San Francisco Zoo Management = Humans Priority over Animals

I wrote a blog post on this issue (again) that has sat in draft form for quite some time.  You can find it below the dotted line.

Today the issue is as such.   The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission will vote this Thursday, whether to grant the Zoo the go-ahead for this project.   This information comes today as part of an Examiner article you can view here:   

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/11/next-zoo-habitat-kids-san-francisco-zoo

It is my opinion that this plan is a slap in the face to the Animals that live at the Zoo and once again shows that the SFZoo does not put the Animals first.   So much for their new "Wellness Initiative"  which claims to put the Animals first.  

I do not have time to write in detail all the reasons this is wrong, but I have blogged about it before, I will next include in part my letter emailed to the Commission this morning (that includes the points I think in short are  most valid), as well below are photos and text that made up my post in draft.

If you value the Zoo as the Animal Park it is supposed to be, and visit because you love Animals, I have to assume you to share my feelings on this.  I try to present information in my blog that is of my opinion and such the readers can form their own based on that, but I have to say, if you think that a new playground for Humans is more important than providing optimum living spaces for the Animals, that is sad.

If you are moved to do so, please email the Commission at:    recpark.commission@sfgov.org

My letter:

Dear San Francico Recreation And Park Commissioners, Mark Buell, Tom Harrison, Paige Arata, Gloria Bonilla, Meagan Levitan, Larry Martin, and Commissioner Low,

I understand that this Thursday there will be a vote regarding the proposed new Playground at the San Francisco Zoo.  

The Zoo is a place where Animals live.  If you care about the well being of any Animal, I urge you to vote against this.

As a lifetime Visitor and current Member of the San Francisco Zoo, I visit the Zoo at least twice a week.  Admittedly I have alot of issues with the decisions current Management makes adn this is a very big one.

My heart and passion is for Animals.  I have strong attachments to the ones that live at the Zoo.  

As you know, the Zoo is over 80 years old and many areas are in need of upgrades, primarily many of the Animal enclosures.  These are enclosures to us, but homes to them.  

It hurts my heart when the Zoo proposes "New", when "Old" isn't helped.  

Earlier this year our beloved Andean Bear Wishbone died from injuries related to living his life on concrete.  The Management may tell you different, but that would not be the truth.

The Polar Bears continue to live 50% of their life on concrete.  The Chimps have a third living space that was closed down for maintenance issues over two years ago and never worked on.  These are just two examples of dire needs for these Animals.  

In addition to the new Playground the Zoo has a whole new region in the plan, while the Bears, Chimps and other Animals languish in their old homes that need serious upgrading.  These two Animals I have mentioned are Senior Residents, so complete new areas for them would not be advisable, for upset and displacement reasons, but that doesn't mean there isn't upgrades that can be made to improve their lives.  Frankly the Zoo Management team appears to be just waiting out their lives before they plan on anything for them, and that is not right.   The Andean Bear had known leg, bone, joint issues for many years and was put down while still having all it all mentally, but just never recovered from the last in a long list of injuries to his mobility issues from living on concrete.

Are Animals living in these conditions less important than Humans having a new play area?

Please remember when you vote that the Zoo is a place where Animals live.  They give their lives so Humans can view them and learn about them.  This is a place the should support the Animals first.  It is not an Amusement Park.

The Zoo has recently rolled out their new slogan of "Wellness" for the Animals.  Claiming that the Animals will finally become a priority.  Building a new area for Humans is not putting the Animals first.  Kids should come there knowing they are there to see Animals, playing is secondary.  There is no need for a new Playground.  If they want to do something, there are many ways to bring new things to the current Playground, that are not of such a cost both monetary and at the slight fo the Animals.   

I understand that these funds were raised or donated for this use, but with that I will also add that is because the Zoo team only seeks funds for "New", never proposing to donors the serious needs.

If this project gets the go ahead, your message will be that Humans having a better play space is more important than the Animals having  better living conditions.  Building a "naturalistic" playground while Bears walk on concrete is unacceptable and disgusting.

Thank You

Kim ...

San Francisco

*********************************************

Does the San Francisco Zoo really need new 

AND elaborate playgrounds?

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2012/03/do-we-really-need-new-playground-no.html

The following "models" were on display near the Carousel for the recent ZooFest. 

