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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"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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Blog Updating Notes 10.20.15

Trying to play Catch-Up again.  For the purpose of some current things I'm working on, I need to get to related posts.  So, I will be posting the ones I hope to finish at some point very soon, as I strive to keep things in as close to chronological order as I can.  I think its better for documenting purposes, as well, it will bother me if its not in order.  .. I apologize if Coming Soon posts are annoying.  I'm annoyed that I haven't been timely.

You will notice or maybe you won't ;)  37 posts in Coming Soon!  mode.  I hope they won't be that way for long, I also hope they stay in order as I work on them (publishing them in this way is an attempt at that), otherwise I just wasted three hours and the three Valerian Root I had to take after the titling alone made my ears pulsate.  Its been a very emotional last few days, since the passing of Shastyuh and my need to lift the weight of these posts is in over-drive.  So please stay tuned, and check in frequently.  Each post will also be Tweeted, so you can follow that way via Leo811

Thank you!

If anything you read moves you,

Please contact the SFZoo Director

Tanya Peterson

tanyap@sfzoo.org

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My Outtings Synopsis - Saturday 12.14.13

Synopsis from the blog  http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

> December 14, 2013 - Monkey Day part two.  Going thru my Facebook feed and Kudos to the Los Angeles Zoo who posted all day photos of different species of Monkey and Monkey related Animals.  Our Zoo, per usual didn't even give it a mention, YET they have three posts in the past 24 hrs about how Visitors can come spend money there.  Way to go SFZoo!

> December 14, 2013 - Happy National Monkey Day!

> December 13, 2013 - The Big Cats were vocal this morning!  See my video :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIhGMV9d0Rs&feature=youtu.be

> December 8, 2013 - Contender for stupidest sign placement.  More people will cross at an opening, than across the roped off train tracks.  I'd have a sign at both points, but that's just me.  ... I saw a guy enter from the open end the other day to take photos of the Macaws.  There shouldn't be any question regarding access points.  Note to Zoo - A sign and extended rope fencing needs to be along that area at train track crossing.

> December 3, 2013 - New sign at the entrance to the parking lot.  This sign is about 3 x 6 ft.  YET the signs telling visitors not to cross barriers are about 4 x 8 inches and only a handful of them.  San Francisco Zoo, why don't you get some decent sized signs about how to respect Animals and not cross barriers into their homes?  Oh yea, that's because you don't care about that.  The Zoo has always had a misguided preoccupation with the parking lot, where most often the only Security Guards can be found.  That said, the last 6 visits over the course of  two/half weeks, I have not seen one Security Guard on the grounds the whole time I was there. WTH??!

> December 1, 2013 -  Recent replacement of windows in Big Cat Grotto A, did not include the extra "bar" barrier.  I get how awesome it is to be face to face with the Animals and in a wonderful world where People didn't take advantage of that by banging and kicking on the windows, that would be great.   We don't live int hat world :( .   .. and Yes, the Animals have the option of not coming close to the window, but the annoyance just shouldn't be an issue in their home.

> November 29, 2013 - WTF?  Who wears Fur to a Zoo?  This Ahole that's who!

Wednesday April 3 - Free Day at the Zoo - NOT!

This was a coming soon, but then too much happened after and before I could get this post done.  It was basically more of the same old crap, so if you read any post on barrier breaching and stupid stuff the Zoo does, you will get the drift.

I will make a few notes in that on Free Days, as well as Holidays  anytime larger than usual attendance is a given ( I don't say expected because I often hear "they didn't expect it to be this busy" )  the Zoo does not prepare for the extra crowds.  They do not employ the extra Security needed, as well on those  high attendance Days that are not the Free Day,  they do not put up the much needed additional barriers at Hot Spots, specifically the Chimps.

A Different Kind of Barrier Breaching - Foreign Objects in Animal Enclosures

I have written several posts on Humans breaching barriers.  I've showed photos of Humans standing on and hanging over barriers.  The only thing to change at the San Francisco Zoo in relation to that is a few 5x8 signs telling people not to do either, posted at the Black Rhino.  

I have also posted that in this time in society, sadly a different approach to how (and why) barriers secure Animal enclosures should be taken.   My suggestions in past posts note that I'd like to see all the Animals behind glass barriers.  

My above suggestion is probably not the popular option, especially in a time when Zoo's and other Animal facilities are trying to make the enclosures Animals live in while in captivity as close to a natural habitat as possible.  That said, as noted above "this time in society", is such that the Human population  sadly can't behave themselves for Animals to be safe in open air enclosures.

I was the first person who missed the open air at Grotto's when the Human taunting of Tiger Tatiana got her killed and forced the Zoo to enclose the open air viewing with glass and mesh.  BUT it had to be done.  Public perception is this is to keep the Animals in.  Personally, I feel like its to keep the Humans out.

