Last week I crossed paths with a father at Black Rhino with his toddler. The toddler was running to the empty Cat Grotto B, and the father called out to him, "Let's see if the Tiger is there". I just walked by and said, " There is no Tiger". Tigers, Monkeys, Otters, Hippo. That's what Visitors are looking for. That's what people miss. And Claudia. We all miss Claudia.
For those who don't know my Zoo history, in brief, the Zoo has been a part of every year of my Sixty-Two year life. From an infant visiting Story Land, through my teens going to a Nature Trail open-call. Experiencing Giant Pandas, Golden Monkeys, the Mountain Lake Gator, Antoine Leblanc the white Alligator visiting from New Orleans, and celebrating the arrival of our Warthogs, African Lion Cubs, and the birth of Sumatran Tiger Triplets. Enjoying Members Nights, Zoo Parent Days, and Members Morning Birthday events. Visiting on the Holidays, including Christmas Day in 2007. I took the last photo of Tatiana, at 2:48p. She was happy, healthy, and lounging in the sun. Two hours later she was gone. After suffering a devastating loss in 2008, I sought solace in the Animals at the Zoo. I befriended Keepers, and learned about these wonderful Beings who were giving me some joy during an otherwise excruciatingly sad time. I further occupied my mind doing extensive research on all the Animals and the Zoo. I became endeared in a way that I hadn't before. I was also lucky to have my Enrichment Toy making idea embraced by the lead Big Cat Keeper, and spent ten months making toys and bringing joy to our three Tigers, four Lions, Snow Leopards and Fishing Cats, and on occasion our Bears. The Cat Grottos came alive every Saturday, when the toys arrived. Despite this time frame having a heavy cloud over Our Zoo, those first many years were some of the best of Zoo times.
Again, I digressed a bit, even bringing tears to my eyes, thinking about those times. Noting my history was not to be self-indulgent, but to describe a vibe that I think our Zoo needs to get back to. Times that not only had events that attracted an endeared and growing community, but had the Zoo filled with beloved Residents. There were no empty Animal enclosures. Each one was someone's home. Too much has changed. So many lost species. So many empty enclosures. All caused by so much destruction by the former Director. I want Our Zoo to have that vibe again, not just for myself, but for everyone. I want everyone that comes to the Zoo to be happily fulfilled by what they see, and endeared to Our Animals and Our Zoo. I believe it's vital to Our Zoo thriving into the future.
I've written many times about the need to build an endeared community, and the desperation for fundraising during the last eighteen years of neglect to both by the former Director. Both needed to keep Our Zoo thriving, and both go hand in hand with keeping the Animal Collection populated. The Animals are the draw. Not Art Installations, not Gardens. Not Fantasies, not Dreams of Grandeur, not Wants over Needs.
The ideas that I personally think would be beneficial to the Collection and to the delight of our Zoo going public, is what I will share. I've written about some of these things before, some in same form, some with changes. Some of my ideas are firm, some are fluid. I put a lot of thought into my ideas. My thoughts are rooted in old Zoo Friends, some passed, some transferred out. Ideas that have grown from empty enclosures, and visitors words. Thoughts that take into consideration needs and funds. There might be a some that because of current lack of funding are a future fantasy, but none an illogical Fantasy (EcoPark), or an irresponsible Want (Pandas).
The biggest upset to Our Zoo Animal Family came with the 2018 Madagascar vanity project. We saw our Siamang (Ape), and six Monkey species transferred out. We had already seen our Aye Aye leave, so this was an exodus of eight Primate species in relatively the same time frame. In my opinion, the biggest fail, as "Monkeys" are historically the main attraction in Zoos. We currently have two Monkey Species, the Mandrills and the Langurs, the later the only save from the Madagascar evictions. So, Monkeys, are obviously among my top thoughts.
As noted above, thoughts about funding have been considered. On one end, there's an enclosure that has sat empty since Our two Tigers were sent to San Diego, five years ago. If it wasn't for the Panda holdout, it's Tiger ready. At the other end, a huge funding issue will present itself when the Orangutans move out of the Triple Grotto site. I'm concerned that it will sit vacant for years. How that will not only look in a focal point of the Zoo, but to Visitors perspective of Our Zoo.
New homes for Galapagos and Aldabra Tortoises, and acquisitions of Tiger, Pygmy Hippo or Capybara, are among my top immediate doable ideas. Followed by the return of Otters, which would require some funding as an expansion is in order, then the Langur redesign, which would also allow for another species of Monkey.
In my opinion, these are some of my thoughts that should be a more obvious priority than Pandas, but also the reported plan to add in a second female Orangutan, and Gibbons to live with the current pair of Orangutans when they move from Triple Grotto to the Pachyderm enclosures. I think letting our current pair settle into an appropriate home and develop a relationship and routine beyond what they were forced to mentally adapt to living first in the caged tubes, followed by in an outdated and inappropriate enclosure, would seem in their best interest. I'm not a fan of bringing in a second female, and adding Gibbons to create a mixed Species group, is a fun idea, but with them having a breeding recommendation, I think a new permanent home and possibly a babie, seem like enough changes. Maybe Gibbons should be a down the road Want. I've actually included them and/or Siamangs into every one of my Triple Grotto site redesign thoughts.
That all said, further thought notations will be included with photos. This first one is of all the enclosures I will make note of. Enlarged versions with text will follow in alphabetical order, not reflecting the order of priority.
A Partial Vacant Space East of Tropical Building
B Partial Vacant Space East of Tropical Building
C Former Sea Lions
D Current Black Bears
E Current Wolves
F Current Grizzly Grotto
G Current Grizzly Gulch
H Vacant Space North of Gulch
I Vacant Space South (Gate) of Former Hippo
J Vacant Former Hippo
K Current Black Rhino
L Current Snow Leopard x2
M Space Adjacent to Snow Leopard x2
N Current Turtles / Former Otters
O Space South of Turtles
P Current Langurs
Q Garden Space North Adjacent to Langurs
R Vacant Former Eagle/Previous Patas Monkeys
S Current Orangutans (Two Grottos+Nite House)
T Vacant Grotto+Space
U Current Aldabra Tortoises
V Vacant Former Pond, Filled In
W Existing In Use Farm Corral
This area, showing A, B, and C, needs attention. The Sea Lion Pool (C) has been vacant for over six years. I was sad when it was filled in. Not only did it hold personal nostalgia, I liked that we had a place where non-releasable Marine Mammals could land if need be. I miss our Silent Knight and Henry, and hearing their Barks throughout the Zoo. That said, it's already been filled in, and allegedly due to the cost of repairs to the pipe system. The Zoo first planned to build an Andean Condor enclosure there, then one for the Jaguar.
My thoughts for this area, require funding for new builds. This thought is working off my previously stated feeling that we should have an enclosure for Mountain Lions, based on the too often non-releasable Cubs that come into human care. I'd like to see the Zoo revisit the Jaguar design for Mountain Lions, in the space of C, and if more space needed moving into B. I think building an available enclosure for this species is a necessity, as I fear at some point homes for these babies in Zoos will dry up and they will not be given the chance at life.
Forgot I also took some photos at the actual locations, so will be including them here as well. The one above is of the A/B area. The one below is of C.
If that were to happen, keeping with the flow of Western region Rescues, which would then be Mountain Lion, Black Bears, Grey Wolves, and Grizzly Bears, I'd like to see A and B be used for Condors. If space for two Aviaries, A for Andean Condor, and B for California Condor. The Andean would be the perfect segue way off the Tropical Building, and the California the perfect neighbor on one side, as the only other Condor species, and a state connection to the Mountain Lion on the other side. If the A/B space can only fit one species, I would choose considering one factor. Is it possible Claudia can come back to SF, after she ages out of the breeding program she was sent to Nashville to participate in? If so, of course I'd want Andean. If not, then California. If so, and funding and space was available for both, I'd build and wait for Claudia to return.
