Remembering Minnie - Chimpanzee Lady Passes Away

Collage of photos I made in 2017

View the accompanying video

https://tinyurl.com/yv5xz3mn

I started this memorial post to My Precious Friend, on Thursday, the day after I heard the sad news.  I have been waiting for the Zoo to announce the passing of our beloved Minnie.  They have not. While they post about their gift shop, I will respect her, and no longer wait to acknowledge her life.  

As we head into Mother's Day, I want to share some words I expressed to some of my friends years ago.

Minnie was a Mother, but never allowed to be a Mom.  She had four babies with our Cobby.  Two males, one stillborn, one who didn't make it through the day, and two females who survived.  Both babie girls, were taken from her, hand raised and put on display in the Zoo's "nursery".  That's how they did it in those days.  No empathy, no compassion.  Actions all so people could pay extra to see them.  Minnie was taken from her Mother, and the same happened to her and her babies.  This horror has always been on my mind.  I hope it faded a bit from hers over the years.  

Yesterday started out a beautiful day.  It was warm by the early am, and not a cloud in the sky.  I headed to the Zoo for a peaceful walk and visit.  My first Friends to visit, are always the Chimps.  Seeing My Mins is priority every visit, and I didn't see her Monday.  The path around their yard was closed, and the dayroom was empty.  I asked the first person I saw, and was told they heard something was wrong with Minnie.  My insides sank, and I had a bad feeling about my Lady Friend.  My eyes were brimming with tears I held back, until I confirmed my fear.  My heart broke in that moment, and the flood of tears could not be stopped.  Full on sobbing, as I wandered about a bit aimlessly, until I just couldn't be there any longer.

It is the worst thing to get news that a dear Zoo Friend has passed, as you start your visit thinking about seeing them, then realizing, the last visit, was the last time.  

A couple weeks ago, I had what would be my last interaction with My Mins.  In the dayroom, I was alone with the Ladies.  They were on the top platform, Minnie was eating.  She made eye contact with me, giving me her knock wave greeting a few times, and I returned them.  It's how we'd say Hi.  While she ate, I stood and did some of my bend exercises.  She got up and gave me a couple head bobs, one of her ways of communicating, and started to sway her body a bit.  I said, "Oh Mins, you wanna dance with me Mama?"  I moved a bit flowy in dance motion and she swayed a bit more.  Precious girl was dancing with me! 

I have had so many wonderful moments with Minnie, that are cherished memories. So many Amazing gifts, like the one I shared above.  I could never express how much she means to me or how deeply the interactions we've shared have touched my soul.  I've known of her, as one of our Chimpanzees, since I was a little girl.  I've known her, as an individual for over fifteen years.  That's when my connection with her started.  Once you know these Beautiful Beings in a personal way, and they know you, it's an experience that warms you, and wows you.  

I Love this Lady so much. That may have been our last interaction on this physical plane, but I'll be talking to her spirit alot.  I talk to all the Friends who have passed.  Whether you believe or not, I know they are there and can hear me. 

I took a moment alone in the Dayroom after learning of her passing.  I said a few personal words to her, and finally I told her, now she is with her Cobby and their babies.  

As I was leaving the Zoo, a Priest was walking in.  I had never crossed paths with one at the Zoo.  I thought it serendipitous, and stopped him.  With tears streaming, I asked, "Can you do a special Blessing at Chimpanzees, for one of our ladies who just passed away."  He said, "Of course I can do that."  

Minnie turned 55 years old this year.  She was born in the wild, kidnapped from her Mother and Family, when she was a babie, and sold into the Exotic Pet Trade.  Soon she would meet another babie who suffered the same fate, our Maggie.  Within a year, they would come to the San Francisco Zoo.  My heart breaks for Maggie, her Sister for life.  She is in my thoughts, as I hope she will be ok.  

At the Zoo she met Cobby, Tallulah, and Candy. Along with Maggie they became a Family.  After Candy's passing in the early 80s, the four remaining, lived together over forty years.  I am so thankful they had eachother for so long.  

I have been watching the videos I have public on my YouTube channel, leo811sf.  Shedding many tears, through big smiles. 

If inclined, you can search my channel name + minnie (or chimps).  This is one of my favorites.  

San Francisco Zoo Chimpanzee Minnie Checking Her Look Before Her Date With Cobby!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm4cY53M6O4&pp=ygUPbGVvODExc2YgbWlubmll

RIP Beautiful Minnie, Bless Your Soul.

