SF Zoological Society Is Investigating? - News Article

Good Grief.  My first reaction to this is, The San Francisco Zoological Society is the one who should BE investigated!  The Society Board needs investigation as to why it has not provided any oversight for at least a minimum of sixteen years, those being the reign of Tanya Peterson as Director?

I'm way behind posting my reactions to the words of Zoo related Officials quoted in these news articles.  My goal is this weekend.  Hope I succeed.  For this one, my reaction is a two-parter!  Check back if interested.

If anyone associated with the Chronicle has an issue with this, use the comment form to message me, and include a name an email contact at the Chronicle.

San Francisco Chronicle - Friday May 10, 2024 

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/zoo-investigation-19446885.php

Text from this SFChronicle article

appears below.

The organization that runs the San Francisco Zoo is conducting an internal investigation, an action that follows a Chronicle report that detailed employee allegations of mismanagement, safety lapses and animal welfare concerns, as well as a recent vote of no confidence in CEO and executive director Tanya Peterson by the zoo’s union. 

The investigation comes just as San Francisco has begun preparations to host a pair of high-profile pandas from China at the zoo as soon as next year.

On Thursday, executive board members of the San Francisco Zoological Society, the nonprofit organization that runs the city-owned zoo, held a meeting with investigator Harriet Lipkin, a Washington, D.C.-based labor lawyer, and members of the zoo’s union, according to sources familiar with the meeting. Melinda Dunn, the new chair of the Zoological Society board, has also encouraged employees to contact the investigator directly to discuss their concerns, emails obtained by the Chronicle show. 

“Engaging in due diligence is a fundamental aspect of board governance and should not be misconstrued as a negative reflection of the zoo’s leadership or its operational procedures,” Dunn said in a statement to the Chronicle.

Exactly who or what is being investigated is unclear. It is also unclear exactly when the investigation began. When asked for details, Dunn did not answer, but said, “The Zoological Society board is dedicated to collaborating with its leadership team and our labor partner to ensure a positive work environment for all our employees at the zoo. In alignment with this commitment and in cooperation with the union, we are utilizing several channels for gathering information.”

Thursday’s meeting was scheduled after 97% of the zoo’s union members cast a vote of no-confidence in Peterson in early April, according to an April 17 letter that union representative Corey Hallman sent to membership and was obtained by the Chronicle. A statement accompanying the vote alleged that Peterson had created a ‘toxic work environment’ and that the zoo suffered from staffing shortages and safety problems, such as concerns about the security of proposed housing for a new jaguar, among other issues.  

Peterson, who has led the zoo since 2008, did not respond to specific allegations raised by employees, but said in a statement to the Chronicle: “I fully endorse initiatives aimed at fostering positive dialogue and communication. I take immense pride in our dedicated employees and consider it an honor to collaborate with them in advancing the zoo’s mission.”  

Hallman declined to comment when contacted for this story. But in the April 17 letter, Hallman wrote that Dunn had informed the union that it was “conducting an investigation into the issues the union has raised.” The Chronicle’s investigation into the zoo was published online April 17.

Separately, Larry Mazzola, the chair of an advisory group within the Recreation and Park Commission called the Joint Zoo Committee, said he is doing his own research into similar issues. After the Chronicle published its article, which detailed concerns about safety, zoo management and animal welfare from 20 current and former employees, Mazzola said he would invite Peterson and Dunn to the committee’s June meeting, which is public, to discuss them.

Mazzola said he is “investigating these issues” in preparation for the June meeting.

“My goal is to have all of the facts out on the table with reasonable solutions so we can make the S.F. Zoo the best place to work for the employees, and the best place to live for the animals,” he said in an email.

The San Francisco Zoo has also been in the media spotlight since Mayor London Breed announced last month that she had secured the loan of a pair of pandas for the zoo from China, due to arrive in 2025. The zoo will spend an estimated $25 million to build housing for the bears and potentially pay $1 million a year for the loan of the animals. 

