantly.  In regards to Keepers, maybe it's time they double mask, adding an N95 or medical mask under the cloth mask that they should be changing/washing daily. 

I have a post following this one, that contains multiple small items.  One of those items is regarding a huge new sign at the crossroads after you enter past the gate house.  It touts the Zoo's Conservation efforts.  In my opinion, it seems to have been put there at this time, in preparation for the Zoo's upcoming AZA Accreditation inspection, as Conservation participation is on their checklist.  

In one of my early posts about the lack of awareness and mandate signage at Chimps, I noted that I thought signage about Vulnerable Species and the importance of adhereing to mask wearing around them, could be added to the wood fencing that borders the yard path.  With that idea in mind, the size, positioning and message of that conservation signage, could have been better utilized as a Covid and Animals Educational tool. ... Education is also on the inspection checklist, and current crises that effect Animals never seems to be part of the Zoo's awareness efforts.

I hope better precautions and protocols are put in place, so there won't be any more Animals infected.

Say some Prayers for all the Animals still experiencing symptoms of Covid, and hope they all recover soon.  

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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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Tucker Update ... Why Hasn't SFZoo Given One?

This wasn't even a post, until now.  A friend of mine messaged me and asked Why? the Zoo has posted three consecutive posts about Red Panda's, and not one mention of it being Orangutan Ollie's Birthday. ... Happy 12th Birthday Ollie!  

Unfortunately the lack of and inconsistency of posts, is just another thing in a long line of curiosities there.  It's one of those things that irks me and if it catches me at the right time, we end up with posts like this.

So now here I am posting about the Zoo's Social Media Fails.  It's all good though, because for the Tucker Fans who haven't been following Cincinnati Zoo's socials, you need to!  They are feeding us Tucker fans well!

They have posted eight updates, in the eleven days he's been there, which seems like more than SF did in the ten plus years Tucker was here.  I may be exaggerating, especially since I have never monitored the Zoo's socials, except when I'm looking for something specific.  In this recent case it's been to see what content related to Tucker's departure (if any) they posted.  

The Zoo posted photos of his crate being loaded, but nothing with his photo.  They have also yet to share any of Cincinnati's Updates. ... The only mention of him after that post was a reply to a comment about his name "being changed".  The guy is not theirs anymore and they still couldn't bring themselves to be honest and reply that Tucker was his real name. ... Just now had this thought... Maybe that's why no updates?  They don't want to post anything that actually uses his real name because they might have to explain further how they stole it from him the moment he got here, and they don't want to field those questions?

In a previous post, I noted the issue of the Zoo never sharing an alert about when Animals are leaving.  That could be transfers out, or to an off exhibit area.  I also noted that I thought it was curious that they even posted about Tucker's departure. That post was dated September 5th.  That same day the Zoo posted this... The timing is curious, but more outrageous is that they note he is leaving "early September, ... we hope you will find time to see him, ..."  knowing full well, he was leaving the next day!  Good Grief.  I seriously can't even.

screencap from

SFZoo Twitter

<Sigh>  I just don't get it.  I mean, I actually do, as I have witnessed their continual mediocrity for over a decade.  I hate that it bothers me, but I think it's because it's just a cog in the overall mismangement situation going on there.  Either people get it and they just don't care, or they are just lacking in some way and really don't get it.  Regardless, it's a problem.  I have written about the lack of building a community, and this directly lends to that.  Not using Social Media to it's optimum is a fail that reaches into other areas. Social Media = Community = ...... = ......  And yes, I deliberately left those to parts of the equation blank.  It's not for me to point out the importance of that equation.  There are too many people on staff there to begin with, and too many that seem to just do as little as possible while pulling in a paycheck.  Everyone getting paid there, especially at management level, and specifically at the top with the Director, should be going the extra distance to do things right, because the Zoo is dying with one fail after another.

Related to this post, there is a PR person and a Social Media person.  I don't know if they are both full-time, but looking at the social platforms, anyone in either position should be doing more.   A quick glance at Facebook for August, there were fifteen posts in the thirty-one days of that month, and three weren't related to Zoo Animals.  What are these people so busy doing?  

Tucker Fans,  the people of Cincinnati LOVE him!  Their initial post about his arrival got over thirty thousand reactions!   In comparison, SF has yet to even mention female Gorilla Kimani, that arrived at the Zoo in September 2019.  

Tucker has become a Star there, like I knew he would.  He has also been all over their local media.  Make sure to follow Cincinnati Zoo for all things Tucker!  It's a beautiful thing to see his real name being used.  And this photo they posted the other day, is too cute!  I love photos from this angle, and have taken many of the Farm Friends, but no way I could ever get this of Tucker!  Love it so much!  Hi Tuck!  Love you!  Enjoy your new life sweetheart ❤

screencap from

Cincinnati Zoo FB

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/animal-go-round-why-isnt-public.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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Bon Voyage Tucker! - Hippo Moving To Cincinnati

As I mentioned in my previous post about transfers, I first heard about Tucker leaving near two years ago now.  That's how long ago I started writing this post.  

When I first heard this news I was shocked and saddened.  I Love this guy and have since before he even got here. ... Here's one of my first photos of him, coming over to see me!   I didn't realize until I looked at these first photos how much of a babie face he had back then. 

Hi Tucker!  So happy to meet you!

Once I got through the shock and thought about what this move meant for him, I felt some comfort.  Knowing he was moving to the Cincinnati Zoo, home to the world famous Fiona, I knew he would be treated well.  I also knew I would be able to follow him on their social media.  At the time, I didn't know whether he was going to be Fiona's future mate or her Mama Bibi's (confirmed).  Either way, I imagined he will be loved and celebrated, as I remember Bibi's mate Henry (Fiona's Papa), lived together with she and Fiona as a Family.  Tucker would now have a Family.  That is the only thing that is giving me comfort.  So, I hope my vision for his life there is accurate and he is shown the same respect as Henry and not just going there to be kept off exhibit and used as a stud.  I would be suprised if he is not celebrated and treated like a King!  I have always felt bad that he was alone, and him living in a family is what is making this move easier emotionally.

Soon after Tucker arrived at the Zoo, I wrote about the disrespect Tucker received from Management, starting with the moment he got here.  He was crated at Topeka Zoo on a Tuesday early afternoon, for his move to San Francisco Zoo. He traveled over 34 hours (in the crate) by truck and plane. ...  I was told by the Security Guard who was at the Zoo and sat with him all night,  that he arrived at 8pm.  ... The SFZoo Staff did not uncrate him until the following morning.  He was left in the crate, in his feces and urine, an additional 12 hours.  He spent 46 hours in a box that he couldn't even turn around in.  I saw the photos.  Truly Disgusting, and Heartbreaking. 

The next disrespect came with the disgrace of a donor naming him after a Ball Player.  Then when that Ball Player left the Giants, he was renamed after the Coach.  Seriously, What the Friggin' Hell?!  This was 2010 and my first introduction to the renaming epidemic at our Zoo and I was not only furious, but heartbroken for him.

Thankfully Tucker has wonderful Keepers, who take great care of him.  Here's a pic and link to a short clip from his Birthday this past May of him checking out the awesome cakes his Keeper made for him!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a5LKhBhJ8Ig&fbclid=IwAR3QBdBolbh17DBsAJzm1uouxkVamoAZGN_5sLFKYb40zcK7OAyjm44o_Tc

So, it is my hope that when Tucker gets to Cincinnati, they will honor his true real name publicly and he can once again reclaim his Identity as Tucker.  ... Tucker is how his name appears in the Studbook and the name his Keepers use.  

I also hope that Cincinnati will be his permanent home, as it will be his fourth and I think that is enough.  There really should be a cap on how many times an Animal is ripped away from their homes, and often mates they are bonded to, and sent elsewhere.

In July, I heard Tucker would be leaving by the end of August, so anytime now.  Initial word was that he would be leaving soon (that was fall 2019), which would have been early 2020 since transfers don't happen much in the winter. Then Covid hit and there weren't transfers being done for most of last year.  I was thankful he was still there when the Zoo re-opened last July.   Since no one knew when he would be leaving,  I treated every visit, like it was my last time seeing him before he left and shed many tears each time.   Here's a video link from one of those times.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=psOoLWyDY7k

If you read my previous post, you'll know it's not the Zoo's usual MO to tell people when an Animal is leaving.  I'm surprised they have said anything in advance of his departure.  Words from the Zoo's press release, have been included in a few news articles.  There are errors.  I find it completely irritating that the Zoo Staff continues to not know the histories of the Animals in their care.  I say that, knowing for fact, it is not the first time.  In Tucker's case, they have said, he came from a Zoo where he lived with his Mother, and that he had no offspring.  The facts of Tucker's history are as follows.  When he was at Topeka Zoo, he lived with a female named Mara.  Mara was on birth-control but got pregnant.  When their Son Vison (now called Tank) was born, there was not enough room to house three Hippo's and Tucker came to SF.  Those are his facts.  Mara is NOT his Mother, and he has already fathered an offspring.  For those interested in following his former Family, Tank still lives at Topeka Zoo, and Mara now lives at Los Angeles Zoo.

As time has ticked on since I first heard this news, all the other things related to his departure, and connected issues, have become increasingly irritating.  I had another part to this post that concentrated that, but I think that I will make it a separate post.  

I'll end this by Wishing Tucker a beautiful life in his new home.  Have a wonderful adventure my friend, look forward to following your journey!  I Love You Sweet Boy!

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/animal-go-round-why-isnt-public.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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Animal Go-Round ... Why Isn't The Public Notified Before An Animal is Transferred Out?

In my last post, the narrative was my feelings about the lack of recognition to the Animal Residents that pass away.  The inconsistency of degree or even complete lack of, I find disrespectful and it hurts my soul.  

This post is about Animal transfers, and the ocassions when Animals are taken off exhibit, and the lack of awareness given to those who are endeared to those Animals. 

I do not remember a time over the last thirteen years, when an Animal has been transfered out, that the Zoo has alerted the public before it happened.  Or after for that matter.  The upcoming departure of Tucker the Hippo is a first.  Why that is, I don't know.  This is for all the others past and future, that will disappear without anyone knowing.

Over the years, luckily for the most part I have gotten a heads-up on Animals leaving.  The times when I didn't left me feeling sad and at a loss. The first time I can remember was when Snow Leopard Rigel, who I was endeared to, moved off exhibit to the closed former FCC area.  He lived there a couple years, until his passing.  I never saw him again.  Snow Leopard Niya, and Andean Condor Claudia, both moved to FCC without warning as well.   I have a post to finish about them, as well the others moved to FCC.  The point is, notice could have been given to the public that these Zoo Friends would be moving off exhibit.

As well, notice can be given when there is a planned transfer of an Animal to another Zoo.  These transfers are not made last minute, so there is plenty of time for fans to visit these Animals that they have come to care about.  I mentioned notice being given regarding Tucker's upcoming departure.  If I had finished this post even a few weeks ago, the Zoo would still have not yet made a public announcement, even though they have known about it for two years.  That said, when both Tucker and Ollie the Orangutan left their previous homes, Topeka and Erie respectively, those Zoo's well publicized their upcoming departures, and from the comments I read on their Facebook posts, fans of these Friends were happy to have been able to see them one last time.  

Not being transparent about transfers, really says the Zoo doesn't care about the people who visit who are endeared to the Animals.  Unfortunately it is no surprise, as our Zoo has never cared about creating a community among members and visitors, something I suggested twelve years ago to the Director, as a much needed tool to thriving.

In more recent times, the one transfer I didn't know about was for one of my besties, Black Swan Sydney.  I had a conection with her, and she would always come over and talk to me when I greeted her.  One day soon after the Zoo re-opened after its second shutdown, I went to the Puente and didn't see her.  Or her sign.  My heart sank.  I thought she had passed away.  I cried and spoke to her Spirit, as I do with all the Friends that pass.  I was so sad that she was gone, and that I had found out like that.  When I had a chance to ask someone, I thankfully learned that she had been transferred to another Zoo.   Still sad that I won't see her again, but thankful she is alive.   A sign at her home saying she had moved to a new home at Alexandria Zoo would have been a simple, respectful and courteous thing to do. 

Sydney (Cusco behind her) 

coming over to say Hi and 

ask why it's still nightime?!

Gorilla Hasani moved to the Los Angeles Zoo in the fall of 2019.   Born at SFZoo in 2008, Hasani had many fans who had followed his early life, through being raised by surrogate, to his first time on exhibit.  The Zoo didn't say a word publicly that he was moving, until after he was gone.  Thankfully I knew, and had a great visit with him a few days before, and was also able to alert Members I knew who love him, so they could see him before he left.

A couple months ago, a transfer that had been in the works for at least the eight months I have known about it, took place.  Again without warning.  Our Sumatran Tigers, Jillian and Teddy, were transferred to San Diego Zoo Safari  Park.  Jillian an instant fan favorite when she was born here in 2013.  She was sent to Sacramento Zoo without warning in 2017.  She didn't do well there and was brought back a year later. Genetically valuable, she got a breeding recommendation with highly valuable Teddy owned by SDZoo.  He came here in 2019.  SF failed to even introduce them, so allegedly San Diego recalled Teddy and because of the breeding recommendation, took Jillian with him.  It's a bummer, that we weren't able to see Cubs born here again, but I'm actually ok with this move, like with Tucker I think their lives will be enriched in their new homes.  The point of all this is, these Animals have fans, and like with all the rest, they show up to visit one day and find them gone.

Possibly the biggest shock to fans, would have been showing up one day back in 2015 to see Triple Grotto empty and our three senior Chimpanzees gone, after almost fifty years of living there.  That could have very well happened if Director Peterson had got her way, and snuck them out in the dead of the night as the saying goes, which is what would have happened, because allegedly not many, including some Staff and Zoological Society Members even knew about it.  As well, it was never brought up at any Joint Zoo Meetings, so that panel, which includes the Rec and Park Commission, probably had no clue either. Thankfully two Staff Members alerted me in time, and my efforts to stop that move were successful. 

For those who have visited recently, and seen the home of our sweet little senior Squirrel Monkey Atlas empty, rest assured, he is fine!  He was recently moved to Squirrel Monkey Haven, where he will be able to meet some new same species Friends!  Sure do miss this precious little guy!  Here's a clip of him having some Yums!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mJTUZ3-pK_k

So yeah, there you have it.  Another fail.  In my opinion, the Zoo needs to be more empathetic to those who love the Residents and let people know they are leaving and where they are going so they can follow them in their new homes.  

Previous/Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/acknowledging-eight-zoo-friends-who.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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Acknowledging Nine Zoo Friends Who Have Left Us

I finished this on the date below, and never got to publishing it.  

August 8, 2021

I wrote this in June and never posted it.  Two weeks ago I heard that Ramona, the San Clemente Matriarch had passed away.   I had a bond with this lady, and like many Farm Friends, I've missed interacting with her since the covid shutdown.   Sadly, too many have left in the past year and those interactions are only memories now.

June 28, 2021

I started writing this when I heard Malagra (female Guanco) passed away.  I did several posts last year to acknowledge all the Passings that I knew about, because the Zoo often does not.  At the time, I had put those draft posts on hold, so I was writing about other things.  Years ago I used to try and post about each Passing, but as I got more overwhelmed with issue posts, those became my focus.  I have felt bad over the years, not to write about each one, and now as I write this abbreviated post I feel even worse.  I started and intended to write something short about each one, including my personal connection with them, with a photo or video link.  At the time it was only two.  

It's saddest to write about a lost Friend too soon, so I wait. Unfortunately as I waited this time, more Friends kept leaving us.  

Soon after I found out Malagra passed away,  I read that Lily (female Duiker) had passed.  Then it was Merlin (male Alpaca), then it was Garcia (male Wolf), then Nataani (male Sheep).  While in conversation about Nataani, I found out the Mac (Rooster) had recently passed.  Just as I was about to finish working on my original post, we lost Cobby (male Chimpanzee), and Prince (male Wolf) in the same week.  

As I write these names, I think about those that I haven't heard about.  The ones I will read about in the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, whenever I catch up there.  I'm glad that they are documented publicly, so that I at least know what happened to them.  At the same time, it makes me sad, that the Zoo doesn't recognize each one, with at least a social media post.  I expanded on this in a previous post.  I think every Being deserves a mention.  Some may not be publicly known, or would gain media attention for the Zoo, but they matter to all who knew and loved them.  Big or Small, every Being should be treated as a Member of the Zoo Family. 

Some Residents get acknowledged in one way or another, others nothing.  Take for instance the two most recent Friends.  Cobby and Prince.  One got a sign, one did not.  One had a bucket in front of the sign, for those who wanted to leave flowers, one did not.  How hard is it to make a sign of remembrance, and put a bucket out for those who wish to pay their respects?  The Zoo has a computer, color printer,  laminating machine and buckets.  So what's the problem?

I will also mention that the same, some do and some don't, extends to Birthdays.  How hard is it to post a Birthday Wish for everyone?

It hurts my Soul when one Resident is not shown the same Respect for it's life and service to captivity, than another. 

As I wrote in the post prior to this one, because of the issue posts I have in draft, and the drain it puts on me to write issue posts, which is the reason I've had some of those drafts sitting on my computer for over two years, I've decided to shorten this post and a few others, so that I can finish those drafts and be done with them.  They are a weight, because they highlight so much that is wrong at our Zoo.  Unfortunately, things just keep getting worse and I have to lift the weight.  Once I document something, I feel like I've done what I needed to.  

The sadness has just been too much lately.  I'm not sure what the future holds for me writing about passings as I would want to, but I wanted to acknowledge these eight Precious Beings at this time.  Lucky to have had them in my life and to have known them, some abit more than others.  I have spent a good portion of time over the past thirteen years at the Farm, so those Friends I knew very well, and had hands on contact with.  I have also spent alot of time with the Chimps over the years.  I grew up going to the Zoo and grew to know our original four as individuals since I started spending more time at the Zoo in 2008.  When the dayroom opened, I was amazed at the connection it allowed.  Beyond what I imagined.  I'll end this post with this photo of me and my Friend Cobby smiling at each other.  It's my favorite. 

I could write so much about how each one of these Precious Beings has touched my life.  For now I will just send out a Blessing to each.  

RIP Malagra, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Lily, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Garcia, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Merlin, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Nataani, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Mac, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Cobby, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Prince, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Ramona, Bless Your Soul.

It was a Privilege and Gift to know each one of you.  Love You and Miss You.  

A couple video links of Cherished Friends

Nataani and Ramona

https://youtu.be/1oB8DkvsEvw

The Merlin Head Shake

https://youtu.be/287LeX3qYcU

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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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Why Can't The Orangutans Get Something New Made For Them?

I haven't been to the Zoo in almost a month.  I also haven't heard of any changes to the Orangutans environment.

I never found the drawings I made, that I referred to in my previous post.  I did find some photos of examples of what I was thinking would have been, or still could be, a great option for Middle Grotto.  

I also made a new drawing, although the other one I actually input into a photo of the grotto.  And, yes, I know I'm no artist!  I'm a visionary and fixer!

The Triple Grotto status is as such (for those who haven't followed along)...  After the Orangutans being here two years, modifications were made to North Grotto, to facilitate the Keepers being able to access the enclosure  island.  That is it.  There was nothing new done FOR the Orangutans. ...  Middle Grotto received the same modification, and also saw half the old structure removed because of deterioration.  That is it. ... As of my last visit, the Orangutans still only had access to the North Grotto. 

The Keeper Staff did an excellent job at utilizing hose and hammocks on the existing structure in North Grotto.  They have always done the best they can with what they have. The point is, this enclosure could have been so much more, if the Zoo Director had a conscience and put some effort into the well-being of these Being's she wanted so badly to bring here.  There should have been funds in place years ago, as her plan was hatched before she tried to kick the Chimpanzees out in 2015.  The Director surely won't like my words, and will possibly retaliate because of them, but those are the facts she created and there is no other way to describe Ollie and Amoi's situation since coming to the San Francisco Zoo.  They had no dedicated outdoor space for two years.  Ollie spent eight straight months in the caged tube.  The whole situation is disgraceful.  AND yes, their names are Ollie and Amoi, not "Berani" and "Judy"!

In that previous post, I noted that I realized long after publishing, that the Orangutan Update before that was incomplete.  No idea what happened, but what didn't save was a whole idea I had for Middle Grotto.

The idea was based on tree like structures similar to that image.  The grotto islands are not sizable by any means, so as is, obviously can't have too much done.  That doesn't mean do nothing, which is what the Zoo has done.  Orangutans need vertical space to climb, and stretch.  Taking down half a deteriorating structure is lame.  The whole thing should have been removed and something new built.  Why is it so hard to give these Beings, something new of their own?  

Using Stumps and branches from around the Zoo, a nice vertical tree structure could have been built.  I posted a photo of a "sling-shot" stump across from the northeast end of the Pachyderm Building that would be a perfect base.  If Animal Care Staff thinks its a good idea, there is no reason not to build them something new.  I floated the idea to a Keeper and was told it would be good and would work for them, but that the Zoo would say, no money.  As stated,  using material already there, the only cost would be for hardware to hold it together.  I also asked someone in maintenance if it was possible to build something like that and they said yes.  

Gardener and Landscape Artist Patricio recently built this.  Maybe he and maintenance can build something cool for the Orangutans. 

Previous Post:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/will-orangutans-languish-in-pit-as-is.html

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