Orangutans - Where Will They Go?

I left off my previous post, from last month, "Orangutans On Their Way" , 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/02/orangutans-on-their-way.html

... with this paragraph:

> As there is an Orangutan on the GAP (Great Ape Passage) sign,  Triple Grotto is the only place they can permanently go, so, I sure hope there is a plan to make Triple Grotto better for the Orangutans, and BEFORE they get here! <

That post was made in relation to a news article out of Erie, PA announcing the departure of the Erie Zoo's nine year old Orangutan Ollie, who is headed for the San Francisco Zoo! ... I was shocked this was happening so soon, since there was no place ready for him or the mate that is intended for him.

Since that post, I have asked a few questions, since the arrival of the male sounded soon, ...

*When are they coming?

*Where are they going?

*What is the renovation plan for Triple Grotto?

No one I had the opportunity to ask even as recent as this past Wednesday, has an answer to any of those questions. In fact most people, including staff, volunteers and members I know, didn't even know there was a plan set for them to come anytime soon and responded by saying, "Where are they going?"  

Information straight from Erie Zoo, has our new SFZoo Male Orangutan Ollie's last day on exhibit this Sunday and him leaving as early as next week.  There are many posts to the Zoo's Facebook, as well as these two news video's about Ollie's departure.

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-last-chance-to-visit-ollie-the-orangutan-this-weekend_20190328165421/1883166449?fbclid=IwAR21rjCFjouObz8pZryb57iVlQPdR-wX4vGs9Asg_C7X4qTl4vaReJGd90s

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-ollie-leaving-part-2_20190328170009/1883176812?fbclid=IwAR0N1VtXdfcVTUcLTYu5bdp9Kh_8-EXyMryR4vKYakKwfFZni3p3CONJseI

So, its happening and its happening now!?  ... Some Ollie pix next and keep reading below for more about this curious timing of bring in Orangutans.  

Screencap from Erie Zoo Facebook Page

Visit this link for beautiful photos of adorable Ollie and his beautiful Family, through the years since his birth, at the Erie Zoo.  I hope the San Francisco Zoo will surprise me and not sell off his name to the highest bidder.  

https://www.goerie.com/photogallery/PA/20190328/NEWS/314009996/PH/1

So with all the confirmation on Erie Zoo's side, the question still remains, Where does the San Francisco Zoo plan to put the Orangutans?   

That said, let's consider these facts (as I know them):

*The new Great Ape Passage sign shows an Orangutan.  This Species will be housed in this area, and when all is completed, most likely be rotating with Chimps between surrounding habitat areas (Dayroom, new Yard attached to Pachy Building, and possibly (what I thought) a renovated Triple Grotto).  This will be nice for all involved. 

*As of over a week ago, Chimps no longer had access to Triple Grotto. Doors closed and signs down. A couple months ago, I heard this was imminent, and it made me sad. They had lived there for fifty years and I would think might still feel attached to it.  I would have liked to seen them retain access at least to the North Grotto, and at the very least, until the new yard was completed and full integration with new Chimp.  The issue of the new yard NOT even being finished, is in my opinion a big one. In fact it doesn't even look barely started, even though they have been working on it for many months, although last couple weeks haven't heard much.  You can see in the photo, it only looks like the perimeter is mapped out (left side).  As of last week, they were still putzing about with the second Skytrail, that has only had one pole up for over a week.  SO without Triple Grotto, they appear to have NO outside access, except for the Skytrail, which I haven't even seen, only heard its happened on occasion.

*Triple Grotto is in need of a renovation.  At the very least, something as simple as I've outlined before, which suggested filling moat and glass/fencing off perimeter. Also by doing that, the North and Middle Grottos would provide a huge space, and they could use the South Grotto which is off exhibit, to build new bedrooms. For thirty years, the Chimps literally sat like bumps on a log, upon the structures, staring out at the people.  The islands are small and with structures, leaving basically no topical area.  They need the structures, but also need space.  

*The second Skytrail is being attached to the Triple Grotto night quarters, at the South Grotto side.  This will provide access to the new Yard.  I was told many years ago the the night quarters were in bad shape.  There should have been some work done on the night quarters before that and definitely before the Orangutans would occupy.  I don't recall any upgrade taking place, as the Chimps still used those bedrooms up til less than two weeks ago.  So, this must mean the Orangutans will have to use the old bedrooms?  Forever?  Because seemingly, if new bedrooms aren't built or old ones renovated before they move in, when and how will they be done?