Breed spokesperson Parisa Safarzadeh said the mayor is focused on construction preparation and fundraising for the panda’s arrival, which she called a multiagency effort. “The S.F. Zoo is one of the city’s most prized attractions,” Safarzadeh said in a statement. She added that the mayor “supports the process actively in play for workers to report all concerns and raise issues. This process is happening as it should, and the mayor will continue to monitor all developments.”

In addition to the no-confidence union vote in early April, a group of 15 self-described nonunion staff members emailed Dunn anonymously last month to share their concerns about issues raised in the Chronicle’s report and other complaints, including “many years of inadequate leadership” at the zoo, according to a copy of the email obtained by the Chronicle. Peterson did not respond to a request to comment on the letter’s statement on zoo leadership.

In response to the email, Dunn said she appreciated them sharing their views and wrote, “We want to hear your concerns, suggestions and thoughts for the future.” 

Dunn also wrote that Lipkin, senior counsel at DLA Piper who specializes in hospitality and leisure, was “scheduling interviews with individuals with first-hand knowledge of the allegations, as necessary to conduct her investigation. Her charge is to conduct an unbiased investigation, without revealing the identity of her reliable sources.”

Earlier this year, the board also offered zoo employees a new online portal to report concerns. Dunn said that some kind of employee hotline had been in place since 2008.

The recent vote of no-confidence comes a decade after a similar one also raised concerns about Peterson’s leadership. 

End Article

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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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Today's Joint Zoo Meeting Cancelled - Curious Indeed!

I saw this Notice last weekend, and immediately thought, huh, that's curious!   

I don't remember ever seeing a Meeting Cancellation Notice with a reason attached.  "Due to an anticipated lack of quorum", what? My thoughts were, wow, so the Recreation and Park Commissioner Larry Mazzola goes on record calling for a full investigation of issues brought up in the April 17 Chronicle article, and all of a sudden there are not three members from the Commission and/or the Zoological Society available to make this meeting?  In my opinion it raises alot of suspicion, about the willingness of Committee Members to participate in truth finding and transparency.

Considering anticipated no-shows for today, I wonder what's going to happen for the June Meeting, since in the Chronicle follow-up article from April 20, where Mazzola makes his investigation statement, he also said, "he would invite Tanya Peterson, CEO and Executive Director of the Zoo, and Melinda Dunn, the Zoological Society’s new board chair, to attend the committee’s June meeting to answer questions about the article’s findings."

On Monday, I emailed the Rec and Park Commission regarding two things. First asking for follow-up on my previous email, and also asking about this Meeting curiosity.  No response about the Meeting, but it was noted that there was no additional information about my suggestion since our last correspondence.

I sent this email on April 29, ... 

>"I have long thought the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting should be streamed.  The Minutes never cover enough.

As someone who can not make it downtown, I am requesting the Joint Zoo Meeting be included in the Full Commission Meeting.

Streaming of the later starts at 10am, Joint Zoo is at 9am.  Starting an hour early should not be a hard task.

With the Zoo recently in the News, there are even more interested parties.  It is important that the Meetings are accessible to everyone and that means viewable online either by streaming or archived video or audio."<

The Rec and Park responded that my email/suggestion was forwarded to the Zoo and to the Rec and Park Committee Members.  

I think my suggestion is valid and doable.  It would be a valuable resource to those of us who care about the Zoo, and lend to the public's right to hear in full what is said at the Meetings.  So, let's see if this happens.  

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Still No Mention For Minnie - Thoughts On The Zoo's Recognition Of Losses

Yesterday was a week since our Beautiful Minnie left us.  Still no mention of her on the Zoo's social media.  In my opinion, it is so disrespectful.  Along with Maggie, Minnie was the longest living Resident of the Zoo.  She lived here 54 years.  All but maybe one year of her early life.  The San Francisco Zoo was the only home she ever knew, and for them to not recognize her, hurts my Soul.

One Friend of Minnie's wrote me after seeing the Zoo's gift shop post to their Instagram after her passing, yet they had still not recognized Minnie and expressed this, ... "Even if they have to block off the path for two weeks to give the chimps time to grieve, then do that!!!  But to disrespect her like that is horrible."

Those of us who care, get it.  I don't want to fault the wrong Zoo Staff, so I will say this...  I know everything goes through Director Peterson, so essentially even social media posts are micromanaged by her.  That said, something should have been mentioned by now.  

As I wrote in my previous post, my tribute to Minnie, I waited to publish, waiting for the Zoo to make an announcement.  I felt apprehensive to before them, but I also felt strongly about recognizing her for Mother's Day.  I'm glad I followed my heart and did what I thought was right to honor Minnie.  For her, and no one else. 

I hope the Zoo announces her passing soon, and has a Memorial set-up for her Friends to leave flowers.  At the very least, recognize she's left us, with some memories from those who cared for her.  If they don't know cause, just say it's pending.  To continue to say nothing is just not right.

I started a post a last month about Zoo Friend losses.  It was prompted by two Friends who's passings I heard about in the same week.  One had still been living at the Zoo and one had been transferred to a Sanctuary.  I have felt bad it didn't get posted, but maybe it was meant to be posted now.

I started my post... 

'I don't regularly post about Zoo Friend passings.  I used to, but then with all that goes on that delays me posting timely, I just never get to them all.  Additionally, in recent time, I've tried to concentrate on just posting issues that I feel should be documented.  

Each loss saddens me, especially those who I've had stronger connections with. I'm a believer in the otherside, so when I visit the Zoo, I always acknowledge those passed Spirits around me, when I pass by their homes, especially right after they pass away.  

I've written about this before, as there have been instances when two Zoo Friends have passed away close together.  One gets acknowledged and one doesn't.  It not only hurts my feelings for them, but I think it's incredibly disrespectful to the Animal and their life.  As well to those who cared about them.  It may be a Visitor, but it's also the Keeper who took care of them.  It has to affect them, when an Animal they have taken care of, doesn't get recognized.  I know the Zoo probably doesn't want to flood their social media with sad stuff, but sad stuff unfortunately happens to lives we care about.  All individuals should be recognized equally, not just the ones that may garner media attention.'

I have written posts before on Friends that have passed away.  Some individual, some mentioning several.  I do feel guilty not recognizing them all here, myself.  As I said, I am trying to just get through documenting the issues.  I've been writing about the Zoo a very long time, and it's tiring.  I do it for the Animals, but it has taken a toll on me, and continues to be an overwhelming weight.  So I do what I can, when I can.  If I don't post about the loss of a Friend, it's not because I don't care.  I take a moment while at the Zoo, to recognize what every Animal I've known has meant to me.

I mentioned there were two passings that prompted the start of this post last month.

Our Lulu Elephant who arrived at SFZoo in 1968, when she was just four years old.  She lived here thirty-eight years.  The Zoo never mentioned her passing.  Many people grew up with the Elephants and remember them fondly.   She should have been recognized, as the huge part of the Zoo Family she was.

Lulu was transferred to PAWS Sanctuary in 2005.  Here is their tribute to Lulu.  

Screencap from PAWS website

Just because an Animal leaves the Zoo, doesn't mean they leave people's thoughts and hearts.  Especially not one who lived at the Zoo for that many years and was high profile.  Sad not to mention her.

My photo from many years ago

RIP Lulu, Bless Your Soul.  Thank you for the joy you gave me as a child and young adult. In hindsight I appologize for that joy, now knowing Zoo life is probably not joyful for your species.  Hoping there were some good times, like when you got pumpkins!

The Zoo announced the loss of Oliver Anaconda on Friday April 12, 2024.  New articles reported his passing as "earlier in the week".  According to the Joint Zoo Documents, Oliver passed away on March 18th.  Over three weeks before the Zoo recognized his passing.  It's not only the time frame, it's the untruth about the date.

I had heard about Oliver's passing before it was announced.  When he finally got recognized, I was really bothered by their " tribute".  

So few words for such an "iconic" member of the Zoo Family.  Do they ask the Keepers who care for the Animals for words and memories?  I can't believe that is all they had to say.  So sad, for a resident of over twenty years.

I was lucky to catch Oliver's sweet face one day, years ago.  I love this photo as it looks like he's smiling!  This is how I will remember him.

RIP Oliver, Bless Your Soul

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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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Remembering Minnie - Chimpanzee Lady Passes Away

Collage of photos I made in 2017

View the accompanying video

https://tinyurl.com/yv5xz3mn

I started this memorial post to My Precious Friend, on Thursday, the day after I heard the sad news.  I have been waiting for the Zoo to announce the passing of our beloved Minnie.  They have not. While they post about their gift shop, I will respect her, and no longer wait to acknowledge her life.  

As we head into Mother's Day, I want to share some words I expressed to some of my friends years ago.

Minnie was a Mother, but never allowed to be a Mom.  She had four babies with our Cobby.  Two males, one stillborn, one who didn't make it through the day, and two females who survived.  Both babie girls, were taken from her, hand raised and put on display in the Zoo's "nursery".  That's how they did it in those days.  No empathy, no compassion.  Actions all so people could pay extra to see them.  Minnie was taken from her Mother, and the same happened to her and her babies.  This horror has always been on my mind.  I hope it faded a bit from hers over the years.  

Yesterday started out a beautiful day.  It was warm by the early am, and not a cloud in the sky.  I headed to the Zoo for a peaceful walk and visit.  My first Friends to visit, are always the Chimps.  Seeing My Mins is priority every visit, and I didn't see her Monday.  The path around their yard was closed, and the dayroom was empty.  I asked the first person I saw, and was told they heard something was wrong with Minnie.  My insides sank, and I had a bad feeling about my Lady Friend.  My eyes were brimming with tears I held back, until I confirmed my fear.  My heart broke in that moment, and the flood of tears could not be stopped.  Full on sobbing, as I wandered about a bit aimlessly, until I just couldn't be there any longer.

It is the worst thing to get news that a dear Zoo Friend has passed, as you start your visit thinking about seeing them, then realizing, the last visit, was the last time.  

A couple weeks ago, I had what would be my last interaction with My Mins.  In the dayroom, I was alone with the Ladies.  They were on the top platform, Minnie was eating.  She made eye contact with me, giving me her knock wave greeting a few times, and I returned them.  It's how we'd say Hi.  While she ate, I stood and did some of my bend exercises.  She got up and gave me a couple head bobs, one of her ways of communicating, and started to sway her body a bit.  I said, "Oh Mins, you wanna dance with me Mama?"  I moved a bit flowy in dance motion and she swayed a bit more.  Precious girl was dancing with me! 

I have had so many wonderful moments with Minnie, that are cherished memories. So many Amazing gifts, like the one I shared above.  I could never express how much she means to me or how deeply the interactions we've shared have touched my soul.  I've known of her, as one of our Chimpanzees, since I was a little girl.  I've known her, as an individual for over fifteen years.  That's when my connection with her started.  Once you know these Beautiful Beings in a personal way, and they know you, it's an experience that warms you, and wows you.  

I Love this Lady so much. That may have been our last interaction on this physical plane, but I'll be talking to her spirit alot.  I talk to all the Friends who have passed.  Whether you believe or not, I know they are there and can hear me. 

I took a moment alone in the Dayroom after learning of her passing.  I said a few personal words to her, and finally I told her, now she is with her Cobby and their babies.  

As I was leaving the Zoo, a Priest was walking in.  I had never crossed paths with one at the Zoo.  I thought it serendipitous, and stopped him.  With tears streaming, I asked, "Can you do a special Blessing at Chimpanzees, for one of our ladies who just passed away."  He said, "Of course I can do that."  

Minnie turned 55 years old this year.  She was born in the wild, kidnapped from her Mother and Family, when she was a babie, and sold into the Exotic Pet Trade.  Soon she would meet another babie who suffered the same fate, our Maggie.  Within a year, they would come to the San Francisco Zoo.  My heart breaks for Maggie, her Sister for life.  She is in my thoughts, as I hope she will be ok.  

At the Zoo she met Cobby, Tallulah, and Candy. Along with Maggie they became a Family.  After Candy's passing in the early 80s, the four remaining, lived together over forty years.  I am so thankful they had eachother for so long.  

I have been watching the videos I have public on my YouTube channel, leo811sf.  Shedding many tears, through big smiles. 

If inclined, you can search my channel name + minnie (or chimps).  This is one of my favorites.  

San Francisco Zoo Chimpanzee Minnie Checking Her Look Before Her Date With Cobby!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm4cY53M6O4&pp=ygUPbGVvODExc2YgbWlubmll

RIP Beautiful Minnie, Bless Your Soul.

Thank You For Your Friendship. 

I Love You Lady.

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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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Pandas - Here's What The Mayor Should Do!

*Why I think San Francisco should only committ to hosting Pandas for two years.

I have made it no secret that I think the Needs of our San Francisco Zoo, specifically those of our Orangutans, should be met before bringing Pandas here.  In seeking Pandas and touting Asian Conservation, our San Francisco Mayor London Breed should want to make sure all the Animals are "Happy", and that means fixing our Zoo and building a new home for the Orangutans, who are a major Being in Asian Conservation.

Since the last time I posted about Panda Talk, there have been many news articles noting all the costs, fundraising, hoops and hurdles, bringing Pandas to our San Francisco Zoo will entail.  In addition to my own reluctancy (and that of many I know), to be on board with this acquisition, at this time, opposition by many others have been expressed in articles, tweets, and comments. 

As noted previously, my main issue is the use of $25 million for this Want, when our Zoo has been breaking down for fifteen years under the mismanagement of SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson.  This Want, would ignore all the Needs, specifically the Orangutans.  If the Mayor and/or Director can raise $25 million to use for enclosure builds alone, they need to include building a new home for the Orangutans as well.

When Panda Talk started, Director Peterson apparently sold the illusion that the Zoo had created an "Asian Conservation Zone", that included a specific area for Pandas.  Mayor Breed apparently bought this illusion, and set-out on her quest.  Both have been quoted talking about the area, which has been used for the past many summers for Zoo Campers to run wild in.  My point in rehashing this is if Director Peterson was concerned, actually lets say, in the least bit interested, in Asian Conservation, she would have provided for the Orangutans, ideally before they got here, but definitely at some point in the five years they have been here. 

During my Zoo visit last Monday,  I had an idea, that frankly should become more than just an idea by a member of the public, but a serious consideration by Mayor Breed.  I think my thoughts, are the most logical way for the Zoo to  forge ahead with bringing Pandas here, because let's face it, if all the permits and financial obstacles are taken care of, there is no way of stopping those Pandas from boarding the plane.  That said, there should be room for compromising the plan into something that works for the overall good of the Zoo, and that would satisfy those who are against the outrageous cost being spent on one Animal, before any Need is fixed.

Aside from all the unknown costs that will be added to having Panda, the main number reported has been the $25 million that will be spent on housing alone.  As anyone who has read my posts knows, when that number got broken into $3-5 million for a temporary enclosure and $20 for a permanent one, is where I became enraged.  Zero dollars were spent for the Orangutans and now, an asinine amount will be spent for a new acquisition. It's outrageous and irresponsible.  And, let's not forget that the Pandas could be repossessed at any point in time. 

So, last Monday, there I was standing in front of the Big Cat Grottos, when the idea hit me. 

I had asked a few people weeks ago if they had heard where the temporary enclosure would be.  No one had even realized two enclosures were part of the plan.  I know there aren't many options that would fall into the "upgrading an existing enclosure" parameter, as it would have to be one that could hold an Animal the size and strength of a Panda.  I also feared in doing so, a current Zoo Resident would be displaced.  With the two Lions recently taken off view for introductions, I realized they would eventually be occupying only one Grotto and the other one would probably be where the Pandas would go.  The Pandas that were at the Zoo in the 1980s, were housed in one of the Cat Grottos.  I saw them, and always thought they were in Grotto A, but also remember it feeling dark, so I don't know.  The number of yards have been reduced and expanded from four to two since then.  Grotto C/D (now B) was renovated for the Jaguar, but he was never moved in.  So, I have to assume that B will be the temporary home of the Pandas.

Looking at B, it is already a huge enclosure, with lots of ground greenery, cave cubbies, and a platform.  It already looks better than other Panda enclosures I've seen online, and the current (permanent?) Orangutan enclosure for that matter.  Aside from some topical additions (more platforms, leaning items such as logs, etc., and possibly some planting), and work to night quarters, I don't see $3-5 million in upgrades needed.  I can't even imagine there being a million dollars worth. 

*The logical solution to this whole Panda Plan is to back-burner the Permanent Residency plan, and committ to Pandas for two years, of which they will remain in the renovated Cat Grotto.  After one year, the situation will be evaluated. 

*The factors to consider would be... Are there (still) crowds being drawn to the Zoo specifically to see the Pandas?  Is there (still) a significant increase in attendance and funds generated from that?  Those factors will determine if it's financially justifiable to move forward with investing in building a permanent enclosure.  If not, the Pandas are here for two years and that event will have been a great experience, just not a permanent one.  If it is, and the funds have been secured for a permanent enclosure, then it could be a welcome addition. 

That all said, those secured funds must be independant of increased attendance revenue, which should be used exclusively for fixing the Zoo.  And initial fundraising should include all Panda related costs for the two years, and funds for a new Orangutan enclosure.

Even without spending $20 million on a permanent enclosure, the costs will include a reported $1 million per Panda rental fee per year, transportation costs for bringing in Bamboo (of which would be at least 30 lbs for each per day), payroll for extra security, and I recently read a Panda specific Vet and possibly Keepers.  Those factors alone would exceed a few million minimum per year.  So if the Mayor believes she can raise $25 million for housing alone, she can surely swing an initial $10 million or so to cover the upgrades, two years of costs, and an Orangutan enclosure.  

Mayor Breed, can you make this happen, so everyone will be happy?

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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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Fix It's - Signage and Parking Needs

For years, well, now over a decade, I've been easily irked by the lack of signage, starting with barrier breaching warnings.  That's a lost cause, been trying for too many years, so I won't even bother.  No one cares.  Anyone interested can search the blog in upper left corner for "barriers", to read my many, many rants.

Last week, I over heard some people snickering at Jaguar.  People are going to be jerks no matter, but why is there no sign explaining what happened to Tikal's tail?  I Tweeted @ the Zoo immediately and said there needs to be a sign...  I'm still waiting.  Maybe next week.

Part of what gets me going is that the Zoo for some reason can not make signs on the spot.  They got computers, color printers and laminators, but just can't figure it out.  

I met a cool couple this week.  Enjoyable to talk to people who get things.  Both natives, like myself, and also been coming to the Zoo their whole life.  They love the Zoo, but can see the issues.  They mentioned that a group was knocking on the glass at Fossa.  There needs to be a sticker sign not to.  It took two years after I told the previous Deputy Director we need No Howling signs at Wolves.  Hopefully Violet doesn't have to wait that long.  More than an hour later, when I visited her, she was still pacing the window line.  I've never seen her doing that.

A Chronicle article from April 30, 2024, noted about the permanent closure of the south end of Great Highway next year.

www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-great-highway-closed-to-cars-19431219.php

Seeing Supervisor Myrna Melgar's name, reminded me of her notation in the Chronicle's April 17th article about the Zoo.  The Zoo is in her District, yet she had no comment to offer, other than to ignorantly and selfishly say,...  she 'welcomed the news about Pandas coming to the Zoo'.  ... “I definitely see the benefits for the Zoo and for the City,” Melgar said. “I hope that the Zoo puts its best foot forward.”

So, yet another person who apparently has no interest in what goes on at the Zoo, in general, or what taking on Pandas before taking care of the Zoo's current Needs first, would do to the Zoo.  I'm getting really sick of people having no care for the Animals that already live there.  

Additionally, Melgar seemingly knows nothing about the Zoo, not even the neighborhood logistics.  She noted (about the eventual Great Highway closure), the Zoo is building a "new entrance around 47th ave".   Doesn't she know the existing entrance is on Sloat?  Yes, around 47th, but its on Sloat and, already there.  There is no space for a " new" entrance, just making one of the entrances into an exit.

The Zoo, should have changed the Sloat entrance to two-way years ago.  Every winter it pisses me off that the back exit that leads to Great Highway is open to unsuspecting visitors.  When it rains, the only road out gets flooded and at times the water is deeper than most cars should be driving through.  I drove through it once, that's how I know.  It didn't feel safe for my car.  Thankfully it was fine, but still, people should be warned.  I've seen the Sloat entrance, also be an exit when needed, so there is no reason when that road floods, for people to be forced to drive through it, potentially damaging their cars. Here's an idea, since this reconfigure of the exit is going happen at some point, the Zoo needs to just fix it now.  Or at least before winter.

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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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Halle-FUCKING-lujah! The Bison Sprinklers Are Finally Working!

Yesterday was a good day out!   Checked several things off my to-do list before even leaving the house.  On my way out and about, taking my usual route through the Park, I was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful sight.  That's right, ear to ear smile, giddy in my Being, four, maybe five, sprinkler streams in full force in the Bison Meadow!!

For people who have been following my ranting for years about the sprinklers in the Bison being broken, I guess I hit it at the right time this morning and was treated to seeing this fantasticness!

I was driving along, running through my lists of stops for the day, and was taken by complete surprise and shock, to actually see water in the Bison Meadow!  I literally gasped and yelled out, Sprinklers are on!!! as I quickly veered to the curb to jump out for a photo and video!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S1KXPPSSZl4

This has to be a new development, as a worker was near them, I assume checking them out?  As well, the Bison have been in the back enclosure, so maybe they were working on it.  GOOD!  because rainy season is almost over and Mother Nature ain't going to be doing the Rec and Parks job for much longer!

People, I am so happy for the Bison, I tried to help them with this for many years.  I contacted Rec and Park so many times, and they just didn't care.  I should have gotten media involved.  Listen up San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept.  If I ever see dried brown bullshit in the Bison again, I'm contacting media about your neglect to provide grazing Animals, with greenery to graze on.  

Those sprinklers better be fixed and if they break again, you need to be on it asap, not years later!  And the back enclosure needs to be tended to and consistently green as well.  Not taking care of the enclosure per the lease agreement is an Animal Welfare issue and a disgrace.  Shame on you.

For those new to this issue, search this blog in the upper left corner for "bison".

In other awesome day animal news...

The male and female Lions, Jasiri and Lulu, have made progress in their introductions, and were sharing Yard A/B yesterday!  When I got there Jasiri had already retreated to the cave, so even after circling back, neither's position had changed.

The Spectacled Owls, male Quetzal and his new lady Athena, have also made progress, as I spied them for the first time sitting side by side in a shelter box!

The Tapir has been spending more and more time up front, and yesterday was the first time I've seen him in the pond!

Video shows, Tapir, Owls, and Condor.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=V7k2QY-LH2Q&si=uOfo1PjVRJT2mG_i

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