Someone Asked... Where Are The Monkeys? Do You Know What's Going On There?

Let me start with a question to San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, which I ask in a later paragraph, but want highlighted.

Director Peterson, Why did you have the Patas Monkeys, and Tamarins transferred out???

Back in December I again started checking in on some of the Monkeys that had been displaced by the Madagascar project, whether or not their enclosures were a part of that area or not.  I had kept up with the ones that were immediately transferred out, but my regularity became not so regular and then sporadic, over the past few years, as too many other things in my life were going on.  That last check-in had some good updates, but again, I just never got to getting the post finished.  Now some of those updates have updates.  

A couple weeks ago, a Zoo aquaintence contacted me and asked about "the Monkeys", noting they hadn't been to the Zoo in awhile and had recently visited. The aquaintence was shocked at all the empty exhibits and missing Monkeys, among others.  I responded with a reminder about how we lost most our Monkeys because of the Madagascar project, and a bit of an update, answering their other concerning question, What is going on there?  This all reminded me, I need to finish this post, and it seemed the perfect slot, as I just did the update on Slider.  

I'll also note that this person is not the only one who has commented to me about the lack of Animals on view.   I've had a few visitors over the past two weeks, comment the same to me directly.  One noting the cost for the whole family and then not many Animals to see.  People talk to me and I engage them, because while myself, friends and staff all have our own and like thoughts about what's going on, it's good to hear random perceptions from those who know little or nothing.  I have to agree, as there are far too many empty enclosures.  Once again it comes down to mismanagement by San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, who favors art installations and gardens over Animals.  This woman not only doesn't know how to run a Zoo, I don't even think she knows a Zoo is an Animal Care Facility.  Visitors do not come to see art and gardens.  They come to see Animals.  She should start with acquiring some Roos for the WalkABout.

Ok, Monkeys!!!  I wrote a previous post about this that I'll link at the bottom, but for this to stand-alone, I'll give a bit about Why there are only two species of Monkeys left at our SFZoo, and where the others are.  Before the tear-down of the Primate Center row of enclosures, to make way for the Madagascar project, the Zoo had six species of Monkeys, two species of Tamarins, and one species of Ape.  All but two, the Mandrills and Francois Langurs, are left.  We lost seven species of Primates.  And one of the worst decisions, was transferring out the Patas Monkeys, the Pied Tamarins, and the Emperor Tamarins.  Not one of those three Primate species was living in an enclosure that is part of the Madagascar plans.  So, I ask Director Peterson, Why were these Animals sent away?

I haven't written my series of posts about the Madagascar debacle, that I started before the tear-down in 2018, and I won't ever as it was intended, because too much time has passed, and that's mostly because of how upsetting the whole obscene "want" is, and what it did to the Zoo for the past five+ years.  It stands for everything that is wrong with the management of our Zoo at the core.  The Director allowing such a project at the time when other projects were already in motion, and when other Animals needed and still need attention.  The San Francisco Zoological Society Board and San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept for their lack over overseeing what is going on at the Zoo, which is their responsibility as managing entities.  The Society for colluding and supporting without question, everything Director Peterson does.  The Rec and Park for having no care whatsoever for the Zoo or what goes on there.  And to all those parties for not understanding the needs of the Zoo as a whole, but the need of Monkeys in a Zoo.  Monkeys are the first Animals kids learn about and come to the Zoo to see, and we have two species.  We should have never lost our Monkeys.  If the Madagascar donor wanted this vanity project, the donor needed to fund building new enclosures for our Monkeys.  

I am short on time, energy and patience with these Zoo issues and posting about them. So, I'm winging these posts, not reading my years of unlimited notepad documents of rambling thoughts. I have enough thoughts swirling in my mind I don't need the backlogs.  I may miss some earlier thoughts, but I think what I do put forth will be plenty to illustrate the mismangement that has our Zoo in ruins.  

Now, for the Monkeys!  I had planned to do a post with photos to go with most updates, but not sure this post will turn into that as fully as I planned.  I'll note where our Monkeys are for anyone who wants to check those Zoo's social media.  Unfortunately, I never saw information in the Joint Zoo Documents about where the Emperor Tamarins or the Colobus Monkeys went, but I do remember a Keeper telling me that the bonded pair of Colobus were transferred together.

I think the Patas Monkeys, were the first to move.  They went to Topeka Zoo.  I'm pretty sure I did a post update on them, maybe even two.  They moved into a brand new exhibit there, and all three girls, Emma, Winnie and her daughter Freida, met a boy they had breeding reccomendations with.  Both Winnie and Freida have had babies.

If I remember correctly, the Tamarins left next, the Emperor first, then the Pied.  The two Pied, a bonded Mother and Daughter, who had lived together a very long time, were supposed to be transferred together, and instead ended up being split-up.  Heartbreaking and unnecessary, since they didn't even need to be moved.  One went to Philadelphia Zoo and one to Dallas World Aquarium.

Our Siamang, Storm, moved to Roosevelt Park Zoo, to meet a lady named Lizzy.  Both had lost their long-time companions.  I think I also did a post update on them, as I was in contact with someone from that Zoo for awhile.  Sadly, in checking in today, I read the heartbreaking news that Lizzy passed away last month.  I'm sad for Stormy, who has lost another companion and is now alone again.  In addition to him grieving, he is also vulnerable to possibly being sent to yet another Zoo.  He was born at SFZoo, and had Director Peterson renovated Triple Grotto to it's optimum, Storm would have never had to leave the only home he ever knew.  Lizzy could have moved here and he would still be here.

The renovation I refer to is the shit show that is Triple Grotto where the poor Orangutans have been doomed to live.  Search this blog for Orangutans if you don't know the horror story of their first eight months here.  Anyway, it had been my thought that Triple Grotto should have been netted over and the front and middle grottos connected for the Orangutans, and the back (south) grotto netted for Siamangs.  Coincidentally, in conversation with an Animal Staffer, it was shared that, that was their suggestion to Director Peterson, who not only per usual, ignored professional advice, but proceeded with the disaster that it now is.  Had the right thing been done with Triple Grotto, Stormy would have still had a home here, and if the back grotto was done first, it would have also initially provided an immediate space for the Orangutans while the other two grottos were readied for them and they wouldn't have spent eight months living in caged tubes thanks to Peterson's lack of care and respect for them.

Back on Monkeys, sorry for the digression, but I'll never get over the Orangutan sadness I witnessed.  The treatment of those poor Orangutans by Director Peterson's lack of compassion and empathy, in addition to what she tried to do to the Chimpanzees, is unforgivable, and something I will bring up at every opportunity, so no one ever forgets.

Back to Monkeys!  I think the Howler Monkeys, were the last to leave the off view area FCC.   While at FCC, sadly the family Patriarch Benjamin passed away, as well two offspring.  Mama Baya and her three girls, Batata, Bennie and Beatle, were transferred to the Brevard Zoo.  Bennie has since been moved to Phoenix Zoo, where she met her Great-Great Grandmother, Olivia!  Baya has had three more babies, bringing her total to eight I think.  Her last babie born November 2023, came after the loss of her mate.  Personally, I think she needs to be retired from breeding.  I love this lady and feel bad, poor gal has done enough. She's had eight babies, lost two of those babies and two husbands.  She's been a great Mama, and now it's time for her to just be a Grandma. ... Baya's brother Bamba, moved years before the Mad tear-down, to Santa Ana Zoo, where he has his own family now as well.  

The few remaining Squirrel Monkeys went to different places.  The last one, sweet senior Atlas, was retired to Squirrel Monkey Haven.  I haven't checked in on him since his move in 2021, as it coincided with a really tough time in my life.  I actually didn't realize it had been that long.  I reached out today, and will update if I hear any back.

This next bit is for the sake of a well-rounded documentation and rehash of an issue that fourteen years later still bothers me, and possibly lends to a misappropriation or misuse of funds.  

In 2010, the Squirrel Monkeys arrival was news as they were rescues from Stanford University.  The news article (shown in screencaps below) noted that $250,000 was donated for their new home at the Zoo.  It's unclear if they came with that donation from a Stanford related donor or if it was from a Zoo donor, but regardless, that money was locked for Squirrel Monkeys.  There was an attempt soon after their arrival by Director Peterson to show good faith, when she presented the plans for a new enclosure.  It was completely inappropriate housing, both in design (ugly white plastic trees) and placement (in an area that I was told was too cold for any Primate), but the acknowledgment that this was expected to happen mattered.  No new enclosure was ever built for them and not one person I've asked since knows What happened to that money.

So, I ask Director Peterson, where is the $250,000?

Related Post: Note ... Now that I'm done with this, I glanced at the old post I referenced and it has some links of them in their new homes.  

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/10/where-are-monkeys-no-animals-part-two.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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Where's Slider? - Family Farm Cow Moved

Slider is a favorite with not only Staff and Volunteers, but with many Visitors. Some of whom may be wondering, Where is Slider? Some may not have even noticed his disappearance, but that's probably because his public visibility has been little to none for too long, and I mean years.

I have kept a close eye on Slider's rotation for many years, and constantly questioned, Why he was always stuck "in the back"?  His access went from daily rotation to the visible "sand corral" and the behind the scenes "grass pasture", with access to other areas with decent regularity, down to near no visibility, with him being kept in a small area adjacent to his night stall, the majority of the time.  There was always some excuse, or rationale.  What it really was is laziness and misuse of time by the previous Farm team who preferred and prioritized their time playing with Giraffes, rather than tending to the Farm Animals in their care.  Unfortunately him being stuck in his night quarters a majority of the time, also spilled over to more recent times as well.  This wasn't right, so I've been really sad for him, for years.

In late Fall, as I walked through the parking lot to the entrance, I noticed a trailer being parked into the grass pasture.  I waited, but when it was opened, no Animals came out.  I wondered then who was leaving.  I asked and those I talked to said they didn't know.  It was several weeks later that someone told me Slider had been moved from the Zoo the week before.  I cried when I heard.  I'm really bonded to Slider, so this was very upsetting.  The person who told me didn't even know he was leaving, or had already gone when they found out, as even some staff was kept in the dark.  As I said in my last post, it's a shame that the Zoo isn't transparent with information, so friends to the Animals can see them before they leave.  In addition to being sad and upset thinking I may never see Slider again, I was pissed, as there are people there who know how much Slider meant to me from before he even arrived at the Zoo, yet no one told me.  His move like all moves, was not planned overnight, so there was plenty of time for word to have gotten to me, and it didn't.

Kisses for Slider in 2015!

I soon found out Slider was moved to a new? Sanctuary in Penngrove (just forty minutes north) called Rooster Run Foundation.  I checked their Facebook, and found this post from the day he arrived there.  You can see I (Tiki Kim) made a comment.  Before their reply, I also sent a message on Messenger, asking about visiting. After sending my message I saw they had messaged me already.  Right after that, I saw notification that they had replied to my comment, inviting me to visit Slider! 

I was super happy that at least I would be able to visit Slider.  It provided some comfort that he wasn't gone from my life.   I sent a message back to them on messenger, so not to clog comments with possible visit logistics.

In mid-January, I sent them a message, to arrange a visit.  A notation appeared that my message couldn't be sent.  I waited a bit and tried again.  Same thing.  I went to the FB page to see if maybe there was a glitch with their account.  Their page wouldn't come up for me.  I thought WTF?  Did they block me?  Why would they block me?   So, I thought to message them on Instagram, and have never heard back.  As well, soon after my message, their IG wouldn't load for me either.   A friend confirmed that they could see all their content.  So, apparently, it was just me.  

At the time of my initial contact in December, they noted, 'two of the people taking care of Slider at the Zoo were taking care of him at Rooster Run'.  At the same time, someone at the Zoo told me it was two former Keepers.  I'm not going to name names, but to me it's very clear what has happened here.  While I'm 99.9% sure I'm right, unless I have confirmed something, I'm not going to go there.  That said, everyone associated with the Zoo and me, know very well who those two are.  

So, this is what I think happened.  Someone from Rooster Run, invited me, because if that's possible why wouldn't they?  And then, the two former Keeper's must have heard about it and bad mouthed me, resulting in communication with me being cut-off.  All I have to say is this is very petty, and shitty behavior.  Such a rude way to treat someone who cares about Slider, not to mention a shady way to conduct business. I may not even be the only one who's been treated like this.  The worst of it is, that it's cruel to Slider to not only take him away from people who love him, but to alienate those same people.  Poor Slider.

I asked a couple people if they have heard how Slider is doing, and have been told, they heard well.  I told them about the scenario on Facebook with Rooster Run and one said, I thought you had a good relationship with so and so?  I said I thought so too.  Aside from an issue one of the two had with me about a post I wrote when they changed Mini-Horse Viggo's name to Tonka, both so and so's were still talking to me.  Unfortunately, they made many enemies while working at the Zoo, and this action with Slider denial, just proves the bad character behavior they showed while at the Zoo was sadly accurate.

It's beyond sad that I will never see Slider again, but I at least hope they have lived up to their initial post that states, 'at Rooster Run he will have freedom and friends', which to me means more space and Animal Friends, which would probably make him happier, which is what's really important in this whole situation.  Even though I also think seeing old friends would make him happy too.

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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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Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving

Let me just start by adding on to the post title a bit...

Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving ... What the Serious F%%k!!!???

So, per usual when I go off course with my current post list, I constantly rework it for flow, as I always try to get back on track with some order if possible.  That said, once again I didn't even get to pick back up with even one draft post, before something else presented itself.  

I've said before that I usually don't look at the Zoo's Social Media regularly, unless I'm looking to see if they posted something specific.  Same goes for the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, which are monthly and sometimes I go a few months without checking that.  With both, it's just a thing where there is always something that's going to bother or upset me, and I got enough without going looking for it.

So, now for getting into the title of this post.

