HOT TOPIC! - Snow Leopard Cub Petting at the San Francisco Zoo - WTH?

Is that what they do now at our Zoo?  They let random people Pet and Hold exotic and endangered babie animals! Yes, they do.

Last weekend I heard Zoo Volunteers were being allowed to handle the nine week old Snow Leopard Cubs for photo ops.  I was livid.  Then I saw the photos, and was so sick I cried.  It looked like the Pay to Pet situations.

I have talked to many people about this, and not one thinks this is okay.  "Horrible" ... "Wrong on so many levels" ... "Awful"  ... "Not Right" ... and many sad reactions. 

I hadn't planned to write about what I had heard, just like I hadn't planned to write about anything during my long weekend in, but here I sit having to.  I am so upset, that I must document my feelings and this situation. 

As I went to the Zoo Monday, I tried to put it out of my mind as there is not much I can do about it other than be disgusted and sad.  Seeing the Cubs helped with that, but also reminded me.  Precious little vulnerable babies, being passed around in my option is really tragic.  

I love these Babies!  Here's my video from Monday, their fifth day out.  They are really starting to motor around the enclosure great!  The Physical Therapist was there to assess the little girl, her back legs are a bit splayed.   From day one, it didn't seem to slow her down at all, and by yesterday, I didn't even notice it much. I think getting the outdoor exercise is helping alot.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPmSBC59MtE

I anticipated Tuesday, as I was told they would be out for the first time with their Mama.  If you read my previous post on their debut, you will know that I was disgusted that the Zoo made a media event out of the first time they were outside, instead of going by the original plan from Animal Staff which was to monitor the Cubs in sessions before the Zoo opened, until they were ready to be out with Mom.  

The gates to den opened, Mama came out, circled the enclosure and then went back to the den and her Babies walked out beside her!  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  The way it should have been.  ... This should have been the first public day and media event.  No reason they couldn't have waited a week for their debut to be natural.  ... See the Family together in my video.

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

Yesterday (Wednesday) was very different.  I left there holding back tears.  I'm holding back tears now writing about it.

From what I heard, the Zoo posted to social media last week, that the Cubs would have access to yard everyday at noon, no guarantees.  The gate would be open, if they wanted to come out.  Everyday, crowds have started to form at the exhibit, up to a half hour before.

Yesterday, Keepers came out and put a bone on the platform, then opened the gate at noon.  Mama came out, and the gate closed behind her.  She walked around the whole exhibit a couple times, then got on the platform and stared at everyone, almost locking in on each person.  She continued to stay on the platform, now staring intently with her mouth open at the gate to the den.  This lasted for quite awhile.  Never touching the bone, she got down and circled more.  She came to the fencing in a crouched position and stared at the people.  Unfortunately the Zoo cut down all the trees that lined the fence and served as a privacy barrier for the enclosure.  Previously people could view through the trees, and in my opinion it created a security for them, leaving only the window as the area fully open.  Now that extra security was gone. 

When I saw the trees on Monday, I thought it was awful.  Why would they do this?  Just so people can gawk at the Cubs?  I hate anything that seems to force the Animals on display.  In my opinion, they should just do what they do and if we can see them great.  I feel its a privilege to have the chance to see them and any of the Animals. ... I couldn't believe it when my friend witnessed a member of media last week actually broke off branches so she could get a better view for photos.  

After Mama came by the exposed fencing, crouching there for a minute, her circling now included going by the gate to the den, pacing and staring in.  More circling and then she stopped and started pawing at the fencing.  It had been 20 minutes and she wanted her babies.  Poor Mama.

The crowd was getting anxious and bothered that the Cubs didn't have access as had been advertised.  Two Docents behind me were telling people there was a VIP Tour inside with the Cubs.  My ears started pulsating.  I knew those poor Cubs were probably being held and my heart broke for them and their Mama, who could see strangers with her babies and she couldn't get to them.  The Mama's instinct is to protect her Babies and this scenario prevents her from doing that, from taking care of her babies naturally.  The Zoo allowing this to happen is beyond Cruel.  

Two women standing next to me with their kids, watched Mama Snow Leopard visibly upset, one said, "As Mother's this is hard to watch.  I feel bad.  My heart breaks for her."  You can hear on my video one of them say, "Its killing me, poor Mom", after seeing Mama paw at the gate, trying to get to her babies.  They too were disgusted and rightfully so.  