I realized after finishing most of this post, that I left out one of my main and immediately doable ideas. It involves Claudia's former home at the Puente. When I went to make an overhead of that space, I realized I could also include A/B and then thought about the Open Space between the two. Not sure if that area is a viable option, I tend to think not, but if so, maybe an option for an Andean Condor Aviary, as it's across the path from Puente. That said, I really only think we should have a Andean Condor again, if there's a chance Claudia could come back. Note the only reason I'm showing alternate locations is because I was told the enclosure that Claudia was previously in at the Puente (indicated in red) had become no longer appropriate.
The idea that I almost forgot is in regard to Our Galapagos Tortoises. After seeing the huge enclosure for the Radiated Tortoises in the Madagascar area, I immediately revisited my thoughts about new locations for the Aldabra Tortoises (which I cover more about in the next post) and subsequently the Galapagos Tortoises, after I witnessed a seemingly tight squeeze out the door from their night quarters in their current enclosure next to Pudu.
When Condor Claudia left in early March, I wondered who would be the new occupants of her enclosure at the Puente. Then last month it hit me, her space is seemingly the perfect place for the Galapagos Tortoises. Like with their current location my only concern would be if the night quarter door is large enough, but if needed, that seems like an easy alteration to make. Last week, I asked someone about this idea, and they said it's been talked about! Happy to hear my idea aligned with the Zoo's. Hopefully it works out, I really like this space for them.
If this were to happen, maybe the Galapagos current space next to Pudu would work for Tica the Ocelot, providing they can landscape it to a level she would be comfortable with. Before the Tortoise thought for Puente, when I first heard Tica had been moved off exhibit, I thought about Claudia's space for her. Then they showed her thriving off exhibit and I was happy to see that. The space she's in at off exhibit area FCC, is landscaped in such a way, it appeared dense, with lots of hiding places. I would hope a similar environment would have to be created for her to move back down to the main Zoo. It would be nice to see her, but whatever's best for her. That said, since originally writing this, I also learned that she and Dorian the male Fossa are neighbors at FCC and that is providing enrichment for both. So, even though I'd like to see Tica again, it seems like her being at FCC is working out in everyone's best interest. I mention this instead of just removing this idea altogether, because a couple years ago Tica participated in Artificial Insemination that didn't take. If she is still in the Breeding Program, maybe we could get a male one day and that space could again be used for a small Cat species.
The areas of H and I have been vacant for many years, so far back that I can't even remember what Animals last occupied the northern part of H towards Grizzly Gulch. Note the area of H is actually two large enclosure spaces. Not sure why I didn't separate them. The southern part was last occupied by Black Rhino. I've shared my thoughts for this area before, starting with the idea that the space neighboring Grizzly Gulch could be turned into another Gulch type enclosure for the Black Bears. Seeing them have a larger, natural home would be an enriching new adventure for them. When Pandas came into play, I thought put Pandas there. Seems like the logical place, but logic was not part of the plan. Build for them and when we can no longer afford them or they get repossessed, the Black Bears could move in. In my opinion that is the better idea rather than displacing Our Lions, ultimately losing them to another Zoo and destroying THEIR House. For the southern side, I would someday like to see the return of Polar Bears, and to an enclosure that included underwater viewing. I researched the captive population and there doesn't seem to be that many in Zoo's, so not even sure they are obtainable. As well, because of funding and other doables on the list, that would be a far off idea to entertain, but an enjoyable one for myself and the many others who I know miss Our Polar Girls.
The area of I, is located behind a closed path. This area called South Gate, has been closed nearing fifteen years. It used to house three species of Hoofstock, Black Buck, Muntjacs, and Yellow Back Duikers. It runs along the west side of the path that is parallel to Skyline, across from the backside of the Therapy Horses. It's south-west gate neighbors the former Hippo enclosure. That said, as I have maintained since Nile Hippo Tucker was transferred to Cincinnati, the Zoo should plan to bring back Nile Hippos. Tucker was hugely popular, and is greatly missed by regulars. This is a huge space, and logistically situated. Again, a new build that would require a large amount of funding, but would sit in my second place slot for such an endeavor, behind a new build at Triple Grotto. The later only because of the focal eyesore it's vacancy will be, and of course I want to see the return if Chimpanzees. That said, losing Our Chimpanzees is going to sting for some time, so hard to imagine replacements right now. So, if Orangutans can keep Triple Grotto still alive when they move to the Chimpanzees Pachyderm enclosures, Hippo is in my top spot I think. I really wish there could be simultaneous large scale funding for Hippo, Mountain Lion, and Triple Grotto. In my opinion all important in their own right. On the Hippo front, Tucker sired offspring Fritz, who will be four this August. It seems that he will need to be rehomed at some point, as the enclosure in Cincinnati will become too crowded with four adult Hippos. I don't know if we own Fritz, but acquiring him should be looked into. I have maintained he would be an instant draw, to Hippo fans, to Tucker fans, and to Cincinnati Hippo lovers who are attached to him, and would possibly come here to see him. In my opinion, the lasting draw of a Nile Hippo would far out weigh that of Pandas.
