A Few For The This And That File - Bison, Memorials, And That Dang Fence

I know, I know, where are those four posts in draft?  Believe me, they are coming soon!   I think about it everyday, and literally try to finish them every weekend.  Two subjects, both with two parts.  On my visit this past Tuesday, I saw a few things I need to add to the first pair, which may or may not now turn it into a three parter.

I also want to Thank those who take the time to comment on this blog.  I appreciate your effort and interaction.  I apologize that I rarely get to replying to comments.  I have the intention, it just never seems to happen, at least not in any timely manner.   Thank you, and please don't let my lack of response energy keep you from being a voice.

When I drove home yesterday, I witnessed a good grief chuckle as I drove by the Bison Paddock in the park.  Since I had a couple other small items, I figured I'd take this space to update on the Bison and post the others.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you know I have taken issue with the state of the Bison meadow.  From information I've gotten through the years, it is allegedly the responsibility of the Rec and Park to maintain the grounds, so I take aim at them in regard to there continuously being little to no green landscape for these grazing Animals to graze on.  Most recently in my last post on May 30th...

Noting here that I did recently hear that years ago, the was a Keeper to-do list out there that noted to turn on sprinklers.  One Keeper in recent years told me they had never even seen sprinklers in the meadow,  but then I saw them on once months later, during the parks anniversary.  That was the only time and it was two years ago.  So, not sure what the deal is.   

This was the sight late yesterday afternoon, as I spied the Bison back in the main meadow for the first time in months.  

So yeah, the good grief chuckle is the coincidence of my issue, in relation to the herd's composition.  All eight Bison are literally grazing on the only primarily GREEN patch of landscape in the meadow.  ... Case and point.  

The other day I also saw fresh flowers in the bucket at Cobby Chimpanzee's memorial for the first time in months.  I look at this every visit.  When I pass the homes of Zoo Friends lost, I always greet their spirits and tell them I miss them.   At Chimps I also talk to Jamie, who left us after Cobby.  Her memorial was taken down months ago, which really bothers me.  I understand that Cobby lived here over fifty years, versus her two, but still, I think every Friend deserves equal recognition, as well as tribute.  

I'd like to see a permanent tribute to all three of our passed Chimpanzees.  There have been more, but our well known and longest lasting group is the four that lived in Triple Grotto for almost fifty years.

Everyone knows I love Cobs, so this is not a slight to his memorial.   Prior to the recent addition of fresh flowers, this memorial has been up a year now, and is looking extremely worn.  I understand not wanting to part with it, but it needs to be retired.   What doesn't need to be retired is a memorial to the three we've lost.  

There is a blank wall in the Dayroom that could be used in for an In Memorandum display. Our Tallulah who sadly passed before getting to share the experience of the new areas with her family, should not be forgotten.  Tallulah, Cobby and Jamie could all have a photo with life dates, and short bio, in the style of the memorial signs.  ... The Zoo needs to make this happen.  

Lastly, and I've mentioned this before, and nothing has changed.  This is the portion of the perimeter fence that is closest to the entrance.

There were banners there with Animal faces, that were removed for whatever reason.  

This irritates me.  The reason it irritates me is that it sums up the laziness that I've noted goes on at the Zoo.  Why couldn't these banners be removed in full?  Why does it look like they were ripped down and whatever didn't come down was just left?  Oh yeah, because that's exactly what appears to have happened.  Come on, have some pride in the place.  Does Zoo Director Tanya Peterson ever walk outside the parking lot on the days she manages to actually go into work?  The whole fence up to the old entrance looks like crap, do we have to have the one small part that is decent look trashed?  

It just shows a lack of care and that is shameful.  

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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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Lack Of Help For Zoo From Rec & Park and Other Related Irritations (Bison Paddock and Fundraising)

I still have five final posts, in simultaneous draft.  The energy in my ambition to reach each goal for finishing and publishing continues to get pushed.  During that time other things enter my realm and I have to decide if those things are necessary to post about at this time.  While wanting to stay current, I also need to stick to the theme of those five posts.  Mostly because at this time in my life, I really do need to wrap-up documenting Zoo stuff.  