While this is a digression, I feel like this additional information in regard to Triple Grotto is on topic. ... The outdated Triple Grotto was one of the reasons our Chimps became vulnerable to losing their home.  Our group had lost a member, reducing the size to three, with AZA requirements of four or more.  The AZA would not send the Zoo more to live in Triple Grotto unless it was upgraded.  With the 1997 City Bond money that was in part for a new Chimp habitat, mysteriously disappeared, and not one Donor stepping up over the last two decades to fund a new habitat or even upgrade (shameful!) for the Chimps, that opened the door for Director Peterson to try and kick them out.  So, its documented as outdated and not a proper habitat.

Director Peterson and the Zoological Society have allegedly been pushing to acquire Orangutans for years.  Their wants were the main catalyst for Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps and replace them with Orangutans.  So it is not a surprise they are coming, the timing is what is so surprising to everyone.  No one thought it would be this soon, as in, before there was a proper habitat for them.  

The SFZoo seems to be in the habit of acquiring new Animals with no appropriate place to house them at the time of their arrival, so wondering what's going on isn't far fetched.  The order of construction projects is curious.  The Chimp project is not finished, and they start demolishing the Primate Center for the Madagascar project.  Snow Leopard Expansion area is cleared out and ready.  Now Triple Grotto?  That is four projects.  It seems logical that the Chimp Yard should have been finished first, even more so now that the Orangutans will seemingly need access to it immediately.  The Triple Grotto next, although that still begs the question where will their night quarters then be?  Then, the Snow Leopards (which frankly should have been done before we acquired a breeding pair, knowing within a year any Cubs would be adult size and need more room).  Other needs should then fall into order, including habitats for displaced Monkeys, Condor habitat, Bird Aviaries, Secure Barriers, and THEN the Primate Building should have come down, and THEN Madagascar.

To the nay-sayers who think I don't know what I'm talking about, let's then talk about these facts...

*The Chimps.  Yes for me it always goes back to the Chimps.  Disrespected and back-burnered for decades, left to just sit there year after year in the same old enclosure while new ones popped up around them for newly acquired Animals.  As I said, no one associated with donating funds or fundraising gave a shit about these poor Beings, only donating for their personal shiny new toys.  And again, I'm sorry for regular readers, but to those who say that's not true (because I've heard this repeatedly) they have a new Dayroom and are getting a new Yard.  Yes, that's because I crusaded on their behalf.  Left to the Zoo Director, they's be in Florida or dead, by some peoples opinions.  What they are getting now, is not because of something the Zoo wanted to do for them, its because the Zoo ended up with its back against the wall after my crusade created public outrage. 

*Moving along in order, Squirrel Monkeys.  They came with locked money for a new habitat.  Still haven't gotten it.  In fact a small group are living in a room and have had no outdoor access for at least three years.

*Komodo Dragon.  Promised a new habitat within a year of arrival.  The original "terrarium" was supposed to be temporary.  It became his home for over five years, until he was so big he could barely turn around in it.  Contrary to what the Zoo told people, his health had nothing to do with the original timeline for a proper habitat.

*Condors.  The female who used to live at the Puente, was only supposed to be here temporarily while her home Zoo built her a new habitat. Allegedly some covert change of hands happened and SFZoo became her permanent home, and her previous home Zoo was shit out of luck for a Condor when it was ready to open its new exhibit.  SF was sent a male to breed with her, even though there was no proper habitat for them.  She moved off exhibit to be introduced.  Over two years later, they have still never been in with eachother. They are still off exhibit, as the habitat that is still assumed for them on the east side of the Tropical Aviary, has still not been built.  What's taking so long?

*Fossa.  These poor Animals make me want to cry.  When they arrived almost three years ago, everyone's thought was, Why (at this time)?  There was no place for them.  Rumor was they would be built a habitat in the Primate Center, right away, but after almost two years of them living in quarantine and off exhibit caging, they still had nothing in the works.  The area where their habitat was supposed to be, THEN became the Madagascar project.  So, they must now wait til that's done. So, five years after arriving they may finally get a home.  Again, we all ask, Why? What was the rush in acquiring them before having a home for them?  They are fine now, they finally got moved to the FCC (Feline Conservation Center) with the other Animals without homes. They should have went there directly after quarantine. The short string cages they were in for near a year were awful.  Those cages and the Squirrel Monkeys in the room, are heartbreaking.

So yea, I think I've illustrated why bringing Orangutans, or any other Animals to the Zoo at this time is just not right.

I can only think of two scenarios, either they are going to just dump this poor guy and his intended missus into Triple Grotto as is, or leave him/them languish in quarantine til they do upgrades, if that is even in the plan.  Unfortunately that seems like the only logical and logistical scenarios.  If there were housing for them in the Pachy Building (which I have never heard there was), I could see them doing this and then when new Yard is done, rotate with Chimps in Dayroom, while Triple Grotto gets renovation, but they still need someplace to sleep, unless they use Triple Grotto night house or Dayroom, but using Triple Grotto night quarters would seem to mean those bedrooms never get upgraded?  I don't know, just going through possibilities that could work best for these new Residents, as it seems like things aren't going to be optimum for them.  At least not for some time.  I hope I'm wrong.

It is apparent by the info put forth by the Erie Zoo, that it is time for Ollie to find a new home, where he can mature naturally and eventually start his own Family.  BUT they have also noted in a comment, that this "time", could be within the next year.  SO, I must ask, What is the rush?  Why is he being moved out of his current home, right now?  To a place that has no appropriate housing for him?  Maybe I'm missing something, but I doubt it.  It seems someone, the AZA/SSP?, our SFZoo Director?, someone is rushing this, and for what reason I can't figure.  A move right now is NOT in the best interest of this Animal.  Shame on whoever has had a voice in Ollie's transfer at this time.  Its wrong.  His move should wait at the very least until the new Yard is done and new bedrooms built at Triple Grotto.

This is posted on the Erie Zoo Website in regards to Ollie's move.  It makes me sad.  They are under the delusion that there is a wonderful new habitat here waiting for him.  There currently is not. Yes he will have access to the Dayroom.  This can't happen until the new Yard is done, otherwise Chimps will be in lock-down in bedrooms.  Yes he will have access to the new Yard. Who knows when that will be done.  So, right now,  unless the Zoo works some magic quick, there is no other thought I can have than to assume he will be living and sleeping in old Triple Grotto as is. 

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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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Chimpanzee Introductions! Cobby and Qadeer Sharing the Same Space!

Another piece in the new and enriching journey of our Chimps!

Last week, I happened upon the first day of introductions between Cobby and Qadeer!  So exciting!  I had no idea they were at this stage yet, as last I knew they were still at the distance stage, first of three, that included subsequent stages of separation by glass and then fencing.  So I was shocked when I shadowed the path viewing glass and saw Qadeer, then Cobby!

I had noticed that our three long-time residents had not had access to the Triple Grotto the visits I made the week before.  Someone said they heard that they were no longer going to be able to have access, as the Zoo was going to start renovating that for Orangutans.  I will post about this separately.   ... I only note it here as I have to wonder if introductions weren't fast-tracked because of the loss of access to the Triple Grotto and having the Dayroom as the Chimps only? enclosure area at this time?  Which would mean if they weren't introduced asap, then either Cobby, Maggie and Minnie would be locked in the Bedrooms, or Qadeer would.  You don't see the steam coming from my ears, but since the new yard is still no where near finished, if this is the actual scenario, that would mean the Chimps have no outside access.  The thought of this is very upsetting. 

I knew the plan was to introduce Cobby and Qadeer first (the two males), and then the girls.  You can view my video of short clips taken on my cell phone, as I was out of battery power on my camera, after spending the morning watching our Park Owls new babies!  You can view videos of the Owlets on my Youtube if interested.  

https://youtu.be/NBdYkqZOrVI

Ok, I digressed. I was so happy to be able to see this process in the early stages.  I didn't think it would be public, but lucky to have the experience.  I haven't talked about my interpretation with anyone, but as you can see, it seemed to be going very well.  I hope I'm right!

When I walked up, Cobby was in the top left corner, and Qadeer on the bottom.  For the most part Qadeer had range of the lower area and Cobby the top.  I watched for an hour and a half and while they stayed stationary in certain areas at times, there was initiation of play on Cobbys part, with what looked like him gesturing to Qadeer to join in the play.  While that didn't seem to put Qadeer off, he didn't accept the invite and retreated to the Keeper fence, where Curator Joe Knobbe gave him a mirror.  The mirror seemed to keep him comfortable.  ... The video opens with a smiling Cobby.  He was on top when I walked up and about twenty minutes later as he made his way around the room, he came over to the window, as he does when he sees me, and was smiling huge and gesturing about his new Friend!  I was happy that he wanted to share this with me, but also apprehensive to respond to him because I didn't want to interfere with what was going on, knowing Chimps behavior can easily change. I stepped back a bit and then he remembered the daily boot check, and stood up to see my boots.  So cute, he does this every visit!  Never gets old.  Then he sat back down, still smiling.  I didn't want him to think I didn't love him by not responding, so I smiled back and shook my head a bit to acknowledge and said, That's your new friend!  That's when I took the clip and he was still smiling, then went off.

