SFZoo Slated For January Accreditation Inspection By AZA

I have written about what I consider fails by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Species Survival Plan before.  I also had started another post about it since.  I abandoned that when I narrowed down the posts I felt contained more important stuff to document.  My disgust for so many things that the AZA/SSP have done over the past decade plus that I have been monitoring the Zoo, came to a head when they allowed San Francisco Zoo to acquire Orangutans.  For those who haven't been following along, two Orangutans were sent to SFZoo without there being a dedicated outdoor space for them.  The AZA/SSP knowingly let them be a victim to a cruel and severe Animal Welfare situation.  A situation that two and a half years later, is in my opinion, still not appropriately resolved.

The reason I've chosen to write about it now is because San Francisco Zoo has their AZA Accreditation inspection in January.  There have been several Zoo's in the past month or so that have also been up for renewal, and did not get re-accredited.   Columbus Zoo was the first one, and it shocked me.  I started writing about it, but than decided to wait to post until the week of SFZoo's inspection.  Now, more Zoo's have not passed inspection, and something curious has happened at SFZoo that I think I'd like to include, before the subject matter snowballs any further.

Without rehashing all the fails at SFZoo, there are two things I want to note in relation to some of the Zoo's who did not get accreditation renewed.  

In a previous blog post, I referenced the Santa Ana Zoo failing to get re-accredited in 2017.  Here is a screencap from that.  For further reading, you can search this blog for "Santa Ana Zoo" and "Squirrel Monkeys".

That reasoning, by the AZA is similar to the reasoning repeated in news articles for a couple Zoos who recently lost their accreditation.  I have no further knowledge of the state of enclosures the inspection team took issue with, I only take note because of the enclosure our Orangutans are living in. 

Again for those not following along, our Orangutans, have only been given a dedicated outdoor space a few months ago.  This is the space that was "renovated" for them.  Not one thing was done for the Orangutans.  This enclosure is a small island built in the mid 60s.  The structure was built in the 80s.  The addition of more concrete and the metal bridge was put there in 2021 to provide access for Keepers, in lieu of filling the moat and adding containment netting, something that would have negated the need for more concrete and metal, plus it would have upgraded size with more topical space.

For more on the Orangutan situation, search this blog for "Orangutans" or "Triple Grotto".

These words by the AZA are heavily repeated in all news articles and on their website, in regard to Accreditation.

Based solely on the Orangutan enclosure, it will be very interesting to see what the AZA has to say about the SFZoo Orangutan enclosure. In my opinion, it does not appear to be "modern" in any way.  

The Columbus Zoo was denied accreditation based on misappropriation of funds by previous management.  This of course made me think of the $250,000 that was donated specifically for the Squirrel Monkeys to have a new enclosure built for them after their arrival at SFZoo in 2013. I've asked over the years what happened to that money and no one can tell me.  Additionally, some of those poor Beings, who came to SFZoo from a Stanford University research facility, ended up living in a concrete room with no outside access for over four years.  That certainly is not in line with "modern" standards.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/squirrel-monkeys-havent-been-outside-in.html

Chahinkapa Zoo, which I had never heard of, had an interesting situation.  Part of why they were denied was because they have a lone senior male Orangutan and AZA said he should not be alone.  This sparked so many questions for me, mostly ones I've already asked here in this blog, but also about exactly what the relationship is between the AZA and the SSP. 

I have written about Animals I thought had been or could have been jerked around by the AZA/SSP, as well curiosities about why they allowed Animals to come here with no dedicated space (not just Orangutans).  After our Hippo left, and his departure shined a light one that fact that Hippos live in large social groups, I have wondered Why? they allowed him to remain in SF alone for ten years.  It made me think of Ndume Gorilla who I wrote about extensively a few years ago.  The AZA/SSP/Cincinnati Zoo all left him to live alone for twenty-seven years, at the NON-Accredited facility The Gorilla Foundation.  

In addition to the SFZoo Orangutan situation, which I find to be the current core example of all that is wrong at the Zoo, all these circumstances led me to think the AZA is not the leader they claim to be.   Now, with the AZA failing Chahinkapa, I had to wonder if I even really knew how the AZA and SSP worked.  My understanding was that the SSP was a part of the AZA.  So how is it that the AZA can ding a Zoo for housing a lone Orangutan, when the SSP controls who goes where?  Surely the SSP knew that this Orangutan should have a companion.  Were there no non-breeding females available to introduce him to at some point over the years?  Chahinkapa Zoo posted this, which even furthered my curiosity about the AZA and SSP.

I asked around and evidentially they are not part of the same organization?, which the above letter seems to reflect.  Yet, this from the AZA website, either confuses things or I'm missing something.

The Salisbury Zoo, had "no Vet on staff" listed as one of their reasons for not getting accreditation renewed last year.  San Francisco Zoo had no Vet on staff for two months in 2017.  They had per diem Vets scheduled most days, but from what I was told the issue with not having a Vet on staff is, if a medication was needed that was not something regular that was kept on premises, those non-staff Vets could not write prescriptions.   So, we are damn lucky that no Animal was in dire need of medicine during that time.  

