Oh Hell, Here Comes Another News Article

Nearing midnight, and I just published a post about my overwhelmed mind.  I took a look at Twitter and have now seen this.  

 www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/supes-consider-audit-s-f-zoo-troubling-safety-19839733

I'm just going to note two things...

First, Supervisor Myrna Melgar must be mind melding me, with this statement...

Melgar said that the city should at some point also renegotiate its lease with the Zoological Society, which has been in place since 1993. 

I've been thinking about this last couple days, in reference to a few posts I've had in draft, and other thoughts.  I made some notes today... 

This development is very welcomed!  If they get as far as revising the Lease, there also needs to be a cost of living raise in the amount the City gives the Zoo, which has not changed since the Lease went into effect thirty-one years ago!  I noted this curiosity long ago.  It's insanity there has not been regular renegotiation of the amount. I've recently started the process of seeking documents to calculate what that amount might look like, based on a couple things.

I have never been heavy into politics, and do very light voting. Haven't decided on who I'm voting for (for Mayor), but considering The Zoo is one of the things I most care about, this Melgar gal may have my vote.  ... Although she is pro closing Great Highway and I'm not.

I'm also liking the words from Mayoral Candidate Ahsha Safai, who is quoted... 

“I’m just very worried about the future of the zoo. We want to make sure we get this institution back on track,” he said at the meeting."

The last thing,... 

I have to note how ridiculous this statement from Zoo Director Tanya Peterson is...

"...an audit by the Board of Supervisors was actually conducted in 2008.  It was done in part to respond to issues raised by animal welfare groups such as In Defense of Animals, one of the same groups that participated in last week’s report to the Animal Welfare Commission."

Good Grief, she became Director in January 2008.  That audit has little to do with her.  She's been mismanaging the Zoo for the sixteen years since then.

Whoever does become Mayor, they need to pull rank over the Zoological Society and FIRE Tanya Peterson.  Shit will turn around right quick!

Note: I'm not endorcing any of these people, just noting alignment in statements regarding the Zoo.  That said, no go on Breed for me based solely on her disregard for the current Zoo Animals and overall Needs, with her irresponsible Panda Plan.  

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

There Is Just Too Much - This Zoo Bullshit Needs To Be Sorted Soon

9:40p ... The last thirty-six hours exactly, have been alot.  

Still reeling from the weekend's Zoo news and post writing, I dozed off Sunday night, thinking about my Zoo goal for the morning.  I had seen the latest Tweets regarding the Zoo and there were dozens of reTweets of the article and news stations across the country picking it up.  I was still angered by what I feel was a deliberate use of sensational words in the Chronicle article's title.  Seeing "unsafe" being repeated over and over was really bothersome.  I noted a bit in posts, but to reiterate, in my opinion splashing a statement like, "San Francisco Zoo Described As Unsafe For Visitors..." is really irresponsible and potentially damaging. 

My goal for yesterday's Zoo visit, was to make videos as I walked the grounds, notating safety, and also showing as much of the Zoo as I had time for, so those who have never been, can decide for themselves if it's "dilapidated".  Sure there is much needed work, but the picture that was painted, in my opinion was misleading.  As for the Animal Welfare issues, shared by Keepers, those are the only people we should be listening to.  Not the opinions of people who have spent very little time at Our Zoo, and who don't even like Zoos.

I was in my car at 9:40a and I got a message from a friend alerting me to a KQED live show about the Chronicle article and Commission Report.  I actually thought once again, good grief can't I get a breather from all this Zoo stuff.  I already had my video making on my mind, as well posts I hadn't gotten to over the weekend because of the new stuff.  It was already alot.  The timing of all this is actually a big, oh geez, considering just the weekend before I decided to wean myself from the feeling of needing to document everything.  I guess until the Zoo is sorted, or I can adjust to letting things not affect me as much, it's going to be very hard.

My day ran late, my mind was tired and still working hard, so I didn't listen to the archived KQED piece last night.  I woke up and immediately felt overwhelmed, and my mind literally being pulled in too many directions.  Wanting to listen to that show, post about the videos, finish and publish draft posts, I have over a dozen emails to write about Zoo stuff, I have emails from Supervisors sent to me a month ago that I haven't even read more than a glance, let alone working through that info, so many documents to read, more to request, another non-Zoo animal related project, all those things were racing in and out of my mind at the same time.  I felt very scattered all day, and could only do bits of alot of those, but never finishing anything.  The one post I did publish, I thankfully had written, I just needed to add photos to.

So, in addition to all that, new ideas came to mind.  Who knows when I'm getting to what.  What I do want to do is share the KQED link for those who haven't heard it.

https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101907448/sf-zoo-is-unsafe-for-visitors-and-animals-according-to-city-report

I listened and was surprisingly not as offended as I thought I'd be.  That said, I still have issues with things that I feel fall short of what I expect from what's been and is being put forth.  I know that's kind of cryptic, but I already have posts in draft that are related to those things, so I'll wait to say more.  

I also listened to a podcast by someone who I knew many years.  He spoke about the Zoo with fondness in a way that resonated with me.  We are both natives and endeared to our San Francisco lives and youth, to the history of our hometown, and Our Zoo.

The direct link goes straight to app store, so use the main website, but copy and paste it. >  thevoicesf.podbean.com

Scroll down to one that says The Zoo.  It's currently second on the list.

Since I've rambled on alot about my current state of mind, and not a whole lot about Zoo stuff really,  I want to share a fun clip I captured last month at Chimpanzees.  A new bridge was recently added and this was my first time seeing it, as Nick was using it 😊  Wish all this Zoo bullshit would sort out, so I can just get back to sharing wonderful Zoo Friend experiences like this.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=1F1PuaX4mlk&si=aQlLPYpeM9EBzmN5

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/orangutans-can-see-construction-of.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Orangutans Can See Construction Of Fabricated Trees, But They're Not For Them

I was going to just drop these photos of the Art Installation bullshit that is happening directly across from Orangutans, into the previous post about updates, but as I wrote, it turned into a post of it's own.

I originally mentioned this project in this post from 9.4.24 about money waste. 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/09/more-money-being-spent-on-non-animal.html

Money not spent on Animal Related Needs, in my opinion are mostly a waste of the funds Director Peterson claims are scarce.  I say mostly, only because the Perimeter Fence is in dire need.  All further Gardens and Art Installations should be suspended until all Animal Needs are met. 

This current Canopy bullshit, in eye's view of the Orangutans is a real rub.  They are literally building fabricated trees for human amusement across from Arboreal Great Apes who were kept in caged tubes and denied naturally assembled and/or fabricates trees of their own.  For eight months straight while the tubes were their only outdoor access, these poor Beings had no heightened structures to move naturally, climb and stretch, in such a way that mimics their natural tree dwelling behavior. 

I followed and documented the Orangutans journey here since before they arrived in April/May of 2019.  Search Orangutans in this blog, for the cruel details.

In one post from 8.30.21, I address building them tree structures on the middle grotto island. 

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

The existing structure that was built in the 80s was rusted with peeling paint for years while the Chimps were still living there.  I couldn't believe it was not removed when the  Orangutans were tossed in there, but not one thing new was done FOR the Orangutans in that whole faux renovation.  Eventually the structure was cut in half.  What a joke that is.  Cut off the rusted part, instead of just taking the disgusting thing down.  Instead approximately $40,000 was spent on a garden in front of the Orangutans disgraceful home, so that it appeared nice for the AZA Inspection. 

Anyway, I asked a Keeper why a tree structure couldn't be built, even identifying useable trunks I've seen on the grounds.  She said they were told "No Money".  No Money for nails?  The level of denying anything mentioned for the Orangutans is disturbing and shameful.  No Money for hardware.  Makes me sick.  You, Director Peterson make me sick.  Write another check for another Art Installation or Garden, while the Animals wait for their Needs to be fulfilled. 

So here we are, with fabricated trees for the Orangutans to look out at.

Video Overview 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=fX_GGBfbqxc&si=6TLByEc4A-exOqKk

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare

Train Post Update - Photo and Video Additions Of The Bullshit

Notes regarding new photos and videos of the Train bullshit. Some were added to exiating posts, some are additional to this post.

In a post from Saturday 10.12.24, I made Note that I would add a photo of a new addition to the Train bullshit, that has encroached onto the Island the Pelicans live on.  This is the photo and a video:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wPZB5C8j4gM&si=lQG2pLQCWJ_22E37

Both are now included in this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/animal-welfare-commission-report-piece.html

Not included is this screencap of how it looked before.

*******

While uploading video last week, I realized I never included the video overview of the Train bullshit, in my original post. 

screencap from video

https://youtu.be/M05oGJ22tog?si=s5YA1T1ZAqXp1ygo

It's now included in this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/zoo-spends-over-1-million-on-new-train.html

*******

Finding an overview photo of how the area around the lake used to look before this Train bullshit would be time consuming, so I screencapped a frame from an old video.  The video is a good watch, so I've linked it under the photo.

https://youtu.be/EuAN4jBpA-c?si=HdojrAoCkhhPaPw7

This is a screencap of how it looks now, barren and with a track around it.  Ugh.  Sad.

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

The Welfare Commission Report - My Reactions

Even though I had already taken anxiety medication after yesterday's post that really hyped me up, I read through The Report.  Thankfully it didn't affect me as much as I thought it might.  I think because I knew pretty much what to expect, based on it being written by people who have no idea what's really going on at Our Zoo.

This Report was spearheaded by the Animal Control and Welfare Commission's Jane Tobin, who has been an "advisor" on the Joint Zoo Committee panel since 2015.  She and Dr. Spinelli, who has served in the same position since 2009.   I have mentioned Spinelli in past posts, you can search this blog if interested.  For the purpose this post, I will say two things about both of these people who have been tasked like so many others, to be a checks and balances entity for the Zoo.  Both, like so many others, like all others, have failed in their responsibility.  

My questions to each of them are regarding just two things, but important illustrations in regards to the audacity of this Report at this time.  

1) How often in all the years you have been tasked with the responsibility of Animal Welfare oversight, have you visited the Zoo?  How many times have you spoken to Animal Care Staff about their opinions and the Needs of the Animals in their Care?

2) Before the acquisition of Orangutans, did either of you ask any questions about where the Orangutans would be housed?  Or visit the Zoo once they arrived to see where they were being housed? ... That's a No, as they lived in caged tubes for eight months straight, and surely you would have noticed THAT Animal Welfare issue, right?

Note that I've read both Tobin or Spinelli are non-voting Members of the Joint Zoo Committee.  That said, the Orangutans were already at the Zoo, when the Zoo sought to get the Committee to approve their acquisition.  This alone is a red flag to the Joint Zoo process and seriousness.

Both Tobin and Spinelli should make it their duty to... 

1) Question housing for all Acquisitions.

2) Make sure all requests for Approval of Acquisitions are made before the Animals arrive.

3) Visit the Zoo to see what the housing is for new Acquisitions at least once a month, preferably within the week prior tonthe Joint Zoo Meeting.

Can you handle these tasks?  Because anything less, in my opinion does not qualify you to be an Advisor.

Moving on to the others involved with critiquing the Zoo. The preliminary meeting was between Tobin, Spinelli and four Activists, three, who have been very vocal about wanting the Zoo shutdown.  I continue to be baffled by the attention and weight that is given to the opinions of Close the Zoo Zealots.  And Justin Barker from SFZoo Watch has seemingly become an authority on the Zoo after only a handful of visits since his appearance on the scene only five months ago.  

I'm not trying to diss anyone's efforts, I'm just not buying all that he or frankly anyone of these people, which includes Tobin, Spinelli, Joint Zoo Members, RecPark, Zoological Society, Director Peterson, and now the Mayor, are selling.  Not one person in any of this, has cared about the Zoo in at least the sixteen years, I've been heavily monitoring the Zoo, which happened to coincide with the Queen of Suck Peterson's reign as Director.  

The only people I trust to evaluate the Zoo are certain long-time employees and Animal Care Staff.  That's who should have been at this meeting and involved with input about the Needs of the Zoo.  Not random's, and certainly not anyone who just a couples months ago stood outside City Hall holding signs in an effort to get the Zoo closed.  It's offensive. 

My suggestion is Animal Care Staff and only them, get back to their own Committee that they tried to form in 2015 (an effort that was berated by Joint Zoo Members), and create their own Report.  

So, I was going to bullet point a few things from the Report but my ears are pulsating now, so I'm going to just give an overall of it, as I think those of us who have cared for a very long time and continue to, can see what's happening here.

Aside from the above issues I have with who was involved with this, I this for the most part it's outrageous, in the sense that no apparent consideration has been taken for the cost of what is being proposed in regards to Animal living spaces.  Again I think that comes down to three things...

1) The lack of knowledge about Our Zoo specifically.  The Needs, and the lack of Fundraising to achieve those Needs.

2) The lack of in-depth knowledge about Animal Needs, gained from meeting with Animal Care Staff, and not just once, or.in passing, but regularly.  Something that should have been on-going for years, but everyone tasked with a responsibility to Our Zoo has neglected.

3) A no brainer, but obviously not to some... Not listening to those who want to see the Zoo closed.

The negilgence of not visiting and following closely what goes on for too many years, in my opinion, is a real problem.  Letting a sixteen year neglect by Peterson and the Board, without oversight by the RecPark, Joint Zoo, or Animal Welfare Commission, just happen and then come at it from all sides, is irresponsible.  

I'll say it again, statements being put forth to media, that the Zoo is akin to a war zone and unsafe for visitors, based on the Tiger tragedy seventeen years ago, are irresponsible and could make the Zoo vulnerable to being shut down.  But, maybe that's their goal, considering the largest input was apparently by individuals who want the Zoo shut down.  

Additionally putting every inch of the Zoo under a microscope and making a laundry list of fixes, is not helping the situation, unless someone is going to come up with a hundred million bucks to fix everything, what is to be acheived by the sensationalism of this Report?  

Fundraising and working toward goals one by one, is seemingly the only way fixing Our Zoo can happen.  And that can only happen when change in every aspect of management and oversight takes place.  It can be done.  I know exactly how, and have for years.  That said, who has the BALLS to enact the necessary changes?  Certainly not the Board who chooses to support and retain Tanya Peterson as Director, despite her acts of Animal Cruelty and other offenses that have left Our Zoo in desperate shape.  

Related Posts:  See the three previous to this.  All four of these posts were prompted by news of this Report.

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas

KTVU Links "The Report" In Article

My ears are still pulsating, and I'm dozing off.  I've been on Zoo stuff for near eight hours.  Longer than Zoo Director Tanya Peterson has worked for the Zoo, today or most days.

Before I start a movie and give into the doze, I checked Twitter for "san francisco zoo" under the latest tab.  I feel physically ill seeing a stream of posts saying Our Zoo is unsafe for Visitors and Animals, including someone who posted what I said could happen as a result of these irresponsible words.

In addition, KTVU News has also posted about the Report issued by the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, which has been the subject of my last two posts.

I'm not going to go through their whole post like I did with the Chronicles.  I'm posting only because it contains a link to the Report, within their article.  I've circled the text that hyperlinks to the eleven page document.

https://www.ktvu.com/news/san-francisco-zoo-unsafe-visitors-animals-according-scathing-report

I really don't have it in me to read this right now, but you know I couldn't help myself.  I didn't get past the first page without having an issue, and feeling like this is going to contain very biased words. 

The preliminary meeting was between the Commission and four Activists, three, including Barker have been very vocal about wanting the Zoo shutdown.  All six mentioned who were present at the meeting, including, Dr. Spinelli and Jane Tobin, have extremely limited to zero knoweledge and/or experience with Our Zoo.   It baffles me that so much attention and weight is given to the opinions of Close the Zoo Zealots.

I hope as I continue to read this document that there are logical and valid criticisms, and realistic solutions, including funding what they think should be done.

That all said, the only people I trust to evaluate the Zoo are certain long-time employees and Animal Care Staff.  That's who should have been at this meeting and involved with input.  Not random's.  

See two previous posts for expanded thoughts on this subject.

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

Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas

Animal Welfare Commission Report Piece On ABC News Last Night

I finished last night's post, feeling like it literally wrote like a breeze.  There were no pre-thoughts and organizing, I just wrote what I felt, as I was feeling it.  It was freeing and easy, and didn't hype me up like the writing of most posts do.  That said, after publishing, I had a link to ABC/KGO News waiting for me.  Someone had messaged me with it.  I was writing and the News was talking about it at the same time.

https://abc7news.com/video/embed/?pid=15419041&storyId=15418810&partner=google&source=google&isFeatured=true&_host=abc7news.com

While writing the post didn't hype me up, after watching the TV News piece, my ears were pulsating so bad, I needed to wait before expressing myself any further.  It's 6:30am.  I just woke up, and attacking it now.  ... And yes, I'm proof-reading this at 10a.  Ugh, three+ hours on this.

After publishing last night's post, I realized I left out a thoughts that were running through my mind, through all my reactions.  No way to add them, as views had already started.  So, I watched the ABC piece.  Seeing that woman, Jane Tobin from the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, speaking was upsetting.  Reading her words were enough, they angered me, but speaking, confirmed that I needed to do a follow-up post that included my left out thought.  In my opinion,  Tobin's words are damaging.  For one, the Zoo is not "dilapidated", in the way she is portraying.  She is painting a picture of the Zoo being akin to a war zone.  Her words are irresponsible and dangerous.  They could have an impact on attendance (aka bringing in funds), further digging a hole the Zoo can not climb out of.

There is no doubt there is alot that needs to be done, but a walk-thru of the Zoo does not outwardly show those Needs.  Despite the failed additions Director Peterson and her project manager have created, Our Zoo is still a beautiful place.  You want to fix Our Zoo up, get rid of Peterson, and allow people with a vision to create spaces that work, instead of eyesores that litter the landscape of the layout.  

The comments about the WPA enclosures, I think are off base.  Utilizing the older enclosures is necessary, and they have been revamped decently.  The Bear Grotto that was turned into Wolves, is just one example.  When things like this are attacked, I know I'm listening to delusional people, who have dreams of grandeur that are never going to materialize, because there is no funding.  This woman's words make it sound like the whole Zoo needs to be redone and made state of the art.  What is her plan to fund this venture?   

Again, I'm waiting to read this report.  Because so far, it sounds like a bunch if critiques with no solutions.  I've been critical of alot over the years, but at least I have come at everything with ideas to fix them.  I also keep in mind, there are no funds.  That said, I also know if we could be rid of Director Peterson, there's alot of ways to raise funds for the smaller scale fixes.  Peterson has held the Zoo back by her lack of fundraising, and use of funds we do have, for projects that are not Animal related.  Most recently the damn train situation.

Let me rant for a bit about the train.  This unnecessary project that obscenely over a million dollars is being spent on, has destroyed a natural area.  The extension around the lake where the Pelicans live is an eyesore that has turned a pretty area into an amusement for humans.  I also have concerns that it encloses the lake on three sides, providing the Pelicans almost no refuge, and certainly no peace.  This week I saw this bullshit that extends over the water onto the Island where the Pelicans rest.  What the serious F?!  I feel like crying when I think about what has been done there.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wPZB5C8j4gM&si=lQG2pLQCWJ_22E37

Whoever's idea this was needs to be fired.  The continued use of funds, creating these asinine projects, is making it harder to get the Zoo back to what it was and should be.  If only we could go back to 2018.  And Peterson was gone.  We would still have the Primate Center intact, and possibly a logical plan for that area, not the Donor vanity project of MADagascar, that has no Madagascar Animals in the specific location of the teardown, that became a six year pit, that resulted in a literal pit, as the only structure built looks like a big BBQ pit.  We wouldn't have that damn metal bridge fiasco in Triple Grotto, because we wouldn't have Orangutans yet.  Things were looking up, as the Chimpanzees were moving to their new home.  Logical plans for Triple Grotto could have been made, and our Orangutans would have a beautiful, appropriate home, and would not have suffered the mental, and physical trauma of being stuck in caged tubes has caused them.  Tanya Peterson caused those poor Beings irreversible damage, with her selfish, uncaring attitude towards Animal care.  Moving on, that horribly designed Snow Leopard enclosure would not be there, and again, a decent enclosure and design for that area could have been thought out.  We would still have four Cat Grotto's, which is necessary.  Cats don't use the double-wide space.  At best, one double-wide to rotate through would have been enough.  Leaving three yards, which would have been the logical way to go, but we don't have someone in charge with logic, or care.  I could go on, but all this is nothing new.  Unfortunately, much of this can't be reversed, so the Zoo is left with some permanent scars, including that damn new train track. The only thing that can be saved is Triple Grotto.

So much wasted money.  It makes me sad.  I fantasize I win the biggest lotto, because other than personal security, and helping rescues, the only thing I'd want to do, is fix Our Zoo.  I want to erase all the stuff above.  I want to drive the bulldozer that takes down that fucking bridge at Orangutans.

So, what do we need now?  So much and it's not Pandas.  The Jaguar has been brought into this "report".  As far as I know, this is moot.  I've been told the Jaguar is not moving into that yard.  And while I think the Jaguar could use more space, I have been told by Keepers that the size is enough for him.  As well, it is reportedly larger than his previous enclosure at Sacramento Zoo was.  That all said, my redesign of the area would expand the enclosure he's in.  So back to the unnetted Yard (B) that has been brought up.  That yard will never be netted.  It is too large a space, the cost would be outrageous, and it would look odd next to (A) which would remain unnetted.  That yard could still house a Tiger.  That said, Chinese Officials have already been there multiple times, reviewing it for temporary Panda housing.  I have a better idea, but that's for another time.  I think this location was chosen as when Pandas were here in the 80s they were housed in the then reduced Yard A.  

Well that turned into a long-wind I didn't plan.  Actually none of this is planned.  I'm again just going with the literal flow.  So, back to what we need.  First, put an end to Gardens and Art Installations.  That nonsense needs to stop.  Funds at this point, should only be allowed for Animal related projects.  That goes for Donor locked funds as well.  Back-burner them.  Doing Wants before Needs, is not only self-entitled to demand, but sends a bad message that Animal Care is not the priority.  And that specifically relates to the mindset of Director Peterson and the Society Board, not the care the Animals receive from Keeper Staff.

Foremost, we NEED the area of Triple Grotto to finally be redone for the Orangutans.  It Needs, a netted enclosure, a dayroom, new night quarters, and two aviary enclosures to house Siamangs and Gibbons.  That are the Needs to bring the Great Ape Passage as it was called, to fruition.  It's an Animal Welfare Need, and a visual Need.  That area is a focal point of the Zoo.  Start there.  We need Primate Species.  Losing almost all our Monkeys was a huge fail.  Monkey's are the first Zoo Animal kids learn about and come to see.  While being Apes, Siamangs and Gibbons, are still Primates in the Monkey sense of it, and would be a valuable addition. ... Then demolish the Langur cages and adjacent area towards Mandrills as previously described.  Rebuild area with two aviary enclosures and night quarters for Monkeys. ... Staying in that same are, the old Patas enclosure needs to be inhabited.  I've heard it can no longer house that Monkey species.  It's a decent enclosure that seemingly doesn't need much work, make it happen. ... We need more Roos.  The WalkAbout has felt like a ghost town since the tragedy.  Add some life in there!  And build a better fence!  That temporary, tarped fence has been there for what, ten years?  ... I'm going to stop here on the fence note.  Scroll through this blog, I've written at nauseam about what should be done. 

Again, this TV piece, much like the Chronicle article, was designed as a tabloid punch.  Where is the report?  That's the real story.  ... So, since there is no report, who knows what all their targets are.  And I would bet, it comes with no solutions.  

That said, I was surprised by this...

Is someone other than me talking about the Perimeter Fence?  Would they even have noriced the Perimeter Fence if they hadn't read my blog?  And I say they, as I know the Activist has.  Regardless, I am curious how many times Jane Tobin has been to the Zoo and just like every Zoological Board Member who's come to the Zoo even once a year for their annual pat themselves on the back cocktail party, driven past that Perimeter Fence with tunnel vision straight to the bar.  That Fence has been literally crumbling for at least two decades.  It's not Animal related, but it not only is the first impression of the Zoo, but more importantly, represents how management cares about the Zoo. 

Get rid of Peterson and put a stop to her wasting money on nonAnimal, nonsensical, and scattered approach to projects.  Restructure the Society and management of the Zoo, which includes not just the Society, but the roles of the RecPark (who can't even fulfill their responsibility to keeping the Bison meadow watered), and Joint Zoo Committee Panelists.  Each person who has been tasked in the last sixteen years with responsibility to the Zoo, has failed it.  You think there are problems at the Zoo?  Each one of you are at fault for it.  Your negligence has allowed it.  You should all be ashamed of yourselves.  The Zoo is an Animal Care Facility, your neglect of duty has been to Living Beings.  Every one of your positions needs to be filled with people who care about the Zoo, and actually want to work to see it reach it's potential and thrive into the future.

The Zoo is in jeopardy of not having a future, with it's current mismanagement structure, and words like those of Tobin's and the Activist, which in my opinion can get the doors closed.  

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/zoo-in-news-todays-chronicle-article.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas