San Francisco Zoo Director Kicks Out Senior Chimps!

I apologize ahead of time at the length of this post.  This is a real Passion Issue for me and because of the nature of it, I feel its necessary to be very clear on all points.  If you care about our Chimps, please read in full.  Thank you.

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Outrageous News out of the Zoo.  Well, not really "out" of the Zoo, since the Zoo has made no public mention of this, I guess just another thing they hope to keep secret.  

San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson has given the boot to the Family of Three Senior Chimpanzees who have lived at the Zoo for over 45 years!

Where are they going?  To Florida. I'm still not completely sure exactly where.  I've heard a Sanctuary, yet the only place I've heard the name of,  I don't think falls into Sanctuary category.  

As noted, the Zoo has not made any public mention of this move, so I guess its all being done on the hush and those of us who love these Chimps will just show up one day and they will be gone?  

This News makes me sick.   I am not the only one who loves these Chimps and is heartbroken at the thought we will never see them again.

As well, I am not alone in feeling this is wrong.  Our Chimps are aged 57, 45 and 45.  These Chimps should not be put throught the trauma of a move.  The reality if you picture it will be such:  They will think everything is going routine in their life, til they are darted and tranquilized.  They will be flown across the country, wake up in a cage in an unfamiliar place, with unfamiliar people.  After a quarentine time, they will be intergrated into established Chimpanzee groups, all with an already established Alpha Male.

Imagining them put in this situation is heartbreaking.  What happens if they don't intergrate?  What happens if Cobby has a hard time?  He has been the only Male in his group.  Will he be banished to live alone?  Separated from his Girls?  Sent off to another place?   I already know that Cobby had a really difficult time when he came to the Zoo in 1968.  I am friends with one of his first Keepers John Alcaraz (1968-1986).   John, an established SFZoo Ape Keeper started working with Cobby a couple months after his arrival, when the new Keeper hired to work in the new Triple Grotto (that went up in 68 as well) couldn't hack it.  Upon meeting Cobby, he found a frustrated, upset and out of control Chimp, yelling and screaming.  Cobby came to the Zoo after living in someone's home and being used in Entertainment.  When he arrived at the Zoo, the new Keeper did nothing to help him transition to Zoo life.   He was thrown in with other males and they beat on him.  John worked with him to get him comfortable living in captivity and with other Chimpanzees.  He has said this took sometime because they had to develop a relationship of working together.  This was 47 years ago.  The Girls, both Maggie and Minnie came to the Zoo as infants together 45 years ago and only know the SFZoo as their home.

How can this be happening you might ask?

The current situation as I have come to understand it is such.

The AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)  has a "loose rule" that requires Chimpanzees to live in groups of four minimum.   Less than four they are required to add the the group, to bring it to an ideal social size that resembles how they would live in the wild.

The problem with doing that with our group comes with questions.

Would the AZA allow the Zoo to bring in more Chimps?   Is that not an option unless enclosure upgrades are made (which has come up for other Zoos)?  Did Director Peterson just take the easy way out and opt to just send them away?

Would the Chimps be in this position if their home had been at the very least, upgraded?  OR would they still have been booted out by Director Peterson, in favor of bringing in more "new and shiny" Animals?

As I've noted in previous posts: 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/sfzoo-chimpanzees-need-some-love.html

Please read if you haven't, to get full understanding of situation with SFZoo Chimps.

There has been a steady stream of new areas built both for Humans and New Animals during Director Peterson's reign (several this past year) and the new continues to flow with rumors of new species, needing new homes built, already on the agenda.  ... This week I saw construction begin on building yet a new childrens's play structure next to the current playground.  Are you friggin' kidding me?  More for Humans?  

As well, as incoming, I have seen many Animal species get transfered out.  At first I thought it was for better management size, then new ones just came in to seemingly take their place.  So, basically what appears to be  happening is theres a personal agenda in place and some Animals are more desirable than others. ... That said, allegedly Director Peterson has a plan to bring in another species of Ape and of course then, they will need to build a new home for them.  If this is true, I can literally feel the SLAP in the face for our poor Chimps.

I did some investigating in regards to the AZA position.  I still haven't heard back from them, but I called several of the Zoos that were listed in the 2012 Chimpanzee Studbook as having 3 or less Chimps.  I spoke at length to the Director at one Zoo, whose group of 3 is in the same situation.  Valuable information  was shared and makes me question in regard to our Chimps, Is moving them the only doable option?  I believe HELL NO!  is the answer!

*The Zoo Director I talked to said his Zoo has had only three Chimps for near five years.  We lost our Tallulah in 2013.  We have only had three under two years. 

*The AZA would prefer Chimps not being transefered out and are "willing" to work with Zoos to keep them.   

Considering those two statements, I'm led to believe Director Peterson  just doesn't want to try.   But WHY?  Is the question.  

Has the full picture (as I'm describing it) been shown to the Recreation and Park, and Zoological Society?

If so, how can they be caring of the Animals if this is allowed to happen?

AND if they say its better for them, then they might as well send every Animal at the SFZoo away, because that's saying something about the care there.

This other Zoo has recently been given a timeline, as their situation mandates that they upgrade the enclosure before they can bring in additional Chimps.   If they can raise money to upgrade the enclosure, they can keep their Chimps.  ... They are currently running an online campaign outreaching to the public for help. ...  They WANT to keep their Chimps.

Does the San Francisco Zoo WANT to keep their Chimps?  OR are they on Director Peterson's hit list of Animals to send out in favor of bringing more in?

Has the AZA said they can't bring in additional Chimps to enlarge the group?  OR Has the AZA said they can't, unless they upgrade the enclosure?  OR is this just the ticket Peterson needed as an excuse to send them packing?

While their life at the SFZoo is not the best it can be, it certainly isn't the worst.  They deserve to live out their lives in the only place they've known as home.

Doing everything that can be done to keep them there to live out the duration of their lives, should be the priority.  ... WHY?  Isn't it?

The biggest disgust and crime, is that this move might not have ever been necessary if the Zoo had not disregarded the Chimps for the last 17 years.  If we are going with one assumption, that its an enclosure upgrade issue, then there is no reason these Chimps should be traumatized because the SFZoo has slighted them.  Thats not their fault. ... Its not their fault that the last upgrade to their enclosure was in the mid 80s.  Please read my post: for full details ...  Its not their fault that the SFZoo misappropriated money in 1997 from a City Bond that was voted in with a designation for a new Great Ape Forest.  For more information please read my previous post:  http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/san-francisco-zoo-steals-money-for-new.html

In addition to the two posts I've linked, I also wrote one with a idea for expanding the group.
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/rescuing-research-chimps-would-be.html
Both my suggestions for upgrading and for expanding the group would Save Our Chimps.  BUT thats only if the Zoo actually wanted to and again, that's NOW the real question.  

San Francisco Zoo do you want to Save Our Chimps?

Sadly, because of the years of disregard I think I know the answer, but that doesn't mean the SFZoo shouldn't be made to do better by these Chimps.

I have done a tremedous amount of complaining about the SFZoo.  Its because I care, and I want them to do better.   

In light of that, one could ask, do I think they could get better care at another facility?  Who knows.  And that could then be a questionable concern for every Animal at the Zoo.  

Does that mean the San Francisco Zoo Team, Management and Officials should get off easy, with a convinent send off,  for the disregard they've shown to the Chimpanzees?  Hell NO!

Should the SFZoo continue to be allowed to bring in more New Animals before taking care of the ones already there?  Hell NO!  THAT is the main issue.  

As I've written before bringing in New Animals (which does not include those in need of rescuing),  to enlarge the Collection, based on personal agenda and gate sale greed, is a disgrace and disrespect to every current Resident Animal in need.

Allegedly the San Francisco Zoo has to answer/get the okay from the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Recreation and Park, and the San Francisco Zoological Society.  That said, those "Offices"  of authority should take a better managing position. In doing so they should:

*Put a STOP to this move.  The Chimps SHOULD NOT LEAVE the San Francisco Zoo.

*Put an indefinite hold on any current and future plans that include bringing in New Animals, that require new exhibits to be built.  ... Zoo should be forced to take care of "home" , before anything else. 

*Find Funds (because I know they are there) to upgrade the current Chimpanzee enclosure not only for them, but to accomodate any assumed AZA issue in regard to expanding the group.  ... Upgrading they could bring in two new females that wouldn't change the current dynamics too much.

*Find Funds/Fundraise for the construction of a New Chimpanzee Exhibit.  ... They could then complete a move and add more Chimps to expand group, after a decent integration time. 

THIS is the only way to respect these wonderful beings who have given near half a century to the San Francisco Zoo.

My head is spinning over this whole situation.  So, In closing (for now), I only can keep asking myself, ...

How does the San Francisco Zoo (Director Peterson and others who have supported this Motion to Move) think this is a good idea? ...  I'd bet as noted, they don't really and this is just an easy out for them.  The Chimps aren't being sent away for their own good.  As well, Director Peterson will probably be praised for this, as the public hears the word "Sanctuary" and thinks its the best thing for all Animals.  While this possibly might have been a good thing 20 yrs ago, at their age now its not. Its even more disgusting because of the disregard and apparent discard circumstances.

How does the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Recreation and Park,

and the San Francisco Zoological Society, (the governing agencies the Zoo answers to) think that this is a good idea?  ... My bet is they have not been given the full picture, and/or don't care.  Definitely its per usual, just go along with whatever Director Peterson says.  They take the easy way out as well, never questioning anything, never getting involved, never anything that has to do with the place they are supposed to be "watching over".  

Over the next week, I do plan to make more noise about this.  If you are outraged as well, please check back for my next post which will include contact information for letter writing, as well, I may have some other ideas to Save Our Chimps!

Until then, please feel free to contact San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.

As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

2014 Holidays at the Zoo

Zoo Friends in Rain on Xmas Eve

I visited the Zoo Friends on Christmas Eve Day.  During my visit it began to rain.  Since we have been having usually cold weather, I was more pissed than usual to see so many of the Animals forced out on exhibit.

The Zoo for years has had a sign at the entrance that notes that all Animals have access to the inside.  That has always been a flat out lie.  Many Animals are locked out on exhibit all day.  I investigated this several years ago, when my Precious Tapir Friend Goober, with terminal Health issues was allegedly by Management orders forced to be on exhibit.  I was outraged about this, and one day it came to a head when it was raining and there he stood in the rain staring at his bedroom door.  

As I went around the Zoo in the rain, giving Holiday Greetings to the Friends, I was really upset to see so many out.

 44 year old Elly, staring at her door

 Tucker, sleeping as usual under water, no choice but to

 Lions seek shelter

Indian Rhino Gauhati's door is always closed

Zoo Lights Lite

Busy and/or Sick the last few weeks, I finally got to Zoo Lights tonight, the last night.  Two words, Big Fail.  I hate to pick at things especially at this time in my Zoo passion issues, which are concentrated on the Chimps, Animal safety and proper living environments, but after seeing the Komodo Dragon still in a barren home (see previous post),  I'm once again bothered at the Zoo just seeming to not really give a shit.  Its either that, collaborative inemptness and cross the board laziness.  Either way you look at it, too much is left to Mediocrity.  

The Zoo has done this Event for three years now.  The first year they had some technical difficulties, but the attempt was decent and the part I saw was impressive and we had a great time.  Read my review here: 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/12/inaugural-zoo-lights.html

Last year I had high hopes, as so many Zoo's were putting on really great displays and our Zoo seemed like it was trying.  I thought it fell short in light display, seeing as it is a "light" Event.   I thought the craft vendors and food truck were a great add. 

This year, Friends who had gone early in the Event said they were really disappointed.  After seeing some of the displays up prior, I had a feeling the effort to do a good Event wasn't going to be there.  Sadly I was right.  

I feel bad to hate on these little trees that could, but seriously, these poor little tree's deserved to be pretty.  Where did they get these decorations and who decorated them?   Even the Gulls were outraged, as I got a photo (I can't find) of them screaming at one.

And, I think the Zoo has lost sight of the fact that this is a Light Event, which means, don't go lite on the amount of lights.  Does anyone look at other Zoo (Point Defianace) Displays?   Are they aware that there is a whole TV Show (Great Christmas Light Fight) based on this?    The Show now in its second season has had two Marin based contestants.  The Zoo needs to get their number and get some help if they plan to do this again.  If you are not going to Wow people, dim the lights and get out of the game.

Here are some photos.  Again the Snowflakes on the ground were the best part.  Thankfully I took the photo of the three lit Animals at the Entry going in, because they were out an hour later when I left.   I was told they "shorted out".   Each year there has been electrical issues and parts of the Event blacked out.   If the Zoo can't handle keeping lights on, then don't have an Event that is about lights.

So yeah, not enough lights, and hardly any food.  The food options were pathetic, especially for an Event that takes place during the Dinner hours.   No Food Truck, only the Lemur Cafe had food and not even full Menu they usually have. I'm pretty sure there were less than ten menu items.   We left after an hour to spend money elsewhere on food.

One right thing they did was have Keeper Nancy out at Koalas sharing her knowledge and photos.   As well she was after doing the same at Giraffes, but we had to leave to seek food.  AND of course the Reindeer.  I love seeing them.

In hindsight, I'm not even sure Snow Flurry machine was on that night.  I think I would have noticed.  So, possibly no Snow, no real food options.  If you can't put on full experience as advertised, dont do it.  People are paying to get in as well some paying more than entrance fee to park.

If I was in charge of this Event and only had the amount of lights in use, I would concentrate them into a smaller area.  Having parts of the Zoo open when not many Animals to see ( I knew this and was not expecting more) is a waste of light space, especially when nothing else is going on in those areas.   Condense efforts, by reducing and changing the areas open during the event.  This would make the "light" portion of the event appear to be more.

I think the Event would be better off if it were only open at Entry Village, Playfield, a portion of the Childrens Zoo.  I think the Craft Vendors and Food Trucks (plural) should be a part of it always.   As well that awesome video display from the first year.  What happened to that?   There is much unused space beyond the tent, in front of the Mothers Building.  Even if they can't figure out what they are doing with the MB, they can at least do something with the area instead of closing it off.  I think it should be a Zoo History House with Memorbilia, but I hear that the Zoo threw out alot of the historical photos and video.  Allegedly no one found value it in.  More disgrace.  But I digress.  Keep the lights concentrated to Entry Village and the path to the Playfield.  Vendors and Food by Mothers Building.  I mentioned the CZ.  I think they should open the right side path, open the ARC (which is rarely open now) and allow people to have a chance to see those rarely seen Animals and have a portion of the Farm viewable.  I say viewable because I don't think crowds of people should be in the Farm after hours, but I do think they should take advantage of putting together a Manger scene in the first corral and having some of our wonderful Farm Friends involved.  They also need to build on the festive as there was none.  I don't remember hearing any Christmas music and I'm not even a fan of it.  But, at an Event, I think its a must.  Hire Carollers, something.  Hand out Candy Canes.  Something.  The two costumed Characters were the only interactive festive elements to the Event.

My Friend pointed out that there wasn't even one Security Guard visable.  In fact the place was void of any Zoo Staff.  Why is there never one Zoo Official at any Event other than ZooFest or another cocktail party type event?  Not that I think its a good idea for our Director to be out at Events, but at least it would show a sense of care if she were, as well other higher up Staffers.  She didn't even make an appearace at the Flamingo Day Event (which I stil haven't reviewed) and those Flamingo Chicks shoudl have gotten major recognition since they were the first in four years.  She just doesn't seem to care about anything.  And what about Bob Cooney, head of Visitor Experience?  What's he doing that he can't be out at Events greeting Visitors.  The Zoo often just throws Events together and no one from the "team" is there to be interactive with guests.   

That all said,  I'm also bothered by things in the past that weren't done again this Holiday Season.

Animals Get No Presents 

A Christmas time Event that stopped when the Zoo opted instead for Zoo Lights, was an Event of Gift Giving from one species of Animal to another.  Like the Otters would give to the Lions.  So then the Lions would get Christmas decorated boxes.  Toy Enrichment "presents" filled with treats.  Again everyone knows I'm a big fan of Enrichment, and especially love seeing the Animals get Holiday/Birthday themed toy items.  With the elimination of this, the Zoo is down to only giving the Animals this type of fun during the Halloween Event and even thats gone iffy, OR if a randon Animal rates a Birthday treat.  

Speaking of Birthday treats.  (chk which year 2012 or 2013)  For several years the Polars got Snow, donated by the San Francisco Ice Company.  Understandable if there was no donation, and I have no idea how that comes about.  Just saying that I miss it and the Polars loved it.  Reason I'm bring it up is more because of the Birthday Fail.  The Zoo (outside the Family Farm) rarely, recognizes the Animals on their Birthdays, whether it be a Facebook shout out or a special treat (both should be mandatory).  I can't say never, because there is that rare occasion for whatever reason (usually media attention) one Animal will rate something.   One of those occasions was when they turned the last Snow donation, into an "Event" to pimp out the Polars Birthdays for Media attention and to attract Visitors.  A sign was posted at their homes for a couple weeks wishing them "Happy Birthday".  I hate that the Animals are used in that way, but if it gets them special treats, whatever.  I will say it was the last time they got special attention for their Birthdays and the only other time before that was when my Friend Lee and I made them and the other Bears Birthday Enrichment Toys in 2011.  This year, both Pike whose Birthday was November 25th and Ulu whose Birthday was December 19th got no mention and no special treats.   In fact while I was there on Pike's Birthday, I was bothered to watch Ulu get thrown treats (but happy she did) while Pike got none and it was her Birthday.   Neither got a mention on the Zoo's Facebook Page.

Our Polars are two of my fav Zoo Friends.  I love these Girls!  Happy Birthday to Pike who turned 32 and to Ulu who turned 34!  Both Bears have reached milestone ages, with Ulu being the oldest female in captivity in a North American Zoo.   The Zoo should not only be celebrating the Animals on their special days, but especially our wonderful Seniors who have given so many years of joy to people.   Elly the Black Rhino will turn 44 January 1st!  Sadly she will most likely not get any mention or special treats.

HOT TOPIC! - Top 10 Zoo FAILS of 2014

These are all Fails in regard to Animal Care.  The only bigger Fail is that the Zoo built new areas for both Humans and new Animals, before they successfully tended to the Animals currently living there.

These are only the issues that I can personally witness.

Chimps -  Obviously the lack of attention to their Home is at the top of my list every year.
Please read my recent post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/sfzoo-chimpanzees-need-some-love.html
There are also two immediately following this one, if you are inclined to learn more.

Female Black Rhino -  Still doesn't get oiled regularly.  They wait until she is chalky white and then often slop it on her, often getting it in her eyes, or they just don't do her face.  .. You can search my blog for many notations on this.  It has gotten better but still isn't the best it can be and certainly not in comparison to her Grandson Belozi.  You can see this photo from last week and from her shoulders forward she is getting chalky.

Black Swans - We had, yes had, two Black Swans.  Now one of the Sisters is alone.  The Zoo has screwed around with these poor girls for over two years.  First moving them to the Puente,  from a path they decided to close. Then moving them to the old Grey Seal Pool.  Then back to the Puente.  Then to the big lake where the White Pelicans live.  So much moving, sadly one ended up dying from related circumstances.  Now the surviving one is back at the Puente.  If the Zoo had left these poor girls alone and at the Puente the first time they moved them, both would still be alive.  The Zoo is more concerned about Geographical segregation than keeping the Animals in the best homes for them.   Yes, that is the reason they moved them out of the Puente so many times, because they didn't fit into that area in natures geography.  Ridiculous.

Falcor - Komodo Dragon's home has been void of any vegetation landscaping for over four months.  Read my post here:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/komodo-dragon-lives-in-barren-dirt-pit.html

Lion House -  No Heat for Six Months!  This one is a two-fer, involving both the Cats and the holding area for the Tropical Building Animals.
My recent post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/heater-in-lion-house-out-for-six-months.html

Capybara - This poor little guy makes me want to cry.  Crackle is the newest Capybara.  A young male he came to the Zoo to be a companion for a female that has since passed.  They Rheas and Guanacos chase him, so he is always stuck cowering in this same spot.  At one time the Capybara used to spend the day in a side yard, yet that yard is now closed?  and poor Crackle has no choice but to seek refuge in this "creep" space.  He shouldn't be living in fear.

keeping an eye on the enemy

 hiding

Great Hornbill - Hercules is a huge Bird, he deserves a decent sized home.  He can never really fly as his wing-span is near the same size as the width of his home.
Lear more here:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/homes-of-hornbills.html

Polar Bear Grotto B - It was my idea to expand the Polar Bear Grotto, but while taking cue from me on the idea, the Zoo failed in execution of the Meadow.  Building a dirt mound in the center, instead of a flat surface area, Ulu who loves the dirt, is constantly covered in it.  She loves it but the point is, with so much extra and unnecessary dirt, she is never able to get clean.  The entrance to her night quarters is through the "meadow", so even if she goes to the pool to wash off, she must walk through the dirt to get inside.  Then she touches her eyes and they are often caked with dirt and sometimes closed.  The Zoo needs to flatten that mountain and removed all that extra dirt.  If they were smart the meadow would have been in the opposite Grotto, but ,...

Sea Lions - The Sea Lion Pool was "renovated" early in 2014.  It was a big project, with the Sea Lions relocating to the old Grey Seal Pool.   One would think they would have done a good job, considering how long it took.  Yet, the paint on the whole bottom of the Pool began peeling and coming lose soon after it reopened.  Good Grief.  Couldn't they get people who knew what they were doing?  I'm sure the paint that has come loose isn't good for the Sea Lions.

Photo to come

Chickens - So, a box of Six Chickens was left in the Zoo Parking lot.  The story goes as such.  The box was fumbled and they all escaped, fleeing in flight into the Zoo.  After being spotted here and there, an attempt was made to catch them, but it failed.  SO, the Curator in charge allegedly said they didn't care and the Chickens were left to fend for themselves.  OMG!  Unbelievable, that a Curator would actually say/feel this, but hey its the SFZoo and why am I surprised.  As well, one of the Security Guards who I was talking to about this one I saw at Polar Bears said laughing, "oh well, if it flies into the Polar Bears and gets eaten <haha>"

HOT TOPIC! - Heater in Lion House Out For Six Months!

This is really outrageous!

I walked into the Lion House last month and it was freezing!  This was at the tail end of the real cold snap we were having, so it wasn't even as cold as it probably has been.  

I asked the Security Guard if he knew what tempature the LH is supposed to be.  I knew he probably didn't know, but because I couldn't get a clear photo, I was trying to find out if he could check the thermostat for me.  He didn't have authorization to get to that area, but did say its been freezing in there since he started working there.  I asked how long that was and he said six months.  

I had only been inside the LH a few times over the past several months, and because it wasn't during the cold snap, I guess I didn't notice the low temp.  In hindsight, the Lion House had always been pretty warm, in fact sometimes, steaming up my glasses.  

I happened to see a non-zoo maintance worker, so I questioned him a bit and found out that he was there to install a new furnace.  SO, it wasn't that the temperature was just low, apparently/allegedly there has been NO Heat in the Lion House for 6 Months!   Are you kidding me?!

My concerns not only are that the Cats are in there freezing at night, but that when the "bedrooms" are washed down each day, they aren't drying and the Cats are then sleeping on wet floors.

AND the Zoo aquired Animals for the Tropical Building, even though at the time they aquired them the renovation on that building was over a year away.  They built a small exhibit to house them in the LH.  I have an issue with the size of this "home" but thats another story.  My concern is, these are Tropical Animals, which means they need a certain temperature.  The Zoo knows this and they don't fix a building heater for half a year?   Out-fucking-rageous!   

So, the Toucan was there in the freezing cold.  There was a mess of extention cords on the side, so I assume there is some heat going into the Anaconda's water?  Yet, the heat lamps above her were unplugged?  The Sloth was not in there, having been moved to the Hospital to keep it warm.  

I seriously am losing words to express the things the San Francisco Zoo does/doesn't do, that aren't just a string of swear words.  I'm so frustrated at the lack of attention to the Animals.  But hey, the City Officials thinks everyone is doing a bang up job there. Animals get killed (and not just Kabibe the Infant Gorilla).  There is no Heat and for some Animals not even proper shelter during the Winter.  Animal homes go without Landscaping.  Enrichment is near non-existant for many of the Animals.  All this and the City Officials don't question anything or anyone.  There is a list of Staff who should be under the microscope in regard to whether they are qualified and are doing the job they are being paid to do.

I saw the Director the same day I was there takinig in the disgrace of the Lion House and she was coming out of the Gift Shop with a coffee in hand and laughing it up with people.  I'm sure the Sloth wasn't laughing it up as it was freezing.  

Furthermore,  in my opinion, again,  when an Animals Safety or Health is of issue, what is the Animal Staff Management doing?   The Carnivore (Cats +) Curator Corinne MacDonald and Dominic, the Curator for the Tropical Animals, and the Curator above them, who I believe is still David Bocian,  should be the driving force to have made sure there was heat for these Animals.  

I repeat, the lack of Empathy and Compassion, that goes on at the Zoo really saddens me.  The Zoo is Home to Wondeful Beings and could be a great place if it weren't for all these people bringing it down, with laziness, bad descisions, and personal agendas.

HOT TOPIC! - Komodo Dragon Lives in Barren Dirt Pit

I had been pissed for months about the state of Falcor the Komodo Dragon's Home.  I was really enraged when I went to Zoo Lights and saw that the outside of the exhibit was fancied up with Christmas Lights, while the Komodo Dragon himself sit in a barren pit.  The gall of the Zoo is shouldn't, but continues to surprise me.  

Just another Disrespect of Animals by Zoo Management.  

As I said, this has really bothered me for months and I was hoping since I brought it up to someone there, that the situation would change, but it hasn't.  At this point its been at least four months (and I'm being generous because I've lost track) that Falcor has had not one bit of greenery in his home.  This is not only Disrespectful, its possibly (I haven't researched it yet) an improper environment.  

When Falcor arrived he was the "favorite son".  He got a fancy new enclosure with tons of greenery.  Hoopla ensued, Komodo Dragon this, Komodo Dragon that.  

First they disrespect him by changing his name, a name that his previous home, the Memphis Zoo where he was born (hatched) told me he responded to.  At near two years old when he arrived at the SFZoo, he was given the name Falcor soon after hatching.  Named after the Dragon in the movie The Neverending Story,  some dumb donor tried to be "native" I guess, using the word Bahasa which means Language, literally the word Language in Indonesian, but then also had to be an ass by adding in Big Daddy.  SO the poor little guy was disrespected with the name Big Daddy Language, and par for the course, Zoo Officials could care less what anyone names an Animal as long as the check clears.  Now the poor guy has been here over a year, and he sits in a home that is barren of any vegetation.   The statue outside has more landscaping than he does.  

Poor Falcor just sits and stares out at green. 

I hear there was a change in Curators (from the one I talked to) for this string of Animals.  I don't know who the new person is, but I can say this, the guy straight off isn't doing his job.  If this new guy can come in and not see that this is a problem that should be a priority to fix, then he isn't qualified for this job.

Falcor is also quickly outgrowing this habitat and plans for his new home that were supposed to be in motion soon after his arrival, to be started for a move-in within two years, have been back burnered because of all the other new additions to the Zoo's collection.

I guess everyone is too busy building 2nd and 3rd tree houses for the Red Pandas who continue to be the "favorite sons", literally since only the male Kodari who they renamed (Tenzing) is the only one to get any fanfare.  The male has a sign with his new name, while the female Grace doesn't doesn't have a sign.  I'll also note that Grace, who is over ten years old, had her name ripped from her as well.  Kodari also got a Birthday party, and Grace didn't.   

Falcor is one of my fav Zoo Friends.  I love this guy and feel awful that like too many others, he has been disresepected and slighted.  Its Sad, Disgraceful and downright Embarassing.

San Francisco Zoo, get this poor guy some greenery!  Give him a proper environment and get started on his new home.   Stop bringing in more Animals and take care of the ones you have.

I got no problem with the Zoo prioritizing building homes for Animals in need of Rescuing. My issue is, bringing in more Animals just to grow the Collection and/or try to pull in extra gate sales by doing so, is a Fail unless you take care of the ones you've already committed to giving a home to.

Please view my video taken a couple weeks ago

that shows the whole habitat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBY-YMCqJtQ

Also, one taken shortly after his arrival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPujbG7Yps

Future Blog Posts

Thank you to anyone who has read the posts I've been able to publish today.  

I hope to publish more of what I have in draft next week.

If you comment on todays posts, please keep in mind I cannot reply too timely.  

I hope to have the at home Internet situation remedied in the next couple weeks.

Future Blog Posts include:

Disrespect to Komodo Dragon- Without Landscaping for Months

Lion House Heater Out For Months

Barrier Breaching - Call To Action

The Lack of Enrichment

Top Fails of 2014

Zoo Lights Review

Rescuing Research Chimps? Would Be An Awesome Zoo Move!

My brain is always working.  I admit its mostly working on ways for the Zoo to do right by the Animals.  I love Animals and these Zoo Friends are one of the biggest passions in my life.  Especially the Senior Friends, who have given so much to everyone.  Their life has been the Zoo and they deserve everything.  The Chimps and Elly the Black Rhino have been there over 40 years and the Polars over 30.  All have been disrespected.

I heard rumor a few years ago that the Zoo didn't plan to get more Bears and were not doing upgrades because they were waiting, ....   I assume the same of the Chimps.  To me, that is an unexceptable way of looking at something.  Giving them best lives possible without disrupting their current living situation because of their age should be optimal.  

In the first post of this Chimp series, I noted ways to bring upgrades to their current home, much like I did for the Polar Bear Grotto.  In addition to those upgrades, I have an additional thought, that the Zoo should look at "adopting" > literally!

This plan took shape as an more doable version of my own Lotto Win Fantasy.  Because of the Zoo not making any upgrades to the Chimps in near 30 years,  I formed a fantasy idea to build a Chimp Sanctuary for our Chimps and the UCSF Chimps, that I would call Tallulah's place after our passed Lady.  This of course, pending one of the SFZOO Keepers who has taken care of ours, came on board to be with them. The facility would be a two-sided house with night quarters where all could see each other and an outside area that had a partition with a "howdy" fence so the two groups could meet and hopefully be slowly integrated.  

There are 2000+ Chimpanzees in reserach facilities.  Research using Chimpanzees from what I understand has been suspended and these Animals are waiting to start their life of freedom.  Many Chimpanzees have found homes in Sanctuaries.  There aren't enough Sanctuaries to house them all.   The Companies who used them didn't provide fore their retirement , most likely because they thought they would die in the research facility.  

Chimpanzees are an Animal most everyone has a fondness for.  We have grown up seeing them in Zoos, and in Entertainment.  In Zoos they are one of the most popular attractions.  I have seen students more visits than not, observing the Chimps behavior, documenting and sketching.

It would be a wonderful thing if Zoos started giving homes to these Research Chimps.  Rescuing them and giving them forever homes.   The San Francisco Zoo has rescued other Animals, including a large group of Squirrel Monkeys from Stanford.   They should look at rescuing the UCSF Chimpanzees who are waiting for a home and are allegedly currently still living in the research facility in the Zoos own neighborhood.

Not sure why I hadn't thought of this before, but in light of our Chimps getting up there in age and the loss of the Family Matriach Tallulah in 2013, rescuing the UCSF Chimps and at some point possibly intergrating the two groups would be a wonderful thing.  This would give the research Chimps a much needed home and never allow for one of our Senior Chimps to be left alone.

A plan like this would be good for both our own SFZoo Chimps and the UCSF Chimps.  

Several years ago it went to City Ballot whether to change the Zoo into a Rescue Zoo only.  Obviously it didn't pass, and I wasn't in support of that at the time, as I wasn't well informed on all things SFZOO, and I didn't think an across the board mansate should be made imposed.  That said, now, there is something to be said for that in part.  I think the Powers that be, whether the City, Rec and Park, whoever, should put a halt to the Zoo bringing in any new Animals, if they are not rescues, until all the current Animal Residents have adequite homes.  This includes back-burnering all current Master Plans for new Exhibit areas.

Don't know who has to approve the Zoo's Master Plan, or new exhibits, but I'll find out.  I think the Zoo should be forced to scrap the current long in effect plan for North American Region and put into priority action, a plan for a version of the Great Ape Forest that was supposed to be ... That way, our Chimpanzees get a new home, and the UCSF Research Chimps get rescued to a life of freedom.

It would be the height of an Act of Conservation.  Our Zoo needs to do something good in light of the recent past.  Giving the UCSF CHimps a home would be a good tribute to our lost Gorilla Kabibe.  A sort of an Ape for an Ape.

I have read the San Francisco Zoo allegedly has 40+ Million in reserve.  Not sure exactly what that means but sounds like they have money even thought they cry poor too often.  They do seem to find money when they want to build Tiki Huts and such.  

The Zoo should launch a fundraiser for this effort specifically, but since they already misappropriated funds designated years ago, they should not wait or count on those donations, yet use them for the future care ect.