Thank You For Your Friendship. 

I Love You Lady.

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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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Pandas - Here's What The Mayor Should Do!

*Why I think San Francisco should only committ to hosting Pandas for two years.

I have made it no secret that I think the Needs of our San Francisco Zoo, specifically those of our Orangutans, should be met before bringing Pandas here.  In seeking Pandas and touting Asian Conservation, our San Francisco Mayor London Breed should want to make sure all the Animals are "Happy", and that means fixing our Zoo and building a new home for the Orangutans, who are a major Being in Asian Conservation.

Since the last time I posted about Panda Talk, there have been many news articles noting all the costs, fundraising, hoops and hurdles, bringing Pandas to our San Francisco Zoo will entail.  In addition to my own reluctancy (and that of many I know), to be on board with this acquisition, at this time, opposition by many others have been expressed in articles, tweets, and comments. 

As noted previously, my main issue is the use of $25 million for this Want, when our Zoo has been breaking down for fifteen years under the mismanagement of SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson.  This Want, would ignore all the Needs, specifically the Orangutans.  If the Mayor and/or Director can raise $25 million to use for enclosure builds alone, they need to include building a new home for the Orangutans as well.

When Panda Talk started, Director Peterson apparently sold the illusion that the Zoo had created an "Asian Conservation Zone", that included a specific area for Pandas.  Mayor Breed apparently bought this illusion, and set-out on her quest.  Both have been quoted talking about the area, which has been used for the past many summers for Zoo Campers to run wild in.  My point in rehashing this is if Director Peterson was concerned, actually lets say, in the least bit interested, in Asian Conservation, she would have provided for the Orangutans, ideally before they got here, but definitely at some point in the five years they have been here. 

During my Zoo visit last Monday,  I had an idea, that frankly should become more than just an idea by a member of the public, but a serious consideration by Mayor Breed.  I think my thoughts, are the most logical way for the Zoo to  forge ahead with bringing Pandas here, because let's face it, if all the permits and financial obstacles are taken care of, there is no way of stopping those Pandas from boarding the plane.  That said, there should be room for compromising the plan into something that works for the overall good of the Zoo, and that would satisfy those who are against the outrageous cost being spent on one Animal, before any Need is fixed.

Aside from all the unknown costs that will be added to having Panda, the main number reported has been the $25 million that will be spent on housing alone.  As anyone who has read my posts knows, when that number got broken into $3-5 million for a temporary enclosure and $20 for a permanent one, is where I became enraged.  Zero dollars were spent for the Orangutans and now, an asinine amount will be spent for a new acquisition. It's outrageous and irresponsible.  And, let's not forget that the Pandas could be repossessed at any point in time. 

So, last Monday, there I was standing in front of the Big Cat Grottos, when the idea hit me. 

I had asked a few people weeks ago if they had heard where the temporary enclosure would be.  No one had even realized two enclosures were part of the plan.  I know there aren't many options that would fall into the "upgrading an existing enclosure" parameter, as it would have to be one that could hold an Animal the size and strength of a Panda.  I also feared in doing so, a current Zoo Resident would be displaced.  With the two Lions recently taken off view for introductions, I realized they would eventually be occupying only one Grotto and the other one would probably be where the Pandas would go.  The Pandas that were at the Zoo in the 1980s, were housed in one of the Cat Grottos.  I saw them, and always thought they were in Grotto A, but also remember it feeling dark, so I don't know.  The number of yards have been reduced and expanded from four to two since then.  Grotto C/D (now B) was renovated for the Jaguar, but he was never moved in.  So, I have to assume that B will be the temporary home of the Pandas.

Looking at B, it is already a huge enclosure, with lots of ground greenery, cave cubbies, and a platform.  It already looks better than other Panda enclosures I've seen online, and the current (permanent?) Orangutan enclosure for that matter.  Aside from some topical additions (more platforms, leaning items such as logs, etc., and possibly some planting), and work to night quarters, I don't see $3-5 million in upgrades needed.  I can't even imagine there being a million dollars worth. 

*The logical solution to this whole Panda Plan is to back-burner the Permanent Residency plan, and committ to Pandas for two years, of which they will remain in the renovated Cat Grotto.  After one year, the situation will be evaluated. 

