Is It Good Management To Let The Outside Of The Zoo Look Like This? Hell No!

I got out to the Zoo today for short hobble around.  Will make another post after this one about Animal updates, so check back later or tomorrow.  

Like my previous post about the Bison, several months ago I also threw my hands in the air and said I was giving up on documenting the damn perimeter fence situation.  Alas, I can not.  

How is it possible that anyone in the San Francisco Zoological Society, or the Recreation and Park Department (the supposed managing entities), think Director Tanya Peterson is doing a good job, when she has failed (for fifteen years!) at something so basic as keeping the outside of the Zoo in good condition and attractive to and for Visitors?

I haven't been to the Zoo in over two months, who knows how long it's looked like this.  When the graffiti that read, "Zoos Are Animal Prisons", was there, it took me alerting staff a week after I'd seen it.  Again, who knows how long that was there.  

This was the sight today.  Video in link after photo.

https://youtube.com/watchv=GkIjEGl95xo&si=tZjoRP6ozcTx0NwZ

Inside the Zoo, I spied this craziness.  

I say craziness because it's a real friggin' head shaker that this fence was painted.  Not just that it was painted, which in itself is enough, but painted when it seemed perfectly fine as is, the same wood as other fences, but that it was painted like this.  It's a Zoo, not Cirque Du Soleil.  I got nothing much against the artwork, but just not for the Zoo.  It should be nature themed, Animals, Flowers, not big bright colored shapes.  

So that's my opinion on the look of the paint job in relation to it's appropriate factor in a natural setting, which doesn't even begin to express the lack of appropriate it is to think this is a good idea, good use of funds?, just plain have any thought about this fence, when you got a shit show on the perimeter fence that leads into the Zoo.  

Shame on Director Peterson, yet again for bad management, and the Zoological Society and Recreation and Park Dept for supporting her as someone who can handle managing our San Francisco Zoo.

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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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Dianne Feinstein And Our Bison

I wrote months ago that I didn't plan to keep on posting about the Bison Paddock neglect, but it's so disgusting to me that I can't let it go. It has to be documented. 

I took a video a couple weeks ago of the current condition of the meadow.  I just watched the video (yes I'm driving but I got the phone dangling on my finger using ring holder) and there's a part I'm talking about the back meadow, and somehow I'm zoomed in and it's not visible.  Here is a photo showing the back meadow, below it is the video link.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RUhM2m_5huw

It continues to be a rough time for me, so my consistency in posts, or anything else in life these days is sporatic at best.  With the passing the other day of Dianne Feinstein, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share the video and also note the connection Feinstein had to our Bison.  Most might know, but there are probably many who don't.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, was a San Francisco native.  I'm not much into politics, but have known of her since my teens.  She became Mayor of The City when I was in high school.  I saw her once while she was campaigning for an earlier political position, when her car stopped outside Value Giant on Geary a few blocks from my home, as I was approaching the store.  She got out and started shaking the hands of people on the street.  

In 2011, Feinstein's husband Richard Blum, not only helped with the purchase price of seven babie female Bison to join the existing ladies, he reportedly donated $50,000 to make repairs to their home.  I was lucky to meet the resident Ladies as babies, they were offspring that were born at the Bison Paddock in the 1980s.  It was an incredible experience being able to watch them their whole lives.  

While tracking the exact years for this post, I read that in 1984, Blum gifted Feinstein, his wife, two of the Bison that eventually gave birth to the calves I knew in the 80s. In 2020, years after the last senior Lady sadly left us, Blum again donated $50,000 for the acquistion of five yearling females.  

I thank Richard Blum and Dianne Feinstein posthumously, for making it possible that these beautiful Beings have been a part of my life.   May you both RIP.

I throw shame to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, for too many years of neglect to the Bison Paddock Meadows.  These are grazing Animals and deserve to have lush green landscape to graze on, a natural behavior necessary to their well-being.  

Note that the responcibility agreement is that the Recreation and Park Dept maintain the Paddock grounds, while the San Francisco Zoo cares for the Bison.   I have no issue with the care the Bison receive from the Zoo's Animal Care Staff. 

Related Posts...  There are so many.  Use keyword "Bison" in the search box in upper left corner of blog.

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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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More Money Being Spent on Non-Animal Crap

I wrote a sentence in my last blog post, that just flowed out of me.  It wasn't something I had previously thought of, but it is completely where I've been for years. ... 

"I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo."

There was a day last week when I received information from multiple sources of things going on at the Zoo.  The level of disgraceful bullshit all at once was very upsetting.  After I commiserated about them to another friend, I hung up and realized I had tears in my eyes.  I'm just very sad at the state of our Zoo.

One of the things happening, is another non-Animal installation.  A friend who was there last week sent me this photo.

Apparently, Director Tanya Peterson thinks art installations and gardens are a priority over adding Animals to the collection.  I shouldn't be surprised, her decisions over the years have made it very clear that she has no clue how to manage an Animal Care Facility.  

In recent years we have lost senior Animals, had many Animals transferred out or moved off public view.  Visitors constantly complain there are no Animals.  This is a Zoo, what the hell is she thinking?  What the hell does she think people come to see?  Pay to see?

As I visit the Zoo in my mind, these are the minimum that should be done, before any non-Animal thing is added to the Zoo.

First of all, what the hell is the plan for the pit she allowed to be created for "Madagascar", that has sat there for over five years?  For that project we lost many Monkey species. ... So, let's start with Monkeys.  We need more Monkeys!  ... We need a better habitat for the Orangutans. ... We need a new aviary for Hercules the Hornbill to be back on view. ... We need the netting over Flamingos completed. ... We need proper netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs. ... We need Kangaroos in the Walkabout. The back barrier in Walkabout that borders Sloat has needed a permanent fence for over seven years. ... We need Southgate renovated and housing a few Hoofstock species. ... We need appropriate housing for both Sloths. ... The list is probably endless if you consider things the Animal Care Staff would like for the Animals they care for.  

And what about fixing the damn perimeter fence that has been in shambles for decades so the Zoo looks inviting and not downtrodden?

And if we're going for non-Animal related stuff, in addition to the fence, what about installing some outdoor lighting throughout the Zoo in case there's ever an emergency at night?  What a concept!

What we don't need is more gardens and art installations.  I don't know if this new art installation is being paid for with Zoo funds or is being funded by a donor with locked funds, but either way, these things should not be happening before necessary Animal related projects.  Allegedly this project is costing six figures.  That is outrageous.  

Director Peterson cried poor that there was no money to net over two grottos for the Orangutans, which would have made that habitat renovation optimum for them, and not have to include the eyesore metal bridge.  Yet there continues to be funds for gardens that cost ten's of thousands of dollars.  

Let's talk about those gardens.  A new one has been in progress along the path from gate house the carousel.  Dont get me wrong, the gardens are beautiful, but unnecessary when the Zoo needs stuff related to being a Zoo aka an Animal Care Facility.  Allegedly many of the gardens are funded by locked donations.  I've written about this years ago, as I found it disturbing that Donors will donate money specifically for non-Animal projects like gardens, art installations, and even trips for the Director, but not to actual Animal needs and necessary enclosure builds.  This is a Zoo, what are the Zoological Society Members who donate to non-Animal related stuff thinking??  The Society is the managing entity of the Zoo and this happens?  They don't even live up to their responsibility of over seeing the Director's management, prefering to just defer to and support whatever she does.  It's all morally disgraceful.  I don't understand the whole management structure (including the lack of management responsibility from the SF Rec and Park Dept) and how it's gotten away with allowing the downfall of our Zoo.  

Shame on all of them.

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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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Sad, No Party. At Least Jasiri Got A Girlfriend For His Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jasiri!  

Jasiri turned eight last Thursday August 31. Unfortunately, because I'm not very mobile right now, I wasn't there, but someone I know was, and he got no party. Awful.  Every Animal should be celebrated on their Birthday with special treats and fun enrichment. No exceptions!

My First Video of Jasiri.  Two months old, waving Hi!

https://youtu.be/vnCPcDCdOPs?si=yh4vEsjioDoPRy0q

The Zoo has been better in recent years recognizing the Animals Birthdays with parties, although they still haven't grasped the concept of how sharing them with the public is benficial.  Jasiri not getting a party is a bit surprising, though not shocking, since it's been my experience that parties in the Cat dept are inconsistent.  Why is that?

At least he got the best gift, his girlfriend Lulu arrived in July, ending six months of him being alone.  Even though they couldn't be together yet, at least they had visual of each other.

Lulu spent a month inside the Lion House, since there was no outside yard for her.  More bad planning on the Zoo's part, both starting Jaguar proofing in the only other Cat yard, knowing Lulu was on her way, and the ridiculous mismanagement decision in the first place to reduce the number of Cat yards.

Contrary to reasoning put out there, allegedly this expansion of Cat yards was not an AZA mandate.  There could have been one double size and the other two left alone.  Which would have left room to bring back a Tiger.  The Cats could have rotated and all still got to use the double wide.  Apologies for the digress.

Now done with quarantine, Lulu has been given access to the outside, rotating with Jasiri the last few mornings!  I cried when I heard she had arrived, so happy for Jasiri, so I'm bummed I haven't seen her yet.  Hopefully soon.

The Zoo posted Lulu at the window.  Love seeing that she is confident and coming to up close viewing.  

As you can see, the usual has happened, the Zoo changed Lulu's name.  So Disrespectful. ... If Director Peterson had more respect for the Animals, she would find alternate ways to raise money, other than to sell off the Animals identities.  Geez, if she had any care for the Zoo in general, she would do fundraising of any kind, instead of crying poor for Animal needs.  Disgraceful. Again, I digress.  Fifteen years of seeing the Zoo struggle in her mismanagement has worn me out.  I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo.

Looking forward to when Jasiri and Lulu have been successfully introduced and they are together.  Maybe then there will be a party??? There better be, because that will be something to celebrate!

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/07/new-female-lion-is-finally-on-her-way.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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My Survey Responses - Will Anyone Join Me?

In my previous post, I linked the Survey I made.  I took the Survey and am posting my responses here as an example.  It took me near an hour to answer six questions.  

Just a reminder, I didn't make this Survey for myself.  I have 800+ blog posts, most of which support the mismanagement of Director Tanya Peterson.  I think I've been more than clear on my thoughts, and the face of them publicly.

I made this Survey as an anonymous platform for Zoo Staff, Zoo Members, and the Public, to be a voice for the well-being of our Animals and our Zoo.  

If it's not successful, to me, that will mean no one really wants a change in leadership.  No one really wants to Save Our San Francisco Zoo.

The question is Do You?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

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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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Take My Survey And Let Your Voice Be Heard!

I've done the Survey mentioned in the previous post.  To take the Survey use this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

There will only be six questions.  One will be repeated three times and have comment space.  They are as listed below...

Are you:

SFZoo Current Staffer

SFZoo Former Staffer

SFZoo Member

SFZoo Visitor

Other 

No Answer

Do you believe that there has been mismangement by SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson?

Yes

No

Not Sure

No Answer

Please list, without too many details (comment space will be provided later for that), in your opinion what her top offenses have been. 

Comment space

Please expand on any offenses in the following three comment spaces.  Please use "allegedly " for anything you may not have witnessed first hand.

Comment space

Do you have anything else to add?

Comment space

Do you agree to have your Survey responses published on the blog, iamnotananteater.blogspot.com ?

Yes

No

End Survey Questions. 

The responses are all anonymous.  I think I may be the only one who can view them.  So I plan to just screencap and save as confirmation to allegations if need be.  Those who agree to having their comments public, I will post screencaps in a blog post.

It really is necessary for voices to be heard, and allegations to be documented, in order for there to be any change.  So I hope there will be a decent response to this Survey, which can be an anonymous platform for your voice.

Thank you to all who will participate in adding to what I've already been documenting the last twelve years.

Realted Posts:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/09/my-concerns-about-strength-of-petition.html

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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My Concerns About The Strength Of The Petition

It's been a heavy week for me, and thus it's now a week since my last post.  That said, I have not only had follow-up thoughts about the Petition since my last post, but a few other Zoo issues have come to my attention in the past day.  These issues are not only bad, but sad.  After talking to a friend about them, I hung up and felt tears welling up.  Our Zoo is literally dying at the hands of Tanya Peterson.  Will anyone help save it?

While I believe in Petitions, this one is still curious to me.  When I have done Petitions, the site I used, had a different format.  That format included two things missing in this one, who the Petition is targeted at, and the list of signatures.  In my opinion, both these things seem necessary for the Petition to go any further than just garnering signatures.

Aside from making up an anonymous tag as the person who started it, there is no one targeted as the recipient of the Petition.  Is the Petitioner asking Tanya Peterson directly to resign?  Has the Petitioner sent this to Tanya Peterson?  Does the Petitioner want the Zoological Society to ask for her resignation? Has this been sent to the Zoological Society?  To the Rec and Park?  Or as it appears, is the Petitioner asking the signers, public, staff, et al to make this demand?  The Petitioner needs to post an update that clairifies their plan and goal.

The other thing that makes the Petition feel like it could be less impactful is that all signatures aren't shown.  On the Petition site I've used, every signature is visible, with anonymous signatures listed as, "name withheld".  The Petition currently has 637 signatures, but only the 12 with comments show.  So, that's 625 signatures that we are left to assume are anonymous.  I have been told that alot of staff are signing.  Having those signatures listed and noted as name withheld, with location and option to comment, in my opinion is important to the legitimacy of that tally.

In light of the amount of signatures, I plan to try and get everything I have in draft and new items, posted, to capitalize on any progress this Petition could result in.  I unfortunately don't think there will be much, just because of how this Petition was set-up and especially the lack of a face to it.  Both seem like things that would prevent it from having legs.  Hopefully I'm wrong and the Petitioner has a plan.

That said, as usual, I may be the only one working for this effort.  I'm in pain with the sciatica, and can't sit up long to type on computer, so I'm writing with thumbs on the tablet.  At least I'll be trying to do something to help this along, by continuing to document all the mismanagement that supports the Zoo's desperate need to have Tanya Peterson removed as the Director of our San Francisco Zoo.

I also want to fast track a Survey I had eventually planned.  I've used Survey Monkey before, and it posts results anonymously, as well has decent comment boxes.  If Staff is signing this Petition, I hope a good amount will fill out the survey, as their words are the only confirmation that can attest to what is really going on at our San Francisco Zoo, and this is a way for their words to be heard.  Ultimately, it needs to be the voices of Staffers who will be able to help end the reign of Tanya Peterson killing our Zoo.

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.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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