I've been sitting on this for a week now. Last Saturday, I remembered the Joint Zoo Meeting was the Thursday before, so I thought I'd take a look.  There it was, 1.0 (meaning one male) Donation to Houston Zoo.  I was shocked.  Even though upsetting, I'm glad I did, otherwise I may never have known about Akobi, and would have went there one day and he would have been gone.  

I feel bad for all of us who love this guy, but most of all for him.  This was his first home away from his Mother, and he seems happy.  

Akobi coming to sat Hi! 

screencap from video linked below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3jcEl1Elwwqm_eTNfCcqVrVUYHKoRCGslEaqOLYFn6N0tlK-HlizsyP7A&v=nTRMjDTho6w&feature=youtu.be

The Animal Care team did a good job renovating the enclosure for him, even adding to it after his arrival.  As well, modifications were made to the night quarters as Pygmy Hippos have different needs than Nile Hippos.  Will this be the end of Pygmy Hippos occupying this enclosure?  Akobi is popular and not having him (or another Pygmy Hippo) here is big hit to the Zoo.  Hopefully the Zoo doesn't go ahead with a previous plan to demolish this area, because that would be a really bad call to not use this enclosure, and another waste of money, doing one thing, then changing it not long after.  

I waited to write a post about this because I wanted to confirm it verbally with someone there.  I was 99.9% sure this meant Akobi, but just in case, I like to be as sure as possible when I'm documenting something.  There are times, and coincidentially one listed right after this Akobi entry, where transfers for Black Rhinos (or other Animals SFZoo owns that are not part of the onsite collection) are listed and it's just paperwork. I knew this couldn't be the case, because we don't own any Pygmy Hippos in other Zoos.  So, I visited the Zoo on Tuesday, and my inquiry in regards to Akobi leaving was curious.  Usually I can ask a question and get an answer, but literally four people quickly said, "I don't know anything".  When I added that we don't own other Pygmys, one said, "There's your answer".  That's essentially giving me the answer without actually telling me, which leads me to believe, staff has been told not to talk about it, or not to talk about it to me.  The fifth person I mentioned it to, said, "I heard something about that".  

So, while it is sadly indeed true, I do not know when, or why.  I can speculate on why, but don't think I'll be confirming it, since no one is even talking about him leaving.  I was told Akobi is high on the genetically valuable list for breeding, and that is the only thing I can think of that would be a factor.  When he first came here, I was told that at some point a female would be joining him.  Considering that, I am assuming that SF does not want to breed him, so maybe he is going to where a female will join him.  It wouldn't be the first time we lost an Animal because of breeding conflict.  Again I'm just speculating, but it's worth the lead-in to documenting the whole non-breeding issue.

Like with Akobi, who was brought here as permanent resident, I thought when our Tiger Jillian came back to SF to be paired with a male (Teddy eventually transferred here) for breeding, they too would be permanent residents.  Then we lost both Tigers back to San Diego who owned Teddy.  This allegedly happened because San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson allegedly will not breed any Animal that might result in a birth that will require round-the-clock care if it is rejected by the Mother.  You may wonder why, as other Zoo's hand rear infants.  Allegedly Director Peterson will not pay for after hours care.  That point lends to the fact I have continually presented, Our San Francisco Zoo has been mismanged by Director Peterson through-out her sixteen years at the helm.  No money for any Animal related need, but we got gardens galore, and art installations keep on coming.   

Since I got a Panda post in draft as well, it's worth it to note that part of the agreement with China for acquiring Pandas is that they breed.  So, that makes me wonder how that would then come into play?  Would Director Peterson create yet another illusion and lead them to believe she would allow them to breed, or would they get a pass on the alleged no breeding issue?  Or would millions be spent to get them here, only to have them repossessed?

Another example of no breeding is with Gorillas.  In late 2019 female Kimani was transferred to the Zoo to breed with male Oscar Jonesy.  Jonsey bred with two first-time Mothers, resulting in two offspring, both who had to be hand-reared until a surrogate could take over.  Both our resident female Monifa and Kimani have breeding reccomendations with Jonesy.  Kimani was supposed to breed first, as she came from a Gorilla group where she witnessed births and mother raised babies.  It was hoped she would do the same and that would show Monifa how it's done.  It's been almost five years and this still has not happened.  Jonesy will turn 43 this year.  

Also note that the Orangutans have and I think still do, a breeding recommendation.  Nothing yet and last I heard the female was still on birth control.  That all said, while I'd be over-joyed to experience a babie Orangutan, I personally don't think they should bring a babie into the situation that is, that shit show, ancient, enclosure they were thrown into.  It needs a complete overhaul to provide a new life an appropriate home.  They've already damaged the personalities of Ollie and Amoi, hope they don't bring a babie into it.

I digressed a bit about the no breeding issue, but let's get back to the lack of transparency issue, specifically about Animal transfers.  Since the Zoo is owned by the City, it is responcible for certain transparencies.  Even though Acquistions and Dispositions need to be documented publicly in the Joint Zoo Minutes,  that often doesn't happen until after the the transfer, and the Zoo does not let the public know anything via their Social Media platforms.  Which in my opinion is a huge disservice to Visitors who are endeared to the Animals.  Before I expand on that, I want to make a notation that will support a future post about how the the Zoo management system works and the Pyramid of Power.  All Acquistions are supposed to be approved by the Joint Zoo Committee.  In my opinion, that is all paper pushing, as no managing entity really cares about what goes on at the Zoo.  The whole Orangutan situation has singularly made that clear.  And in relation to the Joint Zoo approval, the female Orangutan arrived at the Zoo, before her acquistion item was even introduced to the Joint Zoo Committee.

So, transparency.  Let's start with another Hippo, our Nile Hippo Tucker.  The Zoo knew about his transfer over a year before him actually leaving.  At no point did they alert the public.  It wasn't until he was gone and Cinncinati anounced his arrival did they post a sign at his enclosure.  In my opinion, that was a COMPLETE mismanagement of his departure.  Tucker was extremely popular. He had a huge fan club among visitors.  Many Zoo's will post about their Animals moving to another Zoo, giving their fans a chance to come and see them before they leave.  Some have even have going away parties.  When Tucker left Topeka, they had a party.  Not San Francisco Zoo.  You become endeared to an Animal, and you go there and one day they are gone.  I've mentioned the lack of Community for our Zoo, meaning there has never been an effort to build a community that cares.  Having a community that cares, lends to people being invested in our Animals.  Creating an enviroment that endears people to our animals, gives them the opportunity to learn more, feel more, care more.  It also leads to more Visitors, more Members and productive fundraising.  A win for everyone.  Our Zoo has none of that.  The individuals that are invested and endeared, have had to seek out information to feed their interest.

So, like with Tucker, there have been many residents before him that just disappeared, who have had their fans upset.  A big one for me, was the departure of Slider the Cow.  I have a stand-alone post about that in draft.  Before him, my little Turaco Friend Zabebu, was sent away.  Usually I get wind of these things, but with both of them, I didn't know.  I have a friend who's a Member, who five years later is still upset that Hasani the Gorilla is no longer here, but at least I knew and she was able to visit him before he left.  The Zoo didn't announce it at all and that was a huge mistake.  He was born here, and hand-reared, so he was in the News, and had alot of fans.  Going back a bit further, when Director Peterson was going to kick out our senior Chimpanzees, she was trying to do so without anyone knowing.  The Zoo's longest residents, having lived here near fifty years, and she was just going to ship them out in the dead of the night, without telling anyone.  It's Disgraceful, and very rude to every Visitor and Member, to not alert and allow for people to know what's happening, especially if its an Animal they'd like to see before it leaves.  My guess would be she doesn't feel like she has to, but a good and decent "manager" would want to.  The disappearances are not even all transfers to other Zoos, but taken off public view and never to be seen again.  There have been many.  I've been attached to three Snow Leopards, Ming Wah, Rigel, and Niya who were taken off view and retired to the off exhibit area FCC, never to be seen again.  Most recently the Great Hornbill Hercules, who has been my first stop of the visit for over a decade, was taken off view.  I can hear him talking from FCC behind Black Rhinos, but who knows if I will ever see him again.  These are all just a few of my personal accounts,  I'm sure everyone who visits regularly has their own sad stories.

So, the goal of this post was to alert everyone to Akobi's upcoming departure.  If you're endeared to him, be sure to visit as who knows when he will disappear. 

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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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Response From Woodland School Regarding Shooting Simulation

After writing my post yesterday, I also emailed the School.  I wanted to connect with them, incase the incident was not talked about later.  I also included the link to my blog post.

I received a satisfying response today in their favor, so I'm sharing it as it's necessary to for well-rounded documentation.  Additionally, I feel it shows this was recognized as something that was an issue that required further discussion.  

I feel their response, and the actions they took, appropriately covered the situation.  Below is my reply to their email.

"Thank you for your response.  The attention to this by all that you have shared is commendable.  Thank you.  In these times especially, it's important that kids inappropriate actions are dealt with, in hopes it makes an impact on what kind of adults they will become.  Thank you."

When I started this post, I had not thought about my personal experiences with situations at the Zoo that I have reported and that have been mishandled.  Certainly not my intention to re-air them here, but their response had me thinking about the extreme difference in how our San Francisco Zoo handles issues and how apparently properly managed facilities do.

I won't go into to much detail as I think the gist is enough, and I think I documented the incidents at the time.

Four incidents come to mind.  

*One season, myself and others were heavily present as we observed the Flamingo nests daily for hatchings.  One of those days coincided with the Zoo's Octoberfest event.  I spied a group of people who were inebriated and holding beers.  I could tell two specifically would be trouble.  They ended up standing right next to us.  At the time there was no fencing as barrier, and nests were very close to public.  One of the jerks, picked-up something from the ground, leaned back like a baseball pitcher, at which point I said, do not throw that!  I was met with obcentities yelled at me and the jerk threw the object at a Parent Flamingo sitting on an Egg on a Nest and hit the Bird.  Obviously I went postal.  Gave them a lashing and called security.  Security came, chatted with the drunk group and then let them continue on their way.  I was not satisfied that letting people who target and harm the Animal Residents are not kicked out, I took it up with the Supervisor on Duty, Bob Cooney.  He told me he made a judgement call. I asked him to explain how someone throwing something at an Animal is even something that needs thought about how to handle it.  They should be thrown out.  I insisted he be responsible for his decision and explain it to me.  He got on his bike, and said, I don't have to talk to you.  

Now granted there are two things I will note.  I am treated differently than everyone else, because Director Tanya Peterson created such the notion when she falsely accused myself and a friend of calling in a false report resulting in the Zoo's own communication team issuing a code-red alert.  Anyway that's a whole other thing.  I only bring this up as it lends to the way I was treated by the majority of staff for a very long time.  Not so much in current times, as I think all staff have now got Peterson's number.  That said, the stigma with me lingered long and still comes into play with some who feel because I monitor things, it's justified to treat me differently.  Not my problem.  What is the problem, is that Visitors, even Members are allowed to do whatever the hell they want and there are no consequences.  

The other issue, again involved an Animal related situation.  I was also at the Walk-About at the time, and a Mother was holding her kid over the barrier.  If you're new to my documentation, search this blog for "barriers" and you will see I've been ranting about barrier breaching for years and how it can get our Animals murdered.  So, not only is the kid hanging over, she's waving a five foot stick at the Emu as he passes by the fence line.  I said, Yea, they don't want you hanging over the barrier like that.  I also mentioned the stick, which honestly I wanted to grab and break in half.  The Mother's response to me was, Shut the Fuck up, or Fuck off, something like that.  I said Wow, now you're swearing at me.  So I called Security.  Now you may be thinking, what for?  I agree, as I'm a big girl, with a fowl mouth that can battle with the best of sailors, but after Director Peterson's bullshit againt my friend and I, a big sign of Zoo Rules went up on the side of the gift shop, geared at having recourse for banning us, since she failed at keeping us from having memberships.  That's right, she revoked our memberships, but was forced by the Board Chairmanto reinstate them.  Anyway, I digressed.  So, one of the rules states something about using vulgar language at other guests.  So I always bit my tongue when interacting with jerks.  I called Security multiple times over near a half hour.  At the point this woman left the Walk-About I followed her so when Security finally came, I could point her out.  Well, we cross paths with Walker one of the front of house Supervisors, who listens to what happened and takes over.  I watched his interaction with this woman, and I was appalled.  There was no serious facial expression from him, instead he was laughing with the woman!  I had reported an incident where both actions could result injury to our Animals, and yet this was funny to him, and of course this woman was allowed to continue on her way. I will also add that I was told she was a Member.  If I had gone over a barrier, or swore at another Member or any Visitor I would have been banned.  Others, no repercussions.  

I know I said four instances came to mind, but now my ears are pulsating. I'm disgusted rehashing just these two.  Briefly, one other involved people throwing rocks at the Tiger and nothing happened, on their way they went.  That outcome really bothered the Security Guard who was sent to talk to the jerks.  He told me, talking to them is all management allows.  Unreal.  The other was during the height of Covid when someone not wearing a mask was by me coughing.  I told them masks were required.  They came right to my face, no mask and coughed, three times.  I'm not a violent person, but it's at those times I wish I was a good sized guy with a big fist.  Anyway, I called Security, Jerome talked to them and let them go on their way, before the management representative I requested to talk to got there. They were Members and Security never got their ID or contact info.  Why, who knows.  Lame protocol, or Kim reporting protocol?  I had been health assaulted during a pandemic, by Members, and guess what, that's right nothing happened.  Both Walker and Evelyn from Security, failed to properly handle the situation.  

Who do we blame for these incidents and all the others witnessed by myself, other Visitors and Staff?  We must blame Director Tanya Peterson for she dictates every aspect of what goes on there.  Sure there are lame Staffers, I've talked to them, a couple who have taken it upon themselves to enter into bullshit conversations with me obviously because they feel like they can based on the stigma some still project onto me, but in general, I have to assume their hands are tied by the guidelines they are Directed to follow.  No one wins when jerks are allowed to perpetrate inappropriate actions against the Animals and others, and get away with it.  That's disturbing and mismanagement.

Boy, this totally turned into something I hadn't intended.  I apologize if you read til the end and feel much was unnecessary to rehash.  As I wrote, I felt it was in tune.

Here's a few photos for a bonus.  I often end-up at the Yo Toads when they are going to lunch.  I got the full series last week.  ... On their way and back home 😊 They are taken out and food monitored so they each get the appropriate amount. I'm told necessary because they aren't good foragers.  This takes less than a half hour, so swing back round if you miss them. There are three Yosemite Toads in this habitat as you enter the Children's Zoo.  The female has white under her chin, she is in the middle, the two boys on either side.

Previous Post: 

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/03/disturbing-animal-disrespect-shooting.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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Disturbing Animal Disrespect - Shooting Simulation!

I plan to do some catch-up posts this weekend, but I have to do this first, as it was so upsetting to see and still sad to think about.

Yesterday was my only Zoo visit for the week.  While I was spending time talking to Boomer, wishing him a belated Birthday, and general lovey chat, a group of unruly school kids came loudly barreling into the enclosure area.  

You would think uniformed private school students would at least have some manners but not this group from Woodland School in Portola Valley.  Checking their website, they note this "CHARACTER... We build character in and out of the classroom, it’s an integral part of our teaching philosophy."

Well I didn't see any good "character" from some of this group.  Yelling in this peaceful off path, sheltered enclosure, and then the really offensive act that set me off.  Two of the students rolled-up their paper, and pointed it at Boomer and made like it was a gun and they were shooting!!!  Not only was I horrified, my heart sank and my soul hurt for my precious friend Boomer.  I know he didn't know what was going on (thankfully), but I did.  Anytime I see or hear disrespect towards an Animal, it hurts.  

The lack of empathy, especially from anyone visiting a place where Animals live, is truly disturbing.  I have seen too much at the Zoo and in our Parks.  More often, from Adults, which may be the reason Adults accompanying kids don't surpervise accordingly.

Of course I reacted at the time of action, and told the kids that was awful, and that hunting isn't cool.  I also told the chaperone what had happened and that such an action is unacceptable towards any Animal, especially in a Zoo.  She did talk to them, but still, it happened and unless further education on how to be respectful of other living Beings is put forth, another instance of the same, will most likely happen again from these same kids.

The Zoo used to have a Guide or Security give a talk before school groups would enter, I haven't seen that in awhile.  That said, I never felt the talk was heavy enough on behavior at enclosures and toward free roaming Animals, basically noting to Respect the Animals.  But, that doesn't surprise me.  I shared my idea about a welcome video at the ticket and gate house areas, that includes showing the Animals, but the goal being highlighting etiquette around the Animals.  Something I think everyone should be reminded of upon entry.  That has never happened.  I would hope an extensive print out of etiquette in writing is given to school groups  upon entry, if not in advance, but I don't know it that happens, and if it does, how heavy on Animal Respect it is.

There are always going to be Zoo Jerks, but the Zoo can always do better to deter some of that behavior.  

Good Grief People, the Zoo is Their Home!  View Peacefully or Stay Home!

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Next time you visit, stop by the Walk-About and wish Boomer a Happy Belated Birthday!  He turned 44 years old!  I checked the Zoo's Socials and didn't see any mention of his special day.  So 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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Catching Up On Posts! - New Commentary Videos

I have a post about Animal Disrespect written and ready to post, but I'm going to share these videos I made last week first. In certain instances, I get superstitious about post flow, so I needed a buffer post.

I used to only share these videos with my friends, but I have thought in recent times when I'm done with my backlog of draft posts, maybe I'll just mostly do video's, since it's easier and can be more timely. I like writing as I can organize my thoughts, include photos, etc., but after thirteen years and thousands of hours spent on this Zoo effort, I can no longer spend that kind of time and energy, especially having too much in draft for too long.

The videos aren't premeditated, so I'm winging it either on impromptu thoughts or long lingering frustrating issues.  

Here's the most recent, eight of them, and this bonus!

In case you've visited and haven't noticed, the Spectacle Owl is back on view at the Puente and his new lady is with him!  So, exciting and happy for him to have a same species friend.

*First Glance of Quetzal with his new Girlfriend Athena! 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wVu9DEqQYG8&si=l4ph5j9POa2hgweL

screencap from video

*Old Black Rhino to Grizzly Gulch 2.6.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eJQKUP1TvcM&si=hTbZBx0wTvJGw0Jg

View of a long strip of vacant area that used to house Black Rhinos.  My long ago thoughts on a use for the area, and a new thought in light (at time of video) of the Panda want.

Photo of area... Red lines indicate fences closing path on Snow Leopard and Therapy Horse sides.  Red outline is of unused area referenced.

*San Francisco Zoo Perimeter Fence Update 2.29.24 ... It Got A Paint Job, but...

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wyJcRz1RFY8&si=RsFA2sJQ3wjy4ntq

Good grief, the crumbing fence got a coat of paint.  It looks better, but still in shambles and in need of replacement.

*"Asian Conservation" Area??? 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XN8z_xpcLmg&si=HAMEQ9tZuNCeY6_O

Overview and history of area where I'm assuming they have dubbed, the "Asian Conservation" area, in hopes of luring in Pandas.

Photo outlines area alluded to for Pandas.

*Old Black Rhino to Grizzly Gulch 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_-6EKOt2h-I&si=bb4X56hS4R6ZhKsX

Additional views of this area, including Therapy Horses, Old South Gate, and previous Eagle Lake observation.  This week the lake was back at normal level and water was better, so what I saw in progress was probably just upkeep maintenance.

*Old Sea Lion Pool 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iS6pE97n1L4&si=AvCK3xQc9dTFOcvB

View of Old Sea Lion Pool and vacant neighboring area adjacent to the Tropical Building.  Notations about current plan for pool, previous plan for vacant area, and my thoughts and opinions.

*Family Farm 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ze0n9hb3bqg&si=9hqb8qXoQApc1Pgb

View and commentary about current status and past memories of how it's changed in the past several years.

*Old Kookoobura and current Agouti Enclosure 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j_TgqPwyxis&si=iRWb8PjLfdLkL-i5

View of two enclosures, one that is damaged and one temporarily in use.  What is the plan? and maybe what should or could be the plan.

*Old Children's Zoo Duck Pond 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=V32Ay5QeRJY&si=d8JQMv-SxGjahSL

View of Pond that's been filled in.  My thoughts about that and what I'd have liked seen done with the Pond. 

Previous Post Containing Commentary Videos:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/02/what-set-me-off-yesterday-commentary-in.html

Here's a screencap from that post detailing the video topics.

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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 News This Morning - RIP Ponso

Very sad news to wake up to.  Heartbreaking.  I am sorry to all on scene who have taken care of and/or helped Ponso over the last nine years.  I've been following his story since the news broke of his discovery in August 2015, as well as the Liberia 66 the month before.  What was done to these Chimpanzees was pure evil.  If you are not familiar, I will write a brief bit, but if it's of interest, it's worth doing some research.  What happened to Ponso and the other abandoned Chimpanzees should never be forgotten.  

In March of 2015,  a group of sixty-six Chimpanzees used in Lab experiments, was released onto an island in Liberia, by the Demons at the New York Blood Center.  These Chimpanzees were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.  They became known as the Liberia 66.  I came to know about them in July, which I think was when this horror first hit the news.  A month later, news that a lone Chimpanzee was discovered on another island on the Ivory Coast.  That was Ponso.  Ponso too came from a life of being experimented on in the Labs of the NYBC.  He was abandoned there in a group of twenty, in 1983.  He watched everyone in his group get sick and die, including his wife and children.  It's unknown how many years he was alone.  

Many efforts to help raise awareness for this atrocity, both in person and online were put into action.  One was the #IAmPonso campaign.  Followers from all over the world made signs with this slogan... 

My effort to spread awareness, 

shared on the SOS Ponso Facebook page

Those words meant to relate us as fellow Great Apes to our DNA relatives, Chimpanzees.  To further emphasize the cruelty put on those Chimps by Humans. 

I was working on posts yesterday, but never sorted my words into any one in particular enough to post.  Maybe it's meant to be that this one follows the one I wrote about the anniversary of our SFZoo Chimpanzees plight.  2015 was a heavy year for my emotional state regarding my love for Chimpanzees.  

Thankfully they all had wonderful humans on the ground and around the world helping them, when those responsible ignored what they did.  I followed their plight closely,  my heart breaking with every thought of what had been done to them.  My soul weeped for them all,  especially dear Ponso who was left all alone after losing his Chimpanzee family.  The Liberia 66 caught the attention of a married couple, who moved to Liberia to help them.  They also eventually started the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue, that takes in babie Chimps orphaned by the poaching trade.  Efforts to both move Ponso to a Sanctuary and to bring him in a companion failed.  He continued to be cared for by a local family, his human family, who came by boat daily to bring him food and give him companionship.

Since learning about Ponso, there have been many tears shed for him, but many smiles too, as we, his fans, were shared the happy times he spent with his caregivers.  

I'll never forget this boy and the life he led. 

RIP Ponso, Bless Your Soul.