*The factors to consider would be... Are there (still) crowds being drawn to the Zoo specifically to see the Pandas?  Is there (still) a significant increase in attendance and funds generated from that?  Those factors will determine if it's financially justifiable to move forward with investing in building a permanent enclosure.  If not, the Pandas are here for two years and that event will have been a great experience, just not a permanent one.  If it is, and the funds have been secured for a permanent enclosure, then it could be a welcome addition. 

That all said, those secured funds must be independant of increased attendance revenue, which should be used exclusively for fixing the Zoo.  And initial fundraising should include all Panda related costs for the two years, and funds for a new Orangutan enclosure.

Even without spending $20 million on a permanent enclosure, the costs will include a reported $1 million per Panda rental fee per year, transportation costs for bringing in Bamboo (of which would be at least 30 lbs for each per day), payroll for extra security, and I recently read a Panda specific Vet and possibly Keepers.  Those factors alone would exceed a few million minimum per year.  So if the Mayor believes she can raise $25 million for housing alone, she can surely swing an initial $10 million or so to cover the upgrades, two years of costs, and an Orangutan enclosure.  

Mayor Breed, can you make this happen, so everyone will be 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:

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

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Fix It's - Signage and Parking Needs

For years, well, now over a decade, I've been easily irked by the lack of signage, starting with barrier breaching warnings.  That's a lost cause, been trying for too many years, so I won't even bother.  No one cares.  Anyone interested can search the blog in upper left corner for "barriers", to read my many, many rants.

Last week, I over heard some people snickering at Jaguar.  People are going to be jerks no matter, but why is there no sign explaining what happened to Tikal's tail?  I Tweeted @ the Zoo immediately and said there needs to be a sign...  I'm still waiting.  Maybe next week.

Part of what gets me going is that the Zoo for some reason can not make signs on the spot.  They got computers, color printers and laminators, but just can't figure it out.  

I met a cool couple this week.  Enjoyable to talk to people who get things.  Both natives, like myself, and also been coming to the Zoo their whole life.  They love the Zoo, but can see the issues.  They mentioned that a group was knocking on the glass at Fossa.  There needs to be a sticker sign not to.  It took two years after I told the previous Deputy Director we need No Howling signs at Wolves.  Hopefully Violet doesn't have to wait that long.  More than an hour later, when I visited her, she was still pacing the window line.  I've never seen her doing that.

A Chronicle article from April 30, 2024, noted about the permanent closure of the south end of Great Highway next year.

www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-great-highway-closed-to-cars-19431219.php

Seeing Supervisor Myrna Melgar's name, reminded me of her notation in the Chronicle's April 17th article about the Zoo.  The Zoo is in her District, yet she had no comment to offer, other than to ignorantly and selfishly say,...  she 'welcomed the news about Pandas coming to the Zoo'.  ... “I definitely see the benefits for the Zoo and for the City,” Melgar said. “I hope that the Zoo puts its best foot forward.”

So, yet another person who apparently has no interest in what goes on at the Zoo, in general, or what taking on Pandas before taking care of the Zoo's current Needs first, would do to the Zoo.  I'm getting really sick of people having no care for the Animals that already live there.  

Additionally, Melgar seemingly knows nothing about the Zoo, not even the neighborhood logistics.  She noted (about the eventual Great Highway closure), the Zoo is building a "new entrance around 47th ave".   Doesn't she know the existing entrance is on Sloat?  Yes, around 47th, but its on Sloat and, already there.  There is no space for a " new" entrance, just making one of the entrances into an exit.

The Zoo, should have changed the Sloat entrance to two-way years ago.  Every winter it pisses me off that the back exit that leads to Great Highway is open to unsuspecting visitors.  When it rains, the only road out gets flooded and at times the water is deeper than most cars should be driving through.  I drove through it once, that's how I know.  It didn't feel safe for my car.  Thankfully it was fine, but still, people should be warned.  I've seen the Sloat entrance, also be an exit when needed, so there is no reason when that road floods, for people to be forced to drive through it, potentially damaging their cars. Here's an idea, since this reconfigure of the exit is going happen at some point, the Zoo needs to just fix it now.  Or at least before winter.

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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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Halle-FUCKING-lujah! The Bison Sprinklers Are Finally Working!

Yesterday was a good day out!   Checked several things off my to-do list before even leaving the house.  On my way out and about, taking my usual route through the Park, I was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful sight.  That's right, ear to ear smile, giddy in my Being, four, maybe five, sprinkler streams in full force in the Bison Meadow!!

For people who have been following my ranting for years about the sprinklers in the Bison being broken, I guess I hit it at the right time this morning and was treated to seeing this fantasticness!

I was driving along, running through my lists of stops for the day, and was taken by complete surprise and shock, to actually see water in the Bison Meadow!  I literally gasped and yelled out, Sprinklers are on!!! as I quickly veered to the curb to jump out for a photo and video!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S1KXPPSSZl4

This has to be a new development, as a worker was near them, I assume checking them out?  As well, the Bison have been in the back enclosure, so maybe they were working on it.  GOOD!  because rainy season is almost over and Mother Nature ain't going to be doing the Rec and Parks job for much longer!

People, I am so happy for the Bison, I tried to help them with this for many years.  I contacted Rec and Park so many times, and they just didn't care.  I should have gotten media involved.  Listen up San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept.  If I ever see dried brown bullshit in the Bison again, I'm contacting media about your neglect to provide grazing Animals, with greenery to graze on.  

Those sprinklers better be fixed and if they break again, you need to be on it asap, not years later!  And the back enclosure needs to be tended to and consistently green as well.  Not taking care of the enclosure per the lease agreement is an Animal Welfare issue and a disgrace.  Shame on you.

For those new to this issue, search this blog in the upper left corner for "bison".

In other awesome day animal news...

The male and female Lions, Jasiri and Lulu, have made progress in their introductions, and were sharing Yard A/B yesterday!  When I got there Jasiri had already retreated to the cave, so even after circling back, neither's position had changed.

The Spectacled Owls, male Quetzal and his new lady Athena, have also made progress, as I spied them for the first time sitting side by side in a shelter box!

The Tapir has been spending more and more time up front, and yesterday was the first time I've seen him in the pond!

Video shows, Tapir, Owls, and Condor.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=V7k2QY-LH2Q&si=uOfo1PjVRJT2mG_i

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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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SFZoo Removes This Statement - Curiously The Day After My Reaction To It.

As I gear-up for my weekend posts, I'm wondering if the San Francisco Zoo or Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, has responded to the Chronicle reporter's request for their defense in what they think was specifically, "..misrepresented information and.. inaccurate facts", as reported in the Chronicle article dated April 17, 2024?  

In my previous post, I concentrated on reacting to words (in Chronicle article dated April 20, 2024), by an SF Rec and Park Commissioner, Joint Zoo Committee panelist, and the new Zoological Society Board Chair.  Yet, there was another mention in one paragraph that should be noted.  

The Zoo issued a Statement April 19, 2024, via their Social Media, reacting to the first Chronicle article dated April 17.  

Since I dont regularly look at the Zoo's Socials, I didn't see this until someone messaged me about it two days later.  On April 21, I reacted to it in a post, and Tweeted it to the Zoo.  Curiously, the Zoo removed this Statement the next day.

I will reiterate what I've written before... San Francisco Zoo Officials do not think they have to justify their words and actions.  The San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, SF Zoological Society Board, SF Rec/Park Commissioners and SF Rec/Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, have all deflected accusations by declining to comment or with non-related notations.  In this case, it's particularly ridiculous for the Zoo, assuming Director Peterson, to even call untrue, as she specifically declined to comment prior to the article being published.

So, Director Peterson, what exactly was written in any Chronicle articles, that was "misrepresented and/or inaccurate?"  

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/04/my-reaction-to-statement-by-san.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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My Reactions To Chronicle Article -Saturday April 20, 2024

I got side-lined from this post draft that I started last weekend, as others felt timely. Having the Zoo in the news almost daily in the past ten+ days, has made it difficult to keep up with documenting news and thoughts.

First of all, the article title...

"Chronicle’s S.F. Zoo investigation sparks concern, surprise among city officials"

My response to City Officials, SF Recreation and Park, Rec and Park Commission, San Francisco Zoological Society Board, and SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson...

I often hear quotes that speak to me in regard to my experiences, often Zoo related.  Mostly in regards to censorship, some I've shared on the sidebars of this blog, some I'm still waiting to share.  Today, during my food break before tackling the previous post, I watched this weeks episode of Law and Order.  Sometimes there is much truth in scripted shows, as there is with this line...  "Powerful people hate admitting they screwed up"

Before I expand on the notes I made from the article, I got to start with this...  

Memory.  Gotta love that even with my overwhelmed, old brain, I can remember almost every detail of my Zoo experiences, and knowledge, starting with Christmas Day 2007.  These days, I often can't remember a thought from thirty seconds ago, but I can tell you the birthdate of every Osmond Brother and their favorite color (70s teenage girl stuff).   So, as I read this article early the morning it was published, still half asleep, examples that prove bullshit, came flooding through my tired mind.  I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed by it all. There are those who may not like my Zoo blogging, but today especially I got to say, Well, well, it's a damn good thing that I keep detailed documentation!  

I'm going to highlight Rec and Park Commissioner Larry Mazzola, since his responses are the majority in this article.  That said, I do have to give mention to two other respondents first.  Their words taken from the article...

“There were some pretty serious allegations in the article,” said Jane Tobin, secretary of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare. She added, “I’m not sure about the path forward.” 

I'm going to later show a sceencap that in part shows that Jane Tobin has sat on the Joint Zoo Committe panel for at least five years.  Her statement is pretty seriously empty.  It says nothing.  If only there were audio or visual recordings of the Meetings, we could see what her contributions have been to the proceedings. And she's not sure the path forward?  I'm sure.  There needs to be a complete overhaul of management, from Director Peterson to Tobin's seat on the Committee panel, and everyone in between.

Now let's hear from the new Zoological Society Board Chair, Melinda Dunn... “We also have numerous safety protocols to ensure the safety of our staff, as well as safety and welfare committees responsible for reviewing staff concerns, evaluating the situation and resolving any issues. We are proud of the San Francisco Zoo and our teams.”

I believe Melinda Dunn became Chair within the last couple months, but she has reportedly been part of the Board for years.  Like every other Board member, I doubt she knows anything more about the Zoo, than what Director Peterson has presented.  Many at the Zoo think she may be their savior, I have no faith that anything different will happen.  The Zoological Society Board has it's lack of taking part in managing duties set in stone.  I'd be curious how many times Dunn has been to the Zoo in the last year, not counting ZooFest or any other Society cocktail yuckfest.  Leading up to her new appointment, did she visit the Zoo and check things out?  Take an interest? Ask questions?  Introduce herself to Staff?   I'd bet that's a hard no on all counts.

Before I go on, I want to reiterate what I've said many times before, all entities tasked with managing and/or oversight of our San Francisco Zoo, have failed in their duties.  Starting with SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson, SF Zoological Society Board, down to the SF Recreation and Park Dept and Commission.  I have not experienced any interest from any of them in what actually happens at the Zoo.  I'm not sure if it's because they all wear rose colored glassed, if they are all lazy, or if no one cares.  In my experience, it's mostly the later, with a bit of the other two as well.  Over the years, I have contacted someone in each entity, without any response.  

So, let's move on to Commissioner Mazzola's words.  My reaction is a bit mixed on his words.  While I'm judgemental because he has been on the Commision at least five years, I'm disappointed that he hasn't cared about the Zoo until now.  That said, at least his words are not the same slick PR words that came out of the mouths of the current Board Chair Dunn, the last Chair Edward Poole (in Wednesday's article), or the Statement made by the Zoo (assuming by the Director?).

Commissioner Mazzola is quoted, "calling for a full investigation into the accusations."  Well, if that actually happens, all I have to say is, it's about time someone did something.  After fifteen years of watching everyone just leave the Zoo in the mismanaging and damaging hands of Director Peterson, this is new.  Time will tell how deep, or long-lasting this will be.

Mazzola said he was surprised to learn about most of the issues in the Chronicle’s report. He said he would invite Tanya Peterson, CEO and Executive Director of the Zoo, and Melinda Dunn, the Zoological Society’s new board chair, to attend the committee’s June meeting to answer questions about the article’s findings. 

To that above, I say good luck!  In the last fifteen months, Director Peterson has gone to only one of twelve Joint Zoo Committe Meetings.  As well, I have never known the Board Chair to go to one meeting.  This should be good.

“We have to ask more questions. We have to have answers if the public asks us, or whoever,” Mazzola said in the meeting.

Yes!  He (and everyone on the panel) should ask questions.  Not just more, but question everything.  Is that not the job of an oversight entity?  How can checks and balances be made if no one questions anything?  Even if it's not outlined in any responsibility guideline handbook, if he and every other member of that panel had any real interest in the Zoo, they should have questions.  I mean my gosh, how simple do you have to be to not have any questions about anything? I question everything.  That's how I know stuff.  I don't let things just pass on by.

In 2019, Commissioner Mazzola was on the Committee panel that gave the approval for the Zoo to acquire the female Orangutan.  Thing is, she was already at the Zoo!  Maybe if there were "more questions", the cruelty that happened to the Orangutans could have been stopped before they got here.

“I want to make sure that the workers are being heard,” Mazzola said in the meeting. “Worker safety and the way that workers are being treated are the No. 1 priority, along with keeping the animals safe. That’s what this is all about.”

Ok, so this is a big one.  Remember the start of this post and Memory?  Well, here is my past documention that leads to the very core of that first sentence, “I want to make sure that the workers are being heard."   

Well, Commissioner Mazzola, workers tried to be heard.  The Committee panel all but refused to listen to them.  I was there at three separate Meetings in 2015, starting with the February Meeting, when the announcement that the Zoo would be keeping the Chimpanzees was made, a group of Keeper's took the opportunity to address the Committee.  At the March and April Meetings, more Keepers let their voice be heard.  The treatment the Animal Care Staff got at each Meeting was disrespectful and disgusting. 

Starting the next year the Meetings were held at City Hall, and have been since.  I was told by a former Committee Member that the move was allegedly to make sure Keepers didn't show up, a reason everyone believes to be true. 

Below are screencap excerpts from my blog post dealing the situation. ... May 2015 ... Joint Zoo Committee Meeting - Call to Action - Suggestions, Comments and Complaints.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/05/joint-zoo-committee-meeting-call-to.html

Words below taken from

the Meeting Minutes

At the end of this May 2015 post

I put forth my suggestions...

So yeah, further facts that the management and oversight of management, needs an overhaul!   The system is a mess and the Animals and Zoo have suffered from it, while Director Peterson runs rampant and doesn't answer to anyone, because no one is asking her to.

Related Post (includes full article):

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/04/sf-rec-and-park-commissioner-doing.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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Time Out From Panda Talk - SFZoo Needs Animals!

 Happy World Tapir Day! 

One of the San Francisco Zoo Animals who I was endeared to the most, was Goober, the Bairds Tapir.  He's the muse for the title and background of this blog!  I spent alot of good times with him, and was lucky to meet him up close on two occasions.  I miss this guy, who always had a smile for me, and would laugh at the peoples with me.  I Love You Goobie! 

Let's talk about some Animals that I think our Zoo needs.  With all the Panda talk, our Zoo needs to add some friends to the collection.  We have too many empty exhibits.  Every visit I hear comments from visitors around me. Yesterday, as I was leaving, two gals walking past, one said, "Well that was disappointing".  I always feel disappointed myself when I hear visitors expressing feelings like this, about a place I care about.  I want people to feel good about the Zoo.

I stopped these two gals and asked them to share their thoughts.  The first thing they said was they missed all the Monkeys, noting the Tamarins especially.  They had been to the Zoo before, natives of the area, although one now lives out of state.  They reveled in past memories of the Zoo, complained about how long the Madagascar construction has gone on, and felt the Zoo just wasn't what it once was. ... Theirs are not isolated feelings.

In both past and recent posts, I have noted how the Zoo seriously needs to populate the empty enclosures and renovate the once used spaces.  With prices increasing, the Zoo needs to increase their collection.  I know that also increases the food expense, but then they need to stop building gardens and art installations.  People come to see Animals.  They pay to see Animals.  The Zoo can't just expect to throw Pandas in there and solve their perception, attendance and financial issues.

I've written of the importance of having many Monkey species.  At the very least, the Zoo needs to bring back a species of Monkey to fill the old Patas enclosure, and Tamarins to fill where Tamarins used to be.  Enough rotating different animals thru those enclosures on whims, which has also left them empty for long periods of time. ... It's been over two years since the tragedy at the WalkAbout.  The enclosure is sad.  I visit Boomer, the Emu, often, but it's a challenge to find the few Walleroos.  This area used to have well over a dozen furry friends hopping around.  It needs more life again. ... The Otters are missed by many.  We need to see those friendly faces again. ... Now that we have a Tapir at the Puenete and poor Cousco, the Guanaco, has been banished off exhibit, the meadow and the Tapir need more friends.  Pacha, the Tapir, has lived with Capybara before, no reason why the Zoo can't bring back a couple of these favorites. 

I'll end this with a Facebook post from San Diego Zoo today.  Their Capybara recently had babies, and the cuteness is squeal worthy!

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