The World Lost A Gem Today - Former Keeper Passes Away

Tears still streaming as I heard not long ago that my Friend John passed away this afternoon.  I sought out John Alcaraz in 2014 while doing research for the Cobby Movie.  Lucky to have found him.  Thank you to my Friend Lila for the introduction.

Some of you may remember John from the News piece done during my Chimp Crusade.  John was our Senior SFZoo Chimps first Keeper.  He worked with many Animal species there, primarily Apes, and LOVED his Orangutans. 

People still ask me about him.  He was a big part of the Zoos history, so I wanted to share this tribute with those who knew him and for those who didn't.

We talked by phone often.  I learned from him every conversation. Such a smart and beautiful Soul. He welcomed me into his life, sharing stories, I'll always cherish.  He had a full and interesting life.  I always wished he had gotten his adventures down on paper.   He turned 94 in April.

An article John shared with me, highlighting some of his amazing work with the San Francisco Zoo Great Apes.

Below are photos he shared with me of his Orangutan Family.  I owed him some photos of the Chimps new home, and like so many things in my life, I never got to it.  I feel like shit for that.  I talked to his spirit after hearing the news.  Hoping it will take a trip to the Zoo with me to see our Chimp Friends in their new home, that he helped me champion for.

This man was a Gem.  The World could use more like him.

RIP my dear Friend, lovely to have known you.

John and his Orangutan Family

photos courtesy of 

John Alcaraz

John sits with young Oliver among the trees and reads to him. It was taken during the Trees Project, developed by John, which allowed the young Orangutans to play in the trees in the back of the Zoo near Gorillas.

photo courtesy of 

Lila Talcott Travis

Oliver now lives at Birmingham Zoo and is the mate to another former SFZoo Orangutan, Lipz.  They have a Daughter Nairi.  Their story is a beautiful thing. 

Re-Opening Updates and Curiosities

As I continue to read about what other Zoo's are doing in regard to Re-Opening, I also try to learn and understand the position of California Government that puts Zoos in such a delayed category.

One thing different I learned this week, was that at our local level, there is a concern in regard to the Transmission of Covid, by and to Animals.

This was the first time I had heard this as a reasoning, so I inquired with several people I know from other Zoos.  Two out of State and one in CA.  This new reason, is noted as coming from the CDC, as well as local Government.  One of the reasons I find it curious, is that other U.S. Zoos have opened, and if it was a concern from a National department, then how could other Zoo's have opened?  

I'm not saying this isn't a valid concern, I'm just curious if it is a concern that factors in regard to re-opening.  The two out of State said it was not a factor in re-opening.  All said it was a concern, while noting that most exhibits have a distance of six feet from visitors, or are behind glass.  

I mentioned in a previous post that I had a concern for the SFZoo Chimpanzees from the moment this pandemic started.  The new yard allows people to be very close and I immediately thought the path needed to be blocked off.  Of the Zoo Animals, I would assume that of most concern are the Great Apes, being closely related to Humans, and Big Cats, because of the ones at Bronx Zoo who contracted Covid.  I would also assume that any Animal exhibit that is not a six foot distance, would have the barrier pushed back.  That all said, if these steps are taken, would that not be enough to protect the Animals? 

I would never be on the suggesting end of a rush to open if the Animals were in vulnerable positions.  My main concern with delayed re-opening is the continued financial hardship.

If this information carries any weight to the reasoning, I wondered if the Petition was even worthy, because a "transmission" issue was never brought up as a concern for re-opening.  I decided to stop networking the Petition.  I still think based on the information that is out there, the complete disregard for  distancing at mass gatherings, and the comparison made to the re-opening of the Botanical Garden, the Petition is valid.  It didn't catch on within California, and that was what I wanted.  It did bring awareness, get some good comments from signers, and provided a place to spell out the contradictions as I saw them, and send them to Governor Newsom.  

Petition Comments. 

Thank to those who signed 

and left Comments.

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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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San Francisco Botanical Gardens Re-Opens, Why Can't SFZoo?

As noted in my previous posts, I find it curious that the Botanical Garden is allowed to open, and the Zoo is forced to wait a probable additional eleven weeks.

Prior to the Shutdown I have been a Botanical Gardens visitor at least a couple times a week.  My first visit back was this past Tuesday, June 2, their second day since re-opening.  I made  several videos showing the safety protocols they had in place, but just decided to use one directed at Governor Newsom.  It's been posted to my YouTube since that day.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WJHHfPHntG4

So, I usually go early to avoid people,  so I got there just after 8a.  Since it was during the free admission time, I didn't have to show my e-ticket.  So, if you go before 9a, not online ticketing necessary.  After you must go to the website, at least a day in advance and reserve a ticket.  No charge for Residents and Members, but you still need a ticket.

In addition to online ticketing, which is their way to monitor attendance, there was a marked distancing queue at the entrance, Social Distancing, Pass to the Right, and Single File signs sporadically through the Garden.  That said, I don't think there was enough of those signs.  I also think the one sign regarding Face Covering is ill placed.  It is at the entrance but side facing, on one side.  There needs to be one at the ticket booth, as well as signs about the place.  By the time 10a rolled around, more than half the people weren't wearing masks.  When I asked about enforcement as Re-Opening stipulation is Face Covering and Distancing, staff said people have to have one on to enter, but once inside they are on the honor system.  They said they would not ask people to put them on even if they saw them without once inside.  I find this bothersome, because it is part of the City Order.  As for the visitors, no surprise that people would have a total lack of respect for the privileged of getting to go back to the Garden.  Humans have been a disappointment through out this whole pandemic.  What is the big deal that people can't wear a mask?

Screencap from SF Rec and Park

Email Newsletter

Additionally, I was surprised that the benches were all open, as I heard the ones at the Zoo will be taped off, assuming that is because they are communal. Speaking of communal I think its irresponsible to leave drinking fountains open but maybe its just me and it's acceptable under health department guidelines.

Ok, so comparing to the Zoo.  I've heard some of what the Zoo will be doing, as expected Face Covering, Distancing. Inside areas, playground, closed.  I'm assuming since they will have to monitor a reduced attendance size, they too will be using online ticketing.  The only difference is the Zoo has Security, Interpretive Guides, and Docents, so I hope that unlike the Botanical Garden, they will be reminding people to keep Faces Covered and stay Distanced.

So again, based on the fact that the majority of visitors to the Garden are not following guidelines and that staff are not monitoring compliance, I don't see why the Zoo can not open.

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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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Petition: Governor Newsom - California Zoos Need To Open!

So yea, I still haven't let this situation go.  The reason for not allowing Zoos with a safety protocol in place to re-open is just not valid.

I have now made a Petition.  The Zoo Visitors of California should have a place to be heard.  We can't show our disapproval in mass physical action, like the beach goers, so I'm putting forth a louder voice than just this blog.  Will there be enough others to make any difference, who knows.  I often stand-alone, and I'm ok with that, as long as my voice is out there. 

I've done all the research I can on the situation.  I've shared all the information I have. I wish I had been in on the Lottery someone posted about on Twitter, that allowed select Members into the Zoo over the past few weeks.  It would be good to be able to document the safety protocols the Zoo has in place.  Ufortunately, even in a lottery, I am not someone they would select.  Therefore, the Zoo should take the opportunity to do a video or post photos, showing the changes that will be in place, once they are given the okay to re-open.  It would not only show Officials what they have done, and how they are going to monitor to control the environment, but also let Visitors know what to expect ahead of time. 

Below is the Petition Description and Link - If you're inclined, Please Sign, Share and ask others to do the same.  Any Zoo Staff interested, note that Signatures can be done using "Name Withheld"

 

 

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/243/675/497/governor-newsom-california-zoos-need-to-open

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Added for label purposes...
California Zoos include:
San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Happy Hollow, Fresno, Folsom, Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Living Desert, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego

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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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Protests, Riots, NO Distancing! - Then I Can Damn Well Go To The Zoo!

As the title indicates, I'm pretty pissed this morning!  

I didn't plan on writing more about the re-opening of the Zoo.  I already laid out my feelings, the facts and a suggestion, in previous posts. Even after reading two related, of interest articles, last night, I still thought, I'd said enough on the subject, it's wait and see now.  Scroll to bold type below to view links to those articles.

Then as I wrapped up reading about non-California Zoos and the protocols they are putting in place, it was near 11p and my Twitter San Francisco news was blowing up with Riot coverage from downtown.  Protesting is one thing, but rioting, vandalizing, and looting, that has nothing to do with the issue, only with violence.  It's disturbing and scary.

Like most, I had seen what's been happening around the Country the past couple days. I had seen earlier coverage from LA, where there was a sea of people packed into one street near the Beverly Center.  I know that street, its at least four lanes and the crowd stretched several blocks.  No Distancing!  That right there is proof the re-opening guidelines are no longer valid. If this is happening, I can damn well go to the Zoo!

So, California Governor Newsom, San Francisco Mayor Breed, and the Health Department, need to sort this ridiculous reasoning that Zoos can't open at this time.  We need to be done with the guidelines and timelines.  No one is following any of the orders. Shelter in Place has become a joke.  No one physically distances. Only after eleven weeks, have masks been made mandatory outside, yet some are still exempt.  If everyone was on board, the whole we are in this together mantra was working, sure, but the majority doesn't give a shit and I'm sick of it.  I want to go to the Zoo!  I say re-open everything. Businesses will have protocols in place and it's up to them to enforce in their establishments. Outside, let the people who do care Protect themselves by wearing face-covering and distancing. It's how I've been doing it.  I haven't been protected by any of the Orders. I'm still assaulted by the maskless and non-distancers everytime I leave the house.  Let Covid sort out those who don't take it serious.  All the people who have packed beaches and parks, and now the protests, good greif the spread that can be brewing.  Government needs to fold its hand because whatever good they were trying to do to keep everyone safe, was under the notion that we live in a cooperative and reasonable society.  We do not.  

For those who stayed with me on this rant, thank you.  I know it's not exclusively Zoo relates, but it's all wrapped up in there.  I'm just tired.  I'm over bad human behavior.  I'm over my life being dictated by other people's awfulness.  This Pandemic started because people feel entitled to eat any non-human Being they want and because of bad hygiene.  Two of my biggest issue points. So yeah, I'm pretty pissed.  I'm beyond over people doing whatever they want, endangering others and its allowed.  Yet now, Zoos have safety protocols in place and can't open?  People like me denied being able to go to their happy place?  And more important, Zoos are being denied revenue to keep the lives in their care fed, healthy and thriving?  Outrageous.  

Now, for the actual Zoo related content.

I knew when I read San Francisco Mayor Breed's Timeline that it was general, not specific to SF, as in Phase 3 it notes "Zoos", plural.  That said, I hadn't thought about the previous notation I read several weeks ago, on the State of California website, and related news articles where Governor Newsom said, Zoos are not included in Outdoor Museums.

As I read these two articles last night, it became evident that Newsom needs to sort Zoos individually.  The layout, space, and attractions are different in each Zoo. 

This came through Facebook as I follow The Living Desert Zoo. They are aggressively challenging the Phase 3 Timeline.

https://kesq.com/news/2020/05/28/palm-desert-council-pushing-gov-newsom-to-reopen-living-desert/?fbclid=IwAR1y72nrHpNruqBfGex8RC3a0JPJvM94O8W6GvPXEi9FHHLD782eMrhJF_s

The only other California Zoo in the news for re-opening concerns was San Diego.  According to them, Governor Newsom was supposed to re-evaluate the Zoo categorization, but never did.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2020-05-29/san-diego-zoo-and-safari-park-reopening-delayed-by-state-decision?fbclid=IwAR2P_5wWWGoC-JbYzPW7Ppt7t28D3Q1WymocL8Jrxuqhi5u9b5o78C6Sqyg

Hope the re-opening situation gets sorted soon because Again, if all these people can flood the streets, no distancing, no enforcement, no repercussions, I can damn well go to the Zoo! 

The more I read about what's going on, the more evident it is, ... The World Has Gone Mad. ... AND I need to see my Zoo Friends before the Madness gets any worse.

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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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Advice To The Zoo To Seek A Re-Open Timeline Amendment

I have been further researching the situation outlined in my previous post, that being the logic in the San Francisco Re-opening Timeline that was put forth by Mayor Breed on Thursday.

You can skip to new information below in the highlighted paragraph.

To re-cap, per that Timeline, the Zoo will not be able to open until mid-August.  I find that to be unreasonable, since the Botanical Gardens and other Outdoor Museums are allowed to re-open by mid-June, two months earlier than the Zoo.

I have to imagine that Zoo Officials are not happy with this either, loss of revenue as the main concern.  Not being able to be open, especially during the most trafficked time of the year, will definitely put a hardship on the Zoo.  Reduced revenue, will be an issue moving forward anyway, as there will be a limit to daily attendance.

I have been a supporter of all the Orders during this Crisis, so this is not meant to be judgmental toward Government Officials. That said, since week one, I have been increasingly irritated by those who have not followed the Orders, who have been allowed to not follow Orders and/or been exempted from them, and the lack of enforcement.  After the behavior of the masses over the Memorial Day weekend, I have to wonder, Why there is even a Shelter In Place Order, since clearly the masses disregard it?

In addition to my above issue points, the main problem I have with the mid-August re-opening date, is the Zoo's likeness to the type of facility the Botanical Gardens is.  That will be the basis of my position. ... It's also relevant to note that the Zoo has more space, wider paths, making it more capable of implementing distancing.  

Further research has shown that there is a concern for the amount of Visitors and from where the Visitors may be coming in from.  ... I understand that concern, but the logic is curious to me, as I again, note the masses that have flocked to the beaches and parks, The City is not monitoring where people are coming in from, or how many.   

Using the Botanical Gardens as my case point, ... 

The BG will limit the amount of Visitors, which is also part of the Zoo's re-opening plan. ...The BG does not make any notation in their re-open plan that it will monitor San Francisco Residents versus those from out of County, or even State or Country.  In my opinion, that does not connect with the same thought process of the concerns put on the Zoo.  It's just not logical to me.

Screencaps from 

Botanical Gardens site

Suggestion to Zoo Officials...

It might be in the Zoo's best interest to request an amendment to the Timeline, and suggest a tiered Timeline, such as:

Re-opening by mid-June to San Francisco Residents

Re-opening by mid-July to other Bay Area County Residents

Re-opening by mid-August to all Others.

This amendment compromise seemingly would not present any attendance issue, as the Zoo will be limiting number of visitors regardless.  What it will do is prevent further hardship that an additional eleven weeks would cause.

Related post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/05/still-sheltering-in-place-what-does.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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Still Sheltering In Place, What Does This Mean For The Zoo?

For those who follow this blog, you know I've been referring to posts in draft for near a couple years.  At the end of last year, I made a promise to myself, to get this blog up-to-date by spring.  Then Pandemic 2020 hit. 

One would think with extra time because of the Shelter In Place Order, I could still reach my goal.  That hasn't happened.  What has happened is my frustration about the Zoo has intensified. Not my usual worries about it being the best that it can be, but worries about it surviving this Shutdown Crisis. 

I have spent my time the past eleven weeks, lounging about, bingeing shows, reading way too much about Covid related stuff.  The other thing that my mind has spent much time on is the Zoo.  Not just my posts in draft, but all the things I have in my notebook that I have thought of over the past decade, that the Zoo could be doing to make it better.  Many of those things bring in funds.  In the early weeks of shutdown, when the Zoo put forth their plea for funds to feed the Animals, it really upset me, and aside from worrying about if the Animals would have enough food, it frustrated me that so many ideas I've had could have been in place and helping the Zoo, if it wasn't for the fact that I'm hated by upper management, apparently for having an opinion that stems from caring.  Its unfortunate and sad.  The many weeks since then, my mind has been in overdrive with an abundance of new ideas, that could bring in funds.  It's frustrating because it seems so simple to think of things to help, and disappointing that I have seen little to no innovation for fundraising from the Zoo during this desperate time.  I'm not trying to be judgmental, just point out, thinking caps need to be on, especially now. 

As everyone knows, the first Order was only for three weeks. By week two, I was in tears missing all the Zoo Friends, especially My Chimpers, who I thought of first with worry that this could affect them and the other Apes. Too many at the Zoo, yet not the majority, don't get me.  They don't get that whatever I may write, good or bad, it's out of my love for the Animals, and care that the Zoo thrives at optimum, for them.  Outside of my home and my kitten, the Zoo is my passion.  At this stage in life, having done so many other things, all I want is peace and to spend time with Animals.  So, outside my home, The Zoo is the primary thing in my life.  Sheltering In Place has not had any affect on me, other than not being able to go to the Zoo, so not visiting has had a great impact on me.

Unbelievable as we end our Eleventh Week of Shutdown, Eleven Weeks without seeing the all non-human Beings who are such a huge part of my life, its seems it may be another Eleven Weeks before I can see them again.  This breaks my heart and pisses me off.  My Chimp Friends are seniors and I cherish ever visit with them, and am sad for every visit away from them.

So, for the pissed part...  While I have never really followed politics, except for the american shit show that is the buffoon in charge, I don't know much about our Mayor or Governor, in regard to the job they have done.  That probably all sounds, like I'm an irresponsible citizen, when actually, its just not something that holds my interest.  That said, I have been closely following what our leaders are doing during this crisis.  I have supported and applauded both Gavin Newsom and London Breed on the actions they have taken.  I think they have for the most part done a good job, although I have questioned some basic issues.  In recent weeks I have lost faith, mostly because of the middle finger the masses have given to simple orders that will keep us all healthy, and officials have failed to reprimand those who have put others at risk with their actions.  While I think both Breed and Newsom have good intention, I have to wonder if they just aren't in over their heads with continuing to deal with the unprecedented situations with what's going on.  Most likely by no fault of their own, between their conscience, health department guidelines and resistance pressure from the masses, I'm sure its not easy, and my frustrations are not meant to blame or be judgmental, but I have to express them, and especially in regards to the Zoo.  

Yesterday, Mayor Breed put forth the newest guideline for reopening San Francisco.  Of course my main issue, is the Zoo reopening date is listed as targeted for mid-August!  This set me off something strong.  I am beyond irritated at the outrageousness at several things in regard to the Mayor's response to the Pandemic at this point.  I was in near tears, most of the night, because I'm not sure the Zoo can survive being closed another two and half months.  My main question is,  How is it that the Botanical Gardens can reopen June 1st, and the Zoo can't until mid-August?  It is technically the same type of facility.  As well, outdoor Museums is on schedule for the next couple weeks.

Last weekend human misbehavior and the lack of reprimand and enforcement of Orders is what was my final straw for how Government Officials are handling things.  People can flock to the beach, No face covering, No social distancing, and now the Botanical Gardens can open, but the Zoo can't?  There seems to be no reason Why the Zoo can't re-open.

I would not be urging a premature re-open of the Zoo if I didn't think they weren't ready, but I know they are.  They have been making adjustments in preparation, there will be mandatory masks, monitored social distancing, sanitizing stations, closed areas, prohibited touch surfaces, and limited visitors.  Again, at this point in time, there seems to be no logical or valid reason why the Zoo can't re-open.  The Zoo is a more controlled environment than any essential store.  In fact, I'd feel safer there than in a store, where no one even tries to stay physically distanced.

While Government Officials may not consider the Zoo in an "essential" category, it is essential that they bring in some income to provide for the Animals who live there.  It is essential that there are funds for the Animals food, & health and daily care.

Continuing to keep the Zoo closed does not ensure any additional safety to the public, it does continue to make the non-human Beings in their care vulnerable to hardship, because of financial constraints.  Apparently the only thing that matters are the lives  of Human Beings, even when the majority of local humans have proven they don't care enough to help protect others by wearing a face covering and social distancing.  This delay in reopening an outdoor controlled environment that depends on revenue to keep lives thriving is completely outrageous and negligent by the City of San Francisco. 

I surely hope the guideline is fluid to some point and this reopen date for the San Francisco Zoo can be amended.  

You can read the full reopening guidelines here:
https://sf.gov/information/reopening-san-francisco

and the full update from the Mayor here:
https://sfmayor.org/article/mayor-london-breed-announces-timeline-and-plan-safely-reopening-san-francisco

Related post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/05/advice-to-zoo-to-seek-re-open-timeline.html

I also wrote up a Face Covering guideline in detail for my own friends. I have done extensive research, because I want to be as safe as possible.  As we enter into social situations where there will now be more people, I want those that I care about to be well informed.  The guidelines put forth by government officials is not helpful as their mantra from the start has been, Wearing a Face Covering Protects Others.  Well, considering for the past eleven weeks the majority of "others" do not cover their face, other than to get into stores that require it, I am personally not concerned with protecting others. I am concerned with Protecting Myself.  Please see my post in this blog I started about the Pandemic.  Right now, all my thoughts are in draft, of course!  but I have posted the Face Covering info in detail.  Please give it a look, as I want everyone who cares about the Animals, and is at the Zoo caring for the Animals, to be fully protected as things change this Monday.

Face Covering Break-Down - What You Should Know To Protect Yourself
https://mycovidviews.blogspot.com/2020/05/face-covering-break-down-what-you.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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