 It appears that soon Humans will have 

better play areas than 

the Animals have living spaces.

 In addition to four, count 'em 4 new playgrounds in the Playfield area,

there is a "playground" in the plans for the new Squirrel Monkey enclosure.

In addition to these play areas, the Zoo also has multiple Statues which Kids play on more than they do the actual Playground.  As well there is a huge grass area (while some Animals have no grass or soft surface at all in their homes) for playing.  People can bring their own play gear, or the Zoo can rent a bouncy house or other such rotating kid entertainment items.  There is no need to spend money while Animals live on concrete and have little other Enrichment in their lives.

Taken of current playground area during 

the Zoo's Hawaiian Hertitage Event.

Note the abundance of children making use of the playground.  AND this is during an Event.  I again ask, why is the Zoo spending money on building playgrounds for humans when the Animals who live there need upgraded homes and other Enrichments?

San Francisco Zoo Knowingly Upsets its Senior Chimp

I will start by saying that I find what I'm about to write about very disturbing BUT not surprising as the San Francisco Zoo while promoting the hell out of their "Wellness" Initiative, in my opinion continue to not make the Animals who live there a priority.

Last Monday (November 5, 2012) I finished up my visit at the Chimps.  Before I even approached the area I could hear very (VERY!) loud electric equipememnt sounds coming from that area.   I saw they were working on the Bird cages directly across from the Chimps.  Photo below taken four days later on Thursday.

Work being done

photo 11.8.2012

I know they want to expand some cages to create better flight areas, so I assume that was what was being done.  The loud metallic grinding sound appeared to be coming from an electric saw cutting the metal.  It was very loud, and prolonged.  Really awful sound to hear if you are sensitive to that sort of thing.  I'm not, but Cobby (the male Chimp) is.

As I walked closer to the Chimp enclosure, I viewed Cobby coming out from the night quarters.  He was Stumbling and at first I thought there was something wrong with his legs, because the stumble was such that he couldn't walk properly, in fact he was close to falling down.  In hindsight because of the situation I wonder if there wasn't something else medically attacking him.  

Once he got off the "bridge" and onto to grotto, he was visibly VERY upset.  Already in full bristle (hair standing up on end)  and swinging his arms back and forth, he pounded his feet all around the structure, eventually rolling up magazines and throwing them in the direction of the offence.   

These photos are from Snapshots taken from the Video I took.   You can view the video at length here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9uxKyr7NLc

Cobby visibly upset 

Video Snapshot 11.5.12

Cobby ready to throw magazine

Video Snapshot 11.5.12

While Visitors often mistake this behavior as something else and always proceed to laugh, heckle and continue to upset him, anyone who works at the Zoo KNOWS that this is Cobby in a very agitated state.

This is not new behavior for him, he is easily upset by loud noises and harassing Visitors.   The problem with this particular situation is that the Zoo knows this and yet this construction was allowed to happen while he was out on exhibit.   One Staff Member stood across the path overseeing the construction, with his back turned away from Chimps = no concern for how this might upset them, especially Cobby knowing his sensitivity.   AND  four days later when I visited, there were magazines on the Visitor side again, which means Cobby had been out throwing magazines again that very day.  So, I am to conclude that this was an upset that he endured for at least four days.  Awful.

Magazines that had been thrown

Photo 11.8.12

The Zoo's Chimps are all Seniors.  They have lived at the Zoo since the 60s and are all well into their 50s.   Consideration should be taken for their "Wellness" and they should not knowingly be subjected to this level of upset.   There is no reason the Zoo could not either shorten their hours "on" exhibit and do this in the morning before and in the afternoon after such hours, OR like they did for the Gorillas (when their new glass was installed), leave them inside while construction is being done.  They love movies and would have sat inside watching one having popcorn while this was going on.  There is absolutely NO reason Cobby and frankly his Heart had to be put through this.   

I find this extra disturbing as I have witnessed Cobby upset many times before. There are  "shoosh" signs at the enclosure, yet not only do the Visitors ignore the signs, obviously so does the Staff.  As I have stated these are not young Chimps.  They are always targeted by Visitors, heckling them, laughing at them, making ape gestures, its disgusting.  I don't know why people come to the Zoo sometimes.  BUT for the purpose of this post, I am concentrated on the Zoo Staff (excluding Keepers).