Sadly, five years after the Tiger attack, I have still seem Visitors taunt the Big Cats, with verbal heckling, banging on the glass, and even throwing stuff thru the mess and over the glass.  These actions aren't isolated to just the Big Cats.  This type of behavior and more happens at every Animal's home.

That said, even mesh is not a good barrier.   I have noted in posts over a couple years that I have seen foreign objects in Animal enclosures.  Countless times there has been different types of plastic bags in the Lemurs, small toys in the Puente, and other assorted choke size items.  

Last year alone, Henry the Seal and Niya the Snow Leopard both had surgery to remove foreign objects from their intestines.  ... Two weeks ago, food items were thrown into both the Gorillas and the Mandrills.  Last week, another food item went into the Gorillas and the following day when I was there,  Zura one of the female Gorillas was chewing on a pacifier!  After her Nneka took it and broke it to pieces and then Hasani the four year old took the smaller pieces and chewed on them.  

Broken record on repeat:

*Why are there no big signs telling people what not to do?  

*Why hasn't my suggestion of having a video of how to behave in the Zoo not been taken to fruition?

*Why doesn't Zoo Staff/Docents/Security stand at the Gate House and give a speech to Visitors about behaving?  They do this now for school groups, but the worst perpetrators are adults.  

*Why aren't there Docents assisting the Security in patroling the grounds AND watching what the Visitors are doing.

AND lastly, if the Zoo is so bent on patting themselves on the back for providing "Wellness" why aren't they being proactive in protecting the Animals?   When they hired their "Wellness" Guru, he suggested (which I did already) that a glass barrier go up at Gorillas, so people couldn't (hang over) and look down at them.  Curiously, only three of five viewing platforms is glassed in.   Half-assed I say.  I mean really,  It makes no sense.  BUT then again the barriers at Bears that were put in after an alleged escape attempt by one of the Polar Bears are downright ridiculous in their own right.  Two of three grottos have the barrier.  Again???

Yes it would be costly to glass in all the enclosures, but if the Zoo can spend 3.4 Million Dollars on a new playground, they can surely ask donors to help keep the Animals safe, considering the donors are supposed to "care" about the Zoo, which should equal caring about the Animals safety.  In addition it would cut down the constant flow of misbehavior.  Including fools who try to enter the enclosures and put the Animals lives at risk.

Yes, it would be cause for complaints from the public who want to see Animals open air, but those complaining would only be the ones who misbehave.  Those who actually care about Animals would get it.  Sure I don't like taking photos behind glass, but I care more about the Animals safety.

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

Come on SFZoo get your Graphics Dept doing their job and making some decent sized signs displaying behavior rules bluntly.  Then work on enclosing the exhibits to protect the Animals.

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Veteran's Day - SFZoo Visit 11.12.12

As usual I'm behind on my posts, but no matter when I post my experience's and thought's, they will always be necessary, since my mission is always that of being the voice of the Animals.  There is no other reason I do this.

So, last Monday.  Until I walked up to the gate and saw the line for ticket sales into the parking lot, I didn't realize it was a Holiday.  I usually spend part of the Winter Holidays with the Zoo friends, but sometimes I try to avoid other Holidays and Free Day because it seems to bring out the worst kinds of Visitors and an abundance of them.  This Veteran's Day was no different.

That said,  the Zoo continues to not hire extra Security on these high traffic days and there is no Staff presence.  If they think that a handful of Docents is going to be their eyes and ears on the property they are mistaken.  I saw Docents, but I didn't (and rarely do) see any interact with any Visitors and def not the ones who misbehave.

If you start out Visiting the Barnyard Friends, usually not much can dampen your day.  How could it when you have faces like Paddy's greeting you?!!   ...  Unless you see a grown woman try to sit on a Dwarf Goat :(

 Paddy says, "Good Morning!"

Moving on, as we went through the Primate Center to see little Romo (Langur babie), on our way to check on Lily (Duiker) babie watch, we ran into Keeper Percy (?).   As I have often done recently, I asked her if Lily had her babie and she said, "I don't know, I'm not working over there today".   Plausible but unlikely as word of a birth would have spread.   Completely unlikely since she was walking ahead of us on our way to the Giraffe Barn (where Lily has been  corralled) and went into the Barn, not a foot from Lily!   Would have been better for her to ignore my question rather than lie about it, but hey, nothing up in that place should surprise me at this point lol!

Moving on we arrived at the Black Rhinos.  There is a sign there with the universal "shoosh" as well some words about being quiet.  I have posted similar photos, and again this is just to say, Why can't these type of signs be at every exhibit?  There is too much excessive human noise around the Animals.  This is their home, it should be a place of peace, people need to observe them in quiet.

In light of the tragedy at the Pittsburgh Zoo earlier that week, I decided to take photos of some of our exhibits breach-able barriers.   Below is the barrier to the Black Rhinos.  These Animals can come right to the barrier almost, making them very vulnerable to people's misbehavior.

In my post about the PZoo incident, I noted our Anteater's exhibit.  I know the Zoo peeps read my blog, one would think they would pay special attention to these breach-able areas, and not only prepare to upgrade them so the Animals aren't vulnerable, but post signs not to breach the barriers in anyway.  But alas, as usual the Zoo does not make the Animals safety and Well Being a priority.

Not only did I see at least a handful of people physically breaching the barrier at the Anteater, but people also use this barrier to lay all their crap on, purses, maps, food, drinks, whatever.  It would be very easy for something to fall into the exhibit and for Angelo (Anteater) to get it.  

Guy leaning over barrier INTO the exhibit.  Is this photo going to be that much closer because of this?  The real question is, why would someone think this is acceptable behavior?   Is the photo more important than the Animals security level?   Would this guy want someone leaning into his window to take a photo?   

Same rules apply as above.  Hello, Animal comfort levels.  If your kid isn't tall enough, lift them up but in no way is it acceptable to sprawl across a barrier and dangle your legs into it.

And finally, I guess this parent didn't hear the news this past week.  The kid who fell into the exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo was being held this exact way.  Granted I don't think an Anteater would cause the same harm as the Wild Dogs, but regardless, this is unacceptable behavior.  

While at the Big Cats, ironically specific the Siberian Tiger exhibit (shown below) I saw a kid standing at the fencing area, then walk over to the landscaped area and pick out specific items, sticks and large rock sized bark, and walk back over the barrier to the fencing.  I knew exactly what was going to happen next.  I said, "Don't you throw that stuff at the Tiger!"   Without facing me he dropped the items and then turned and walked away.   WHAT is wrong with people?   I don't care if this was a kid, kids should be taught that this behavior is not acceptable.   Good grief, how hard is it for people (since the Zoo isn't going to educate people who enter) to tell their kids to Respect the Animals before they come in.  Oh yeah,  its usually the Adults who are worse.

When will the San Francisco Zoo start protecting its Animals and become a Zero Tolerance Facility?  They need to make barriers not vulnerable and start educating people as they enter and have tons of signs everywhere reminding people what not to do.  

I'd like to see people throw stuff at the Tigers again without a barrier.  See how brave they are then.  This behavior boils down to Bullying.   Karma is a Bitch as they say and in this type of instance, that kid just might get bullied at school and have sticks and rocks thrown at him. 

Tiger/Big Cats barrier upgrade after the Tiger attack in 2007.   One would think this was enough to keep people from harassing the Animals, but its not.  Unfortunately I think all Zoo's need to have complete glass barriers between the Humans and the Animals, in order for the Animals to stay safe.

On the subject of Bullying.   Why is it Humans take pleasure in verbally assaulting the Animals with insults?  I hear this all the time.  I heard it today at the Anteater and although what people say has no barring on my life, it hurts my heart to hear such things about innocent Animals.  Its disgusting and again, Humans sure don't like it when their behavior is turned on them.   Even when its a verbal insult.   I hear it and comment on it often.

I'm sorry but i just don't understand how society got littered with so much Human Trash.   

Thankfully the Animals always make me smile.  As we headed out, we saw precious Tallulah daydreaming.  She is also lounging on a blanket that my friend Lee had given to Padang (passed Tiger) on her 21st Birthday.  I'm glad Miss T is getting use and comfort from it.

Another heart warming moment as I left the Zoo, there was a family at the sign on Sloat.  The Father was taking a photo of his two kids posing with stuffed animals they bought in the gift shop.  One was an Anteater, the other a Tiger.

Boo (Hoo) at the San Francisco Zoo - Halloween Event

The Zoo's Halloween Event, Boo at the Zoo is an event that has been a favorite of mine for many years.   My love for Animals and Pumpkins fused together!   Over the years, seeing the Animals not only have fun with Pumpkins, but with other fun Halloween themed Enrichment, was a fun time both for me and especially for the Animals.  

In the past the Animals would get both un-carved Pumpkins to play with and carved Pumpkins with food treats in them.  The "fun" part of the events has dwindled through the years, down to this past year.   I went to the Event yesterday and in my opinion the "fun" was none (for the Animals) except the Chimps.   I will say that I didn't see all the Animals who were scheduled to receive treats, but I saw four of the big attraction Animals and two were a complete letdown.  The Animals may not know, but I know for them.

