Toddler Falls into Enclosure at Arkansas Zoo - News could one day read "at SFZoo

Not a new way to start a post, but I apologize for not keeping up here.  I have all the post ideas and info swirling in my head, just no time or energy to follow through.  That said, I'm interrupting my ideal post flow because yet another story is in the News about someone breaching a barrier at an Animal Enclosure at a Zoo. 

Report notes that a Child "fell" into the Jaguar Enclosure.  Its reported that as his Father was leaning over to take a photo, the Grandfather was holding the kid "perched on the railing."  < THIS,  I see multiple times, every Zoo visit.   

http://www.abc15.com/news/national/child-survives-fall-into-jaguar-exhibit-at-arkansas-zoo

If you have read much of what I post, you know one of my main issues with the San Francisco Zoo is barrier breaching.  As I walk around the Zoo, I continually see this as an issue and the Zoo continually seems to not want to do anything about it. 

I don't know what drives people to think its ok to, stand on, lean over, hang over, or in some cases completely cross to the Animal side.  Is it Stupidity or Sinister, or both?  In any case, you have to ask, What the F is wrong with People?

I admit I am not a Humanitarian and flame away I do not care if a Human gets attacked or worse by an Animal.  What I do care about is, Animals losing their lives because of such actions, even ones that happen accidentally because of lack of brain cells.

Thankfully, these Animals at Little Rock Zoo, did not lose their Life.  That is not always the case, and definitely in San Francisco it would be a different story.  SFZoo has now even hired armed ex-Military Security who carry guns and are allegedly authorized to shoot any Animal that appears to be a  threat to any Human.

As I said I have posted endlessly about this, with photos, which I still try to take every chance I get.  I had a New Years 2014 post that called the Zoo to action with yet another suggestion to deter this behavior.  Unfortunately, it was one of the ones I haven't gotten to yet.  Shouldn't matter because our Zoo and other Zoo's should be able to think of more to do to protect the Animals.  You can't safeguard from everything, but you can do your best AND put the Animals in your care first, which is something not many facilities tend to do, putting Humans first because that's what we are conditioned as a Society is the right thing.  That is Bullshit in these types of circumstances. 

Of course the most famous in our time happened at our Zoo in 2007.  We all know the story of Tatiana, I won't go over that again.  As well, our Zoo didn't learn about Security and a breach happened again in 2009.  Thankfully, our Grizzly Girls didn't care about the guy who made it into their home.  If they had, rifles were aimed to kill them.  In my opinion, this is not acceptable.  Tatiana lost her life because of documented Criminals.

A side note on the Tatiana event, that was not the first time in Zoo History this has happened.  I recently was at the Library doing some research on the Zoo and came across an article about a similar event in 1968.  If changes had been made then, Tatiana would still be alive.

 Front Page of Chronicle 1968

Text close-up

Story continued

I personally think all Animals should be behind glass for their own safety.  This is not a popular thing among photographers that I know, and I myself, love getting great photos of the Zoo Friends, but Priority over that for me, is their safety.  Open air/natural exhibits became sought after by Zoo's more and more in the past 15-ish years.  That would be great, if the direction of Human Compassion and Smarts was on the rise , instead of the decline.  Exhibit barriers need to keep up with the times and I don't mean ideal times, I mean practical times, in light of current Human behavior.

A couple years ago I posted about an incident at the Pittsburgh Zoo in which a Mother dropped her Toddler into the Wild Dog enclosure. Both the kid and the Animal lost their life.   A few weeks later ( I think it was) I was at our Rhinos and a Mother was dangling her Infant over the barrier, entirely into the enclosure calling, "Hey Rhino!" She only stopped when her Husband alerted her her I was taking photos.

Pretty much says it all doesn't it?  ... This news story could one day read, ... "at San Francisco Zoo."

Flamingo Day Celebration! - Zoo Event???

soon

World Rhino Day - Zoo Event Review

soon ...

Red Panda Day - Zoo Event Review

Well, finally I have some time to write a bit about this Zoo event from last weekend.  If you didn't go, I guess this will be the first and only place you'll read about it.  I just scanned thru the Zoo's FB and there was no sign of a post that gave highlights from this.  I seriously do not understand the Zoo's thought process on anything.

 Happy Red Panda Day!

Celebrating photo I posted to my short blog.  FYI Kodari is the one they was renamed "Tenzing" and the one they seem to only post about :(  In my opinion that's because they can pimp him for Media attention.  I love you too Miss Grace!

Will start off by saying, this is what an "event" should be!  Have nothing to rag on.  I will say from what I know,  this had not much to do with "Zoo" planning, but more the efforts of the Red Panda Animal Staff. They obviously are dedicated to this Animal and wanted to raise funds to help them and spread awareness.  Kudos to Children's Zoo/Red Panda Keepers, Antoinette, Corey and Tricia, and CZ Curator Eric, for putting on a great event.  Thank you!