That all said, the Zoo needs to not only check their own behavior, but post more signs to keep quiet at Chimps, as well as one that includes an explanation of Cobbys behavior and not to laugh, heckle, or gesture at him, to further upset him.

I will include two links to previous posts I've made about this situation.

An incident, when I witnessed a group of Visitors upset Cobby and when he threw something at them, the Visitors threw it back AT him and the Zoo did nothing about it.

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/05/zoo-management-lets-visitors-abuse.html

A continual sound issue surrounding the Zoo's annual Lunar (Chinese New Year) Event.  

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/01/saturday-january-14-2012.html

San Francisco Zoo Then and Now - New Article

I love San Francisco history and of course I love the Zoo, so anything combined is a bonus!  ... I'm also a freak about the TV Series Streets of San Francisco and put up some clips on my first Zoo blog from an episode filmed at the Zoo!  

http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com/2009/07/streets-of-san-francisco-on-location-at.html

Great new article (that states it may turn into a series!) on the Zoo's History.  A Then and Now, with some great photos from the past.  

http://blog.sfgate.com/thebigevent/2012/11/08/the-san-francisco-zoo-then-and-now/

One of my favorite history book series is put out by Arcadia Publishing.  A couple years ago they put out a San Francisco Zoo one, bringing my total books in their series to over Twenty.  Check it out if you are interested in more great photos and info bits about the Zoo's beginnings.

During the Zoo's 80th Anniversary in 2009, the Zoo put up these beautiful and fantastic signs at certain points around the grounds, featuring historic photos and information.  Unfortunately they took them down.  Big FAIL I think embracing the Zoo's past with present is part of endearing people to the Zoo.

I can't remember if it was while I had an open and favorable communication with the Zoo's Director, that I made this suggestion via email to her or if it was in one of my blogs, but my feeling still stands on this as I think it is a brilliant idea.  In fact, I think it would be a richer experience for Children than a new Playground.

I would love to see the Historic Mother's Building, renovated and turned into a history Museum. I would love to see old Photos, Video, Memorabilia  ect.  One Keeper told me there is Video footage of our Chimps.  I would love to be able to see that footage.  I love our Chimps, who have lived at the Zoo for over Forty Years.  There is no reason to horde this wonderful history away when it would be shared with the people who really love the Zoo and possibly make more people appreciate the Zoo.   It would be a wonderful tribute to the Fleishhacker Family for their vision to open our wonderful Zoo.  

While making a note on history and embracing the Zoo for its longevity, I want to add a few more things.  

It would be a WIN in every way to include the word "HISTORIC" above the current wording on both the Lion House and the Pachyderm Building.  As well, inside the Lion House there used to be two poster sized photos of passed Lion House Residents.  Old George and Trouble.  These were taken down during this year, I thought because they were going to paint in there, but that hasn't happened and the photos are still down.  I have always loved those photos and they paid tribute to the wonderful souls who have lived there.  I always thought it would be wonderful to put up a nice framed photo of each of the Big Cats who have lived there.  It would celebrate them and make the space warmer.  That said, taking down the two that were already up and never putting them back up is senseless and disrespectful.

Another big part of the Zoo's history that is under celebrated, is that of Monarch the Grizzly Bear.  While Monarch never lived in the current Zoo, he lived in the City's first actual Zoo in Golden Gate Park and was the inspiration to expand that Zoo into the Zoo we have today.  Monarch is a state symbol, his silhouette the model for the Flag of California.  

A fundraising idea I have had for many years was inspired by the Festival of Fish I saw in New Orleans in 2000.

http://www.amberle.com/FestivalOfFins/

Much like the more well known New York Cow Parade, as well as other like efforts, including a Heart based one the City of San Francisco did some years ago.  The collection of sculptures that are decorated and displayed, later sold as part of a fundraiser.  There is already a statue form that can be used, its on display outside the Grizzly Bear Gulch.This would be an awesome fundraiser for money to be specifically used for upgrading our Bears.  I say specifically because the Bears (Polar and our precious passed Andean) are the most in need Animals at the Zoo, yet continue to be at the bottom of the priority list. ... Another brilliant idea by me :) 

Please post a comment and tell me about your past memories of the Zoo.  

I remember so many things, but the two that stand out most as repeated favorites were getting fish from the cart to feed the Sea Lions and the Bears sitting on the edge of the Grotto's waving!  Also, all the babie Goats that used to jump about the Farm!   

As always, if there are comments, please click on them to expand them and hear what others have to say!

October Birthday Wishes! (Belated)

Four Zoo Friends had Birthdays in October!

 Happy Birthday Angelo!

Angelo the Giant Anteater 

turned 14 on the 26th!

Happy Birthday Snickers!

Snickers the Nigerian Dwarf Goat

turned 11 on the 30th!

Happy Birthday Milky Way!

Milky Way the Nigerian Dwarf Goat

turned 11 on the 30th!

You can visit these wonderful Twin Goats

and their Mama Maroudi on the Farm :)

Happy Birthday Wasabi!

Wasabi the Rooster

turned 9 on the 31st!

I was there for Wasabi's Birthday Party!  After the Birthday song was sung, Wasabi had some cake with his lady friends :)  Here are a few photos :)  Thank you to Keeper Amber for celebrating Wasabi's special day!

 the Cake :)

the Guests :)  ... Wasabi and his lady friends

Buffy, Stella, Snowball, and Diva!

Toddler Killed at Pittsburg Zoo by African Dogs

I am really behind on many posts, but this recent event is relevant to many things I post about.

I will lead with a paragraph from this article

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/us/article/2-year-old-boy-killed-at-Pa-zoo-exhibit-4007421.php

> "A 2-year-old boy visiting the Pittsburgh zoo was killed Sunday morning when he fell off a railing that his mother had put him on top of to view a pack of African painted dogs, who pounced on the child and mauled him, police said." <

When I first read this, my immediate thoughts went to misbehavior I see at the Zoo (SFZoo).  Specifically the new Anteater exhibit came to mind.  I have given the Zoo kudos for the exhibit, but I have also raised issue in many posts in regards to Angelo (Anteater) being so vulnerable to Visitors.  I've noted how people lean, lay, stand on the barrier.  There of course are no signs not to, which doesn't always stop people, but is an added way to deter such actions.  There are such signs at the Asian Rhino, yet people still prop their kids on the barrier.  In any case, when the Zoo renovated the exhibit next to Angelo's for Inti the Bobcat, they of course had to put of a "fencing" because of the type of Animal he is, but additionally they have put up metal police style barriers, adding plants and bamboo barriers as well.  Where are Angelo's protective barriers?  No where that's where!

I have witnessed countless instances where Visitors are breaching barriers.  You don't have to jump a barrier to breach it.  Barriers are just that.  They are meant to be a wall between you and the Animals.  They are not meant to be stood on, sat on, ect.  I am not insensitive to the tragedy this is for this Family, but for the purpose of my post, I must point out the cause of this tragedy.

I am in a constant stupefied awe (among other emotions) at the things I witness people do.  That said, in relation to breaching barriers at Zoo's, I am in fear for the Animals.  I fear their safety from people gesturing towards them, heckling them, throwing objects into their home, and yes, even entering their home, whether voluntarily or by accident.  For the sake of this post I will concentrate on accidentally. 

Another quote from the article:

> "When the boy fell, other visitors immediately told staff members, who responded along with Pittsburgh police. Zookeepers called off some of the dogs, and seven of them immediately went to a back building. Three more eventually were drawn away from the child, but the last dog was aggressive and police had to shoot the animal, officials say."<

This is one of my fears when Visitors misbehave and it involves contact with an Animal.  The Animals are in jeopardy of losing their lives.  In regards to our Tatiana (Tiger), she lost her life because of Visitor misbehavior.  I could write more on that, but have already (search on gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com)  Thankfully our Grizzly Sisters didn't meet the same fate when someone entered their enclosure BUT if they had not backed down, they would have been shot.  In my opinion no Animal should be killed as the result of misbehavior on the part of a Human.  But, that's just me.

A more recent article had some quotes I had thoughts on.

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/2893610-74/zoo-dogs-safety-pittsburgh-african-association-feldman-national-painted-police#axzz2Bb6qBPy2

>"Federal officials, police and the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums will review Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s procedures because of the fatal mauling of a 2-year-old Pleasant Hills boy on Sunday by a pack of African painted dogs."<

I have maintained from the point of the Tiger event, that you can't safeguard every aspect of deviance in a person's mind.  That reflected the misbehavior of the Visitors that caused the Tiger event.  That said, since then, more stringent precautions should be in place in all Zoo's to prevent and deter.  Unfortunately that requires changing the rules of how barriers are designed.  With that I mean how they are designed to keep Visitors OUT!  ... In this instance, sure, the Zoo could have put up a better barrier, but the Zoo is not at fault for not doing so.  There was a sufficient barrier in place to keep the Animals IN.  The Zoo did their job.  The rest is up to the Visitor.

I will also not that I think the AZA needs to have a better system in place.  Not only can they walk the grounds of the SFZoo (and others I'm sure) and note breach-able exhibits, but from personal experience, they can't always believe what they see and are told from scheduled inspections.  My friend Lee reported someone who breached the barrier at Bears and the events that followed included both she and I getting blamed for calling in a false alarm and getting our Memberships revoked.  It is my opinion that with the Zoo's upcoming AZA inspection for safety that we were used as scapegoats to hide their Security pitfalls.  (sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com)

> "Zoo officials said the boy apparently slipped from his 34-year-old mother’s arms on a 4-foot-tall wall and tumbled off a 14-foot-tall mesh barrier and into the dogs’ enclosure."<  

I'm sorry, but this is just plain stupidity.  In the light of such a tragic event I hate to simplify things, but I must. 

> “Considering that 75 million people visit accredited zoos every year, they have a remarkable safety record,” he said. “This is obviously a terrible, terrible tragedy, but I do want people to know that zoos are safe.” <

Of course Zoo's are safe.  Its the People who create unsafe situations.  Stupidity and Evilness seem to be an epidemic and in the case of what I'm most passionate about, its the Animals who end up suffering.  I apologize if in respect to this situation sounds awful and insensitive, I don't mean it to be.  I am pointing out that this type of misbehavior (barrier breaching) whether based on stupidity or evilness,  is not isolated.  Something needs to be done about deterring and educating people to behave in a manner proper to the environment they choose to enter.  In this case its a Zoo.  A place where wild Animals live.  

I have blogged about how the San Francisco Zoo in my opinion drops the ball in regards to Education, which is a word they use in their Mission Statement.  There is little to none in regards of educating people (from gate paying Adult, Zoo Camp Children, even Members) about how to respect the Animals that live in the Zoo.  A message that would also extend to how Animals are treated in general.  I spend most of my time outside the house in places where Animals live.  There is a constant (daily) stream of people misbehaving around and towards Animals.  I am in the process of re-working a blog dedicated to this subject.  There are so many aspects of disrespect/misbehavior its been hard to make it solid.

Recently I noted in a blog post that I thought glass barriers should be at every exhibit in every Zoo.  Sure I would love to see all Animals in open air exhibits, but with the misbehavior I have witnessed over the years, I fear for the Animals safety constantly.  You are probably wondering how an event like this has turned my focus to Animal safety.  Before I continue with that, I want to note that in my opinion, the "open air" style of exhibits, is only Visitor perception   From the Animal side, they are still in open air, they barrier protecting them is just more solid.

In regards to this particular event, all I can say is, I'm not surprised.  Of course this is a tragedy for this Family, but hopefully a wake-up call for not only others who do this very thing when visiting Zoo's, but for Zoo's to really think about how to educate Visitors on behavior AND how exhibits are now designed and changed to reflect this epidemic of misbehavior, to not only deter this type of behavior, but to make their Animals less vulnerable to Visitors, which keeps both Animals and Human safe.

I find it disappointing and upsetting to constantly see Animals a target for misbehavior, whether its verbal or physical.  To me its a form of Bullying.  As I mentioned, many of my blog posts contain multiple suggestions and pleas to the San Francisco Zoo to have more Education, more Signs, install Video Messages, but up better barriers, have their Docents/Volunteers spreading the Message of Respect, but to no avail, you barely see or hear anything of the such.  What you do see is continued disrespect toward the Animals and their homes.  I've only seen answer to this call to action a few times.  Once was after the Grizzly Bear incident, another was when they hired Terry Maple as their touted new "Visionist".

I do not understand why there is such a Zoo wide slack on something that is so important.  Safety.  The safety of the Animals who live there (which takes the back seat) and the Visitors (who create the unsafe instances themselves).  I noted the Tiger event in which I have never held the Zoo accountable.  Until then I hadn't thought anything of the way exhibits were designed.  I still don't believe there is anything that could have changed the outcome of that event other than Visitors behaving properly.  It is only in hindsight of that incident and my subsequent sensitivity to people acting the fool, have I formed a more stringent thought process to how Zoo's should handle barriers, security and putting forth the message of respect.

In all the blogging I do in regard to the Zoo, the main thing that is the common catalyst is that I want what's best for the Animals.  Not only in our Zoo, but all Zoo's.  Not only in Zoo's but for all Animals.  Disrespect of Animals hurts my heart.

That all said, I have also said in a few fantastical manners how I should be running the Zoo.  I'm sure those who are actually running the Zoo are laughing at the very thought, but I will say this, I have written in posts both suggestions and critiques and many of those have come to fruition at the Zoo.  My words have changed some things, so I'm not full of BS as some within the walls think.  With my blogs and other online outlets, at one time, I was doing more Social Networking than any Zoo Employee.  It was fueled by my passion to endear others to the Zoo to help it thrive in the wake of the negativity surrounding the Tiger event.  With the joy I got from watching the Animals have fun, I (along with my friend Lee) learned about Enrichment and made Toys every weekend for most of 2010 so the Animals could have some fun.  We did this when Staffers who job it was to do so, did not (and still do not).  I have made suggestions in regard to Animal safety, when Staffers turned a blind eye to things or didn't have the "cells" to notice.  The Zoo has a payroll of people who should being handling (thinking) and they obviously don't.  They had to hire a "Visionist" to tell them there should be glass at the Gorillas.  Good Grief  I suggested that and other things prior.   Its not always the Education (not scholarly, but by being in the profession) that fuels the right thing, its the Empathy.  Cowards don't care, and there is alot of that going on at the Zoo that prevents things getting done.  At the end of this you may ask, how did this become about the San Francisco Zoo?  Here are a few more photos from my archive this year.  What happened at the Pittsburgh Zoo can happen anywhere.  

 One of many Visitors I see 

standing on the barrier at Tigers!!!

 At Sea Lions

Wide angle that includes a Docent 

walking right past the offending behavior!!!

Sure the two open air exhibits (Anteater and Sea Lions, not Tiger) I posted are not that of "threatening" Animals, BUT the point is, this is not acceptable behavior at any exhibit.  Regardless of the danger level of an Animals nature, this is their home, that should be respected.  And if it is an dangerous Animal,  what's wrong with you if you think its ok to behave this way?

I had planned to include links to posts I've written previously pertaining to what I've written here, but right now i don't have the time.  If anyone reading this is interested in more, there is a search box for this blog, you can search "misbehavior" and other such terms to pull up more posts.  There is also a link to the left that will allow you to access my other Zoo related blogs.

As always please remember to expand any comments for more information.

Afterthought:   After several hours of this post being published, in hindsight I feel a bit guilty for my bluntness in blame.  I feel awful for this Family, but I also think the circumstances causing this event need to be addressed because of how common this behavior is.  It obviously doesn't always (and maybe has never before) end this tragic, but once is all it should take for Zoo's to think of exhibit barriers that reflect how the current populous of Visitors behave.    

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.

Welcome Belozi! - New Male Black Rhino

Welcome Belozi!

 Belozi = Adorable!

Belozi actually means "Ambassador" and that he is!  One of our (SFZoo) Elly's Grandkids!  Produced by one of Elly's many babies (I think Fourteen!), who have gone on to other Zoo's as well as having been released back into the wild (according to the Zoo's former Vet).   Belozi was born at the San Diego Zoo in July of 2008.  At 4 years old, he is still a little guy, with several years of growing yet to do!  His mama Lembi (studbook name Susan K) is the Daughter of Elly and her second mate Mishaki.  His papa's name is Jambia.

He has his Grandma's cute pink lips!

Bittersweet, he lounges in the sun

in his Grandpa's favorite spot :)