Zoo Board Still Unable To Remove Director - RecPark Commissioners Must Act Now!

Just about to get into a movie and a nap, and checked News.  This posted twenty minutes ago...

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sf-zoo-turmoil-continues-no-consensus-leadership-20342893.php

What's Next?

I am urging Staff to stage a Walk-Out. 

This is a serious situation.  No one wants Tanya Peterson as the Director of Our Zoo, except apparently her friends on the Board, and selfish Chinese Community members who are only concerned with getting Panda's, Fuck the downfall that would cause Our Zoo, and Fuck the Animals that currently live there that have Needs that haven't been met.  You people Disgust me.

For those sensitive to the word Fuck, I'm sorry but pull-up your big kid pants and show some outrage for this situation.  Because THIS is a Fucking Outrage!

Kudos to the Board Member who resigned.  He seems to be the only one with some Balls to take a stand against this bullshit.  How much more evidence of mismanagement needs to be presented?  

This is about the Health, Thriving and Betterment of Our Zoo, not personal friendships, or Pandas!  

Zoo Staff must band together and literally take a stand.  Organize a Walk Out that would shutdown the Zoo.  It would take Animal Care Staff to remain caring for Animals, and other Staff to Walk Out with the goal of preventing the Zoo to open.

There should also be some sort of rally outside McClaren Lodge where Recreation and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg's Office is, urging him and Park Commissioners to make the Executive Decision to Remove Tanya Peterson as Director of Our San Francisco Zoo.   Enough is enough.  They have the Authority to override the Zoological Society, ...  Why do they never do anything to HELP Our 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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

The Vote To Remove Zoo Director - What The Public Should Know

As we head into the weekend, the big question for those of us who care about Our Zoo is, What is the final outcome of the Zoological Society Board's Vote to Remove Tanya Peterson as Director?

Last Friday, May 16, the Chronicle reported that the Board would vote on May 20.  News of a vote was not a complete surprise as there was allegedly a previous vote on May 6, which I noted in a previous post.  That afternoon rumors swirled, that allegedly Tanya Peterson was initially fired, but a Board Member saved her.  Then that news report of a second vote came out.

I'm still very curious What the catalyst was, that set off a Vote to begin with?   Considering, her seventeen year history of mismanagement, and certainly the past year of constant exposure of that mismanagement in the media, there had to be something that was a breaking point.

If anyone knows, please FYI me a personal note using this blog's comment form.

This week, we all waited, anticipating the announcement that Our Zoo was Free of Tanya Peterson.  Two votes later, we are still waiting.  Will today be the day?   Whenever the Board decides to announce the outcome, regardless of the decision, there are things the public should know about why there have been multiple votes taken.  In my opinion, it lends to what I've said many times about the need to Restructure Management.

I have written endlessly about the neglect of duty by the managing entities of Our Zoo.  While these entities will deny it, I have experienced too many instances to support my words during the last seventeen years.  What they did before that, is of no consequence.  They have been made fully aware of Tanya Peterson's mass mismanagement for a very long time, at least since since 2011 when I started my crusade for Our Andean Bear Wishbone. That crusade included contacting Board Members and Donors.  If you'd like to learn about his plight, please visit...

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/04/welcome-mission-of-this-blog.html 

They, the managing entities, are the SF Zoological Society, the SF Recreation and Park Commissioners, and the City of San Francisco Mayor.  The later of course has been represented by several persons during the course of Peterson's reign.  The Mayor, and RecPark have been hands-off as any kind of Authority, at the very least since 2008.  The RecPark Commissioners will probably beg to differ as three chosen ones participate in the monthly Joint Zoo Meeting, and entertain the Zoo at the monthly Full Commission Meeting.  At neither Meeting or any other time, during the last seventeen years, have the RecPark Commissioner's fulfilled their duty of being the Oversight component of Our Zoo.  I'm sorry but it's time for them to recognize their negligence, and make changes that ensure they fulfill that responsibility moving forward.  That said, the Zoological Society must do the same.  Our Zoo got to this stage because No One Cared. Our Zoo has been ignored by those tasked with watching over it for too long, that must change.