I'm so happy that this appeared to be going smooth.  I was worried about us getting another male as Cobby hasn't been around another male for near fifty years.  Maggie and Minnie have never been with other Chimpanzees, except Cobby and our beloved Tallulah.  I Love our Chimpers, they have been great in behavior toward Qadeer.  Qadeer had it rough in his previous social group, so this needs to be good for all of them. 

The next day, was the same between them.  No close interaction, but I witnessed another initiation of play from Cobby.  Will add the link when I post it, and definitely to the first day video.

https://youtu.be/UgKkFD48ozY

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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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Barrier Breaching - Recent Incidents at Two Zoos

New Years Day a news story came through about a Toddler "slipping through a barrier" during a Rhino Encounter at the Brevard Zoo in Florida.  

At the time, with the New Year, I had been thinking about what issues I was going to continue to post about, and came up with very little.  Having written about Barrier Breaching at our San Francisco Zoo for going on eight years now, I had pretty much done all that I could to get change and safety for our Zoo Friends.  I had repeatedly documented the barrier breaching offences, in every way I could.  I posted via blog, a Facebook Group I made, YouTube, Twitter, ... I had publicly, shared to the Zoo, AZA, and Media. 

After over a year of including them in my tweets, the AZA had contacted me and requested more information.  At the time, they had known about this already, so I'm not sure what the angle was in contacting me, but the end result a couple years later, remains the same.  Not one thing has changed at the hot spots, barriers that are at four Code Red Animal enclosures.  Black Rhino, Hippo, Black Bears and Grizzly Bears, all have barriers that people can misbehave at, which can possibly end with someone accidentally ending up in an enclosure and our Animals being killed. 

Neither the Zoo and its governing entity the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has any problem with the existing barriers (at SFZoo), as is.  ... Nothing more I can do, except pray no one falls in and our Animals stay safe.  ... That said, I decided not to post anymore about the barriers, and to not worry about the lack of updates to the FB Group. 

I have noted in everything I've written that the barriers need to be, at the very least "fool" proof, to cover accidental entries.  I don't understand the resistance to keep the Animals safe and by proxy their biggest concern, the Humans.  By putting up at least a solid barrier with some sort of spiking (I suggested the bamboo like at our Anteater) that would physically deter people from sitting and standing on the barriers.  The only other issue would then be those who on rare occasion would for whatever reason voluntarily enter an enclosure.  I'm told glassing in whole enclosures is too expensive.  So I am then to guess that rolling the dice and crossing fingers is the way to go and if you end up having to kill an Animal that may come in contact with a Human, then that's the cheaper way to go versus "full" proof barriers? 

At the SFZoo we can even get appropriate signage NOT to misbehave in general and certainly not serious words about barrier breaching.  We have got a mishmash of small signs, here and there, with most understandable one being the smallest and less prevalent.  Especially at Bears where there is near 100 ft of barrier and only four signs.  Its irresponsible and embarrassing.  .. That said about signage, people don't always read them, but its something, if you're not going to take any other precautions.

If someone falls in accidentally, or enters voluntarily, the end game is the same for the Animals.  If they go anywhere near the Human, they are shot.  Dead.  Why doesn't anyone take this seriously?  I welcome anyone at our SFZoo to explain this to me, because after eight years, I just don't get it.  

So, let's come back to today.  The catalyst for once again writing about this.  I back burner-ed the Rhino incident at the Brevard Zoo (AZA), and moved on.  Then today, we have the news of the Jaguar attack at Wildlife World Zoo (Non-AZA).  Here we have two examples of both sides of the issue. 

The Rhino incident was accidental but could have been avoided if the Zoo had a better barrier situation, and the Parent was watching their kid.  I see some messed up Parenting, in the nano second it took to type that, at least four situations I've seen crossed my mind.  The most recent one, a couple weeks ago, two nannies sitting at Black Rhino, with their backs turned to the enclosure, staring down at their phones, while four Toddlers ran to the Rhino exhibit and started to scale the fencing.  Unbelievable.  ... The Rhino story also contained a quote from another Parent who went to the Rhino Encounter on a different day.

>The zoo has said this is the only such incident since the exhibit opened in 2009, but investigators said (name withheld) contacted them during the investigation, saying one of her grandchildren intentionally squeezed through the vertical bars and entered the rhino exhibit in 2010."I turned around, and I about had a heart attack," she told Channel 9 on Wednesday. "I snatched her so fast and got her out of there."<  

I'm sorry but What the Hell?  Why are people not watching Kids in their care?

Today's Jaguar story, a voluntary incident.  Thankfully the Zoo in Arizona did not kill the Animal.  I'm actually in line with their thinking and applaud them for being bluntly honest about the situation.  In SF, that Animal would be dead. ... On Sunday, the Zoo (Wildlife World Zoo) assured people that “nothing will happen to our jaguar.”  “She’s a wild animal and there were proper barriers in place to keep our guests safe,” the zoo tweeted. “Not a wild animals fault when barriers are crossed.” ..."Please understand why barrier are put in place".

Note: Published post before finding a photo of the Jaguar barrier.  Just screencaped this news video.  Having some additional thoughts. Will probably post again about this, since near twenty people have already read this post.

So let's end with the question,  Why people are so careless with their Kids lives and their own, not to mention putting any Animal they act the fool with, at risk of losing its life?  I read many comments, even by my friends, who use the words, stupid and dumb.  Myself, I'm not that nice to use such words for people I consider unworthy of niceties when they are making Animals vulnerable to losing their lives because of their misbehavior.  For me, I've grown intolerant of all misbehavior towards Animals.  I've seen too much in the past decade that I have spent a concentrated time at the Zoo and in the Park, to give any passes.  I do not think that in the age of technology anyone should be stupid. You can learn anything on the internet.  Learn to be Respectful of other Beings or stay the hell home.  

That said, in my hometown, I have seen a change in the population since the .com era.  People are the rudest, self-entitled bunch I have ever come in contact with.  It is that feeling of entitlement that I think guides many of these acts.  It certainly is what happened with the Jaguar incident.  That girl wanted a photo, much like those who take photos with Sea Lion pups and give no shit that it drives the Mother away and the pup is left orphaned to starve, as long as they have their photo.  It's what drive's people to sit their kids on the barriers, because they can do whatever they want, because nothing will happen.  Tell that to the Mother who did the same in Pittsburgh several years back, I'm sure she didn't think she'd drop her kid into the Wild Dogs.  Even the day after Harambe (Cincinnati Gorilla) was killed after a negligent Mother let her kid wander into the enclosure, which I should note was not fool or full proof, I saw three people hanging their kids into enclosures at SFZoo.  People don't seem to be waking the F up, they seem to be getting worse.  So, Zoos need to do something so that they are in charge of keeping the Animals safe.

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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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HOT TOPIC - What February 24 Means to Me.

This was the easiest post to write.  Alot of it I've said before.  It's a subject that will always touch my soul, and be something I'm proud to have accomplished for my Chimpers.  I was born in 1963.  Cobby came to the Zoo in 1968.  Maggie and Minnie in 1970.  As a Richmond District native and lifelong resident, the Zoo has been a part of my life, my whole life.  These three Chimps have been there as long as I can remember.

I just finished watching the Oscars.  Half way through I thought about four years ago.  Right before the show in 2015, KGO-TV Reporter Dan Noyes, messaged me.  The teaser for our news story on the Chimps would premiere after the Oscars. ... I fell asleep and woke up in the morning to a familiar voice coming from the TV.  Mine. ... That teaser ran more than every hour for the next two days, when the story aired, February 24. 

The story of how the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, wanted to kick-out our precious Senior Chimp Family literally was, in, my opinion, one of the worst SFZoo crimes, and a level of cruelty I found hard to believe could happen. 

Thank you to everyone who helped me be their Voice, whether you signed my Petition, contacted the Zoo, or were part of the News team who got their story to the masses, we are the ones who are responsible for the enriching life the Chimps now have.  For them staying in the only home they have ever known.  For them never having to see the inside of those shipping crates that were being built for them.

On Thanksgiving Day, almost four years later, the new Dayroom opened. I easily spend several hours a week with our Chimpanzees.  Experiencing their new life adventures with them, is a joy.  Seeing the looks on their faces, their body language, the way their new world is enriching their lives, will never get old.

 Minnie!

 Cobby!

Maggie!

 Qadeer!

People are not just loving this Exhibit, they are loving this Exhibit FOR Our Chimps.  The people who have visited Cobby, Minnie, Maggie, and Tallulah (RIP), over the years in Triple Grotto and have wanted more for them, are touched.  I was standing next to a Member the other day who had been visiting the Chimps for over twenty-five years.  She was touched seeing them get something new after so long.  

I hear the words of Visitors,  as they stream into the new Dayroom, and stare with smiles into at our Chimp Friends, "Beautiful" ,"Amazing", "Wonderful", "Awesome", "Incredible", "Neat", ... 

So, four years ago, San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, wanted to get rid of the Zoo's longest and oldest Residents.  She had no idea how much they were Loved.  Or maybe she did and didn't care. They ARE Loved.  Seeing them in the Dayroom has become the Zoo's most popular exhibit.  ... You're Welcome.

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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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Orangutans On Their Way?

Usually when I write about something that I find upsetting, its after the fact, meaning after I learned more, see more, etc.,  but with this in recent news, I feel I have to post about it now.  If this happens in the time frame noted in this article, it seems it would most likely be, before a proper habitat is available to them?  That, would make me very upset, if this sweet guy had to live in an inadequate home.

                http://www.erienewsnow.com/story/39966939/erie-zoo-orangutan-heading-west

After I read this initial news article Thursday night, I got increasingly upset and anxious.  I thought about waiting until I had more information, but then yesterday more articles came through my email news alert.  So I'm just going to leave this here and note the things about this that are troublesome.  Maybe the Zoo will enlighten us with some information, since its made the news at Eries's end.  

I have wondered what will happen to Triple Grotto (current home of the Chimpanzees), once full integration of Chimps is done.  As I understand it, when that time comes they will shift the night accommodations of our long-time three over to the new bedrooms that are in the Pachyderm Building, where our new Chimp is already in residence.  The Chimps still like to go to Triple Grotto, its their familiar place, and I think its still to early to take that away from them, even with the new areas.  But that's just me.  ... While I know the old Chimp House needs work, I also know both Skytrails will be attached to it (a second one will run from South Grotto side of house to new yard area at side of Pachyderm Building), so the basic frame and/or foundation of that structure has to remain in place.   I have always thought the best use of the space would be to fill in the moats (and glass/mesh off the perimeter), which would extend the current essentially non-existent topical space of the islands.  I heard there were no confirmed plans for Triple Grotto, and that in the future it might be used as the quarantine and in part for introductions of new Chimps.  The Zoo is planning to add a few more this year.  So, I'm surprised to read Orangutans are on the way.

So that said, my initial emotion when I read this article, was sadness.  Where is this Orangutan and from what the article noted, a second one (for breeding) going to live?  There is currently No proper habitat for them.  Are they going to just be tossed into Triple Grotto, to literally sit like bumps on a log like the poor Chimps were for fifty years?  The Triple Grotto is desperate for a make-over.

When the Chimp Expansion (dayroom and outside yard) is finished and opened, that does not "free up" an exhibit.  Part of the situation surrounding the Chimp disrespect, was that Triple Grotto as it is, is outdated, and not a proper exclusive habitat for any Great Ape.  

Those who have followed the Chimps story will understand, those who haven't, in short,  in 2015,  Zoo Director Tanya Peterson tried to kick our Senior Three out, in favor of bringing in Orangutans. With the loss in 2013 of our precious Tallulah, the Chimps group went down to three, and if the Zoo wanted (?) to keep them, they would have to add to the group, which also meant they would have to upgrade the Triple Grotto and/or build them additional space or the AZA would not send the Zoo more Chimps. For more details you can visit my blog dedicated to this situation ... http://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com/

I know that Orangutans are in the Zoo's future.  Don't get me wrong, I look forward to seeing these beauties again, BUT I seriously thought that Triple Grotto would be renovated before their arrival.  So again, I have to wonder with drear, where will these poor Beings live?  

The Zoo is currently juggling several projects, so its a curious time for this.  The Chimp Expansion is still not complete.  The Primate staff is still in early stages of introduction of Chimps.  Then new Chimps are scheduled.  They just tore down the Primate Center for the Madagascar project, which hasn't even started.  The Snow Leopard expansion is set to start soon.  And there is rumor that a project using Wild Horses in a therapy program is about to be put into motion.  Don't even get me started on this.  

So, my questions are, where are the Orangutans going to live?  In Triple Grotto as is?  Is there a secret plan to transform Triple Grotto into a proper habitat in the next few months?  Or is the Zoo planning to hoard them away, like the Fossa, while they sit and wait for a proper place to live?  Will they be stuck in quarantine?  In the Hospital?  By all accounts FCC is full, holding Animals that have no other place to live.  As well, I would think it's not designed to hold Great Apes.

As there is an Orangutan on the GAP (Great Ape Passage) sign,  Triple Grotto is the only place they can permanently go, so, I sure hope there is a plan to make Triple Grotto better for the Orangutans, and BEFORE they get here!  

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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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World Bonobo Day - Update on Bili at Wuppertal Zoo

Valentines Day was also World Bonobo Day.  Fitting, as over 300,000 caring people have signed Petitions showing their Love and Concern for Bili.  I hope one day, Bili will feel loved, because right now, it sure doesn't seem like he does.

For those following Bili's story, I wanted to post an update.  When I last posted, Bili was by all accounts still being forced to stay in the Wuppertal Zoo Bonobo Group full-time, and left victim to the Zoo's "process" of integration, which included repeated attacks.  His flesh was ripped open, half his ear ripped off, and other reports of serious injury, without intervention from Zoo staff.  Concerns were raised last month via Petition, resulting in public outrage, many news stories, and an offer by Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary (WAMS) to give Bili a forever home. Bili was being brutalized, and most empathetic and compassionate people wanted him removed from the Zoo and placed somewhere safe.

At the time of my last post, WAMS representatives were on their way to Wuppertal, and an agreed meeting with Officials.  Entering into a meeting, was assumed that a discussion about possibly releasing him to Sanctuary was an option.  When WAMS got there, it was a very different situation.  The Zoo made a public statement against WAMS, basically never having any intention of entertaining the idea of releasing him.  That was Sunday 2.10.19. Bili remains there today.

This video, taken three days later, Wednesday 2.13.19, shows Bili in a seemingly relaxed state, together with one other Bonobo named Mato, who was reportedly the only one who didn't attack him.  They are separated from the group.  It is unknown how long they will be separated or how often.  The public must rely on Visitor photos and video to assess what's going on.  Prior to this, there were no reports of Bili being separated, but instead repeatedly forced to "integrate" into the group, and being brutally attacked every time.  I believe this separation, is the result of public outrage, to both the Petitions, letter writing, and media attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQs4JT26_0A

There are still concerns for Bili's safety and long-range stay at Wuppertal.  There has been exchanges by many, myself included, with Zoo Officials, and the EAZA.  The Zoo, EAZA, and WAZA have all issued statements regarding Bili.  They maintain they will never send him to Sanctuary, stating that WAMS (and that would probably mean other Sanctuaries) are not fit to house Bonobos because they have never worked with them, and currently do not house them.  I personally don't agree with this mindset, as it would seem to me, that providing a safe place for a Being rather than killing it, or watching it be killed would be the way to go.  Silly me! ... They maintain they are confident in their introduction process, which is formed by "Professionals and Experts".  Considering by all accounts they have no off exhibit space, there doesn't seem to be much of a space for monitored and barriered introductions.  I asked and they have not answered questions regarding what that process is. ... Many have asked, how long they will continue to try to integrate him, and how brutalized does Bili have to get before they intervene?  Considering they never intervened when he was having his flesh ripped open before, I think that's a valid question. They have not answered these questions. ... Bili was sent there for breeding, I questioned what will happen to Bili if he doesn't breed?  Will he be deemed surplus and killed, as that is a common practice in EAZA Zoos.  They didn't answer. ... Wuppertal Zoo Director has stated he would euthanize Bili if he didn't integrate and do the same, before he would send him to Sanctuary.  The EAZA stated he would never be euthanized.   I asked them to respond to the Director's words, they have not.

I'm glad I'm not a Professional working

at Wuppertal Zoo, watching Beings in

my care get their Flesh Ripped Apart. 

Anyway,  I think letting the Zoo know the World is Watching, is at this point, the only way Bili will stay safe.  Anyone interested in contacting Officials on Bili's behalf, you can visit the Facebook Group, Save Bili the Bullied Bonobo at Wuppertal Zoo, for a list of contacts. 

Related post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/02/bili-bullied-bonobo-at-wuppertal-zoo.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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Bili the Bullied Bonobo at Wuppertal Zoo

I've been networking this situation since early yesterday morning.  While there is no SFZoo connection, I am writing a post here for further awareness.  

I'm not sure how far Bili's story has reached.  This may be news to most.  I follow Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary (WAMS), that is where I learned of Bili's plight.  I had read in recent comments, the mention of Bili needing to be rescued, but didn't make the connection until WAMS posted this video a few nights ago.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M0piq4k_pK0&fbclid=IwAR2FLHJnReZUBKxs76Z4FnbDMXAnXShnAWrPAKANVqxNRvx5ZY0i-LJOteI

I couldn't watch more than a couple minutes.  I found it disturbing that Zoo Staff did not intervene and separate the group, in order to get Bili to safety.  I don't claim to know the full story, but I have read alot about the situation and think I know all the details that have been made public.  First, in regards to this video, it appears that this is an introduction FAIL.  I understand introductions aren't always smooth, but when you see an Animal in danger you must remove it and restart your process.  Anything less is a moral crime. 

I hate to place blame as I am not a part of this Zoo's community, so I have no idea what goes on there.  But, things appear to be seriously twisted with this horrifying scenario, both by what is seen in this video and by statements from Wuppertal Zoo Officials.   So again I say, it's disturbing that Bili was not separated from the group during this attack, and previous that have left him with bleeding wounds and half his ear bit off.   Zoo Officials have not countered the masses interpretation of this attack on Bili, but instead, stand by their decision to let him stay in this group, being severely attacked and left to fend for himself, even if it's life threatening.  The Wuppertal Zoo's Dr. Arne Lawrenz has been quoted saying, that if the situation doesn't improve he could be euthanized!  This is an outrageous and inexcusable plan of action.  If I had not heard these statements, I might have not been so judgmental, since I'm not there to see for myself, but yea, can't help but be, when those in charge have no problem with allowing this poor Being to be brutalized. 

Since our own SFZoo is currently in the process of introducing a new male Chimpanzee to our three long-time resident Chimps, all who have not seen a Chimp outside their small group for fifty years, I have an idea of what a decent introduction plan is.  The plan being used here is, a three step barrier introduction process.  Access first from a Distance, then through Glass, then with Mesh between them.  The Chimps behavior will dictate the time between steps.  When Staff is comfortable, there will be a one-on-one intro between the males first.  When the Staff is comfortable that has been successful, the new male will be introduced to our two females.  Introducing Apes can be a long process.  Apes, are unpredictable, and can be violent.  Keeping all this in mind, I have to wonder, what was the protocol for introducing Bili to this group?  Was there even one?  It looks like they just tossed him in there. By all accounts there are not multiple rooms at this facility to even conduct isolated introductions. 

Let's also talk about Bili's history.  Born at Twycross Zoo in the UK, he was rejected by his Mum, and hand-raised.  Then sent to Frankfurt, where he was taken in by a Mother figure Bonobo and lived for ten years.  With no breeding options there, he was moved to Wuppertal.  So, sorry again to be judgmental, but here we have another instance of a move for breeding that has gone very wrong.   And again, an Animal might lose it's life.  

Yesterday I corresponded with two high level Animal Professionals in regard to Bili's situation.  Both said they had little details about this situation, although one said there were professionals advising.  One who has experience with Bonobo's specifically said that, it's possible that because Bili was hand-raised he may never be able to be integrated into a group.  Bonobo's are a Matriarchy. Without the protection of a Mother (like he had in Frankfurt) he might be killed, if left in a group, as opposed to with a couple others he might get along with.

So, as it stands, in the wake of public outrage since the video was posted, it has been reported that the Zoo has closed public access to the Bonobo exhibit.  ... There are two Petitions to have Bili removed from Wuppertal. ...  There will be an on site Demonstration tomorrow.  

Two weeks ago Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary offered to give Bili a forever home.  They got no reply, until very recently, when they have posted this morning that they were headed to Wuppertal for a meeting!  Hopefully they will head back to Wales with Bili.

I have started a Facebook Group for awareness outreach as well.  Save Bili the Bullied Bonobo at Wuppertal Zoo
https://www.facebook.com/groups/146493392951733/
It contains pertinent links, articles, photos, Petitions.  Have a look if you are interested in more details or want to join the discussions. More in-depth discussion on the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary Page. 

Please Help Bili by sharing his story.  Thank you.

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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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