After it had been over 25 minutes,  with Mama pressing her face against it, the gate opened and she went in.  She was half inside when one of the babies came out and the other peeked out. She and both babies immediately went back in.  Both babies continued to peek out, but it seemed like she was keeping them in.  I saw her licking the Cubs several times, which I assume was an attempt to wash the Human off them after seeing people holding them.  Heartbreaking.

My video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qhZ2o0NIs

The Mother should not be separated from the Cubs unless the Cubs need to be examined by Animal Staff and/or Vets.  AND those are the ONLY people who should be handling the Cubs.  

I can't believe this is acceptable in this day and in an accredited Zoo.  I'm inquiring whether there is a protocol for such a thing.  Hard to believe there wouldn't be.  Regardless people should know better.  If given the opportunity I would never hold a Cub.  I morally couldn't do it.   If you love Animals, of course it is something anyone would love to do, but most of us know its not right.  There was a time in the past, when I didn't know better, and would have, but now I do.  And if I didn't I would hope someone would educate me.  Zoo Staff should be educating people why this isn't right, not allowing people to do it.  Seeing a Cub up-close should be enough, handling it it unacceptable.  And even going behind the scenes and seeing the Cubs is unnecessary as the viewing window will get you just as close.  Years ago I had the privileged to go behind the scenes and view, sometimes feed the Animals.  These were adult Animals, and depending on species, there was obviously no touching.  

There is a whole thing about Pay to Pet experiences.  I shouldn't even have to write about it.  Anytime you see a place that offers these "experiences"  know that this is not good for the Animals well-being.   With adult Big Cats, they are probably exclusively drugged, so that people can take photos with them.  With Cubs, these babies are taken from their Mama and hand raised, so that people can hold them for photos.   Those circumstances may not apply to the Zoo situation, but allowing anyone who is not on Animal or Vet Staff to hold the Cubs reminds me of these types of "experiences".   I don't know if this tour involved VIPs who paid for the experience, but regardless of the VIP Tour, its all wrong.  The Zoo should be ashamed. 

Honestly when I first heard the Cubs were being held my random people, it reminded me of when our Lion Cub was born.  I heard the Director allegedly wanted to let VIPs come in and hold the Cub. I never wrote about that, but I (along with many others I talked to) was outraged that a Director would think that this was acceptable.  I heard it was stopped by someone on the Animal Staff.  That said, then WHY is this happening to the Snow Leopard Cubs?  

Back to yesterday. When Mama stopped licking the Human touch off her babies, she let them come out a bit. But, as soon as they went more than a couple feet, she picked them up and took them back in.  This happened repeatedly.  Completely different than the day before. It reflective of what had gone on.  To me it was obvious she didn't want them outside with more people around them.  Sad.  

When the babies finally stayed put in the den, Mama came out alone and began racing around the enclosure at such a high speed, like I had never seen before.  The crowd thinned while waiting too long for the Cubs, so I was standing at the window for the first time.  By the time I got my camera on to film her zooming about, I caught her right as she leaped up about ten feet turning and kicking the top of the window in front of people with her back feet.  When she landed she stood in place for a bit, breathing really heavy.  Then she ran inside.  To me, this was a clear statement about how she felt about the situation and people seeing her Cubs.  To me, this is her giving the Zoo the middle finger to what they are doing.  In my opinion, they are ruining this Family.  She is a first time Mom and taking great care of her babies.  Leave them the hell alone!  Why mess them up?    Tuesday Mama and Cubs were relaxed and enjoying themselves.  Yesterday Mama was stressed and didn't even want her babies outside.  Have some Empathy and Compassion for this new Mom and her babies.  Is letting people hold the Cubs really worth upsetting her?   SFZoo, What are you getting out of do this to them?

In case you can't tell, I'm really upset by all of this.  I'm disappointed that the Zoo continues to make choices that are not in the Animals best interest.  This seems to be on going.  I won't reach back into the archives, but in more recent years the disrespect has affected the Chimps, Komodo Dragon, Foosa, and every Animal that the new Madagascar project (see upcoming post) will displace.  Now this new Snow Leopard Family.  I guess as long as the current management team remains in place, all any of us who have compassion for the Animals can do is cry and complain. 