The Zoological Society, the management entity of Our Zoo in my experience has been nonexistent as any kind of hands-on participant, as long as I have been monitoring, and that's been hard-core since 2011. From my perspective, all entities, but specifically the Zoological Society who has been tasked with being Our Zoo's Management, has given Director Peterson free rein to do whatever she wants, without any question.  They defer and support her, blindly.  Other than the annual ZooFest, and other fanfare one-offs, they seemingly do not even come to the Zoo, or initiate any interaction with Staff.  They basically know nothing about the Zoo they are supposed to be managing, other than what Peterson, the great spinner of illusions, tells them.

Good grief, I had to scroll back to see where I was going with all this in relation to the Votes.  Restructuring Management, that's where this was leading.  

So, about the Vote that took place on Tuesday.  There was no official word, except at the end of the day Wednesday, word was, there would be another Vote Thursday.  As of last night, no one has seemingly heard anything regarding the outcome.  

In my opinion there is some lack of transparency in this.  I understand until there is a definitive outcome, there is basically nothing to report, but considering Tuesday was the announced date of the Vote, an update is warranted.  At the very least, Zoo Staff should be told what's happening.  They have been left to wonder, and pull together the bits and pieces of rumored information that they've heard.  

Allegedly, Tuesday's Vote was at an impasse.  Which prompted another Vote yesterday.  Until Tuesday's Vote, I had been thinking of the vote in the terms we are most accustomed to where majority wins.  Yet, the Boards voting seems to based akin to jury protocol where the result must be unanimous?  That would be the only reason for multiple Votes being taken.

So, the big question, well not really, but for the sake of explanation and documentation, one would wonder particularly at this time in Our Zoo's history, How can a vote to remove Tanya Peterson not be unanimous?

In addition to the Staff Vote of a reported 93% (I heard 97%) No Confidence, the last year of media attention Peterson's mismanagement has brought down on Our Zoo, and in respect to this very Vote, the rumored 200+ Letters from Staff and others, that were given to the Board, again the question begs, How can a vote to remove Tanya Peterson not be unanimous?  How is it possible?

Granted as of this writing, I have not heard any new updates regarding the outcome of yesterday's Vote.  So, this is specifically speaking to Tuesday's Vote.  The only way it is seemingly possible for the Vote not to come back unanimous has to be Board Members who are Tanya's friends.  I have been told repeatedly through the years she is friends with many Board Members, some who she allegedly even gave seats to.  If they are the hold-outs, this is a big problem within management. 

Again, I don't know what the final result is (as I heard yesterday's Vote will be the last), but just for the sheer fact that there were hold-outs that prevented Tuesday's Vote to be unanimous, I think a close look into biased Board Members needs to happen.  Of course this is a speculation based both on fact and rumor, it's still valid, considering everything, especially specific to, but not limited to, the multiple Votes and mass mismanagement outcry.

Anyone, Board Member, RecPark Commissioners, or the Mayor, who are friends, or at least friendly with Tanya Peterson, should not allow personal relationships to interfere with professional judgments.  Do not put your feelings for your Party Pal, above your responsibility to Our Zoo.  The betterment of Our Zoo is what you are tasked with.  If that is not your priority, remove yourself from position.  

That said, let's hope we hear the outcome of yesterday's Vote by day's end.  Let's hope that result is the Removal of Tanya Peterson as Director of Our San Francisco Zoo.

Related Posts:

*Director Tanya Peterson - Will She Stay Or Will She Go?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/director-tanya-peterson-will-she-stay.html

*Excitedly Anticipating Our Zoo Free Of Tanya Peterson

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/excitedly-anticipating-our-zoo-free-of.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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Keeping Cats Together - Expanding Jaguar and Snow Leopard Ideas

In my last post, I not only wrote about what I'd like to see for the future of the area from Grizzly Gulch going south to empty Pygmy Hippo, across from Snow Leopard, but I mentioned the need to expand the Snow Leopard and Jaguar enclosures.

The Zoo put forth a plan (illusion?) to create a new enclosure for the Jaguar in the space of the old Sea Lion Pool.  How serious that plan is, who knows, they previously had it slated for Andean Condors.  Personally, I don't like either idea.  I think the one Condor that has been on exhibit, the female Claudia, has been shuffled around enough since arriving.  She is now back in her original enclosure, and should just stay put.  I also like keeping all the Cats in one area.  So, I'm not a fan of moving the Jaguar out of the Lion House area.

So, yea, I have ideas for the Jaguar and the Snow Leopard.  Projects pending funding that I think should happen after the Orangutans get new enclosures built at Triple Grotto.  Maybe nobody even cares what I think.  But, I keep putting my ideas out there, as I think they are doable, as well as logistically well thought out.  And certainly better than what Director Peterson approved for the current Snow Leopard hallway, Orangutan shit-show, and the Madagascar disaster.  At least these ideas would create larger enclosures for the Jaguar and Snow Leopard, and together with keeping the Lion House home to Our Lions and another Cat species (seemingly Tigers would be only ones that can be contained without netting), all creating a good looking Cat area.  We had that before when there were four Cat yards, before Peterson's nonsense of taking down both walls, when only one double-wide would have been sufficient, and Cats could have been rotated into the larger one. She couldn't have done it with giving them more room in mind, when she allowed the new Snow Leopard enclosure to be disgusting small.  It's literally a cluttered hallway, and shorter than the one in my flat.

When the Snow Leopard expansion was built a few years ago, it was allegedly supposed to have a second phase that included an overhead trail that crossed the path north, down south gate, running parallel to Therapy Horses.  A larger space that would accommodate rotation between Raj, the current male on exhibit and his two offspring who are currently off exhibit.  That plan needs to be completed.

The Jaguar is currently housed in the old Snow Leopard enclosure.  He seems content, and that enclosure is supposedly larger than the one he was in at Sacramento Zoo.  That said, he should have more room.  The original plan was to move him into Cat Yard B.  Keeper Staff voiced concern about escape as it is not netted.  Peterson's approved fix was to add metal panels around the perimeter to prevent any breaches over the walls.  Keeper Staff again voiced concern that was not proper containment.  The plan to move Tikal the Jaguar there were scrapped.  Like with Triple Grotto renovation for Orangutans, money wasted on fixes, rather than doing something the right way at the start.  

In my opinion, there seems to be two places in that area to expand the Jaguar's current enclosure.  Into the path and towards the Pudu and Tortoise enclosures, but not removing them, or via overhead trail to large empty area at east end of Lion House. Which is a newer thought.  

This aerial photo shows 

both Jaguar and Snow Leopard views.

Red = Existing Enclosures,

Yellow = Expansions + Trails,

Blue = Path Redirecting

I looked at those areas yesterday and took these photos, of both Jaguar area ideas, and view of Snow Leopard area.

Snow leopards path where trail could be, left side to expansion

Jaguar looking at area that could be used for expansion moving into right of photo.

Photo ... I couldn't upload the photo for some reason.  I want this to post before today's Vote Meeting, so I'll try again later.

So yea,  I want to see alot of life back in the area of the Cat Yards.  I want a new Pygmy Hippo, I want the Lions to stay IN the Lion House,  I want a both Cat Yards with Cats, and in time when funding available, I want a Snow Leopard expansion like there was supposed to be, and I want a Jaguar expansion.  That whole end where Pygmy Hippo was, can feel a bit deserted.  It was like that for too long when Tucker Hippo left, and now again since Akobi left, and when Lions are in Yard A, and B is empty, it's sad.

Aerial of Cat Yards, Pygmy Hippo, 

Snow Leopard, and Jaguar (E).

No Pandas. ... Keep this area intact, populated and improve it.

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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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

There's An Alternative To Ruining The Lion House For Pandas

This is that long awaited fourth post in the Orangutan/Panda Outrage series.  Finally.  

I decided to try and finish this post before the Board's Vote on Tues, because if the vote to remove Tanya Peterson as Director is successful, the few other posts I have regarding her mismanagement may not be relevant.  That would also mean, I can retire for the most part from blogging!   Can't wait!

That said, regardless of the outcome, the fact remains the same, bringing Pandas to Our Zoo is insanity at the most irresponsible level.  AND displacing the Lions from their home, and building them a new enclosure, to install Pandas is not only pure craziness, but a disrespect and slap in the faces of every Animal currently living at Our Zoo that has a Need, especially the Orangutans.

One can only hope if Peterson is ousted, the Panda Plan goes with her.  Unfortunately, the Zoological Society and any newly appointed Director could still ignore current Zoo Needs and move forward with an unnecessary Want. 

So, I'll move forward and continue with this post, and rehash what I think (well several others on staff have agreed), is the more logical and logistical place for Pandas, if someone still insists on acquiring them.

Let's start at the beginning for a short (I hope) synopsis.  

The Panda Plan, both enclosure locations and fundraising efforts has evolved a bit in this last year plus, since then-Mayor Breed chased acquiring Giant Pandas for Our Zoo, all the way to China to get the "Letter of Intent".  It started when Breed asked China's President for Pandas at the close of the APEC Convention in The City in November 2023.  By February, Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, was selling the Illusion that the Zoo had an Asian Conservation Zone, with an area specifically designed for Giant Pandas.  That area, a long ago Hoofstock enclosure, and most recently used for too many years for human kids during Zoo Camp.  That area, was never before a planned Panda area, and had many chuckling upon hearing such, as they missed Tanya's interview in front of the location and the words Asian Conservation Zone come out of her mouth.  

Outrageously, Peterson was quoted in one news report, "We hope this impacts all of our animals positively, there's a growing awareness of conservation and the excitement forging pandas will spill over to Komodo dragons, orangutans and their conservation stories. There's an instant joy between humans and the giant panda."

How dare she speak about Komodo Dragons and Orangutans after how she treated our first Komodo and our current Orangutans.  There is seemingly no limit to her delusion about the harm she caused them and many others with her lack of compassion and empathy.  

While Breed was still in the picture, the plan was for a $4 Million renovation of one of the Cat Yards for a temporary enclosure and $20 Million for a new permanent enclosure in the Asian Zone.  When Breed was not re-elected, Peterson became the bigger face of the Panda chase.  Side observation, ... Where is Breed and all her Panda excitement?   Her absence just proves the Pandas were just an election tool to her.  

From the start I was vocal in posts about the cost of Pandas, and the irresponsibility of raising funds for Animals that don't already live at the Zoo, and the Needs of the current Residents, specifically the Orangutans.  I thought spending that amount of money on a temporary enclosure, was insane, especially since the Orangutans had been thrown in ancient Triple Grotto with no money spent on renovations FOR them.  Futher thought had me expressing that they should then just host the Pandas temporary, in the temporary location.  Two years was my thought, as any crowds flocking to see them would have waned by then, and the probability the Zoo wouldn't be able to afford past that anyway.  

As time ticked on, I continued to hear the Chinese Reps had visited the Zoo many times, concentrating on the Lion House location.  Though there was never any further info.  We now know that Peterson scraped the permanent enclosure, and plans to completely renovate the Lion House and both Cat Yards for Pandas permanently, however long that might last. There was some reporting that the lease was now three years instead of ten.  So much chaos and destruction for housing a species that is not long-term.

From the first time I heard about the Asian Conversation Zone, I had many interactions with staff, who like me wondered, Why aren't they going in old Black Rhino area?  Some even saying, they thought they were, as it is clearly the more obvious location.  

Now knowing Peterson's plan to remove the Lions from the Lion House, displacing the Lions, allegedly building them an new enclosure, although at this point, it's unknown if the Lions will even stay at the Zoo, it's back to the original wonder, Why isn't the old Black Rhino area being considered?  Seriously, if Peterson or another future Director, is hell-bent on Pandas, it seems to be a no brainer, compared to the destruction of the Lion House and the logistical landscape of the Cat area, which at one point was referred to as Cat Kingdom.  Unfortunately, it seems logic has not played a part in many of Peterson's decisions.  The whole shit-show that she approved at Orangutans is proof of that.

I know housing Pandas in the Lion House was put forth as cost saving, but it seems the cost of the renovations that have been put forth, plus the cost of a new Lion enclosure (if there's any real truth to that), could build a permanent enclosure in the old Black Rhino area.  In my opinion, it is unnecessary to have dayrooms, which the current Lion House plan includes, which seems to be in lieu of using the existing Cat caging as night quarters.  It is also unnecessary to have two huge outdoor spaces, which the plan shows as well.  I'm assuming they will be using one to grow bamboo?  That all said, the old Black Rhino area and the adjacent area going towards Grizzly Gulch, still seems to be the ideal location.  Not only would it also keep Bears near Bears, when the Zoo can no longer afford the Pandas, the Black Bears can get an upgrade and move there.

In addition to not destroying the Cat area, the construction at that location would be less chaotic at Bears.  As well, upon completion, that area is better equipped to handle crowds and large queue lines, that could extend down south gate if they cleaned that area up.  Now that there is the stupid new train track extension, Visitors who don't want to stand in line might even be able to see them from the train.  Just seems like a winning situation over using and ruining the Lion House.

Yea, there will still be the cost issue, but is it really that much, especially if there is only one yard and night quarters?  And it's an investment in the use of the enclosure in the future, unlike the destruction of the Cat yards which would require the cost of overhead netting of the whole area in order for it to house Cats again after Pandas.  As well the tear-down cost of the dayrooms inside the Lion House.  Those reversal costs should be taken into consideration, otherwise the whole Lion House area will be left vacant when the Pandas leave, just like too many other empty enclosures.

Photo of area... Orange line indicates South Gate, Snow Leopards to Therapy Horses.  Red lines indicate fences closing path on Snow Leopard and Therapy Horse sides.  Red outline is of unused area from South Gate (Snow Leopard/Hippo) north to Grizzly Gulch.  Red box in outline is specific area referenced.

Enlarged view of specific area.  I think the area to be considered should be the "Don't Remember" area, so that there isn't a space between, so that in the future Black Bears can go there.  And if Pandas stay indefinitely, then maybe a new area for Black Bears can happen in Old Black Rhino area.  That is what what I'd like to see this area develop into.   Well, because of the cost, I'd like no Pandas at all, and if that was the case, then Black Bear upgrade and Polar Bears, is what I'd like to see.

Looking further into the future (if Pandas occupy that space), going up South Gate towards Snow Leopard, moving south from Old Black Rhino, I'd like to see a new Polar Bear enclosure built with under viewing and yard, and next to that going towards and adjacent to Pygmy Hippo (which in my opinion, we should have already gotten another one!), a new Nile Hippo enclosure with under water viewing and yard.  I know, No Money.  But one can dream, that someday there will be a management team that fundraises for Needs and things that appeal to Visitors.  And of course, not before the Orangutans get a new home built, at least two Monkey enclosures are built (we need Monkeys!), and expansions to Jaguar and Snow Leopard happens.

Related Posts:  The Orangutan/Panda Outrage Series in order.

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/timeline-of-great-ape-disrespect.html

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-moral-crime-of-bringing-pandas-to.html

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/what-will-happen-if-panda-plan-goes.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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFrancicoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Excitedly Anticipating Our Zoo Free Of Tanya Peterson

I was invited to be included in a letter writing effort in Support of Tanya Peterson's Removal as Director of Our Zoo.  I am grateful to be given the opportunity for my voice to be heard in a direct line to the Zoo Board.

I just finished and sent my letter.  Now we wait.

Like my posts, my Letter got alittle lengthy, so I separated it into two parts, the main part pertaining to Tuesday's Board Vote, and some Animal Welfare Issues that I felt should be included.  I could never make full list of all Tanya Peterson's Offenses, for the purpose of a letter or just one blog post.  So I included half a dozen that first came to mind.  Much like many of my most recent posts that I have rehashed key issues to illustrate Peterson's mass mismanagement, it was a similar endeavor.

It's still early in the day, I had thought to continue on and finish the last post in my Orangutan/Panda Outrage series, but considering what's going on, I might wait til next weekend.  We'll see.  What I will do is post those Issues from my letter, as I had planned at some point in the near future to do a short illustration for anyone coming late to the party.

--- Some of the Animal Welfare Issues allowed to happen under Tanya Peterson's Directorship.

*2010 Andean Bears ... Both lived exclusively on concrete.  The female passed away in-part due to mobility issues stemming from living on concrete.  The male had a seizure in front of me that was disregarded as such.  He then had another similar issue that left him unable to walk.  I was told by a Keeper it was known his bones were breaking down for years due to living on concrete.  He lost his life because he couldn't walk.  He was otherwise healthy.  I personally crusaded for soft surfaces to be added to his enclosure.  Even contacting Board Members.  No one cared.

*2013 Komodo Dragon ... A male was acquired, one of Tanya's shiny new toys welcomed with fan-fare, then ignored.  He lived in a terrarium for five years.  When he arrived he was supposed to get a new home built within year and a half.  I was told Tanya vetoed every design, saying too expensive.  Komodo out-grew the terrarium to the point that he couldn't access night quarters, or turn around.  A bump grew at the base of his tail, that was not attended to for six months, at which point it was four inches off his body.  When he finally had surgery, it was diagnosed as genetic, yet the Zoo he came from that breeds Komodos told me there were no others that had that condition. I suspect his bones did not grow properly due to cramped quarters.  I was also told that allegedly he was dropped.