And talking about going without, what about when the SFZoo Lion House didn't have heat for six months?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/heater-in-lion-house-out-for-six-months.html

So many disturbing offences happen, and what, because it's an off year for inspection, there's no consequences?  AZA inspection is every five years.  In my opinion that's a very long time for there to be no checking in with facilities.  There is supposed to be a USDA inspection every year, who knows.  All I know is what I see and I see bad stuff too often.  If the AZA is the "gold standard" they claim to be, they need to do a damn better job at monitoring on so many levels than they do.  Annual inspections should be a must.  ON site could be every five years, but there should be updated paperwork and virtual tours annually.  Otherwise all kinds of wrong continues, and Zoos like SF seemingly do things as accreditation approaches, only to appease the inspectors.

The last thing I want to note is something I find very curious timing.  Actually suspicious.  Last year the SFZoo's former VP of Animal Care David Bocian was brought back specifically to handle the accreditation process, including filing paperwork, and getting the Zoo ready for inspection.  With the exit of the Deputy Director in early summer, Bocian was named Deputy Director.  He resigned after holding that position only a few months, and many months before the Accreditation inspection.  Why would somebody give up a promotion with hefty pay, and even more curious, before they follow through with the job they were hired to do?  I had to wonder if he was jumping ship for some reason?  Did he have a premonition?  Time will tell.  His exit directly leaves Director Tanya Peterson holding the bag if SFZoo fails their accreditation inspection.  With all the wrongs over the years and specifically in regard to the Orangutans, it would be rightfully so. 

It's gonna be a very interesting next couple months at our San Francisco Zoo.

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For Full Statement see this post:

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Zoo Farm Re-Opening ... Curious Timing

I wrote this post last weekend and never got to proof-reading it, or posting it.  

As I previously mentioned I have a post about fundraising, rather the serious lack of, almost done and wanted it posted next.  Over the past few weeks there have been some surprising developements in other facilities with their AZA Accreditation status.  I planned to post about that and relation to our San Francisco Zoo's upcoming inspection, when it came closer to that time, which would hopefully be after I finished the three remaining posts in draft.  Now that's also being moved up.  In fact it was next, til yesterday (Nov 19), when the Zoo's email Newsletter came through.  

I swear, when I think I can try and catch up, it just never happens.  Unfortunately, there will always be something.  

So, the Farm.  For several reasons, I'm disappointed by this.  It's a very curious time to be Re-Opening.  In my opinion it's irresponsible and risky.  Foremost, there still a Pandemic going on.  The last thing that should be happening, is random people being hands-on with the Animals.  Seems like a no-brainer to me, but then so many decisions made there are head-shakers.

During the past thirteen years, a majority of my time at the Zoo has been spent at the Family Farm.  Many of my most memorable Zoo experiences, have been the friendships I developed with the Farm Friends.  When Covid hit and the Farm closed, I missed having that face to face and hands-on contact with them.   I still feel that loss not being close to those still there, and even a greater loss with so many that have passed away in the twenty months its been closed.  

Like everyone else who loves the Farm, I would love to get back in there and be up-close to the friends, but for several reasons, when it closed I felt it was better for the Animals and hoped it remained that way permanently.

The contact yard has never had enough staff monitoring the amount of people that are in there at a given time, especially on weekends and other notable busy days. Over the years I have seen some serious Animal endangerment behavior from the public, as well as cruelty.  I was never comfortable with the set-up there.

With the yard closed, the Animals have more much needed space.  Animals that were previously locked into small areas, are out roaming the yard.  Unfortunately there is still work to be done, one is rotating Slider the Cow.  He is not out and visible as much as he could be.  As much as he had been in his early years at the Zoo.  As much as he should still be.

I had hoped these factors would have prompted an alteration to how it was, creating a better situation for the Animals.  Either severely limiting the amount of visitors in the yard at a time, or by bringing any hands-on animals (Goats, plus?) into the corrals that border the path and visitors could touch and feed them there, with a barrier between them.  And, that would be only when the time came that it was safe to do so.  That time is not now, or in the near future.

Time.  That is my main issue right now with this.  I wrote a post October 10, in regard to the female Snow Leopard Baya from the Great Plains Zoo.  She was the first Animal in a Zoo to lose her life to Covid.  Since then, three other Snow Leopards, have sadly passed away due to the virus.

In early November, it was reported that two Hyenas at the Denver Zoo had contracted Covid.  So far I think the captive species that have been infected have been isolated to Big Cats and Apes.  That said, it shows that no one knows what species are vulnerable.  So, why are Zoos taking chances with other species?

Since our Hippo Tucker moved to Cincinnati, I have been following the Facebook Group, Fiona the Hippo.  People from all over post Hippo related experiences, including their Animal Encounters at Cincinnati and other Zoos.  Around the Hippos, no one was masked, not even Keepers!  I found it outrageous and risky.  After several of these, at Cincy, I messaged them and not only expressed my concern, but asked Why this was?  Maybe they could give some insight to understanding what seemed irresponcible.  Instead of replying, the next Hippo Encounter posted from there, everyone had masks on.  

In my opinion, it doesn't matter if random people are masked in the above situation, or in regard to SFZoo Farm mask mandate, it's still risky.  Keepers in all Zoos are allegedly following safety protocols that include mask wearing, yet Zoo Animals are still contracting Covid.  I think there has to be a connection to hygiene protocol, and there is no way to monitor that.

When I researched if any Zoos had Vaccinated their Farm Animals, two came up in my short search.  Once of them was Cincinnati.  Goats were on their list of Vaccinated.  Hippos weren't.  Seeing that at least two Zoos that made the news, had Goats on their Vaccination list, shows that there is validity to my concern about our San Francisco Zoo Farm Animals.  They are not Vaccinated, and even if they were, the Covid Vaccine is not Immunity.

I have been content with no up-close contact, because that meant the Animals were staying safe.  I didn't think there was ever going to be another kissy face op with my precious friend Slider, and I was (and am) ok with that, because he was staying safe.   

Bless all the Animals, I pray they stay safe.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

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New This and That - Small Item Notes

I forgot a notation and a few items in my last This and That.  As well, of course there are also a couple new ones.  Looking like this may be a regular feature post.

>I posted this pic at the empty Hippo enclosure.  

This is what I wrote.

What I forgot to comment on was the wording at the bottom, "Please excuse our mess as we remodel this area".  If there are allegedly no funds for the Orangutans to even get a new structure, let alone anything new FOR them, where are funds coming from to remodel this area?  Maybe this is just an empty statement, like the one that was up at the Andean Bear enclosure for over a year before anything was done. 

Fast Forward... Curiously, this week I noticed there were boards up in the enclosure path the leads from the Hippo pool to the bedroom, and sand piles in the back.  So, maybe they are working quicker than in previous times.  If so, why can't they be transparent about what the plan is?  And as stated,  super curious about where the funds then came from. 

Back to what I previously wrote (Oct 10).  Curiously (but not really), the Zoo posted this to their Twitter on Oct 20.

>An item I forgot was about the fence at the WalkAbout.  This has irritated me for near a decade.  Seriously, it has to have been at least seven years, I'd say more since the back of the enclosure got damaged in a storm.  Trees at the back, that boarder the perimeter fence on Sloat, toppled into the enclosure.  The large trunks were chopped up and some removed, but you can still see alot of debris behind the fence that was put up.  The fence is my issue.  I hate a chain link fence IN an animal enclosure.  This was put up as what I thought was temporary with mesh tarping.  Hasn't changed since.  Could no natural fence be put in place? Bamboo or some other wood?  And like I said, you can see the debris behind it.  Why was this never cleared out?  It just looks sloppy.  This used to be one of the nicest enclosures.  Now with only three Animals, and this fence to look at, it's even sadder.

>Tree massacre at Bald Eagle.  This is disgraceful.  Before Sureshot was moved into this enclosure, she lived on the island in the lake next to Grizzly Gulch.  The tree that was her home base, was full branched and provided her shade, shelter and places to hide.  When she was supposed to be moved to this enclosure (former Patas Monkey), her move in day was postponed because there was not enough tree covering for her needs.  So, imagine my irritation when I walked up to see the tree she spends most her time by has been butchered. There is no shade, no shelter and no places to hide.  Who made this call?  Management?  Horticulture?  BIG FAIL!

And they know it was a mistake, because a shade cloth has been added to the area where it was once full branched. 

Tree with full branches

Tree after massacre

Sureshot wondering...

I asked Sureshot what happened to her tree and she answered me!  https://youtu.be/SXk5r6IohYA

>The new paint in Gauhati's enclosure.  Personally, I hate this green paint.  I hated it the first time it was done years ago, and I still hate it.  Aside from hating it, I don't get the choice of color.  Why can't the walls be painted the same beige color as the other side?  Painting the walls that color or another color in the natural pallet of his skin color would solve the biggest of my irks, his body getting green paint all over it when he rubs against the wall. Sure he'd still get paint, but a lighter (so he doesn't blend in with wall) color closer to his natural color would be better.  Maybe I'm just being picky, but that green on him really bothers me, always has.  They could still make it colorful if that's what they were going for, by painting the top part of the walls, above his body line, with tree tops, even painting tree trunks on the lower part, in a skin neutral color.  

>Additional Conservation Signs.  I had this pic when I wrote my last This and That and noted the larger sign at the entrance.  I didn't bother with this one, but now I am because there are two!  Both are at Lemurs.  They are approx 11x17, bigger than any sign that's ever been posted in reference to barrier abuse.  Shameful.  But hey, gotta look good for Accreditation inspection, the hell with someone possibly falling into a code red animal enclosure and getting one of our animals murdered. 

They could have used funds to replace this sign this sign at Big Cats, that has been worn like this for over two years.  Maybe they are going for shabby chic.

>Water Filling Stations.  Using funds to purchase these has been an issue for me for the near three years since I first heard about it. Six months before the Orangutans got here, the Zoo posted to their Social Media a plea for donations to help buy more water filling stations.  There was already one (maybe two).  The cost was either 10 or 15,000 dollars.  Not only outrageous to use funds in this way, but to solicit donations for it?  The Zoo should not be focusing funds on anything but NEEDS.  After the Orangutans got here I questioned the then Deputy Director, who's goal it was to get these fountains.   He could not grasp the logical presentation of facts as to why this was ridiculous. When the Zoo reopened from one of the shutdowns, there was a newly installed watering station.  So, we still had Orangutans living in caged tubes, because as that same person tried to reason to me, 'it takes money',  but we had a watering fountain that upwards of ten thousand dollars was spent on.  Someone help me, because my effing brain hurts.  That money could have paid for netting at Prairie Dogs, Meerkats, and finished at Flamingos, so maybe we could stop witnessing Mallard Ducklings getting eaten by Gulls.

Posts referenced as related to water station issue

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/12/enrichment-and-soliciting-donations-for.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/02/oakland-zoo-bans-single-use-plastic-why.html

My next post will be about Fundraising.  Stay tuned. 

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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News Flash! ... Gorilla Born At SFZoo Gives Birth At Cleveland Zoo!

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

Screencap Cleveland Zoo Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

View an SFZoo visitor video of the birth here:

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

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

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

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

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

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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Where Are The, ... A PS Post

After thoughts to yesterday's posts.

Someone reminded me of a point I was going to make in reference to the maps that showed Animal enclosures that were in use in 2010 versus now.  

That point was regarding size.  The Zoo always touts it's 100 acres, which while factual, also gives the illusion that it is 100 acres of Animals.  

Compare the stats in regard to size and collection with San Diego Zoo that is 100 acres as well. 

San Francisco Zoo, 2,000 Animals, 250 Species

San Diego Zoo, 12,000 Animals, 650 Species.

Justifiably, they also charge more than double SFZoo does.  That said, SF needs to be conscious that when there aren't that many Animals to begin with, we literally can't afford to have empty enclosures.

I'm not saying we need to be like San Diego Zoo.  We couldn't be.  We don't have their money or community, but at the same time, we can't lose Animals and then leave enclosures empty.  Visitors are not going to come to the Zoo to see no Animals.  From that perspective alone, the Zoo will not thrive.  I've even heard Members say they will not renew and go to Oakland instead.

Note the two words I used in the previous paragraph.  Money and Community.  Two things that go hand in hand, and both I have written about over the years.  It was in 2009 that I mentioned to Director Peterson the need for building a community.  Obviously she found no value in that, as her administration has wasted twelve years, not building one.  What does not building one mean?  It means the Zoo has not created a core of caring members and visitors.  Not having that directly relates to raising funds.  A few posts back, I hinted at this equation, but left the variables blank.  Sometimes, things just need to be spelled out.  I'll do more spelling out in my future post about the Zoo's lack of fundraising.

The Zoo's lack of fundraising is directing related to the attention that has not been given to the Zoo's Needs.  In light of that, SF needs to think like a small Zoo, and not think grandiose, like with the Madagascar project.  It's great to have dreams, but building brand new exhibits while ignoring Needs is not the way to do things.  I also include the Snow Leopard Expansion, in with a Want over a Need.  Yes the Snow Leopards need a bigger enclosure, but the Orangutans needed an enclosure PERIOD!  before that project even started.  The Zoo started the Great Ape Passage which included the Triple Grotto renovation for the Orangutans.  They just ignored finishing that project, and what would be the Needs of the Orangutans they had planned for over six years to bring in, in favor of Wants.  Imagine if the Donors who gave to the Snow Leopard Expansion, gave to the Orangutans, what their home would look like.  Surely not the ancient concrete prison pit with a fallen skyscraper they are living in now.  

The Zoo needs to concentrate on Needs.  There are enclosures that need upgrades, both for exisiting Animals, and to be able to house new Animals.  I shouldn't have to even say this, but apparently Director Peterson and her crew of accomplices, either don't think of Needs, or just completely ignore them.  The Zoo's priority should be, getting all the upgrades done, before starting on new projects.

I've said before, I don't like to give the Zoo suggestions, because they pay people think, but when that doesn't happen, I feel obligated to help them out, for the better of the Zoo.  So, here are some of the things that I consider Needs...

*Anything FOR Orangutans.

*Netting the Prairie Dogs and Meerkats to protect them from Predators. 

*Finish Netting at Flamingos.

*Extend Great Hornbill enclosure.

*Remove solid fence at west end of Sand Corral at Farm, replace with open air fence and add solid fence barrier to back Pasture to create an area that public can view.  Essentially making it part of the Farm instead of an off exhibit area. 

*Add Deterent Barriers at Black Rhino and Bears.  ... Coincidentially in the Topeka Zoo video linked in my previous post, they have the jagged barriers I've suggested be put in front of ours.  They were put at Anteater to prevent people sitting, standing etc.  I then blogged they should also be put at Bears, Black Rhino, Hippo.  That was six years ago.  

*Renovate Children's Zoo Pond to safely accomodate an Aquatic Species.  I'd like to see Beavers!

*Acquire Animals for Walk-a-bout.

*Acquire Pygmy Hippos or Tapirs for the Hippo enclosure.  Even though Id love to see Tapirs, I'd go for Pygmy Hippos (who I love too!) since we have a Hippo statue there and people are used to seeing a Hippo. ... Having an Acquisition Animal in place for this space and the two empty Big Cat Grottos should have been a priority, before they were vacated. 

*Clean-up FCC 

*Clear out South Gate and make enclosures habitable.  Move Bongo's there so the male and female can live side by side in decent sized spaces and both be visible.  Acquire other Hoofstock species for space available.

*Create space for Condors (side of Tropical as planned?)

*Create a universal enclosure that could temporailly house Animals in need (rescues) or others off exhibit (like the Fossa could have had). Maybe that space between One Horned Rhino and Komodo.

... That's just my starting list.

Additionally, NO more areas that cater to Humans!  The Zoo is an Animal Care Facility.  People come to see Animals.  

I had also done a map that included blacked out areas that were for Humans rather than Animals.  The ones with X are either closed or used by Staff.  The ARC houses many Animals, most not viewable to public on a regular basis.  Together with the dark blue closed animal exhibits, that's a good portion on the Zoo.

I looked at the Joint Zoo Documents to find where the Emperor Tamarins went.   I didn't find that info.  What I did find was the confirmation to a rumor that the Black Howler Monkeys were being transferred out.  That leaves the Zoo with two species of Monkeys.  BIG Fail!  

I was hoping at some point the Howlers would get a home back in the main Zoo.  They are a personal favorite, but also favorites of so many.  Like the Langurs, they are very active and people love that about them.  If the Zoo was smart, they would have taken that garden area between the back side of Langurs and the path to Mandrills and made an Aviary style enclosure for them.  Then there would be a specific Monkey area.  Even better would have been to move Langurs to FCC temporarily, reinvent those cages and current indoor holding to accommodate both, and then create a space for both on that  garden site.  

Sad the Howlers will soon be gone.  I have always felt a connection to them ever since I saw Mama Baya, the day she was born.  I'd been on babie watch for a couple weeks, and got lucky one Thanksgiving morning.  Her Mama Diamond brought her over to the fence and turned to show me her babie.  She was named Baya, which means Berry in Spanish.  Berry having a connection to Thanksgiving.  Hope this sweet lady and her two daughters have a wonderful life at their new home at the Brevard Zoo in Florida.  Information showed her son already moved to Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas.  Hope he has met a nice lady friend there and is happy. 

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

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Where Are The Monkeys? - No Animals Part Two

This post was actually started before the previous one.  It became a two-parter because more and more Animals keep leaving.  Sadly some have passed away, while others have been transferred out.  Either way, the Zoo's collection seems to be shrinking, with no acquisitions seemingly in the immediate future.

Years ago, and I'm talking about 8-10 at this point, I used to hear alot of people walking around the Zoo complaining about there not being any Animals.  I was like, what's wrong with these people, are they blind?  There's tons of Animals. And there were! 

Now I hear people say that, and I obviously agree.  The question is, What the hell is Director Peterson's plan?  I can't imagine she even has one, because if she did, the Zoo would not be in the state it is. 

Here is a map I edited to show what the Zoo was like in 2010.  I did it several times, so I hope your able to follow it.  The Key is below.  ... Light blue are enclosures currently being used.  Dark blue are enclosures that are closed, some were being used in 2010.

1 Previous Duck Pond. Vacated approx 2017

2 Walkabout. Currently holding One lone Kangaroo, Two? Wallaroos, and One Emu. Collection deaths 2020

3 Area adjacent to Tropical Building.  Slated to be new home for Rescued Squirrel Monkeys (2010)

4 Previous Sea Lion Pool. Vacated 2020

5 Previous Ape Grotto (Middle) Vacated 2019

6 Previous Ape Grotto (South) Vacated 2019

7 Previous Primate Building. Demolished 2019?

8 Previous Tamarins, Recent Squirrel Monkey, Vacated August 2021

9 Previous Pygmy Hippo, Hippo Temporary. Vacated pre-2008

10 Previous Big Cat. Vacated June 2021

11 Previous Big Cat. Vacated June 2021

12 Previous Hippo. Vacated September 2021

13 Previous Hoofstock one Species. Vacated approx 2010. Currently used for Zoo Camp

14 Previous Hoofstock one Species. Vacated approx 2010. Currently used for outsourced Therapy Horses

15 Previous Hoofstock two Species. Vacated approx 2010

16 Previous Black Rhino. Vacated 2010

17 Previous.??? (adjacent west of Grizzlies)

I'm not going to say how I would use these areas, because the Zoo employs too many people who should be able to logically figure that out.  That said, below is an example of what is not logical, or in the best interest of the Zoo, and most certainly would not be what I would even think to do at this point in time. 

In 2018, Zoo Director Tanya Peterson entered into an agreement with Zoological Society Member and Donor Barry Lipman to construct his Want of a large scale Madagascar exhibit, in the space on the west side of the Primate Center.  The space that occupied a row of enclosures that housed five Primate species.  Proceeding with that project, at this time, set in motion the mass exudus of over half the Primate collection.  

I have been making notes on this Mad project for over three years.  That is one of the posts that weighs on me, but will get done!  So, while I will voice some opinions here, there is more to come in that post.

There is no place for a Vanity project at a time when there are so many other things that should be priority.  Among too many offences, the mismanagement of Wants over Needs is a common occurrence in the current administration.  That said, the only way Madagascar should have been allowed to go forward at this time, is if new homes for the Monkeys were built, at the expense of the Donor.  That should have been a contingency for two reasons.  No Animal should be displaced without a valid reason, and No Zoo should be without a decent collection of Monkeys.  

Displacing all but three Monkey species off exhibit and in other facilities, was another detrimental hit to the Zoo's ability to thrive.  Monkeys are probably the most popular Animal in Zoos. They are one of the Animals kids most identify.  I've seen kids run to the map as soon as the get in the Zoo and yell, Where are the Monkeys?  I still hear people ask Staff, Where are the Monkeys? 

The Madagascar debacle called for demolishing the Primate Center.   The five Species living there, and three Species within that complex were displaced.  One lone Squirrel Monkey was put back in one exhibit, but he has recently been retired to a Sanctuary.

The purpose of this post is not only to document the situation, but to give some information about where these Primates are, especially the one's that have moved to other Zoo's, as I know people who want to follow them in their new homes. ... Starting from left to right (across from the Mandrill's) ...

The Siamang.  Storm the male Siamang (Lesser Ape), had sadly been living alone since the passing of his longtime mate, Mindy.  He was the first to leave.  A wonderful home for him was found at the Roosevelt Park Zoo, where their female Lizzy was living alone since losing her mate a few months earlier.  I was sad that Storm, could not stay in the place he had lived his entire life.  If this project hadn't happened, a female could have come to him.  I'm thankful he and Lizzy are together and not alone anymore.  They have been very happy together!  Here is a recent video of them singing, and some wonderful facetime with Stormy!  

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157782781796534&id=220495656533&m_entstream_source=timeline

The Black Howler Monkey Family, Mama Baya who was born here, her mate Benjamin, and their three offspring, were all moved off exhibit to FCC. Sadly Benjamin and one of the offspring have since passed away.

The Squirrel Monkeys.  At the time of the evacuation, the Squirrel Monkeys were being housed in three places.  The Primate Center, the Hospital and the Concrete room above Sifaka.  If you're not familiar with that Cruel situation, here's my post about it. 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/squirrel-monkeys-havent-been-outside-in.html

Many of the Squirrel Monkeys were seniors, several passed away since.  Some were sent to other Zoos.  The one remaining, twenty-six year old Atlas was moved into the enclosure that was the previous Emperor Tamarin home.  He thrived there, until he was recently transferred to Squirrel Monkey Haven, where he now has like species friends.

The Colobus couple, were moved to FCC, where they stayed til this past Spring.  They were transferred to the Santa Ana Zoo together.

The Francois Langurs Family.  These two Mama's, their mate, and offspring, were all moved together to an enclosure known as Short String. This is the enclosure that temporarilly housed the Fossa.  Thankfully it was refurished before they moved in.  It is located across from the Fragrance Garden.

The Langurs and the Mandrills are the only Monkeys the Zoo currently has on public view.  Together with the Lemurs, they are the only non-Great Ape Primates on view at the Zoo.

The Patas Monkeys lived at the far east enclosure next to the Mandrills.  I originally heard they were moved as the Mandrill enclosure was in the path of the Madagascar project.  Then I heard, that the Director allegedly didn't want the Patas there after the news scandal surrounding her in regard to the end of life situation with the young male.  The females all had breeding reccomendations and she didn't want to bring in a new male.  So, they were sent to the Topeka Zoo.  Thankfully, all together.  They joined a male and were given a home in a brand new exhibit.  They are thriving and each lady has had a babie.  You can catch up with them by scanning the Zoo's photos on their Facebook page. Lots of great photos of them have been posted! ... I saw some video footage of their new home when it 1st opened, but this video that they posted a few weeks ago is great.  The whole area looks awesome.  Patas are at about 1:35 & again at 6:40.  I enjoyed the whole video though.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-y4hVkGLDLc

Sadly staying together was not the fate of the Mother and Daughter Pied Tamarins.  These two ladies lived together for years, and were supposed to move together, but got split up.  Heartbreaking.  One went to the Philadelphia Zoo, the other to the Dallas World Aquarium.  I need to find notes on where the Emperor Tamarins went.

So, the Madagascar project displaced some from their homes, got some transferred out, and split-up a family.  It's been a disaster from the start, and three years later it's still wreaking havoc on the Zoo.

Worth mentioning...  Long gone but within this complex, lived the Aye-Aye.  Their home in the Nocturnal enclosure, was boarded up and a small theater space created to showcase art films under the guise of being Zoo related education.  Those were great Animals to have in the collection.  So much could have been done to showcase THEM.  Ironically, native to Madagascar, reopening that enclosure is not part of the plans for the Madagascar project.  Big Fail. 

This whole situation has weighed heavy on many.  It truly is Maddening!

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/10/where-are-animals-no-animals-part-one.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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Where Are The Animals? - No Animals Part One

If you've I'm following along with my recent post you'll know that this post was far down on the list of drafts that I had. I'm moving it up for a couple reasons.  One, because I'm still procrastinating on finishing two posts that are mind heavy and I figured I might as well do one's that I can get done as soon as possible. The other is that Tucker's (Hippo) departure is directly related to two very important issues.  The one I'm going to write about here in this series of posts, and the other, regarding the future of the whole area surrounding the Hippo pool. 

I first noticed an evacutation of Animals in 2010 when Zoo closed an area they call South Gate, located east of Hippo. I call it Hoofstock Alley, as there were three species of Hoofstock living there.  At the time, the Zoo allegedly wanted to limit areas they didn't want to maintain, so they put up fences in several places to close off those paths.  They certainly succeeded in not maintaining.  In Fall of 2017, I went on a Bird walk that included access to some behind the scenes areas.  South Gate was one of those areas.  I was shocked what a shambles the whole area looked like.  You could barely recognize it.  The truly disgusting thing was there were two Peccary living back there in barren enclosures.  At least they were side by side, but geez, that situation was not an appropriate habitat.  I felt like crying. 

When it was open, the area housed the Duiker Family, Muntjacs, and two Blackbucks who were housed separately, one a very senior lady, and the other an imprinted young male, Pokemon.  The Duikers were ripped apart multiple times, and housed in various places, the female going to the Savannah, The Muntjacs were transferred out, the lady Blackbuck passed away, and when a tree fell into poor Pokemon's enclosure, he was banished to a stall on the side of one of the Savannah barns.  Since he was imprinted he had a mental attachment to Humans, and thrived seeing and interacting with them.  In this new situation, he saw no one, not even other Animals, as he was surrounded by wooden walls.  He passed away after spending a few years staring only at those walls. 

Part of this area was renovated, not sure at whose expense and now houses an outsourced Therapy Horse enclosure.

I did a map of the Zoo that shows how it was ten years ago, versus now with all the closed areas.  It was meant for this post originally but since I've combined another post into this one, I think I'll post it separate, as I also have text of what was where, and that would make this post even longer.

In recent months we have seen both the Hippo and two Tigers leave.  Leaving three enclosures empty. ... Last June a Kangaroo and two Wallaroos were killed by an outside predator, and since, two other Kangaroos have passed away.  The Walk-A-Bout once filled with a dozen plus animals, now has only three residents. ... The Puente, is also seeing a dwindling population.  A  few years ago, we lost our Capybara, and the Andean Condor was taken off exhibit.  Over the last year, we lost the female Guanaco, her Daughter, the Rheas, and the Black Swan were all sent to other Zoos. ... Both Sea Lions passed away. I don't know how often sightless Pinnipeds are in need of a home, so I don't know what will come of that space.  I do think it needs to remain an option for a rescue species.  As well, it's a histortic icon. 

When exhibits close, it's been typical for them to sit vacant for years.  The Tapir passed in 2012 and that enclosure sat empty for six years.   There is an enclosure between Komodo yard, housing Tortoises and One Horned Rhino, that has been vacant since 2008!   I've said before, if they aren't going to use that as an exhibit area, that enclosure needs to be renovated to be a universal temporary holding area for Animals in need, whether rescues or Animals the Zoo hoards.  The Zoo has no such place for rescues, and as an Animal Care Facility, it should.

I had a separate post about the Animals being hoarded away off exhibit, but Im going to add it in here.

When the Primate Center was demolished in 2018 (see next post for Where the Monkeys went), some of the Residents went to live at the former FCC (Feline Conservation Center).  You can see the original layout on the signage in the lower left corner, in this screencap I took from a Zoo video, showing an archival photo of FCC.