I'm only on board with Pandas, if using the Lion House is NOT involved. And if the lease is temporary, two/three years tops. Panda expenses will not be sustainable for reported ten years. And any enclosure built for them can later be used for a Black Bears upgrade.
The area shown of J and K, is the most recently former Pygmy Hippo (J) and current Black Rhino (K). The former Hippo area when it sits across from a vacant Cat Yard B is sad, and creates an empty, ghost town feel. Doesn't help that they partially dismantled the Hippo yard, and several times floated random plants in the pool. So, let's talk about Pygmy Hippo first. When we first got Akobi, allegedly we were to get a female as well. Maybe that was just a rumor. Reality happened and Akobi was moved to Houston for future breeding. I was told SF was his transitional home. I have also been told that this enclosure is too small for a breeding pair, and that there are possibly issues with the indoor pool, size and/or temperature needs. If the later is an accurate issue, and if it can be fixed, it should be. That said, it is seemingly still part of the Zoo's plan to breed the adjacent Black Rhino, which would require expanding into the former Hippo area. That said, where on the Zoo to-do list that falls, who knows. Meanwhile, the Hippo vacancy was a year and a half ago. Could we not have gotten another Pygmy Hippo in transition? Or another water using species like Capybara, who I've wanted to see brought back to the Puente. If that happened, and the Rhino expansion was put into motion, coinciding with the departure of a Pygmy Hippo to it's intended permanent home, the Capy's could then move to Puente.
All I know is that area needs life. Someone occupying J and a Tiger Species in Cat Yard B, should be high on the Zoo's to-do list. The later would of course require the Zoo to let go of the current Panda Plan. Abandon altogether or just for now, keeping Our Historic Lion House for Lions and another Big Cat species, and wait for years in future when a build along side Grizzly's is fundable, and Our Zoo is hopefully stable and thriving.
The area in the photo above, shows L/M x2 shows L as two current Snow Leopards, and M as adjacent space that could include two future expansions, re-routing path (yellow). Current Pudu and Tortoise enclosures untouched.
That said, I changed my mind since originally writing this. This was a secondary thought, because the Snow Leopard expansion that happened six years ago, had a phase two that seemed like it would never happen. Phase two supposedly included a skytrail across the path into the south east side of South Gate, which I liked (viewable in newer photo above). When I walked by last week, I couldn't visualize expanding both current enclosures in the way I presented above. It worked space-wise but not aesthetically. I realized I still want the phase two idea for the Snows, and the cost and chaos would be less if the Zoo followed through with that idea. It would be nice to see them have more space. Again, another idea that would require a good amount of future funding. The expansion that was done several years ago, is a ridiculous topical design with limited floor space. Creating this scenario would give both Snows expanded space as one could have access to both L enclosures, and one to the trail and expansion (M), on a rotating basis.
Going to end this post here, and continue in the next post, which I already done and linked below. The blogger started typing slow, and not sure if that will affect reading scroll. Plus, this is long already. Assuming those who stuck with it this far will need a break.
Next/Related Posts:
*Continuation Of... - What I Think Our Zoo Needs aka What I'd Like To See
*MADagascar Disaster Needs Help - What I Think It Needs aka What I'd Like To See #3
Older/Related Post:
*What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part One
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/02/what-i-think-our-zoo-needs-part-one.html
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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.
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