If you're inclined, you can be a Voice for the Animals by emailing the Zoo Director, tanyap@sfzoo.org

HOT TOPIC! - Snow Leopard Cubs Debut - the Amazing and the Upsetting

Seeing these babies was highly anticipated for me, how it was done was very upsetting.  The babies are amazing and beautiful.  I love these precious little gifts.  I wish their debut had been different.  Not just for me, but for them.

Ever since the announcement that we would have Snow Leopard babies, I was beyond excited at getting the opportunity to see Cubs and watch them grow up.  In the 90s I was lucky to have seen Ming Wahs babies, when the Feline Conservation Center area was still open.  I didn't get to spend as much time at the Zoo pre-2008, so I missed a lot, including watching so many babies grow-up.  Over the last ten years I've had so many incredible experiences with these wonderful Zoo Friends and have been blessed to have been able to see so many babies and watch them grow from their first days out.

Soon after Anna ("Dawa") gave birth on June 7 it was said that it would be two months before the cubs would be out, which brought it to this past week.  More recently I heard that hopefully at the end of this week Keepers would start taking them out before the Zoo opened up, to get them used to the yard.  I heard the little girl had a bit of a mobility issue, so I assume Keepers probably wanted to monitor them maneuvering the exhibit before going out with Mama, in a situation where Keepers could not intervene if necessary.

You will notice I write "today",... I actually wrote most of this post that same day, but didn't get to posting til now. For the purpose of a few things I write, I want to leave it in that day.  

Today (Thursday) was my last visit for the week so when I got there at opening, I ran up to the exhibit hoping that I might get an early Birthday Present and catch a glimpse of them out for just a few minutes before they went in.  

Well, turns out Zoo Management decided on making their first time out, public, including having Media present.  At the same time I was happy that I was definitely going to see them, I was pissed and sad at this latest bad decision by Zoo Management.  I have no idea who's idea this was, but I'll go with the Director since she allegedly has to okay things like this and it has selfish written all over it.  

Before this all even took place, I was outraged. So, what's my grief about it?  Well I can tell you that it's not just my grief, like most everything, I've ever complained about, I'm not the only one who thinks this was awful, I'm just the only one who's vocal about it.  And for the record, having an opinion is not a crime.

The first time these babies went outside the den and without their Mama, should have been low key, no pressure, and no audience.  For the comfort of the Babies, their Mama, and the Keepers.

There was no reason to rush these babies out for public view. There was no reason to rush this to be a Media Event. Their debut could have waited til they could be out with their Mama, or at the very least had a few days to get comfortable in new surroundings.  Their debut could have waited til next week, giving them a few times to go out with their Keepers first.  Their debut could have waited til tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, giving them two morning sessions with their Keepers. Their debut today (Thursday) could have been after they had the initial opportunity to be out with their Keepers in the morning.  Why wasn't that allowed?  Any of these scenarios would have shown more empathy and compassion for not only these babies, but for their Mama watching from inside.

As much joy that I had getting to see the babies, I had disgust for the situation.  I do not blame anyone in Animal Staff, they most likely had no choice in how this played out.  I felt bad for the Cubbies and their Mama.  The babies had to be lured out and when they didn't come out far enough they were carried out.  Several times away from the sight of their Mama.  Just for media to get photos. Not cool. Luring them out isn't the real problem, its that they were lured out repeatedly for media.  Sadly, when they were carried down to the window the first time, one of the babies looked at the window and looked scared, running to the Keeper.  For one, if this was the Time it Had to be done, there should have been no viewing at the window, at least give them that privacy and security,  instead of having them see that window for the first time and see a wall of people.   It was heartbreaking.  

About twenty minutes before they finally got to go in and back to their Mama.  I  heard a staffer say at one point that the Mama was getting stressed and they might go in.  I was relieved, but then that's when all the really uncomfortable things started happening.  Picking them up, bringing them to pose for media photos, repeatedly in at least a half dozen different ways, and having the Zoo volunteer photographer go in the exhibit!  It was an inappropriate time to be doing all of this.  It was just too much.  And the babies kept trying to go back in so may times, but were lured and forced to stay out so media could get photos.  At one point they were put in the empty pond to contain them while the Zoo photographer got photos of them trapped in there.  I really hated that, but maybe the Keepers thought that would finally get the pix and get this circus over with.  There was no reason to do all of this at this time, and keep them separated from their Mama for an hour and ten minutes, while she watched them from inside.

I assume the idea behind this was to capture their amazement of the outdoor world for the first time, but that is just selfish.  There was no need to share that unless it was an ideal situation.  No Reason.  Ideal would have been to see them with their Mama for the first time out, sharing that wonderment with her, naturally.  Their acclimation to the yard should have been before the Zoo opened, until they were ready to go out with their Mama.  There was nothing natural about forcing them out and forcing them to repeatedly pose.  I ask SFZoo, what was the rush?  Why did you put these Babies through this?  Their new big experience should have been a quiet, calm, unrushed, and unpressured situation for the Cubs, their Mama and their Keepers.  They are babies for criminey sakes, they should have been allowed to take babie steps in this experience, not be forced out to entertain media and the public.  I have been told the Zoo was moving in a direction that allowed for the Animals to dictate what they wanted to do.  This whole situation went against that completely.  When those babies came out for the first time and went along the fencing where Mama could see them, and then ran back in to her, THAT should have been it for a bit.  Maybe even it for their first session out.  Everything that happened in the hour after that, was unnecessary and cruel.  

I highly doubt anyone on the Animal Staff thought this was a good idea.  I'm increasingly bothered by the lack of consideration for the feelings and well-being of the Animals, from Management that is made up of people who are not Animal Professionals and who don't listen to the people on staff who are and work directly with the Animals.  This should have never happened.  There should have been a meeting about this, that included Keepers and Curators weighing in on the pros and cons of doing this, and another more caring way should have been the outcome.  The public could have waited until the FAMILY was ready to debut together.  There is no reason that couldn't happen.  No reason it didn't happen.   This was just Sad. 

*~*~*~*~*~*

This is a link to my video clips from the day.  I separated them into six videos.  This link is to a compilation of all the videos for the purpose of blog posting.  Watching them separate is better viewing, you decide.  From this link you can choose to view my channel for the video listing, if you want to view them in parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eegkev82brs

I want to note that while I was happy to get to see them, I almost wish I hadn't in this setting.  Watching back through the videos was very upsetting.  I felt it at the time, but it was also diluted with watching adorableness.  Reliving it, made me cry.  While these babies are beyond cute, some of the upsetting things you will see, include:  *A scared cub, crouching down, ears low and seeking shelter and comfort from the Keeper.  *Their mama watching as she not only sees her Cubs moved out of her sight, but can hear a crowd of people.  She doesn't know what's going on.  *Zoo staff holding the Cubs for media.  Then when put down they tried to walk away, but were either held in place for a second, or brought back.  They should not have been repeatedly made to pose for photos. *The Cubs trying to go back inside many times.  And brought back out.  All while Mama was watching. ... I don't blame the Keepers, I would bet they are doing this on direction from Zoo Management.  

There is no reason the Cubs were not photographed naturally with their Mama when that time came.  Forcing this was not in the best interest of the Cubs or their Mother.  I just don't understand why the rush.  Have some compassion SFZoo!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Anyway, glad I was there to see these precious babies, as well to be able to document this unnecessary hoopla.  If I weren't you might have to believe the fantasy put forth by Chronicle reporter Lauren Hernandez who wrote three times in her article about the debut, that their Mama was out with them!  Wow.

Screencaps from the article below.  You can read full article

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-Zoo-s-snow-leopard-cubs-step-out-of-their-13145163.php

 

"Cubbie" Proofing - Tiger Yard Adjustments Made

I've been meaning to post progress updates on this and never got to it.  It might be moot at this point but since I documented it and its relevant to both learning how adjustments can be made adn how they worked out, I'm posting it.

As the weeks moved on from the Cubs birth, I have kept an eye on the Yard at Grotto A, what will be the Cub and her Mama's outside home.   In my first post after the Cubs birth I noted concerns I had about this Grotto and scratched my head at what the Zoo would do to "Cubbie proof" it.

The main concern I noted was the ledge at the window viewing area, where the heated rock is.  The other perimeter edge at least has a gutter lip, the rock is a straight drop.

Soon after my blog post I noticed the Zoo placed a good amount of hay down the concrete below it and along the ground.

As the weeks continued and we were reaching the point of time when Leanne started bringing her previous Cubs out, I wondered what the plan was.  Then last Friday I saw them building a platform to act as a stair.

 It looked fine in theory, but I wondered if some wires and such bolted into the rock was enough to hold an adult Tiger, who may or may not use it while in leap force.

 Watching Leanne use it yesterday at least nine times, I can see that it does indeed hold her and she did not use it to leap down or as a way back up.  Only to bring the Cub down.  I will note that it did seem a bit fluid and moved while she was on it.  That made me a bit nervous, so hopefully this route doesn't need to be used too often.

The Cub doesn't seem to go near it or the other edges on its own.  It was funny, every attempt Leanne made to bring the Cub down, as soon as she got her to the moat, she ran to the stairs and went back up!  It was very cute!  ...  It did appear the Leanne was teaching her to go down the stairs.  She must have decided that is the way she wants her to go down.  She was almost forcing her at one point to learn.  You could see her vocalizing to the babie in a coaching manner.

I think the proofing done will be fine and safe.  The only other thing I can say is I hope they add some additional hay to the rest of the rock siding and area below.  The Cub is a feisty one and was very wiggly.  One time Leanne picked her up the Cub wiggled free while at the ledge and fell.  I couldn't see, but from what I could it appeared that Leanne picked her up about half down the rocks.  Staff was watching so they saw and i hope they will get some extra hay in there.

Much to photographers dismay, the Zoo added trees to block the fencing part of the upper viewing area.  I actually give them kudo's for this because I think the fencing is dangerous.  I have blogged endlessly about Visitor misbehavior.  I want all the Animals safely enclosed.  Recently while at Snow Leopards I thought there needs to be plexiglass over the fencing, not only at them but everywhere it can be. So to avoid people "bothering" the Cub I think this is a great idea.  I would even suggest the plexiglass add.

Tiger Cub Cuteness Continues!

 With each day there is a new blog post that swirls in my mind.  Anyone looking at the blog in full, will see there are more than a few posts that promote a "coming soon" teaser.  That said, there are different reasons for getting behind, but for now those in draft will have to wait, as I want to share all the joy that is this little cubbie :)

Gotta say, I am a lucky girl!  As a Native, I have been a Zoo Member my whole adult life, but the start of my passion for the Zoo Animals began when Leanne gave birth to her last litter in 2008.   I was lucky to have had the time flexibility to be able to visit them almost everyday for the first year of their life.  Watching Tiger Cubs grow was one of the top experiences in my life.  I look forward to the same with "Little Padang" (as I've been calling the Cub), "LP" for short :)

Since LP's birth I have been anxiously waiting for this time to come, the start of the adventure :)  I wrote two earlier posts about seeing her inside the Lion House.  Of all the available days (the first couple with no sighting), I was lucky to be there the first time the public saw her.  ...   Made a pin to wear that documented my first glimpse : )

Today marked the first time Mama and Daughter had access to the outside during visiting hours.  I was once again lucky and was there among the first to see her outside, playing in the yard with her Mama.

Check out how they both

have the same back footie up :)

You can view my video here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi246QNVDEQ

Note:  In the video you will hear me comment about "karma" in response to the gal next to me saying she should sell her photos to them (Media).  The story with that is when Visitors (myself included among the first) showed up to see the Cub, as advertised "Outdoors Friday", the Zoo was holding a Media Event on the upper viewing area, and since I was the first there, I was asked to go to the lower level window area til the Media was done.  The viewing is fine from the window area, so not the issue I had.  I actually shouldn't use the word issue, because the joy of getting to see her was not dampened, but for the lack of a better word...  The "issue" is that the Zoo is notorious for their Media Event timing, among other curiosities.  In this case, if there wasn't the option of the window viewing, the public would have had to wait, like with other Media Events (first viewing of Tucker/Hippo), making their public view advert another untruth.  Anyway, as luck would be with me, the viewing from the window, was much better than the upper level!  So the view I got was better than that of the Media :)  Sweet!