*2015 Chimpanzees ... Board Members should be familiar with their story.  1997 City Bond money delegated for their new home, was misappropriated and no fundraising done to replace it.  2014 after the loss of one female the year before, Tanya decides to kick-out Chimps, seniors who had lived at the Zoo over forty-five years. I crusaded for them, saving them with the help of a news story that created public outrage.  

*2018 Squirrel Monkeys ... Group of twenty retired from laboratory experiments, arrived in 2010, with a donation of $250,000 for a retirement home to be built for them.  They were initially housed in an enclosure in the Primate Discovery Center.  After PDC was torn down for the disaster that is the Madagascar exhibit, the Squirrel Monkeys were housed in various locations, some transferred out.  At which time I saw that one group was being kept in a concrete room with one window and no outside access.  I was told they had been there 2-4 years.  They never got that home built, and no one seems to know what happened to that $250,000. 

*2018 Fossa ... Acquired without a dedicated enclosure. The Fossa lived in the hospital almost a year, before being moved to rusted old cages that hadn't been used in who knows how long.  They stayed there too long, before being moved to FCC, where at the very least they should have gone to begin with.  The Fossa enclosure built as part of the Madagascar exhibit finally opened in 2023.  The female was moved there.  The male remains at FCC, no room for them both in this ridiculously designed enclosure.  

*2019 Orangutans ... Acquired without a dedicated enclosure.  The Zoo the male came from told me they were told a new enclosure was being built for them.  Another one of Tanya Peterson's illusions.  She allegedly passed off the enclosure being built for Chimpanzees, as also being used for Orangutans.  No one questioned it.  So, the Orangutans lived here two years without a dedicated home, eight months of that time exclusively in the caged tubes of the skytrail.  IN cages!!!  In 2021 they were finally let into the Chimps old home, that was deemed by the AZA as outdated, with no renovation for them.  They have languished there on tiny concrete islands for four years with no new home being built for them in sight.

BUT, Hey, let's bring in Pandas for Millions of Dollars.

Tanya Peterson should have been fired for her treatment of the Orangutans alone.  Unfortunately she has remained there six additional years.  Let's all hope the vote is successful and we see the end to this seventeen year disgrace.

Related Post:

*Director Tanya Peterson - Will She Stay Or Will She Go?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/director-tanya-peterson-will-she-stay.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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Director Tanya Peterson - Will She Stay Or Will She Go?

It's as I've said before, something always happens to derail me from continuing on with my post goals.  This weekend I wanted to finish the fourth post in my Orangutan/Outrage series.  But, now I feel I should first say something about this important event in what could prove to be the greatest change Our Zoo has ever had happen.  It would be remiss of me to not to pause and post about this.

In my May 9th post I wrote, ... "This week presented two shocking turns of events within the Zoological Society.  I have chosen not to go into detail at this time, but feel noting that twists that could possibly save Our Zoo's future, are seemingly within reach.  At least that is what we are all hoping for."

Yesterday I woke-up to a message sharing the Chronicle's latest Zoo article.

"A union representative for San Francisco Zoo employees said Tanya Peterson, the CEO and executive director of the facility, is expected to face a vote on her potential ouster next week amid concerns about her leadership and the well-being of animals and staff."

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-tanya-peterson-20313664.php

I'm thankful to whoever alerted media about this.  I have been chomping at the bit wanting to break this news, since I first heard a version of this over a week ago.  I say a version, as there's a bit of curiosity still at large about that initial information that shocked those of us in the know eleven days ago.  That said, I would not have unless like many other things I'm privy to, it were something I could confirm with my own eyes.

May 6th, my day out ended with a text, "The Board fired Tanya, have you heard anything?"  Not gonna lie, a big smile formed and I was giddy with delight!  Unfortunately, it didn't last long, as I quickly learned that was allegedly initially true, but it was then rescinded.  There was a collective sigh and thought, We were so close!

Whether truth or rumor, something surely went down that day.  In that article from yesterday,  it is also reported that, "Peterson said she was not aware of a scheduled vote...", referring to next Tuesday's event.  Even if the information from May 6th was rumor, I find it hard to believe she does not know the jig may be up.

Speaking of up, if we get so lucky to see Tanya Peterson removed as the most destructive Director in Zoo history, who will be next up and take her place?

Hehe while probably accurate, just alittle fun.  I'm hoping the Board is smarter than I give them credit for and will look to a long-time member of our Animal Care Staff to replace Tanya. Someone who knows our Zoo, it's Needs and challenges. Someone with invested care for Our Zoo's Animals, and future.

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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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bisonlo

Memorial Mishaps - Far Too Many

Today is two months since Maggie Chimpanzee passed away on March 13.

There is still no Memorial for her.  Maybe I'm the only one who this means something to, but I doubt it.

Considering I've had this series of Orangutan/Panda Outrage posts to finish, I didn't know where to put this on the flow of things.  The post I finished and published Sunday should really be directly followed by it's intended successor, but the absence of a Memorial for Maggie has bothered me each and every week since she left us.

This past Sunday, Mother's Day, a Memory from my personal Facebook page came up.  Last year, May 11th was the day before Mother's Day.  I posted to my friends, my feelings about the Zoo still not publicly announcing Minnie's passing the week before on May 7th. ... "I have been waiting for the Zoo to announce Minnie's passing, before I post my tribute to her.  I feel I've given them enough time, and plan to post mine tonight, as it's not only respectful to acknowledge her in a timely manner, but I reference Mother's Day in my post and want it published by then." ...  It was important to me that I published on Mother's Day, in tribute to her having babies, even though she sadly never got to be a Mom. ... The Zoo still has never publicly acknowledged her passing.

I think that this coming up in Memories at this time means now is the time for me to say something about Maggie's Memorial, or rather lack of.  

I've written before about my disgust that every Zoo Resident's life is not acknowledged in their passing.  There is someone who becomes endeared to every Being they meet at the Zoo.  Whether that someone is a Visitor or Staff member, whether that Being is big or small, someone cares.  I know this, because many years ago I once met a gal who's favorite Zoo Friend was the Praying Mantis.  

I develop strong emotional attachments to my Zoo Friends, and when they leave us, it affects me.  Their lives mattered, and should be acknowledged.  It has been upsetting when one life is acknowledged with more fanfare than another's.  Some higher profile Animals will get press releases, while others not even a mention on social media.  The equal attention has always troubled me.  Not even a mention is really disrespectful, to both the Animal, and those who cared about them, and for them.

When Ulu Polar Bear passed away in 2017, it was the first time I had seen the Zoo do a Memorial in a big way, maybe any way at that point.  There was a sign, and they provided paper for people to leave notes to Ulu, memories, ect...

The next time I remember a substantial Memorial was when Cobby Chimpanzee passed away in June 2021.

After Cobby, both Chimpanzees Jamie (2021) and Minnie (2024), had the same type signage and receptacles for the public to leave flowers.  Unfortunately, the Zoo completely dropped the ball when they posted an invite on social media for Visitors to leave flowers, notes, ect, at the Gorilla enclosure for Jonesy after his passing.  The next day, there was no Memorial sign, no receptacle for flowers, no indication where to leave notes.  There was eventually a sign, but nothing else to make good on their invitation.

Minnie's Memorial is still standing at the Keeper entrance to Chimpanzees.  So, when Maggie passed away, I assumed Minnie's photo would change to Maggie's, and the receptacle that had been empty for the year, would be available to flowers for Maggie.   I'm still waiting.

This sign was put up in a timely manner.  

Unfortunately, that's where the acknowledgement at her home ended.  It states, "A Memorial will be put up soon, ..."  I don't know what soon means to the Zoo, but for me, two months and still nothing is not only not soon, but it's Shameful.  And Sad.

You can see in the photos above, one of the several the "soon" signs, is located just feet away from Minnie's Memorial.  Too many times I have seen people read the green "soon" sign, and then walk over to Minnie.  To most there is no distinction.  For me, it hurts my heart.  I feel bad that there has not been anything for Maggie.  I feel bad that I haven't been able to bring flowers for her.  How hard is it for someone on staff to print out a photo of Maggie, even with no tribute text, and replace Minnie's photo with Maggie's?  I'm sure Minnie wouldn't mind her sign being retired to acknowledge her Sister.

Considering that Director Tanya Peterson allegedly demands every little thing at the Zoo has to get her approval, this falls on her.  This kind of lack of acknowledgement and in consistent recognition is what happens when you have a Director who doesn't care.

Our Zoo really needs help if it can't even manage to do something as simple as respecting the Animals after they have left us.  They are the Souls of Our 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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison