This & That - Current

In my last post, I noted two things about the signage at Snow Leopards.  So, while this installment of  This & That covers the last two weeks, I'll start with something I witnessed at Snow Leopards this past Tuesday.

> As I passed through Snow Leopards, I noticed workers back working in the enclosure.  I also noticed them not wearing Masks.  Also not wearing a Mask, was the Zoo's Special Projects (Manager?), standing outside the enclosure talking to them.  Granted this is all outdoors, I was still bothered by this.  In light of another Snow Leopard, this time at Miller Park Zoo, passing away from Covid just days before, I would prefer not to see possible contamination in an area that will house Snow Leopards.  Again, I realize its outdoors and that the Cats are not yet in there, but it still bothered me.  I also think someone on Zoo Staff who is even remotely near the area where the Snow Leopards are, should use good judgement and send a better visual message to everyone in and around a sensitive area.  

> The Zoo is busy, fixing, cleaning, painting, and such for their AZA Inspection next week.  One thing that was gone when I got there this week was the Tree that had uprooted in one of the storms last Fall.  

When it fell, it took out two other trees and a lamp post.  I hadn't included this before because I didn't know the safety of this tree, but I had planned to ask if it was healthy/sturdy enough to use for a climbing structure for the Orangutans.  I had previously thought of the idea and wrote about it here:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/why-cant-orangutans-get-something-new.html

So, yea, before I could ask, and suggest, it was chopped up and cleared out.  Bummer no one thought to re-purpose it.  I had made this image example of the part that looked usable.  

All that aside, in my last post, I mentioned that the Zoo seems to spend money on stuff that is unnecessary, while crying poor for Animal needs.  I'm pretty sure the Zoo has a saw, but yet they allegedly hired someone to this.  I've had yard work done and it's costly, I can only imagine how much this tree situation cost.  Had to be thousands .   If all the Animal needs were met, I wouldn't care what they did with money, but that is not the case.  When it allegedly costs a couple thousand to net over Prairie Dogs so Bird Predators can't take babies, but there is no money for that, and money is spent for other things, it really irks me.  Why and Where do they find money for this stuff, gardens, amd banners, yet there's nothing for Animals?  

> I'll being doing a post on this, as I'm bothered by this location choice.  That said, buying a banner that looks 5+ feet long, is unnecessary.  

> Speaking of waste of money.  Years ago they drained this fountain, claiming to save water.  Not sure about that as alot of the water used is recycled.  So, at one point they filled it with soil, and added plants.  Not long after they ripped up the plants since they put a platform and tent over it annually for their fundraiser.  When the fundraiser is over, they buy new plants! This happened two or three years.  Since Covid there has been no event, but the weather has trashed this once lovely fountain.  I personally hated seeing the shabby plants and now all it is, is flooded soil.   They need to restore this back to being a fountain.

> Something that has bugged me since the Orangutans started using Triple Grotto, is the view from the east side.  Not sure why it didn't bother me when the Chimps were in there, but the Orangutans seem to sit on the ground more often and you can't see them from this side, except when they happen into view of the little window.

There doesn't seem to be a reason Why that fence can't be sawed down like this, so the Orangutans can be fully seen from this side.  

> Recently I saw Landscape Artist Patricio from Horticulture working on a Garden in front of Triple Grotto.  Lorraine from Maintenance came by and I got a photo of them together.  They work on projects together, like the Christmas display at the entrance.

When I was there this past Tuesday, the Garden looked finished, and beautiful as usual.  My initial thought weeks ago was clear.  This Garden is meant to distract from the aesthetics of the pitiful Orangutan enclosure.  The curious thing is, there are no plants in front of the ugly skyscraper bridge.  That eyesore should be the first thing they'd want to camouflage.  

It really irks me that money is spent to create an illusion here, instead of on the Orangutans.

> The Kudus were having some fun in the sun the other day.  Papa Jelani and a Female were being flirty, while the young calf, danced around them playing.  Feel the Joy here:

https://youtu.be/wiVt476YrUw

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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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This & That - Update thru January 2, 2022

This small item commentary has proven to be not only helpful to me, but a well liked way to present things.  It was styled after one of my other zoo related blogs that was active from 2013-2015. I encourage anyone who is interested in our Zoo Friends and the Good, the Bad and the Curious of previous years, to check out.  It's packed with tons of great photos and bits about the Animals.  Every time I go there looking for something, I get a bit lost in all the memories I posted there.  I loved that blog.  

http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/2013/06/my-big-fat-running-commentary-updated.html

> So, since I wrote about the new Farm sign fail in my previous post (yesterday), I'll start with the sign at Snow Leopards that showed up at some point after I posted this 10.10.21

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/10/great-plains-zoo-snow-leopard-passes.html

Again, much like with the Chimp yard, I seemingly had to post about it for it to happen.  Together with the Farm sign, I seriously feel like I'm doing people's jobs for them, especially the Graphics person. 

Also at Snow Leopards, there are a handful of these signs along the barrier fencing of the expansion:

I got no problem with these signs, except to wonder, Why signs this size and hung like this, weren't/aren't posted all along the barrier at Chimps in regard to Mandatory Masks.  Something I suggested in one of my Chimp posts.  As well, all along the barrier fence at Bears and Black Rhinos, in regard to not Sitting or Standing on Barriers.  Again, the signage text, size, positioning, and lack of, are a curious thing at the Zoo.  

The best thing about this sign, is the use of our Beloved Rigel's image.   I sure miss that sweet boy.  

> Additionally, these signs showed up and pissed me off before the others.  There are a handful of these signs about paying for Parking???  Yet, again I must refer to the barrier signage issue of size and lack of.  But hey folks, no worry the Zoo will hold your hand and remind you to buy your Parking!  Note to Zoo, those who need Parking are already in, let them figure out how to get out!  Pay more attention to the NEEDS of the Animals in your care!!!

> I haven't asked anyone what the deal is with the Sloat perimeter banners, so this is really just thinking outloud.  A few weeks ago, the Tucker portion of the sign was down.  

I assumed because there was no longer a Hippo there.  I figured they were making one with a current resident.  I did think it was curious that they would take it down before having a new one to replace it.  Then the next week, all the signs were gone.  Who knows.  The one thing that does bug me, is there is a strip of banner left where two of the four banners were.  Just looks like a lazy job was done removing it.  Its not bad enough the fence further east is a broken down shambles.  Good Grief. Anyway, these signs can't be cheap, so I'll be curious to see what happens with replacing them.  

I mention, and will continue to mention costs and wastes, since management, cries poor as a reason why too many Animal enclosure needs are not met. Yet they spend money on too many things that seem unnecessary.  Always remember, when I say management, I mean Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  Allegedly everything down to what's posted to Social Media, must be approved by her.

> I have several Orangutan items, so I'm going to put them in their own post.  Overdue for an Orangutan Update and Reiteration of facts.   This graphic appeared in a recent Zoo Newsletter, and was the catalyst.  Can you guess what my issue is?  You won't have to wait too long for the answer!  I'm on it within the next day or so. So stay tuned! 

> My mind is always analyzing everything at the Zoo, and this has bugged me for years.   The Coastal Conservation Center.  Money spent on something that is not open to the public, or at the very least, to Members. 

This is especially irritating when over the past decade so many places in the Zoo have closed, and here's a place that touts Education, yet it's exclusionary.  This place needs to be open.  Maybe timed tours a couple times a day? 

> Something else that I haven't asked anyone about is this added barrier around the water filling station near Cats.  

Maybe there's a logical reason, but I can't figure it.  Regardless of the reason, What I do find to be a nag is, I've been complaining about breachable barriers for thirteen years, and there has been no improvements.  So no care to the vulnerability and safety to the Animals, but there's this!??  

Obviously, the cost is probably less on this, but it's just the overall priority mentality that is most disturbing.  And again, who knows the reason for this, may be something very valid and necessary.  But, so are so many other things.  Things that have to do with the lives of the Animals.  I think the Zoo forgets that it is an Animal Care Facility.  The Animals should be the priority.

> I'm going to try and post something neat about the Animals, at the end of these This and That posts.  This installment features one of the Son's of our Gorilla Lady Bawang.  He and his brother Shango live together at Zoo Miami.         

This is amazing.  I love that when she points to his nose,  he understands he needs to sit there still and breathe the meds in.

See the video on Zoo Miami Facebook here:

https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=7150086541684023&_rdr

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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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It's The Most Wonderful Time,... At The Farm!

This was meant as my Holiday post, hence the title, said in the tune of the Christmas song, It's the Most Wonderful Time, Of The Year.  Obviously, I didn't get to posting it that weekend, or even by New Years.

I visited the Farm for the second time since it had re-opened, and it was the best!   I got the unexpected gift that one of my besties Slider the Cow was out.  I was on my way out before the rain came, but stayed and spent over an hour visiting with him.  It was the first time being close to him in a very long time, extending before the Pandemic.

When Slider came to the Zoo, he was rotated into front spaces with a decent amount of regularity, even though never enough for me, or for the equal access factor.  He had been here about two years when the Children's Zoo got a new Curator, the access Slider had to certain areas ceased.  He spent most mornings in the sand corral, and then was moved to the back pasture for the rest of the day.  Spending four-six hours alone.  He had no visual of other Animals, only of the fence that separated him.  

It was so upsetting, that a few years ago, I came up with the idea for a "howdy" window,  so he could see and interact with others.  It took a year to get, but was a great success!  

See the video here: 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g6qUirmEcUg

Now, what needs to happen is that fence needs to come down, and the back corral needs to be enclosed, so it becomes an inclusive area and can be a visual part of the farm and no animal will ever have to be isolated again.

Slider was born on a private farm and raised as a Pet.  He was basically a lap Cow, but got too big for the interaction he was used to.  The family that owned him, sought out a home for him at the Zoo.  He was used to being around people and other Animals, so being isolated days on end for long periods of time for the majority of the last five years, in my opinion, was cruel. 

Several months ago the Children's Zoo got a new person in charge.  Per the Zoo's new management structure departments will have Asst Curators only, and a few Curators to over see a handful of departments.  This Asst Curator steps into the boss role, replacing the former CZ Curator, who I hear is thankfully, not even overseeing the CZ anymore.  I have not met him, but I already like how he's handling things as far as the animal rotations.  He seems to get the concept that every single animal should be rotated around to different areas.  For the past five years that has not been happening especially or specifically with Slider as I noted.   

One of the things I liked about the closure was that the two contact yards were free to open up to Animals who may not have roamed freely pre-pandemic.  I was concerned with the reopening that would change and after 20 months of freedom, those Animals would have to be back in stalls.  Thankfully, that didn't fully happen!  I was happy to see that the gate between the two yards, was closed and the Yellow Barn side was still being used as a free roam area.  And, to my surprise, Slider was allowed in there!  

He was so happy to be at the gate, mingling with the peoples! He loves it!  When I approached him for some love talk, he had his face right up to mine, even sniffing my ear right away to tell me secrets!

See my video of most of the Friends enjoying expanded areas and available for viewing!

https://youtu.be/0BjjaR6OkZg

Except for a few one offs, poor guy was denied all those years.  The previous Curator did a complete disservice to Slider.   I'm not happy to hate on someone I liked and got along with, but my allegiance is to the Animals.  She did some good stuff to start, but her desire to pursue involvement with a department outside her own, left neglect at the Farm, in what I consider a serious Animal Welfare issue with Slider's hooves. I previously documented it in this post.

ReNaming Mini-Horse, Steer's Hoof Neglect and Spiteful Goat Naming

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/02/renaming-mini-horse-steers-hoof-neglect.html

Bravo to this new boss, who within the short time he's been there has taken care of Slider's hooves properly.  The way it should have been done five years ago. 

I hope this guy continues to do right by the Animals at the Farm.  

I made a previous post (linked at bottom) regarding my concerns about the re-opening of the Family Farm.  I also documented some things I saw on the first day it was open, in another blog post a week later.

From this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/12/antwerp-zoo-hippos-contract-covid-first.html

This sign showed up a couple weeks after my blog post.

So if you know me, you know I got problems with this sign.  Thankfully some of my concerns, have been addressed in the first five of six Rules (yep, I had to spell it out for them once again), but seriously, why are the Rules in a type size that is five times smaller than the top information???  Good Grief, the Rules are more important!  Why aren't they a part of the lead-in?  I'm assuming the Graphics Dept designs the signs.  Why are they always a fail?  This sign should read:

Family Farm Rules

Please Read

Rules

Open ...

All text of equal size at the very least, but Rules should be larger or highlighted.

So sick of the most important information basically being buried on these signs.  It took a year and a half to get the right signage at Chimps.  Come on people, it's not brain surgery.

Related post here:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/11/zoo-farm-re-opening-curious-timing.html

Ed note:  There was a slight error with the wrong screencap originally posted.  FYI just incase someone is re-reading.

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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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Will Anyone Have The Balls To Seek Justice For Eko?

Today I woke up intending to move forward with finishing those blog posts in draft and a couple others.  I never make my own deadlines, some years old.  My serious deadline for wrapping up this blog to date was end of year.  Yesterday I pushed it to next weekend.  Good Grief, the weight is heavy.  

I opened the computer with great intent, but after a morning of reading Twitter about the Naples Zoo Tiger Event, I still couldn't shake it.  Eko being contained and the fence between them is everything in my opinion. In one of my replies to a Tweet, I started typing #JusticeForEko and it had already been in use.  Searching for the Tweets associated with it, I read more of the same that I had been, but almost exclusivley here, calling for the perpetrator River Rosenquist to be "charged".  

In my experience with incidents at the San Francisco Zoo, and from other instances I've read about through the years at other Zoos, that never seems happen.  So it's something I have come to not entertain as reality. 

My way of thinking is very Black and White.  I don't think within any middle lines.  There's right and wrong, good and bad, responsible and irresponsible.  So way back in 2007, when the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept and San Francisco Zoological Society, so-called managing entities of the SFZoo, absorbed all responsibility for our own Tiger event, I was outraged.  Regardless of Human vs Animal, Tatiana would not have lost her life if she had not been provoked out of her enclosure.  Now maybe there is some loophole of bullshit, because in her case she was lose, but still, it was clear those three delinquents had caused this, and yet there were no repercussions.  No examples set.  Instead with one dead, his family and the remaining two walked away with a 900k settlement.  Within a very short time, the two brothers went on spree, robbing multiple Target stores and ending up in/out of jail over the next few years.  Probably using their settlement money to hire lawyers for that.  Disgusting.  Since everyone knew they were responsible and the evidence of the (Zoo) investigation was sealed for five years, there should have been a hold on their settlement for that long, only then releasing it to them if they had not had any trouble with the law during that time.  Yes, I'm evidentially a dreamer.

In 2009 a man entered the Grizzly Bear enclosure.  Even though it got as far as the emergency response team pointing rifles at our girls heads, no legal action was taken against the guy.  There have been others, most recently with the Breaking and Entering, Trespassing and Kidnapping of Maki the Lemur.  No charges against the perpetrator stuck.  He was told by the judge not to go to the Zoo.  Are you Fking kidding me.  So, you see, I have no faith that there will be Justice for Eko.

It seems that Zoos, and in the Maki case, Judges, cower behind the Human priority factor.  It's disturbing, and sets no example to deter future incidents.  I've been waiting fourteen years for someone to stand-up for the Animals in captivity who are tormented by human trash.  Many years ago, when we received a new male Amur Tiger, he was napping peacefully in the moat of his home.  A pair of Stroller Moms, most likely even Members, threw rocks at him to get him to wake-up and entertain them.  Security only told them not to.  That's how it is at SFZoo.  It's happened too many times that I know of. Ask people not to assault our Animals, and let them continue on with their day. NO! They should have been escorted out.  Asked if Members and Membership revoked. Shit, I get my membership revoked for writing this blog, but assaulting an Animal you get nothing?  It's insane.  These trash should have been made an example.  They should have been arrested, and this should have been made a media event.  It was the perfect example to stand-up and say, do not come to the San Francisco Zoo and misbehave.  The reason it was perfect is because it was an Amur Tiger, just like Tatiana.  That five year mark had come up when finally the investigation records were released, making public what we all knew, Tatiana was taunted.  I'm still waiting for an example to be made of someone.  

When will someone, in some Zoo stand-up for the Animals in their care?  

The last thing I read last night was an article on the Daily Mail.  It contained two quotes from the Naples Zoo President/Director Jack Mulvena.  As you can see by my adds to the screencaps, that I had sent a few friends,  my reaction was and remains, WTF?

So, the Naples Zoo President/Director in my opinion is spineless.  This guy should have not made any comment on the recovery of  the "trashman" as he's being called.  The only thing he should have done was talk about how this behavior is not ok.  Expand on all the scenarios and warnings to the self-entitled, and creating awareness for the empty headed.  

Additionally, I'm so sick of hearing self-entitled people being referred to as stupid, idiots, etc.  They are not.  They are self important, do whatever the fck they want jerks.  The other category is those with sinister intent.  The evil doers, like the Fker who Kidnapped poor Maki.  Why can't people just be called what they are?  Stop referring to Aholes as idiots.  Good Grief, am I the only one who is frustrated and pissed enough to speak with the vocabulary of a Sailor?  I just can't take it.  Sorry I'm just so disgusted by Humans, at my old age, vulgarity is pretty much all I have. 

Anyway, I hope someone seeks Justice for Eko.  I also hope the Naples Zoo and other Zoos will rethink their after hours protocols, and have someone on Staff, Security or other, that can make non-lethal decisions, and have those methods in place and at the ready, especially for Animals that are contained, like Eko was. I hope they all work with their local Authorities, and it is clear that only authorized Staff can call for a Shoot Order.  Clearly none of that was in place at Naples Zoo.  It is my opinion that the Collier County Sheriff's Office made the wrong call in shooting Eko, at the urging of the jerk who put himself and more important that poor Tiger in that situation.

Like with those who caused Tatiana's death, I hope that he who caused Eko's murder, will be haunted by nightmares every night of his life, and that Eko is there to meet him on the otherside when his time comes.  Since the trashman survived, it's all we can hope for in the name of Justice.

Related Posts

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/12/naples-zoo-tiger-shot-to-save-human.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/follow-up-thoughts-to-naples-zoo-tiger.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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Follow-Up Thoughts To The Naples Zoo Tiger Tragedy

I'm not even sure this is a necessary post, but there were thoughts that I left out of my post yesterday, that after further reading about the event, kept them coming back to mind. 

After publishing the previous blog post, I went to both the Naples Zoo and the Collier County Sheriff's Office Facebook pages.  I didn't know what to expect, but I guess I was curious what people's reactions were.  It was a very different experience than the one I had after our SFZoo Tiger event in 2007.

For those who don't know, I was there that Christmas Day.  I had two places I always went on the Holiday.  If I had went to the Zoo last, I would have been there about when those Fkers were there taunting, first the Lions, then Tatiana and her mate Tony.   You know I would have put an end to their shit right quick!  I have the last photo of Tatiana, peaceful and enjoying the sun.  2:48p. 

It was 5:30p when I got home and turned on the news to hear the horrifying report that Tatiana had been killed.  How could that be?  I was just there.  What happened?  It was very surreal.  The reporters noted that at that time it was unclear whether the other Tigers were accounted for.  This I couldn't understand.  

At the time, even though I had been a lifelong visitor and member my whole adult life, I did not spend the amount of time that I have following that event.  I didn't know the Animals by name, but that didn't matter.  I knew them.  I felt connected to them, and this event was soul crushing.   Even though no details as to how this all played out were given, I immediately knew she lost her life because of bad Human behavior and I was outraged. 

Just like with Eko, I sought out what other's were thinking and saying.  That Christmas night and for what seemed like a long time after, I read every news article.  Where I really made a mistake was for the first time I read comments. The sfgate ones were infuriating.  I spent hours, correcting info and defending the Zoo.  One night, my efforts lasted til after 4a.  Not only was I heartbroken about her death, but I felt bad that the majority of the comments, blamed the Zoo.  At the time, I didn't know any Staff and I've never asked those I have known since about it.  I did hear some stories after from reliable sources that the Zoo had known for decades that the Tigers could not only get out, but were seen peeking out of the shrubbery in front of the barrier.  That said, even after what happened, I would not have felt unsafe standing in front of that enclosure.  Now, if some jerk had come by and worked the Tigers into a frenzied state, which is what happened, I might feel different.

I won't get into all my feelings about this event, it's past and I've written about it before.   I always hate when the media drags poor Tatiana out every Christmas.  This year, it was noticeable that didn't happen.  When I realized it, I said out loud, finally, no Tatiana story this year.  The only reason I'm bringing it up is, I can't help but compare certain things in the two events.  

As I noted at the start, I did read many of the comments on the Sheriff's page.  A completely different experience.  The majority were outraged that the Police had shot Eko.  Rightfully so.  It was refreshing to read posts of similar feeling.  Of people who questioned some of the same things I had.  The commenters during Tatiana were awful.  For the most part these people were compassionate and thinking logically.

If you read my previous post, you know that I unintentionally watched the video that showed the moment Eko was shot in what looked like the head. It was horrifying and scarring to see.  I also noted why I don't think that was the right decision.  I do not think Eko should have lost his life for reacting naturally to an intrusion into his home, especially since he didn't even have full on contact with the human.

Tatiana behaved in the same way.  She instinctively defended a threat to her home and her mate.  The difference between what happen with Tatiana and what happened with Eko, is that Eko and his intruder had a fence between them. 

In my opinion that makes a huge difference on how this should have been handled.  I will reiterate what is all over this blog, feelings I write are my personal opinion, unless of course I'm stating facts of a situation.  That said, I also noted in yesterdays post that I have no sympathy for jerks who put Animals in vulnerable situations.  So the first thing several people in the comments noted that the guy was bleeding out.  That would not be something I would factor in.  It just wouldn't.  You put youself in a bad situation and you got to deal with the consequences.  How was this in any way Eko's fault?  As well, Eko was contained.  There was no threat to public safety.  Sorry but the jerk who caused this doesn't count.  I know my feeling is not going to be a universally popular one.

I also have the fantasy that a sign with text like this could be put up at Zoos ...  

- If you end up in an Animal enclosure either accidentally or voluntarily, we will make every effort to retrieve you, but we will not harm any Animal in the process.  Act responsibly!

I digressed a bit, but that's the plain and simple of it in my mind.  Good Lives Matter and an Animal behaving naturally, ranks higher than a jerk, whether with sinister intention, or just plain stupid.  So yeah, other methods to get the Tiger to release the arm should have been taken.  From what I read, I was not alone in that thought.  

In the bodycam footage you can hear someone ask for a Tranquilizer.  There was none.  I remember thinking, Why not use a Tranq in the Tatiana event?  I later learned that it would not have worked in that situation.  It is not an instantaneous knock-out and could create more aggression, as well, the dosage is often hard to measure.  But, remember Tatiana was not contained.  Yes, with Eko you risk the heightened aggression, but at least he doesn't lose his life.

Commenters were also questioning, Why using Tazer, Rubber Bullets, Bean Bag Bullets, making loud noises, weren't tried before shooting him.  I wondered why jabbing him with the Baton wasn't tried.  Then someone posted a link to an incident at the Bronx Zoo in 2012.  This intruder was actually full body in the enclosure with their Tiger and this was the outcome. ... Bravo to their response team!

So again we must ask, Why was this a shoot to kill situation when there was a fence between them?

At SFZoo all the Keepers who work with Code Red Animals carry Bear Spray.  So, I have to assume that's good for some kind of deterrent.  Granted a Keeper was not there at the Naples Zoo site, I again wonder if this Zoo even had after hours Security and where were they?  The bodycam footage was odd to me as when the Police arrived there was a clueless staffer with keys who let them in.  Yet when they reached the enclosure, Fire/EMS were already there.  Anyway that's all just sidebar observation.  It would seem that anyone there after hours, Security or any Staff, should be equipped with some kind of safety device.  A commenter said there should be a lockbox at these enclosures.  I thought about that, and it does seem like something that could be a good thing, maybe holding at the very least a can of Bear Spray.  I then thought of the Air Horn cans.  Those are pretty loud, would that be something that could work in a situation like that?  Of course this is all hindsight.  That said, it would seem the Fire Extinguisher, the Baton, or like methods, could have certainly been tried to save Eko's life.

Additionally, this brought me back to the wake of the Tatiana event.  I wondered Why Police were involved with Animal situations when they are not trained for that?  I have no idea if there was a "Target Team" in place at that time, but I know there is now.  I know there is a shoot to kill order for any code red animal contact with a human.  I don't agree with that, but it seems to be a universal thing where regardless of circumstance, the human life will always be the priority.  That said, in the wonder of my question, I do think that it should be the call of a member of the Animal Care Staff or Management to give that shoot order to Police.  Not the jerk who got himself in that situation, which is what happened with Eko. 

Years after Tatiana, I was told by someone that when Police arrived at the SFZoo, and were led up to where Tatiana had settled, while going past the Big Cat Grottos, Police drew their rifles and were ready to shoot any Big Cat they saw.  That made me sick.  I was horrified to hear that without knowing anything, they would think that's a valid action.  Thankfully all the Cats had been safely locked inside.   I think the SFZoo and the closest Police Station have since worked on some kind of protocol for emergencies.   Unfortunately,  from that bodycam footage, it seemed the Naples Zoo local Police, had no clue about the Zoo or how to handle the situation in a non-lethal way.

Related Posts

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/12/naples-zoo-tiger-shot-to-save-human.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/will-anyone-have-balls-to-seek-justice.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:

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Naples Zoo Tiger Shot To Save? Human Trespasser

 RIP Eko.  Bless Your Soul.

Another innocent Animal life lost, because of Human Behavior.  The outcome of this is not only heartbreaking, but sickening.  Sadly, it will not be the last time this happens.

I have so many thoughts about this, as I always have when hearing about these tragic Animal events.  I don't know what my thoughts would have been prior to our own Tiger tragedy, but with all that I've learned since then, my biggest take-away is, when will Humans be held responcible for their actions.  Apparently never when it comes to actions against Animals.

I had not heard about this tragedy, when a friend messaged me a few hours ago.  "Just heard about another Tiger being killed because of a stupid human".

I've since read several of the news reports.  This is the most comprehensive.  There are several videos, I only watched the one with the Warning.  So, I warn you, it shows the Police bodycam footage shows the Tiger being shot.  I actually didn't realize I'd see that until shortly before.  I wish I hadn't.  I have never seen an Animal actually being murdered.  It's soul crushing.

https://www.winknews.com/2021/12/30/investigation-underway-after-a-man-is-bit-by-a-tiger-at-the-naples-zoo/

I'll preface my personal opinion by saying this, as I have before, I am no fan of Humans.  Never really have been, but even more so now that I'm old, just too many years of experiencing bullshit, not to mention, this pandemic has really highlighted just how shitty a huge majority of humans are with their self-entitled behavior.  

I have no sympathy for Humans who prepetrate  actions that put Animals in vulnerable positions, either because they think they can do what they want, or because they are just plan dumb and can't function responcibly.  The Animal victims actions are natural instinct.  They should not be punished for that.  Yet they are, because we live in a society that loves it humans, even the jerks and senseless.  

So, it is purely my opinion, that in this case, this Tiger should not have lost its life.  There was a fence between them.

bodycam screencap

It seems at most this human would have lost his arm.  Didn't seem to be life threatening, at least not for the human.  Fatally shooting the Tiger just to break the hold, to me is unacceptable.  It seems like this could have been a situation solved by using a Tranquilizer, yet apparently one was not available.  The first responders allegedly tried to kick the fencing.  How many attempts were made? I only saw one. I think considering this was not life threatening, more of an attempt could have and should have been made.  Being in that situation, who knows, but again, with the fencing, not life threatening

My feeling will most likely not be the popular one, but too bad if the guy lost his arm.  Lesson Learned.  The Tiger lost his life for no fault of his own.

Will others learn from this?  Will humans be more respectful when visiting wild Animals in their captive homes and respect barriers are there for a reason?  Answer is No.  No one learned after Gorilla Harambe and shot and killed at Cinncinati Zoo, after parent negligence ended with their kid in the Gorilla enclosure.   With my long standing issue with the breachable barriers at our SFZoo,  I went to one of those barriers two days later.  I stood there for an extended time, watching the regular stream of offenders as they sat their kids over and/or stood their kids on the barrier of the Hippo.  No care that if they accidently lost grip, our Hippo would have got a bullet to the head. 

AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) statement about this tragedy.

I have tried every option available to me, to get the barriers at the San Francisco Zoo upgraded.  I have blogged more times than I should have had to about this.  I posted photos, videos, and made a Petition.  I noted it in my letter to the AZA prior to the Zoo's 2015 Accreditation inspection.  No one cared.  Then I started tweeting photos in real time to the SFZoo and the AZA.  Nothing changed so I gave up for a bit.  After restarting the tweets, the AZA contacted me and asked for more information.  I humored them and sent an email, while also noting I had sent once before.  Yet the barriers remain the same.  No one cares.  

The barrier issue at SFZoo could be easily fixed.  This blog post I wrote four years ago, shows what could be done to deter at the very least accidential enclosure breaching.  It's an informative read, but if you don't have time, the fix is basically adding a jagged fencing like this one at Anteater, to the exisiting railing at Black Rhino, Hippo, and Bears.  I would have done it at One Horned Rhino instead of the curious craziness they did.  Additionally the text on Zoo signage is always a fail for me.  It needs to say, Do Not Stand, Sit or Cross Barrier.  That's it.  Use of the word Behind does not translate to the brains of the masses.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/12/barrier-abuse-at-bear-cubs-continues.html

Oh and this sign with no text, just the graphic, is ridiculous.  It looks more like don't piss in the enclosure than, don't enter it, which doesn't even cover the main issue of people standing and sitting in barriers.  

Another post about barriers and the Zoos useless signage.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2016/06/are-san-francisco-zoo-code-red-animal.html

Like I've said, I've had to make more posts than I should about signage at our SFZoo.  I recently posted this in a 'This and That' post...

Another has been put up at Flamingos.  I was going to add it in another 'This and That' post, but it is directly relevant to the barrier issue.

As I noted, in my opinion these signs and other quick fixes, are going up to appease the AZA Inspection team and distract from other failures.  In my other posts, I note the size, and often wording, of the "deterrent" signage.  This sign and the one for a Fall themed game that was attached to the Black Rhino barrier are both larger than any sign regarding barrier breaching. The choices made regarding signage are always a head-shaker, but in regard to the barrier issue, have always been and continue to be, disturbing, useless and therefore negligent.

As I have for over a decade, but even more so when a tragedy like what happened to Eko is in the news, I pray all the Animals at our San Francisco Zoo stay safe. 

I want all Zoo Animals to stay safe.  These Animals are held in captivity by humans and everything possible should be done to keep them safe.

In my opinion there are things that can be done to prevent accidential barrier breaching.  Stopping those who purposely breach is another issue.  

I know I digressed from a voluntary barrier breaching event to my own upset over possible accidental events, but they are relatable, as both most certainly end with the loss of an innocent life.

Related Posts

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/follow-up-thoughts-to-naples-zoo-tiger.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/will-anyone-have-balls-to-seek-justice.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:

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Antwerp Zoo Hippos Contract Covid - First Time For This Species

Will Zoos finally learn that it is unknown what species are vulnerable and stop taking risks with Animals lives by letting the public have contact with them?

I'm not saying any Zoo Animal whose had or has Covid contracted it from the public, I'm saying, why add another risk factor into the situation

In my first blog post last weekend, I wrote about my concerns about the Zoo reopening the Family Farm.  

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/11/zoo-farm-re-opening-curious-timing.html

I had not only read in the early days of Covid that farm Animals could be vulnerable, but there had been a recent case of Hyenas contracting the virus, the first Zoo species outside of Primates and Big Cats.  That together with the simple fact that the masses, including government health organizations, seem to forget when spewing their neverending yo-yo of guidelines, we are still in a Pandemic!

Since last weekend, the new variant has reached our shores.  No surprise it landed in San Francisco first considering the self-entitled's that saturate this town.  Yes, I'm airing frustrations that I've held continuously for twenty months.  Yesterday alone in just one store, three people mask underchin, and one Pinocchio staffer, about to reach over me.  The day before, an offender took off his mask to sneeze all over some food, another lowered it to say something to me, and yet another chin strapper coughed out while going down escalator.  Seriously, we are all potentially screwed with this kind of behavior.  That all said, no one should be allowed to touch the Animals.

So that brings me to the news last night, that two Hippos at Antwerp Zoo have contracted Covid.

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Belgian-zoo-says-its-2-very-runny-nosed-hippos-16672646.php

Not only does this lend to support my concern and disappointment that our Farm Friends are being put in a vulnerable situation with every hand that touches them, it also supports my thought, that no one knows what species are vulnerable.  Every Animal should be protected at the very least by a hands-off policy.

Another reason I'm writing about this is, since our Tucker has been at Cincinnati Zoo, I have been following him on the Fiona the Hippo Facebook group.  Visitors have made posts almost daily that include Tucker, as well at least half a dozen have posted photos from their behind the scenes Animal Experience with the Hippos there and in other Zoos.  The first one I saw, everyone was masked.  Then there was a Zoo in Florida and one in Texas.  I was shocked to see no one masked.  I prayed the Animals stayed safe and chalked it up to being "those States".  Then more from Cincinnati and I was really bothered to now see no masks on anyone, including the Keepers.  I messaged them and let them know I found it irresponsible and risky.  Coincidentally, the next Animal Experience photos posted showed everyone wearing masks.

A couple times, I voiced my concerns on these maskless posts.  Not many shared my concern and mostly, I became the target of Cincinnati Zoo Zealots.  No problem for me as I'm used to not having the popular opinion.  So, when this news came through last night, I posted it to the group, pointing out that my concerns were valid.

Moderators didn't publish my post, but instead, one this morning, with no commentary.  It still surprises me how afraid the masses are of controversy and debate.

I pray these two Hippos in Belgium make a full and speedy recovery.  

I pray all Animals stay safe, and that all Zoos will cease situations that involve non-Zoo Animal Care staff from having contact with all species of Animals.  They depend on them to keep them safe, not be reckless with their health, by allowing the public contact with them.

Everyone must remember that even though the Vaccine is erroneously called a Vaccine, it is not Immunity.  It does not protect anyone from contracting or spreading the virus.  Masking and good hygiene protocols should be followed.  ... Speaking of which,... 

While the Zoo is checking Vax Cards for entrance to the Farm,  I watched as people coming and going from the Farm last week, people only sanitized or washed their hands after touching the Goats, an effort that only protects themselves.  

Considering the Vaccine is not Immunity and people must be masked,  I would think it more important or just as important to make sure thst peoples hands are clean.  People could be asymptomatic, or have come in contact with virus on a surface.  Maybe they havent sanitized or washed their hands since touching stuff or using the restroom.  They could touch the Goats nose or mouth and transmit to them.  

SFZoo,  What's protecting our Goats from what's on the peoples hands? 

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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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