AZA Extends SFZoo Accreditation Another Five Years

In my post dated April 30 (Zoo Lifts Mask Requirement...), I mentioned this news, and noted I would expand on why I find this news disturbing and disappointing.  

I heard about the extension a few days after it was granted.  A week later I got an email from the AZA.  I had sent the Accreditation contact Cheri Bermudez, my blog post that highlighted the lack of response I got from her after a handful of attempts to clarify information on their website.  My post words were very blunt and honest.  I respect that she replied despite me documenting how I felt about the situation.  My reply will include this post.

Unanimously!?  Good Grief.

So, for how I feel about the Zoo's re-accreditation.   My bottom line about this outcome is based on the past fourteen years of NO ONE recognizing the mismanagement.  Fourteen years of putting the priority of Wants over Needs, that have led to Animal Welfare issues, and resulted in decisions that continue to lead the Zoo to ruin.   I have another post in draft that details these things and more, but for the summing up of the reinstatement of Accreditation, that is what it comes down to.  

I wrote a post last November that noted while there are so many things that could be mentioned as to why the Zoo should not get re-accredited, there is one single thing that should be the obvious reason.  That reason in my opinion is the Orangutan situation.  Considering accreditation inspection is every five years, I felt it necessary to highlight the Orangutans as their arrival was in 2019, and the plan to acquire them in the works for many years preceding.  

The AZA is well aware of the Orangutans journey at the SFZoo, as I contacted them before, during, after and in regard to Accreditation, detailing what was going on with them, and questioning theirs and their SSP's involvement with sending them here in the first place.   

As noted in previous posts,  the AZA had denied the Santa Ana Zoo re-accreditation stating, "...monkey habitats outdated and not consistent with modern zoological practices".

Based on that alone, our San Francisco Zoo should not have gotten re-accreditation.  

Over the fourteen years that I have been monitoring the Zoo, which also coincide with Director Tanya Peterson's reign, there have been many Animal Welfare offences.  For the purpose of staying on topic here and relating this to the AZA's own accreditation guidelines, I will note two instances, that I have also noted before.   

Since the last inspection in 2015, San Francisco Zoo kept Squirrel Monkeys in a concrete room with no access to the outside, for over four years.  San Francisco Zoo kept Orangutans in concrete night quarters with only outside access being caged tubes, for eight months.  

In regard to the Squirrel Monkeys, what did the AZA think of that situation when they came for inspection in 2015?  In regard to the Orangutans, not only why did they send them here with no appropriate housing in place, but now that they have seen the "habitat" they are living in, I ask them, quoting their own guidelines, How they consider that a habitat consistent with modern zoological practices?

Zoo management does a good job of creating illusions.  That's how we got the Orangutans in the first place.  Maybe the accreditation team was blinded by the garden that was built up in front of Orangutans to actually see the "habitat".  

Additionally, there are other contradicting instances with other Zoo's, that I outlined in this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/11/sfzoo-slated-for-january-accreditation.html

It is outrageous and irresponsible to give SFZoo a pass on the Orangutan situation alone.  I do not understand how this can happen.  There is definitely something not right.  I have often thought that maybe there is some kind of payola at play.  How else is it possible that SFZoo continually gets away with all the crap that goes on there?   

Whether or not an actuality, I am obviously not the only one who has thought of money exchanging hands.   One blog reader posted this comment in regard to the accredition renewal mention I made in a previous post.

A few weeks ago, I saw the Zoo had started to remove the metal fencing on the Bird String (across from Orangutans).  Since this was never a previous concern for them, I figured AZA might have mentioned it as a needed fix.  When I was there the week before last, the whole area had pretty much been demolished.   I also heard this was indeed an AZA notation.

Two thoughts about this.  First, the obvious.  The AZA noted that the Bird enclosures were outdated, yet right across the path is the prison pit of concrete and metal that the Orangutans are living in.  WTF?  It boggles the mind. 

The second thing about this is, the Bird String has been in need of an upgrade for many years.  Yet, as per usual under current Directorship, it has never been a priority.  Remember, Wants over Needs have been the priority.  Needs only seem to get done when something forces it.  In this case it was probably an Accreditation contingency.  So, they have now found funds from somewhere to do this, which will require new aviary netting, yet, funding could not be found to net Triple Grotto for the Orangutans, to not only extend their living space, but would have prevented the eyesore and ridiculousness of the skyscraper bridge, and all the bullshit that is associated with it.   

Again, this is all directly related to Fundraising and the Zoo's lack of, which I detailed in this previous post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/fundraising-my-frustration-and-their.html

If the Zoo had continuous fundraising efforts in place over the past fourteen years, many needs, including the Bird String, could have been taken care of.  But, for example, Director Peterson had a Tiki Hut built above Mandrills instead.  

Fundraising.  Another cog noted in the the AZA Accreditation guidelines, that is looked at during the re-accreditation process.  In what universe did the AZA find that SFZoo had healthy fundraising in place that would help the Zoo thrive?

To wrap this up, I stand by deeming the Zoo's re-accreditation, disturbing and disappointing.  And I will add disgusting on the part of the AZA for not recognizing the Orangutan situation as a fail.  The AZA created their situation when they allowed them to be transferred here, this was their opportunity to force the Zoo to do right by them.   They are now a bonded pair and have lived here for three years, the San Francisco Zoo management should have to provide them with a better home.  

Side note, since the Zoo has already botched the North and Middle Grottos, attention to South Grotto should be the priority to making a decent space for the Orangutans, until new management can raise funds to fix the wrong already done, and make that whole Triple Grotto area the showcase it should be.  That area should still be used until then, but South Grotto should be filled in and netted over.  Creating a larger topical space, and containment that also serves as vertical climbing enrichment.  This all needs to be done before they are allowed to breed.  Among my thoughts, my top concern is that the access from the night quarter building to the island is dangerous for an infant.  There is no sturdy walkway, only firehose.

The additional fail on the part of the AZA continues to be not talking to non-management level staff.  Zoos are Animal Care Facilities, it is paramount that Keepers insight is taken into consideration.  I expressed this in my 2015 and 2021 emails to the accreditation team.   Yet allegedly, AZA never spoke to any Keepers individually.  Meeting with them in a group that includes their bosses, is not going to garner honest expression of what's really going on there.  By not doing so, the AZA is not performing a complete review.  

Believe me, it does not make me feel good to have wished SFZoo to be denied accreditation, and some might say, I don't care about the Zoo for doing so. That would be quite the opposite.  In my opinion, not getting accreditation, would have been something that finally recognized that there is serious mismanagement.   Something that confirmed a dire need for change at our Zoo.  So, I wished for that, because I care.   Our Zoo is in a downward spiral, and will not thrive into the future under the current Director and management team.   While that is my personal opinion, I am not alone in that opinion.

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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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Masking Follow-up & Calgary Zoo Masking Protocols In Contrast To SFZoo

After my post the other day about the no masking situation at the Zoo in the areas of the Covid Vulnerable Species, I realized I had something I had planned to include in an earlier incarnation of that post.  I forgot I had been in contact with the Calgary Zoo in regards to their masking policy, and wanted to share that.  

In early March, around the time I had visited the Zoo for the first time in almost two months, I happened to randomly see a news item like this one, about their pregnant Gorilla. 

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-zoo-asks-visitors-to-keep-masking-to-protect-pregnant-gorilla

I then sought out their press release...

At that time, I had unfortunate experiences at our Snow Leopard enclosure, regarding visitors that ignored the Mask Required signage (in case you missed that bullshit, check the end of this post for links to related posts). I emailed them to ask what their masking policy was received this detailed reply…

> "Thanks so much for reaching out, we share your concern for the animals we love and care for at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has increased PPE requirements for staff working near sensitive species as well as installed additional spacing in outdoor viewing areas between visitors and sensitive species such as lions, tigers, lemurs, macaques and gorillas.  Additional spacing set back has also been added indoors for between visitors and meerkats and white-handed gibbons.

Mandatory mask wear remains in place in the Rainforest building due to the shared ventilation system to protect the gorilla troop, especially our mom-to-be "Dossi".  We have a security professional stationed at the door 9-5 daily reminding visitors to wear masks indoors and handing out masks to visitors that don't have masks so they may enter.  Once inside, there are 3 staff members ensuring mask wear rules are followed." <

After publishing my post the other day and realizing I forgot to include that information of the Calgary Zoo’s efforts versus what our San Francisco Zoo’s, I thought to look and see if the Lady had her babie and whether or not any mask policy had changed.  She did give birth the week before on April 20th  Here’s Mama and her cute babie if you’re interested...

https://www.facebook.com/10150148342160193/posts/10166656284265193/

I emailed the gal who replied to my earlier inquiry and asked some follow-up questions. This is her reply...

>"Staff and volunteers must mask in the Rainforest building, as well as the visiting public – when the building reopens – where our western lowland gorillas, mandrils and colobus monkeys live.

 

We do not have a masking policy at our outdoor spaces around macaques or large cats as we have additional set backs in place so visitors are 10 feet away from the perimeter of the animals.

 

Animal Care specialists that work with our great apes have always worn PPE around the animals they love and care for, with additional PPE required during the pandemic for all team members (animal care, maintenance etc) working in proximity to all our sensitive species." <

So, as you can see, regardless of government mandates, the Calgary Zoo continues to do what’s best for the Animals in their care.  Our San Francisco Zoo goes with government mandates despite them not being in the best interest of the Animals.

Additionally, In a July 2021 post, I had suggested for the second time that the Zoo use their metal barriers to push back the viewing area at Chimps. Which is now something that could also be done at Snow Leopards. At Chimps the path is not wide enough for a set back at fencing, but a push back to area entrance, still allows for the Chimpanzees to be visible in their yard, while keeping them safe. The path at Snow Leopards is plenty wide to set back from barrier fencing a good distance, to keep people from breathing and coughing on them.

It all comes down to whether or not our San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson will care enough to put previous and additional safety protocols in place to protect our Covid Vulnerable Species.

Among the comments I received from Zoo Members in response to my last post...

> I agree totally with you. A lot of this is due to laziness.

My concerns are the safety of endangered species and the

zoo management wanting to appease the public. The

management just doesn't want to approach the public with

any rules.  I am disgusted with the no mask rules at the zoo.

> I find it irresponsible of the zoo to no longer require masks

in areas like the chimp outdoor space where animals and

visitors are so close. The fence is no barrier to a virus spread

when someone sneezes or coughs there.

> Considering there's still covid going around, masks should

should be worn around animals. Especially primates and snow

leopards There's been too many cases of animals getting covid

since the pandemic started. Zoos should not be careless.

> “Covid is not over. And those who find animals to be precious and valuable beings and friends should want to protect them. People are supposed to be smart enough to protect themselves and other people, whether they do or not. But we need to help animals, they can’t make the rules, we have to make provisions that help them.”

> I get the concern. For the Chimps and Leopards, there are

still so many unknowns with COVID, and the potential build

up of exposure from high volume guests is troubling.

End  comments.

As the daily mask debate continues to play out in the news, let’s see if the SFZoo management has the balls to at the very least, reinstate a mask requirement at our Covid Vulnerable Species, or if their lack of care for their health and safety will continue to be evident.

Apologies for the wonky presentation. For some reason, some text highlighted, some came up different color and some comments wouldn't word wrap. I tried for over an hour and now must deem it done. It hyped me up and now I need a cocktail.

Previous Post:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/04/zoo-lifts-mask-requirement-at-covid.html

Related posts:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/san-francisco-zoo-fails-to-issue.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/zoo-staff-doesnt-dispatch-security-for.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/03/mask-requirement-enforcement-at-snow.html

Zoo Lifts Mask Requirement at Covid Vulnerable Species Enclosures

I've been working on three posts at the same time, since last weekend, I just haven't felt like I've had it in me to put all the elements together to finish them.  I did just finish watching The Rise of Skywalker, and while what I really want to do is get lost in more non-reality and re-watch the entire Star Wars saga from beginning (I hadn't seen the original since opening day in 1977), I'm going to try to finish the three posts this weekend.  

I wanted this next post to be a follow-up on the Accreditation curiosity, but this masking situation came my way first (on Monday April 18).  It was followed a few days later by the result of the the Accreditation status.  I thought I would have posted about it last weekend, but didn't.  The Zoo has finally made note of it in their recent Newsletter out yesterday, so most of you already know.  Our San Francisco Zoo was re-Accredited by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), for another five years.  My post will be about why I think this is a disappointing and disturbing outcome.

So, Monday April 18,  a friend was at the Zoo and let me know there were no longer any Mask Required signs at the two Covid Vulnerable Animal enclosure areas (Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards).   In my opinion this is completely Irresponsible.  It’s just another fail, in a long line of what I consider to be Animal Welfare issues at our Zoo.  

This move by the Zoo, coincided with California downgrading their mask mandate for schools, and the end to the airline mask mandate, by a Florida Judge that same day.

Let’s be clear, the Zoo can ask anything of it’s visitors, and should, especially if it’s something that is considered a health risk.  If they care.  I have illustrated the lack of care in regard to protecting the Chimpanzees from the first day the Zoo re-opened from the first shutdown and subsequently the Snow Leopards, once it became news that Big Cats, were contracting Covid, and as Snow Leopards in Zoos were dying from the virus.  It took over a year to get decent signage at Chimpanzees, and only recently has there been more attention to monitoring the enclosures areas for adherence to the mask requirement.  So, why stop now?

Did I miss something?  Is the Pandemic over?  Are there no longer Covid cases being reported?  Good grief, just because government officials are once again playing yo-yo with mask mandates, it does not mean the virus isn’t out there.  Officials also have given the public a false sense of security and alluding that the vaccine is immunity.  Anyone with half a brain who wants to stay safe will continue to mask up, regardless of whether someone says you don’t have to.  It’s up to each person to do what they feel is safe for them.  Through these last two years, no one is going to protect you, except you.  That said, Who’s protecting the Animals? 

Captive Animals depend on their caregivers to protect them.  In a Zoo setting, the Zoo Director is the policy maker.  So I ask our SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson, Why did you lift the mask requirement at these two Covid Vulnerable Species enclosures?  

Considering what I’ve witnessed in the past, it is my opinion, that the Zoo powers were anxiously waiting to have something mandated (read, an excuse) to back up a decision like this.  I would bet they couldn’t wait to not have to monitor people in those areas.  In my opinion, it comes down to laziness. Outside of Keepers and some other concerned Staffers, no one else seemed to take the vulnerability seriously.  It always seemed like it was a hassle to even bother with it.   

I had not planned to visit the Zoo that week of April 18, but I needed to see and document the no signage situation myself.  The day I went out there, visitors were leaning over barriers, within feet of the enclosure fencing at both Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards.  That is to be expected, considering there are no rules in place.

What I didn’t expect was to see two Keepers with no masks walk into and through the Chimpanzee area.  One Keeper who works with the Big Cats, and another who is newer and since I haven’t been going much, I don’t know what department he works in.  He walked through the Chimp path and was close to the fencing, when he coughed, not even covering his mouth.  The Cat Keeper, works with Covid Vulnerable Species, he really should no better.   I was shocked and disturbed at the disregard for the health of the Chimpanzees.   They should both be ashamed, but the Cat Keeper even more so.   I have to wonder now what the policy is for Keepers?  Are they still required to wear masks while working with those Animals?  I noticed the Ape Staff still wearing N95s, but in light of the disregard for the Chimps, what is going on at Cats?

My words of warning in previous posts remain in effect.  The San Francisco Zoo had better hope no Animals contract Covid.

Not posting in a timely manner, sometimes works out ok, as new information comes my way.  Sometimes I use it for separate posts, sometimes it really lends to what I'm currently working on, like with this subject.  Seems almost everyday the past two weeks, I've heard something that supports my thoughts about this.

When I’m in the car, I listen to news/talk radio.  I usually catch the KCBS has a segment called Ask An Expert, a few times a week.  Throughout the last couple years, they have exclusively had on medical professionals to speak and answer questions related to Covid.  There were two separate segments the week of the 18th that I want to quote from, as in light of the masking situation at our Covid Vulnerable Animals, I was saying Yes! to these Dr's words.

The expert on April 19 was Dr Panagis Galiatsatos, John Hopkins School of Medicine.  The host noted that because of the increase in home testing, where results aren't reported and the decrease in PCR testing, the case numbers can't be trusted as they are not accurate.  In response, Dr Galiatsatos said, "... a key piece of data has been robbed of us... Just pretend the whole world has COVID-19 again, and do your best to not catch it... This means still wearing a face mask out in public. Even if the public health requirements don't take this into account, individuals should...  We still need to be more vigilant, ...it doesn't need to be a disruption, we can have minor inconveniences to know we are protecting everyone during this pandemic."

The expert on April 20 was Dr Robert Siegel, Dept of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford.  The host lead-in was, "Mask Mandates are going out the window across the Country, but should you still wear one?" ... Dr Siegel responded, "Despite the Mask Mandate, nothing has changed in terms of the actual Virus. For me I plan to continue wearing a mask."  He continued,  "I don't think that the overturning of the mask mandate was based on public health considerations, I think it was considerations of whether or not they should be forcing people to wear masks. ... (Regarding the rise in cases...) "...people have changed their behavior and are now doing alot of things they weren't previously, so the risk is going up... they are letting their guard down, or to be more metaphoric, they are letting their masks down." ... (Regarding outdoor exposure...) "The thing that is transmitting the virus is when you are breathing the air of infected individuals... so if you want to stay safe you need to avoid being in the airspace of people whose status you don't know.  If you are in the air space of someone infected, you can STILL get infected outside"

On Tuesday this past week, Dr Fauci was quoted saying . "We are certainly, in this country, out of the pandemic phase".   I was like is he crazy?  Which is not the first time I've thought Fauci had steered Americans wrong.  He must have gotten blow-back from that nonsense, as the next day he said, "We are in a different moment,... By no means does that mean the pandemic is over".   Good grief.  

This weeks local News Article Titles:

April 26 Bay Area infections up 110% in one month

April 26 Vice President Kamala Harris contracted Covid.  She was vaccinated and double boosted.  

April 28 Ruby Princess cruise ship reports 37 Coronavirus cases after docking in San Francisco

April 30 SF Giants confirm Covid outbreak, five players sidelined.  All Vaccinated and double boosted.

I heard a quote on Thursday by a BART Spokesperson, in relation to reinstating a mask mandate.  "It's a small thing to ask our riders to do,..."   So I say, Why can't the Zoo do the same?  It IS a small thing to ask the visitors (and apparently some staffers) to do, to keep our animals healthy and safe. ... Again, IF they care.

The Vaccine is not Immunity.  The Virus can still be contracted.  The Virus can still be transmitted.  Even Outside!!!

So, I repeat the question to San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, Why did you lift the Mask Requirement at these two Covid Vulnerable Species enclosures?  

In my opinion the removal of this Zoo Mandate, continues to put the Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards at risk.

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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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The Animal World Has Lost A Hero - RIP Dr Steve Ross

This was not what I thought I'd be writing about today.   

When I checked email this morning, I was again surprised that there was no reply from Steve.  He always got back to me the same day, often within hours of contact.  I had been checking since emailing him Tuesday evening in regards to a blog post I planned to write today.  I was waiting for his input. 

I again checked email about an hour ago, and was shocked at what had come through.  This from Erika Fleury, Program Director at NAPSA (North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance).

I still can't believe it.   I literally had just got an email from him days before about something else I asked for his knowledge on.

I first became acquainted with Steve at the start of 2015.  I had just started my crusade to save our SFZoo Chimpanzees, after learning that Director Peterson had planned to kick them out.  I was sickened that instead of improving the home they had lived in for over forty-five years, our three seniors were being forced to face something so horrific.   I contacted Steve, who was the Chimpanzee Studbook Keeper for the Species Survival Plan (SSP).   I was seeking to understand the SSP protocol in regard to minimum group size, but I got much more.  During the course of my crusade, we talked many times by phone.  His advice and education, was invaluable.  

For the years since then, he has always been there for any questions I had or issues I needed feedback on.  He was always willing to share his knowledge, give his opinion, offer advice, or help in any way he could.  Because of Steve's position in Zoo World, our friendship was extremely confidential.   Until now, I have only told one other person.  I can write this today, and do, so that people who didn't know him,  can learn about him, and be thankful for the good he has done for Primates.  

A few years back, after waiting for a new home in our SFZoo, our Chimpanzees were finally able to experience their new yard.  That coincided with our Director acquiring Orangutans without having a proper home for them.  Somehow instead of alternating use of the new Chimp yard, the Chimps were locked out of their yard for seven weeks straight.  Stuck inside with no outdoor access for the entire summer.  Once I finally had enough of that, I contacted Steve for advice.  He said, "Let me make a call."  The next day, the Chimps were out in their yard!    

Steve was a gem and this is a huge loss for so many and in so many ways.   I am grateful for all the time he spent on things that were important to me.  I valued his advice, knowledge, and kindness.   I admired his care for all non-human Beings and his passion for Primates.  He sure loved his Apes!

RIP Steve, Bless Your Soul.  Hoping you can orchestrate some good from the other side for all non-human Beings, as you did while on this side.   

Please view this video filmed during the Lincoln Park Zoo Covid shutdown.   Steve gives a tour of LPZoo Ape Center.  You can feel how much he cares for his Ape Family.

https://m.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=2561066280827717&_rdr

AZA Refuses To Respond To Accreditation Status

So, before I move on to other posts, I'm going to post this follow-up to last weekend's wonder that is, the status of the San Francisco Zoo's AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Accreditation.

I made additional attempts early this week to reach the AZA Accreditation contact Cheri Bermudez without success.  Getting a reply from the AZA isn't ever a given, but I have received previous responses from Ms Bermudez, so I had hoped for an answer to a very simple question.  Apparently confirming the Zoo's status with their organization is too hard for her or it's as it often seems, there are too many secrets and a lack of transparency in Zoo World.

My own further pondering has left me with two possible scenarios.  Regardless, all the wondering and lack of clarity could have been a non-issue if Ms Bermudez would have just had the courtesy to answer a simple question. I find it completely irritating and ridiculous when someone cant answer a simple question, even if it's to say I can't answer that.

Scenario: Zoos whose accreditation was up for renewal (accredited status thru March 2022) may have a lapse in determination?  There is a meeting taking place next week.  I don't know enough about the meetings, but maybe the accreditation team meets at them to decide on re-accreditation status.

Scenario:  I had followed Erie Zoo's re-accreditation process last year.   After inspection they were denied.  They were given a fix list and thirty days to appeal, while still allegedly maintaining accreditation thru that time frame.

So, that's all I got.  I'm expecting news out of the Zoo or a change in status on the AZA website as of May 1st.

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/04/did-san-francisco-zoo-lose-its-aza.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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News Flash! Tucker and Bibi Are Having A Babie! Whoot!

Bibi's got a babie Tucker in her!

Well, I thought my next post would be a follow-up to yesterdays post about the status of the Zoo's accreditation.

I rarely look at websites but the last Tucker T-shirt curiously just came to mind and I went to Cinncinati Zoo website to see if still available and this was front page news.  

So exciting!  It's been a tough time for me, so this was great news.  Following this adventure for Tucker and his new family will be wonderful.  So happy for him!

Tucker must have strong swimmers!  His previous wife was on birth control when she got pregnant and now same has happened with Bibi.  Even though Fiona is young she too is on birth control.  I'm alittle worried in case there has been any hanky panky, because their pool can hold the addition of one babie but probably not two and I don't want Tucker to have to go to yet another home, because of a space issue, which is what happened with his first wife's pregnancy. This is his fourth and hopefully final home.  And I want him to get to be a Daddy.  

Cinncinati Zoo's press release

https://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/bibi-is-expecting/

Did The San Francisco Zoo Lose It's AZA Accreditation?

I realized last week that results of the Zoo's Accreditation Inspection in January, was due this month.  

The San Francisco Zoo website still posts the AZA Accreditation icon.

The AZA website's list of Accredited Zoo's notates that SFZoo is only accredited through March 2022.

Additionally, when I checked back a day later, I saw this had been posted.  

So, unless I am lacking sensible comprehension of these items, it appears there is a strong indication that our Zoo was not granted Accreditation, and must reapply this month to be considered for re-inspection this winter.  

I called the AZA Accreditation Dept twice, to inquire about the Zoo's status and have not yet received a call-back.  

I would have just called SFZoo and asked, but they like to create illusions, like leading people, including the AZA and their SSP, to believe the Orangutans were having a new home built for them, only to say no money and keep them in caged tubes for eight months.  Oops sorry, I digressed.  So yeah, the SFZoo website still having the Accreditation icon up, is either because I have mistakenly interpreted information as presented on AZA site, or our Zoo is creating another illusion.  

I could have waited, but thought this was all very curious and worth questioning and documenting.   

When I get the Zoo's status confirmation, you know there will be a post about!   Stay tuned.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/11/sfzoo-slated-for-january-accreditation.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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