Below you can see they had an information table set-up, as well a table with raffle prize items.  All donations for the raffle, went to support the Red Panda Network.

Not pictured in the prize item table photo is the below Painting that was standing to photo left.  I love Animal Paintings!  This was a beauty, in my fav color combo, Orange and Pink!   This Painting was done by Grace, the Female Red Panda :)   Done mostly by paw, but with one added swoosh from her tail :)  It was lovely!  ... My suggestion to many facilities that do Animal Art is to photograph them and make note cards and other items so that the Animals Art can go further than just this one offering and many can own and enjoy it.

Below is a close-up of the other items.  In addition to a behind the scenes tour, all other items was hand crafted by Keepers, their Family and Friends, and you can tell they were made out of the passion these people have for this Animal. Each item was wonderful!  My fav was the Rhea Egg, hand painted by Corey, who also did the Stained Glass.  The Metal Work Face was done by Antoinette's Husband.  The hats were made by Corey's Mother and the Scarves by her Friends at Houston Zoo.  

Two Enrichment Items were offered to Grace and Kodari.  A painted box with Bamboo and a fruit filled Ice Treat.  The only hit was the box and only Kodari seemed to like it.  He REALLY like it!  I think my video caught a bit of it, but he was jumping and pouncing all over it!  I vote for fun box items for them every week!  Hopefully Grace had some fun with it after :)

Here;s the link to my Video of 

Kodari playing with his Enrichment Toy :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-OE507CyjI

The event also had Craft based things, Red Panda Mask coloring and Origami.   Posting my offering, as I think the outline would make a great Pumpkin Carving template, if anyone wants to print it out.

Video of Red Panda Origami

Thank you!  to the Staffer
who demo'd this for me to film.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55YP9VJXIdE

Animal Awareness Days - World Lion Day - Zoo Event Review

Well, I meant to do a World Lion Day post, and obviously I still haven't.  With two Animal Awareness Days this past weekend and the Zoo actually doing something for them,  I'll post abit about Awareness Days in general, as well a review of the Zoo's Lion Day Event.

Animal Awareness Days at the SFZoo have either been non-existent or have fallen short of what they should be.  When I first started to take note and post about this, it was World Tapir Day 2012 and there was nothing on the Zoo grounds that even hinted at that.  They continued to miss such Days for Tigers, Polar Bears, and Rhinos.  In 2013, for Rhino Day, the Zoo put up a "sandwich" board, with a few notations.  That was the extent of it.

Here are a couple of the posts I've made on this blog in reference to this.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/2/international-polar-bear-day-at-san.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/happy-world-rhino-day-finally.html

So far this year they have recognized three Animal Awareness Days with Events.  Not sure why the change, but at least they are getting with the program a bit.  

World Lion Day is August 10th.  

Screen-Cap from my blog post

With the recent increase in Lion related Offenses, I looked forward to seeing what the Zoo would put forth in the way of Education.  Their website noted there would be a Keeper Talk and Enrichment. 

There was no Educational signage, and no other Fanfare.  The Keeper came out and talked about our Lions.  There was not one word mentioned about the current plight Lions are facing.  Issues that are pushing them towards extinction.  WTF?  Why even bother to recognize an Awareness Day and not promote Awareness?  Again as I've noted many times, the Zoo falls short of its Mission to Educate.  I was hoping to hear something in regard to at least one  of the issues and nothing.  I wasn't surprised, yet at the same time,  I seriously couldn't believe there was nothing said about the massive increase in Trophy and Canned Hunting.  BIG FAIL SFZOO!

Screen-Cap from World Lion Day site

noting issues that threaten Lions

In my opinion it is a responsibility of all Animal Facilities, whether a Zoo or Sanctuary, to Educate Visitors, especially on these Awareness Days, especially if you are going to go as far as advertising it as an Event!  Taking advantage of spreading the word about issues threatening the lives of these Animals, should be a priority.  With the amount of Visitors that come through the gates, not to get the word out, is a crime.  Why our Zoo, which holds the namesake of a City famous for Environmental Awareness, continues to fall flat, I can't understand.  San Francisco Zoo Management, why are you so lame?

I will give Kudos to the Enrichment offerings.  I can't find my photos, but a large Hoofed Animal was made out of boxes by Zoo Campers (I think).  It looked great and so I had much expectation for interaction between the Lions and the Enrichment Toy.   The Keepers put out bones wrapped in paper, but didn't put food incentive in the Toy structure.  This was curious to me, as the food is the lure, the toy/item is the challenge.  They work hand in hand to make it an enriching experience.  They only put Rhino poop (a scent enrichment) on the toy.  The Lions came out, went right for the paper wrapped bones and ignored the toy structure completely.  After being involved with how a prior Keeper worked with Enrichment Toys, this was unusual.  They barely looked at the toy.  I stood there for an hour and the only interaction was Jahari spraying it.  So either they couldn't smell food, so ignored it or the lack of Toy Enrichment they have received over the past few years has been so little that they just aren't interested in toys or no longer know how to interact with them.  Sadly I think it is the later.  When they had this type of Enrichment weekly, they were very interested and interacted with it, in a what is called,"high yield" experience.  Their lack of interest made me sad and I felt like not having toys for so long, they had been ruined for the experience it provides them.

The Zoo seriously is lacking in their Enrichment efforts.  I hope to do yet another post in regards to this.  If any reader is on Facebook and is has an interest in Animal Enrichment, check out my group

Awesome Animal Enrichment

https://www.facebook.com/groups/772383782780933/

Here are some links in regard to the Plight of Lions today.

http://worldlionday.com/

http://www.cannedlion.org/

http://bucketlistlion.tumblr.com/

Whats Going On?

Apologies again for not updating this blog in a timely manner.  It weighs heavy on me that I haven't had the time or the energy to do so, because all the things I happen upon that I want to post about, are passion points, because of my love for the Animals. 

Today was International Red Panda Day.  The Zoo, not only put on an Event, but actually did a good job! ...  There was an incident once again with Visitors acting the Fool and Upsetting the Chimps. ... Tomorrow the Zoo is attempting a Rhino Day Event. ... And then there's more Flamingo Chick news!  ... So, right there four posts swirling in my mind.   

There are many posts that need to come first, but I'm going to forge ahead and hopefully have these above mentioned posts done by tomorrow evening.  And then hope to pick at least one thing on my mind, at least once a week and finally get the words down.  Hope to create a topic flow, even if I've lost my chronological way. 

Stay tuned and check back tomorrow.  .. Meanwhile, don't forget to visit my short item blog 

mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com

Thank you for visiting my blog

San Francisco Zoo Illegally Uses My Photo ... AGAIN!

As noted many times before, I am very behind on blog posts.  I usually like things to go in order for chronological and flow purposes, but the further I get behind that is probably going to be something I have to let go of.  What I can't let go of, it the subject of this post.

Long over due as I first noticed this over three months ago.  I just haven't had the time or energy to deal with more Zoo BS.  

The Zoo has gone and used My Photos once again without permission.  This happened two years ago when Photos taken by myself and a friend appeared on the San Francisco Zoo Website, under "Enrichment".
You can read my post from that time here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/san-francisco-zoo-management-youve-got.html

This time they have used My Photos in their current Big Cat Video that plays on loop in the Lion House.  

I hate to be a Bitch about something like this, but with the way Management has treated me in the past, I would not give the Zoo anything, unless it was for the Animals.  AND I take this particular action personally because the Assistant Carnivore (Big Cat Department) Curator Debbie Marrin, who I was "friends" with at one time, has allegedly bad mouthed me to many.   

When I was friendly with everyone, I shared My Photos. The Big Cat photos were shared in a few ways.  I made CDs, emailed and gave hard copies of My Photos to Curator Debbie Marrin and then Keeper Barb Palmer.  I let Barb use one of My Photos of Sukari in her Lion House Video.  She asked.

Anyone who I have shared photos with, should have known this was for their own personal enjoyment, NOT for any other use.  Unless they asked for permission.

I know for a fact Curator Marrin knows this, because she asked my permission to share My Enrichment Photos with her friend who was doing an Enrichment Workshop at Oakland Zoo.  Why she would think this would be any different, I do not know. 

I will say, I do not know who made this Video or how they sourced the photos, but if it wasn't Curator Marrin, I probably got no beef with you, you used what was made available to you.  That said, if Curator Marrin didn't make it, she sure as hell has seen the Video and knows where they came from.  

There is text at the end of the Video that says, something to the effect, that these photos are Staff's and one of their named Volunteer Photographers.  Ah, no not all of them. 

Bottom line, Using someone's photos Without Permission is ILLEGAL.

Let this be notice:  

San Francisco Zoo needs to Remove My Photo from that Video, effective immediately.  

I plan to be at the Zoo Saturday, and I sure hope I don't see My Photo being used Illegally.

There are Three Photos in question.  But, since I have near 100,000 Zoo photos, I can only find the Original for one, I will only post that one.  One of the others is a friends and she too can not find the Original.  They know all the ones they have No Ownership or Permission to use.  

My Photo

 MY PHOTO!

Lion House Video Monitor

AND considering I have a real issue with the name changing,  it really pisses me off that they got poor Shastyuh's stupid "Martha" moniker on a Photo I took!   Sorry Shasty!

Oh and FYI, the photo you have used here:

Is NOT Amanzi, its Sukari.  Would really be nice if the Staff knew which Animal is which.