I wondered if this irritation should be documented now or wait for the last post in my series that details the Pyramid of Power that has caused the downward spiral of our Zoo.  While I maintain that direction dive is solely been perpetrated and perpetuated by Director Peterson, there is a cast of enablers, both inside and outside the Zoo, that have allowed her mismanagement.  

The Zoo is part of the Recreation and Parks Dept. As I understand it, that department is supposed to have taken a management position in regards to the Zoo, as outlined in the Lease Agreement. The relationship is supposed to provide a sort of checks and balances, along with the Zoological Society.  Neither of which has hapoened in far too long, if ever.  More will be outlined in that final post.

For the purpose of this post, my irritation is focused once again on fundraising, and mismanagement on that level by all three entities.  San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, San Francisco Zoological Society, and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept.  None of which has contributed in anyway to actively continuing to create ideas for and implement fundraising ideas outside of the Zoo's annual fundraiser ZooFest.

A few days ago, I opened an email newsletter from the Golden Gate National Recreation.  Note that I gave up reading newsletters from the Rec and Park as they were filled with reporting all the ways they spend money to beautify the Parks in their system.  They do not consider the Zoo part of their "system".  I realized this when I contacted them during their fence building project to see if there was something that could be done within that (financed) project to fix the exterior appearance of the Zoo.  The perimeter fence in the main part leading to the Zoo is literally crumbling, yet in the fourteen years of Director Peterson's reign nothing had been done to fix it.  At this point with allegedly no money for Animal Needs, I wouldn't want limited funds diverted that way, so I inquired if the Rec and Park could include that portion of the Zoo fence in their project.  The Rec and Park said No.   

I'll note here while on the Rec and Park, that I continue to take issue with them in regard to keeping the Bison Paddock meadow in Golden Gate Park hydrated.  It is my understanding that the grounds are the responsibility of the Rec and Park.  The Bison are grazing Animals, yet their meadow is always dried up. I don't see that in any other part of the park.  Everywhere else the grass is lush and green, except in the one area where it is a diet supplement to the Animals living there.  Why are the sprinklers never turned on?  I saw them on once, two years ago.  They can not claim water reducing as they continual have the sprinklers on everywhere else.  Last week I saw a sprinkler flooding the road at Stow Lake.

This post from three years ago contains more information about the fence and Bison issues.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/blog-status-future-post-subjects-rec.html

The Oakland Zoo recently did a Facebook live about their Bison.  In it the Keeper noted, "They have over fifteen acres of habitat to naturally graze on.  So when you look out you'll see there's lot of grass out here and that's really important because they are natural grazers.  So, they'd spend about nine hrs of their day out in the wild foraging and grazing, so we wanted to replicate that here at the Oakland Zoo and that's why you see so much grass and so much land, cause they do actually need all that."

FYI this was the Bison meadow last week...

Back to the Golden Gate National Recreation newsletter, the main reason for this post.  Apologies for the digression.  Their newsletter contains updates for our Park areas that are on Government land versus the Rec and Park which is City owned land.   In this email, there was a link to an extensive update on the new Presidio Tunnel Tops project.

https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/presidio-tunnel-tops?utm_source=pev&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pev-june-2022

The linked site noted that their campaign raised $98 million.  I thought Wow, if only the Zoo could raise a quarter of that, the things it could do (with the right management of course).  I was curious, Who is raising these funds?  I expanded the link to view the names of the Campaign Committee.

Surprise, surprise, none other than the SF Rec and Park Manager Mark Buell is the Co-Chair.  All I could feel was disappointment and disgust.  Good grief, the Zoo is in the Rec and Park Dept and seriously, What has Mark Buell ever done for the Zoo?  He must know their struggles.  If he has some magic as far as raising funds, Why hasn't he lent a hand to the Zoo?

Oh yea, because the Rec and Park does not consider the Zoo part of its responsibility.

Fundraising irritation side note...

This was recently posted to the Zoo's social media.

So, in addition to the usual irritation if renaming Animals, that arrive at the Zoo with an established name, there's this...

While I think these trips are a great thing to offer, I do not think it's something necessary (and certainly not a Need), especially at a time when the Zoo is so desperate for funds for Animal Needs.  It is my understanding that donors have previously underwritten these trips.  I have never seen the Zoo do outreach to fund for travel expenses.  

I'm completely offended that there are actual Animal Needs that have never been fundraised for, and that the Zoo is choosing to use the word NEED in this way.  

Unfortunately, our Zoo excels in skewed priorities

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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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Recent Visit Vibe - Fails and Let-Downs

As noted in my previous post, the Zoo got re-accredited.  That news just compounded a real feeling of despair about the Zoo.

My membership expired on April 30th and I didn't renew it.  The first time in my adult life that I have not had a membership aside from the two times the Zoo's Director, Tanya Peterson took my membership away because she didn't like my opinions.  I'll renew some time in the future (unless Peterson takes it away again after reading these final blog posts), but for now, I don't feel like I need to go that often. 

About a month ago I went to the Zoo, and I hadn't been there in a couple weeks.  I've had to change this time frame a few times, as I've put this post down several times while in progress.  As I walked around,  I felt drear.   My initial endearing to the Zoo had started out for me as a place of solace, and became a place of joy.   I still feel connected to the Animal Friends, but seeing the Zoo fall into non-stop ruins is tough.  Everything current and past kind of swirled around and grabbed me as I walked among all the empty enclosures, closed paths, construction, and the lack of Animals out and left in the collection for that matter.  I just thought Wow, this place is really a downer.    

I recently ran into a staffer that I hadn't seen or talked to in a couple months.  They were like, ...Haven't seen you around.  I said, I'm going through a really tough time.  They said they were sorry.  I continued that I didn't come for almost two months and since then I haven't come that often.   When I do, I just want to come and wear sunglasses, cry if I need to, just see the zoo friends, and have a little bit of peace.  They said, "Well don't come here for that".  

It's not right that this is how someone who works there feels.  Unfortunately, this person is not alone.  Staffers, my friends who are Members, we're just all disgusted to see a place that we care about spiral downward and nobody reaching out to help it.  

It's frustrating that its gotten to this point.  I just look around the Zoo and I just think nobody cares and when I say nobody, I'm talking about our Director Tanya Peterson, the Zoological Society and the Rec & Park.  The later two entities who are supposed to have a managing position, but have not at any point in the fourteen years that I have been involved with monitoring the place.   Nobody of authority cares that about the rampant, long-lasting and exhausting mismanagement that's gone on there since 2008.  I will detail more about that power structure in a later post.

I mentioned above some of the things that brought on that feeling of drear.   I will detail some of the things in regard to construction in my next posts.   The changes and builds have been an irritation because I don't think they have been planned with the Zoo lay-out and future in mind.  Those projects are mostly funded out of deep pocket or locked donations.   The other irritation that I've already wrote about is the lack of fundraising.   

The Zoo crying poor at every turn for needs, is a shameful broken record.   As I walk around the Zoo and I see all the things that are needed, a lot of them small things in the grand scheme of things, like a couple thousand here and there to finish the netting at Flamingos, so babies don't fly out, install netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs to protect babies from predators,  adding barrier deterrents at Bears, Black Rhino, and Hippo, all among so many other things.  These are the type of things that could have gotten done with Community fundraising efforts, but our Zoo hasn't built such a community and we don't have anyone who continually thinks of ways to raise funds because apparently raising funds in any way other than their annual ZooFest is something that the Zoo doesn't want to do or can't do because no one has the capability to think of fundraising ideas.   Society Donors get Wants done.  A Community will help you get Needs taken care of.  Not having that continuously for fourteen years have left the Zoo in a dire position.

In January I wrote an extensive post about the whole fundraising issue.  I mentioned the top seven earners and questioned why not one of them including Director Peterson has had any ideas to raise funds.  It bothers me when I see needs that can't be met.  One of those top earners even has "fundraising" in his job description.  This person draws a full-time paycheck of $166,00 as of 2020 from the Zoo, yet there is nothing aside from the annual ZooFest in the way of fundraising.  It's not only disturbing, it's gross mismanagement.

I know there are people who don't like what I write in my blog posts.  Well, I don't like the downward spiral of the state of a place I care about.  A place I've been coming to since I was a babie.

Me and my Mom at the Zoo Farm 1964

Me and my Dad Storyland at the Zoo 1964

I don't like having seen and known about Animal Welfare issues over the years, culminating in the Zoo Director thinking it's ok to let a species that's shares our DNA live in caged tubes.  

I don't like seeing the low morale over the years that has led to too many good Keepers leaving.  Initially I think the alleged job security threats by Director Peterson wreaked havoc, but in more recent times, it seems to be just a let down felt from Director Peterson in her lack of caring about the Animals, the Zoo, and generally doing what's best for it to thrive.   Alot of the same things that I have griped about for over a decade. 

I don't like seeing Keepers who work their butts off taking care of the Animals, as their team is short staffed while the Administrative staffers aren't shorted and doing exactly what to pull full-time paychecks?   

Over the years, there have been a number of people at the Zoo, both staff and volunteers, who have viewed me as the enemy.  Those who are two-faced/talk behind my back,  they probably learned from Director Peterson who has allegedly made-up flat-out lies about me.  One in particular, a Docent, who is also part of the Zoological Society and represents such on the Joint Zoo Committee panel.  I was told by several people that she warned them not to talk to me because "I write bad things about the Zoo on my blog".  One day she was standing behind me and I heard her say the same to another Docent.  I had never spoke to this woman, but took the opportunity to ask her why she felt it necessary to talk about me to other people, when she didn't even know me.  She looked right at me and lied.  Said, "I don't".  I told her I heard her, and she repeatedly lied, before she said, "What are you going to do about it?"  Seriously, well, I'm writing about her, and I could have sooner, and I also could have included her name.  My first draft included it, but it doesn't do anything to name her or anyone else, like the Staffer whose job it is to fundraise and yet doesn't.  It's embarrassing for an 80 year old woman to be school yard gossiping.  Good Grief, at least have some self-respect if you can't have class.

All I have to say to her and anyone else that thinks that, ...

If you think I write/say bad things about the Zoo, then you should take a good look at those things, because I write the truth.  

While noting my experience with jerky people, I'll note that there have also been a few who have done things just to be mean.  Like the staffer who when I asked what was happening, at the new Chimp yard.  "Are they going to let the Chimps into the yard?"  She answered, "No. They are just doing, (adjustments or something)"  I said, "Oh but the Keeper is putting out food."  I thought that would give her the opportunity to rephrase.  No chance, she stuck with her answer.  She was trying to get me to just leave, which would have had me miss experiencing the Chimps entering their new yard for the very first time.  I wouldn't have, because I already knew was happening, and I just asked to see what she would say, because I had already pegged her as someone who would lie and I was right.  I later asked her why she lied and she ignored me.  I said, "Well it's just ridiculous.  There was no reason to lie."  She turned and snapped at me, "I don't have to talk to you!"   Again, this is another person who has never spoken to me, so does not even know me.  One thing she does know, I'm the reason those Chimps are even still at our Zoo.  So just, Wow, on trying to deny me that experience with them.   

I know I maybe got off on a tangent abit off from post topic, but there are three things that I can say to all those who have a problem with me...

First, I obviously do not care what you think.  

Second, At least I have proven that I care about the Animals, the Zoo and it's future.

And, Finally, I was here before you and I'll be here after you. 

I just hope we get a new Director in the near future so we have a San Francisco Zoo to come to.

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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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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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"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