I went to Chimps first and their area was decorated and had carved Pumpkins with treats in them.  Keepers Amy and Dana did a great job!   Special mention to Cobby who quite enjoyed tossing a Pumpkin lid outside the enclosure!  He didn't seem upset and sat there peacefully after seemingly pleased with his fun :)  ... Next I saw Asian Rhino Gauhati.   When Gauhati saw his Pumpkin he ran!   Only to get there and be disappointed by it being, just a Pumpkin.  Sure a Pumpkin is something different and he could and probably would play with it (eventually), BUT I have seen his Halloween Enrichment before and he has had a few Pumpkins and some were carved with his Celery and other treats put thru holes and sticking out of the Pumpkin.  THAT is how to do a fun Enrichment.  I'm not sure whose responsibility it is to think up the Enrichments, so I won't point any fingers, but I do know the Keepers work with what they get, and there is at least one Staffer whose job is Enrichment.  So, in my opinion, this boils down to plain laziness on someone's part.  That said, poor Gauhati had little Holiday fun, and enjoyed his shower more.  I never saw him touch the Pumpkin.  (update monday 10.29 - big thank you to Keeper Ingrid who gave him a carved one with treats in it yesterday!)  ...  Then I went to Big Cats.  The only thing they had was a carved Pumpkin.  They did have treats in them, so I'm not faulting this effort, although you can see by photos, past efforts were "more".  Laying out a theme on hay (scented hay even better) would have made it special for them.  ... Last I went to see Tucker the Hippo.  In the past I remember one of the best sights was watching them chomp on whole Pumpkins and I'm pretty sure Tucker had a Pumpkin last year.  This year,  Tucker got a couple Apples and what looked like a Bell Pepper.  Seriously??  Three pieces of produce that he probably gets everyday anyway?   Awful.  

I had planned to go again today, but honestly, aside from being able to eat a dozen pieces of candy and see hundreds of kids in costumes, it was barely more than just another day at the Zoo.

 Tallulah reaching for treats

The girls "undecorating"

Cobby post Pumpkin toss 

Gauhati says 

"Is this it?"

Kita 2002

Jahari 2007

Tunya 2008

 Tiger Cubs 2008

In 2010 my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys from Feb-Oct.  Some of the last things we did on a regular basis were Halloween themed.  We made them for the weekends prior to the Zoo's annual event, as we didn't want to interfere with what they had going on.   ....  Horrifically, what they had going on, turned out to be a mess that included giving one of the Lions a box with huge staples and cellophane tape.   More information about Enrichment Toys here:  http://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com/2012/05/san-francisco-zoo-you-sure-have-got.html

Here are some photos of the Toys we made.  ...

Ming Wah 2010

Leanne 2010

Halloween Toy Bonanza!

You can see the Big Cats 

having fun on 

"Heads in the Grass" Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8gvTobDv-w

All the photos shown here, both the Zoo's previous efforts and the ones Lee and I produced, are what this and all Holiday Events should reflect.  An event should be a celebration.  Enrichment items given should be different  than something they would get any day.   Something they could have fun with.   Toys and Pumpkin WITH treats, THAT = a Halloween Enrichment presentation.

Animail - Zoo Monthly Newsletter

If you follow my posts, you know that I almost always have a thought (or two, three...) on what comes out of the Zoo in writing, either via the News in Press Releases/Interviews or from the Zoo directly in Social Media efforts such as the Monthly Animail Newsletter.  I know,  its seems like I have a comment on everything, and you're right, I do.  When you have a working mind, that's what happens, but that doesn't mean its always a bad thing.

Excerpts taken from the last two Animails.   Full Newsletters can be found on the Zoo's Website, where you can also subscribe to receive them via email.

From September 2012

>Room Modifications in Lion House
The indoor holding areas for the lions and tigers in the Lion House are getting a remodel! A couple of dividers will be removed making two separate super rooms with the addition of new benches. One room has been completed with three benches at different levels. All of the old high benches will come down and be replaced by new lower benches. These new benches will provide better options for our cat’s wellness and better public viewing. ... <

My only comment about this, is that at least six months ago,  the Zoo had it in writing someplace that they had actually installed multi-level platforms in the Lion House "rooms", which at the time they had not.  ...  I also think its in bad taste to refer to indoor quarters as "holding areas", but thats just me.

I realize this is probably a funding issue, but it would be nice if the Lion House got an exterior and interior paint job.  Maybe reaching out to places like Home Depot/Lowes, ect for a donation in exchange for some on site signage advertising would be an option.  ... A previous Keeper had a great idea to paint the inside of the Lion House and the individual rooms to reflect Lions and Tigers native living spaces.   She never got support on that, but allegedly its typical for a Keeper to get veto'd from above.   While I think that would be the ultimate paint job, even something as simple as leaves and bamboo background in the rooms, would go a long way in making the aesthetics less cage like in appearance. The Lion House is a wonderful place because it allows you to see the Cats up close, but in this day, it also needs to look less "captive".  Some big palm trees/leaves, ect in the main area of the LH would make it have a warmer feeling.   I noted in a previous post that painting the exteriors of the buildings (the reference was to the Pachyderm Building) with a landscape would make them seem natural.  Doesn't need to be elaborate, but a few big palm trees would be appealing.  

>Fall Docent Training Class Starting!
Do you want to teach people about animals and the San Francisco Zoo? Become a Docent and do just that! As a Docent, you will represent the Zoo as an "Educational Ambassador" and will conduct Zoo-wide tours, talk about all the amazing animals on exhibit, answer visitor questions while on "Ask Me" stations, assist with children's classes, and participate in many other educational activities and events. Your 10-week training will include topics like public speaking, conservation, zoo history and operation, animal care, taxonomy and behavior. ... <

OK.  You all know I have a major issue with the Docents.  Again, I will start by saying, its not all the Docents, but a majority of them.  Since this is about Training, its directed toward those who are doing the training, since that is the root of the issue.  Either Train them right or don't proceed with the program.  Well, the later will never happen since the Zoo charges for these classes.  Unbeknownst to the probably well meaning people who join,  they think they are going to learn about our Animals and end up with either no information, old information or false information.   Too many of the Docents don't know anything about the Animals that actually live at the San Francisco Zoo.   Those many also do not approach people and volunteer information, they do not act as additional "eyes" on the grounds for misbehavior, infact I have seen Docents walk away from people who are harassing the Animals.  The Zoo should be teaching the Docents about the Animals that live at the Zoo and about educating the Visitors about Respecting the Animals, and intercepting them when they see them acting the fool.

>ZooMobile Program Goes Back to School!
The ZooMobile, our education outreach program, is ready to roll to a school near you! ... The ZooMobile will bring five animals into the school while teaching engaging lessons on topics such as habitats, food webs, life cycles and more. ... <

Again my comment on this turns to Respecting Animals.  I have asked if part of the ZooMobile Program talks about Respecting Animals and never got a definite answer.  I have also listened to Childrens Zoo presentations and never hear anything about Respecting Animals.  There are a few things I write about alot and this is one of them.  I spend most of my time around Animals, not only at the Zoo, but daily in the Park.  I see a constant stream of misbehavior towards Animals.  It is not just by Kids, but by Adults as well.  Not sure how to Educate Adults, but at least with access like the ZooMobile and other presentations, making Respecting Animals (not just the ones the live at the Zoo) a part of those presentations might go along way in preventing Animals, both Wild and Captive from harassment   The Zoo does not want to put up more signage, video messaging, or other like ways to help educate and deter this ever growing issue, but they should be stressing the point in their labeled "education" presentations.

From October 2012

>It's a New Black Rhino Arriving in October
Elly, our female black rhino, will soon have a companion again ... her grandson! ...<

I noted in an earlier post, that I hope Elly is not put in the back of the exhibit, where she doesn't thrive.   Elly has recently been off exhibit and where I thought the new barrier was so her Grandson Belozi could quarantine in the back, I now fear the Zoo will put him up front, and Elly will be banished.  I sure hope not.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/09/sunday-september-16-2012-visit.html

>Our Dedicated Docents
At the Annual Members' Meeting, SF Zoo Docents presented the SF Zoological Society with a check for $15,000 for the wolf exhibit and its interpretive graphics, which is part of the Americas Capital Campaign. These enterprising volunteers raised the funds by selling calendars, lemonade and cookies. We're so grateful and inspired by our amazing docents. <

I think its great that the Docents take part in fundraising, and $15,000 is wonderful effort.  When I first heard about their Calendar sale last year and that it was for a "new" exhibit,  it really upset me.   It amazed me and still does that a group of people who I assume became Docents because they care about Animals, would band together to help fund a new exhibit, while Animals that Already live there need so much.  Yes, I'm going to bring up Wishbone (Andean Bear)  again.  (projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com)  No one cared that he lived on concrete and eventually died from doing so.  $15,000 could have brought grass and other soft surfaces to his home and not only enriched his life, but prolonged it.  Its disgraceful the priorities some of the Staff and Volunteers have, as well the ability to wear rose colored glasses or close their eyes completely to the real needs of some of the Animals.

I heard that it was one Docent who pushed for Inti (Bobcat) to get a new home.  Not sure why it took so long (not a slight to the Docent, (who deserves the kudos), but to the Zoo Staff).  Poor Inti was living in a series of cages for his whole life of ten years.  They don't put that on the sign outside his new home.  They only put the glossy version that they gave him a new/better place to live, not that they let him languish in a cage for a decade.

>Dinosaurs at the Zoo New in the Aviary
Learn the amazing link between birds and dinosaurs at our temporary dinosaur exhibit now showing in the Koret-Taube Aviary. Come see for yourself how today's ostrich resembles these ancient beasts. <

Interesting timing.  Dino's come to the Zoo.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/08/dinosaurs-at-zoo-there-should-be.html

   

Sunday September 16, 2012 - Visit

I hadn't gone to the Main Zoo (just the Farm and Primates) since the loss of my precious Goober (Bairds Tapir).  Even though it was emotionally hard, my friend Lee and I put some Sunflowers at Goobies home today, so already being out there and crying, I forged on and visited all the Friends who I hadn't seen in three weeks.

After losing Goob I wasn't going to blog anymore (another post with more on that coming soon), but the Zoo never fails me, providing many things that provoke a head shake.

From Goobs place we went to Bears.

Here is a photo of the Polar Bears meadow.  The pertinent part of the photo is the signage.  The bigger sign is identical? Its just curious to me and makes it seem like they are trying to yell out a message, for lack of doing.

                                     New bigger, same as original sign ^

The original smaller sign

Note this is the only grass available to the Polar's and so they both still live 50% of their lives on concrete.

I've written about the smaller sign before:

> Contrary to the belief of the Zoo, providing a natural living environment (grass not concrete) is not Enrichment, its humane.  Oh, and concrete does not equal "a rocky ground".  Concrete = asphalt, not a natural surface.  I guess I never looked close enough to this sign, because the whole "rocky ground" thing, that must be a joke right?   Next thing you will be putting up a sign saying its also part of your Wellness program.  Good Grief! <

You can read more about the Bear enclosures here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-to-do-at-bears-not-question-but.html

When we got to Elly (Black Rhino) I was bothered by the new fencing.  There are several reasons why I felt this way, mainly I have long felt that Elly has been disrespected and this proves it once again.

I have written several posts about the condition of Elly's skin (not being oiled regularly), and since her companion Mishaki/Gene's passing, that she continually looks for him.  I will note and you can read more in the link provided, that once I started posting abotu Elly's skin, as well I contacted the Joint Zoo Committee Animal Welfare Chair, it seems Elly's skin is being taken care of on a regular basis.  BUT the issue of her continually staring into Gene's (adjoining) area has never been addressed.

NOW to see a (temporary) fence put up at this time, when I posted suggestions to this effect, really upsets me.  In my opinion, a fencing could have been put up after Mishaki's passing when it was evident that she was constantly looking for him.  Only now that the Zoo is receiving a new male Black Rhino (Elly and Mishaki's grandson Belozi) have they put one up.  All I can deduce from this is that, they could care less about it when it might have suited Elly's needs, but now it suits their needs, as I'm sure he will have to quarantine on exhibit.  More disrespect.

 Elly staring at the wood

Backside of wood, you can see it was attached TO fencing, so its temporary.  A screen or bamboo option could have been doneafter Mishaki's passing, to ease Elly's mourning.

And speaking of disrespect, I certainly hope once Belozi gets here they don't leave him in a crate for twelve additional hours because they are too lazy to uncrate him before going home at night, like they did to poor Tucker (Hippo) when he arrived.

I will also add that I hope Elly is not put in the back exhibit like she was for many, many months without rotation, when Mishaki was still here.  She did not thrive in the back and that was where her skin condition deteriorated when Staff allegedly said it wasn't "feasible" to oil her in that location.  ... This exhibit renovation is awful.  Why it is divided front to back instead of side by side is beyond me.  It makes not sense.  Side by side both Animals would be "on exhibit" (which is a Zoo priority), not having one languish in the back.  Unfortunately I fear that the Zoo will want the new Rhino in front and poor Elly will be stuck in back again.  I sure hope they prove me wrong and stop being lazy and rotate them.

Across the path we got some love from the Cats!  Everyone gave a hello glance :)

Sukari, Amanzi and Jahari :)

Shastyuh :)

Taymor :)

Saw a Coopers Hawk in the Garden :)

It was a rare sighting of a Colobus Monkey.  They may be more visable but I don't go and see them that often.  Why?  I feel awful for them.  They are literally in a cage.  There is no greenery in their home, a cage that sits next to this wide open space of lush landscaping.   They look out at natural surroundings, yet live in steel and concrete.  Its awful. The landscaped area should be enclosed and they should live there.

Stopping at the Savannah landing near the Giraffe Barn, two things were blog worthy.  First, poor Lily.  I have recently also wrote about her being once again separated from her mate Erik.  I can only assume that this is due to her being pregnant, although I have no official word on that.  Regardless, if they don't want her on the Savannah in that condition, why don't they put Erik in with her?  It appears that even though they have lived as a family unit with their two babies, that now the Zoo is only using them as a couple for breeding purposes.  Awful.  There is no empathy for any of the Animals.

Hi Lily!  She is precious and always comes over to greet :)

Near the bench posted is this comical sign.  The Zoo is notorious for misuse of water, overuse in some spots and under used in others.  Then there's this sign next to plants they have let dry out and die.  Another SFZoo Classic.

Last but not least, the new glass at Gorillas.  I have posted much about being pro glass at all enclosures for the protection of the Animals, so I actually love this, but two things are curious.  If the Zoo is doing this for the "wellness" of the Animals, It seems counter-productive to the goal to put glass at some viewing areas and not at others.  Also, Why can't the Zoo use anti-reflective glass?  

Jonesy looks like he is rolling his eyes 

at the whole she-bang!  Gotta Love Him!

This sign is at Gorillas.  Much like the one at Sea Lions WHY?  are these types of cautionary signs ONLY up at certain Animals?  They, along with other signs boasting "words of respect" should be at all exhibits.  Notably, signs that say not to kick, knock, tap, rap, whatever on the glass of the Animals homes.   UG.

Oh gosh I thought I was done. I've been a victim of having food snatched so I can laugh at this.  I love Gulls Gone Wild!  and there has sure been alot of it lately.  Not sure why all the table umbrellas have come down, but its silly that there's not even a netting above the tabled area.   These Gulls scored some  Chicken Tenders, but the best in photo op, was the week before's score of beak dipped Mac and Cheese!

You can read more about the Disrespect of Lily and Elly, as well the water waste in a couple other posts:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/tuesday-may-29-2012-visit.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/saturday-may-26-2012-visit.html

Speaking of Tigers ...

Sadly, Sunday at the San Francisco Zoo, there was no hint that it was International (World/Global) Tiger Day :(   ...  The Zoo continually misses out on wonderful opportunities to have "Days" at the Zoo.  They don't celebrate Birthdays, as well have let International Rhino Day and World Tapir Day pass each year without fanfare.  Events that would both Celebrate and Educate.  

It was Taymor's first Tiger Day 

as a Resident of the SFZoo 

and he seems to be 

expressing his disapproval.

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Sadly, while the World is facing the probable extinction of these and so many other wonderful Animals, at the hands of Humans,  I found this video posted to the Jackson Zoo (the Zoo Taymor came from) Facebook.   Here is the link from its original youtube posting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eULDQKPxU8k

The video shows Taymor "playing" with a Seagull that landed in his yard.  I didn't watch the whole thing because this kind of "nature" makes me uncomfortable, but I did listen through the whole thing once I heard some of the comments coming from the crowd.  There was some laughter, which I find sad.  Granted I see people bullying and tormenting the Animals all the time, so I shouldn't be surprised. I just think if you are going to go to an Animal Park, you like Animals.  That just doesn't seem to be so.  I have witnessed many times people getting joy from harassing an Animal, smiling and laughing while doing it.  Its very sinister to me.  ...  If you listen towards the end, it sounds like the Staffer says she 'kinda mentioned to people they might not want to see it' and then she says, they (Visitors) said, "That's why we're here."   These are probably the same people who go to the Circus and enjoy seeing the Animals get whipped.

On youtube there is also a link to a video of the SFZoo female Tiger in a like situation.  The comments on her video are really awful.

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

In this one, people seemed to really enjoy seeing this poor Seagull being hunted and almost killed as they were watching. Much like I described that I witness when Visitors harass the Animals.  What is most distrubing, is one young girl said, "Get it!" and then "Eat it, Eat it!"  Continuing the chant, "Go Go Go! Eat it!"  Like she was cheering it on!     What kind of child says such things?  A child that probably already harms Animals, that's who.  Even worse, you don't hear the parents say anything to her.  How about, "Its not right to say such things."  So, what you have is a household where there is no respect for Animals or any such, being taught.  Then they come to the Zoo.

I didn't even have to listen to the whole thing, it sickens me that these are the kinds of people I have to breathe the same air as and hurts me that they are allowed anywhere near any Animal.

I get that there are certain Beings that people view as pests,  but there's some serious brain defect to get Joy from their Pain and Demise.

The other night I wrote a post on this same subject on another blog of mine.  If interested you can view it here:

http://stopbullyinganimals.blogspot.com/2012/07/country-singer-blake-shelton-despicable.html

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Please check the Post Archive to keep up to date

on what's happening at the San Francisco Zoo!

Happy International Tiger Day! - July 29, 2012

To all my San Francisco Zoo Tiger Friends 

past and present, 

 I celebrate you!

Read a bit about this Recognition Day for the precious Tigers of our World, on the United States Embassy Site.

http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/inbrief/2012/07/201207269716.html#axzz21sfbigMk

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Please check the Post Archive to keep up to date

on what's happening at the San Francisco Zoo!

WHAT is up with Big Cat Grotto B?!!!

When I arrived at Big Cat Grotto B yesterday I almost cried and now pulling photos of reference is making me feel sick to my stomach.  As you can see there is a major difference in how this Yard now looks. 

 Taymor standing in front of the Bamboo

The wall the Bamboo formerly lined

From my perspective, this is just another way the Animals are disrespected.  This Yard has been home to Taymor, the Zoo's recent addition male Sumatran.  He has been out of quarantine just over a month and seems to be doing very well in his new home.  I have witnessed it take others longer to get comfortable, and think he has progressed much faster.  That said, he still does like to seek refuge in the Bamboo that lines one of the walls.  That was until it was slaughtered and removed!  WHAT?  is going on?  

From the distance and from photos, other than some dryness near the bottom, there does not seem to be anything wrong with this Bamboo, so why it was removed is among all the other curious things the Zoo does.

I have been noticing the past few weeks there are many areas in the Zoo that are overly dry and wonder why they aren't being watered and kept up.   This was not one of them.  In fact after seeing this yesterday I took photos of many other Bamboo plants in worse shape that are still intact.  

I will also note that after the passing of Padang (Tiger) the Zoo put up a ridiculous sign proclaiming an existing Yard as and "Enrichment Yard", and noting that the Bamboo there created a forest, yet soon after the sign went up, about a third of that enriching "forest" was cleared out.  

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/04/natural-living-space-enrichment.html

So now we have a new Tiger who has by many actions has claimed the Bamboo in his new home as an area of security, and now that secure comfort zone is gone.  Awful.  Note to Zoo Staff, this is what Tigers do in the wild, so you have also taken away something that is an Environment Enrichment.

Taymor, seeking security of a sheltered forest.

Is this one of the new Visionist's vision?

OR is this the vision of the Animal Management Staff?

After a few years the Lion House has recently changed what happens while its open.  It is open from 1-4p daily, and until recently there was most often one of the Cats inside not only out of necessity (lack of yards for number of Cats) but so visitors can see the Cats up close.  There no scheduled feedings but sometimes you could catch a training session where incentive treats are given.  Now, no Cats are inside except when the Keeper Talk (Summer only) is going.  I have heard that having no Cats inside is allegedly because "of complaints about them being in cages."  This seems ridiculous, because they don't live in cages, and that's obvious to anyone with half a brain.  Visitors do come in and I've heard them make comments about the caging, but again half wits who don't put together the whole picture that this is the inside) night quarters and they have access to the Yards thru the doors right there in the caging.  These perceptions could all be settled with a well made video stating as such, and more.  A video about the Lion House History, thru the years and the procedures in place there now, in addition to a bit on the current residents and respectful behavior.  This would go along way, in the Lion House as well other areas (I've suggested similar for the entrance and cafe). There is a TV already sitting unused for seven months.  Providing information would help the Zoo in so many ways, but they seem to be afraid of doing so for the much needed things, while alluding that they do by giving instead puttng forth carefully worded statements.  That said, this reasoning sounds a bit curious and I have to wonder if its not just another untruth to get at what they really want and that is to force the Animals to always be on display.

Note, that at the front entrance there is a sandwich board which states "All Animals have access to inside areas."  This is not true, otherwise many of the Animals did not get that memo.

That said, there was a time a couple years ago when Goober, was not allowed access during the day and sometimes it would be could and drizzly and he was out (with a compromised health issue).  I constantly complained about this until he finally got access all the time.  BUT at one point a Keeper told me to complain to Management because "They want him on exhibit."

So, I have to wonder, because Taymor is new and he has been hiding in the Bamboo, did they deliberately rip out his comfort zone so he would have no choice but to "be on exhibit"?  

Anyway you slice it, this is awful.  There may be a "reason" for this,  but to the Visitor and someone who keeps close watch on things there, what I've written is how it looks to me.

I surely hope they have some fresh new Bamboo ready to plant there, but who knows, they had almost a dozen nice Banana plants that were left to die and still in their dying state sit by the train tunnel.  Ironically, Wishbone once got a Banana leaf and loved it, but not once was one of these trees ever brought over to him.