My thought from memory going with this four pod layout, was that some might have been divided into two.  The last time I went there before it was emptied sometime in 2010 I think, it housed two adult Snow Leopards seperately, two adult Ocelots with two babies, two juvenile Ocelots, and three Fishing Cats, can't remember configuration.  The two Snows had a good amount of room, so I'm thinking they shared one half of a pod.  They eventually moved to Cat Grotto E, one female Fishing Cat to Lion House, all Ocelots were transferred out.  Eventually the two Fishing Cats left were transferred as well. 

Here's a current aerial view.  

FCC, now called WCC?, remained vacant for years, until male Snow Leopard Rigel was retired there, so the Zoo could recall male Snow Leopard, Ghurka, who was born there, to breed with female Niya.  Rigel thrived there for a few years, sadly both he and Ghurka passed away.  In 2017  when the AZA/SSP insisted on SFZoo having a breeding pair, they callously wanted to transfer Niya, a senior in her teens to another Zoo.  Thankfully, the Zoo pleaded to let Niya retire to FCC, where she remains today.  Kudos on that, one of the better things the Zoo has done.  Niya was the sole resident until the Zoo started acquiring Animals it had no place to properly house. 

First, was the female Condor Claudia, who came to the Zoo temporarilly while her Zoo built her a new home.  She lived at the Puente, for about a year.  What ended up happening is a bit scandalous in my opinion.  In short, Claudia never got back home. In 2017 she was moved off exhibit to FCC.  A mate was acquired for her, who was also moved into FCC.  To date, they continue to live side by side, but have never been introduced into the same enclosure.

Sometime in late 2018 the Fossa's, two other victims of hoarding, ended up at FCC, after an extended stay in the hospital and a time in some old rusty cages.  ... This is not how you house Animals!  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5OaWnXoaQ&feature=youtu.be

but then Director Peterson thought it was ok to keep Orangutans in a caged tube for eight months.

I wrote about Claudia's and the Fossa's stories here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/03/sfzoo-stop-collecting-animals-you-have.html

Here's a photo from Turtle Back Zoo of the new home that was built for Claudia and future mate.  A home the SFZoo Director deprived her of, in favor of hoarding her and her mate away in cages.

So, back to the Primate Center take down debacle, that resulted in five Primate species being displaced.  Two Monkey species, the Black Howlers and Colobus, both relocated off exhibit to FCC.

That brings the FCC population to five individuals (one an adult Snow Leopard, two very large Birds, and two decent sized Mammals), a pair of Monkeys, and a family group of five Monkeys, all living in those four pods. ... One would think that sounded crowded, especially since an adult Snow Leopard needs a decent amount of room.  Then, before the new female Snow Leopard Ana gave birth in 2018, her mate Raj was also moved to FCC.  Then a year later, Ana was also moved into FCC!  Good grief, where are all these Animals fitting?!! 

Before Raj moved in, the Zoo was offering tours of FCC.  The kicker in this is, they called it Secret Safari and charged $20 for Members, can't remember how much for nonMembers.  So, they hoard away Animals that should be on exhibit, aka on view with price of admission, and then charge people extra to see them.  While Therapy Horses that are not part of the Zoo collection are publicly exhibited.  

Anyway, lucky for me, since it gave me the opportunity to see Niya again and visit with my friend Claudia.  As well as see for myself what was going on there.  The place was pretty unrecognizable from what it once was.  

I almost cried seeing Claudia, after a year, she remembered me and ran over to the fence and greeted me with her full wing dance and song.  I told her I loved her and missed her.  Hopefully one day the Zoo will make good on their promise and she and the male get a home where Claudia can have the social interaction she needs.

I felt the area Niya was in needed more space.  She may very well have had the two adjoining spaces, before the Fossa moved in.  The Fossa were a breeding pair at Denver Zoo, yet here they have been separated.  I can't even imagine what the space situation is now with two additional adult Snow Leopards there.   I have no idea if they are living side by side with Niya or hoarded to another area I didn't even see on the tour.  Hopefully with that Snow Leopard Expansion at least one of them will move back down to the main Zoo.  If Raj has been living next to Niya, I hope he stays so she has like species company.  That all said, with the two empty Big Cat Grottos, at least one should be moved to Grotto D.  There is a door in the finger wall from the exisiting Snow Leopard enclosure for access.  Although with some boarding to block the Lions, they could occupy the Lion House night quarters.  Those Grottos should not stay empty, and allegedly there are no plans to bring in more Big Cats.

That whole area looks like a ghost town, especially now with no Hippo.  Very bad planning on management's part.  The Zoo is dying under this administration.

Ok I think that's it for now.  I'm exhausted.  Did this all from memory. No energy to reread notes I've taken over the years.  Thankful to delete it from my mind.  Moving on to part two of this.  I'm hoping to finish it this weekend.

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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