Memorial Mishaps - Far Too Many

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This sign was put up in a timely manner.  

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

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

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

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

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

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

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

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

What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

This is part three of the series of four posts that highlights the connection to the disrespect of Our Orangutans, and the irresponsible acquisition of Giant Pandas.

I got a bit extra wordy prior to my intention to show the actual construction plans.  Scroll down for them if you're short on time or patience, but come back for the rest at some point!

It's an understatement to just say, I'm tired of this whole Panda situation, and what it will mean for Our Zoo.  

The insanity and irresponsibility, is hard to wrap my mind around.  Actually not just my mind, everyone I talk to who cares about Our Zoo seems to have the same trouble with it.  It's also mind-blowing, that anyone, would think bringing Pandas here (certainly not at this time), is a good idea, especially considering the last year of bad press and frankly shame, the mismanagement by Director Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society Board has shined on Our Zoo.  Tanya and the Board, obviously don't give a shit, but what about the other supporters?  City entities like the Mayor, RecPark Commissioners, Supervisors, Donors, even members of the Public?  Does no one care?  Have they all ignored what's been reported, in favor of their own selfish Want?

When I first heard about this insanity, then-Mayor Breed was talking $20 Million for a new enclosure, $4 Million for a temporary.  These may be accurate numbers for state of the art enclosures, but to me, for the state of Our Zoo, using funds of this amount, for Animals not already living here, seems outrageous.  Especially since there are currently so many Animal Needs, and specifically those of the Orangutans.  Just the fact that it was perfectly fine to even entertain $4 Million for temporary use, is offensive.  I remain offended by this, but more so by Director Peterson's quote, "The Zoo plans to launch a major fundraising effort."

So, "major fundraising", yet Director Peterson has not done any real fundraising for the Zoo in the fifteen+ years she's been there, has left the Zoo in a desperate state, including with too many empty enclosures, and begs the question, WHY was it not important to her to do "major fundraising" for the Orangutans to have a decent home? 

So, before I rant on and digress to stuff I've already written about, let's see how Peterson plans to use the funds she's raised for Pandas.

Last December, with the plan for a new enclosure scrapped, the Zoo released it's plans for the "remodel" of Cat Yard A.  The price tag noted at $8 Million.  I looked at all the other North American Zoo's Panda enclosures, and visually without any work, the landscape and size, seemed already comparable, so $8 Mil seems a bit much.  That said, we must always take Tanya Peterson's words as weaved with suspicious truths, and illusions.

There had been been constant curiosity about how housing inside the Lion House would be handled.  Would there be a partition built?  What about the issue of temperature needs for each species?

Then it happened, less than two weeks after releasing the enclosure plan, Peterson's words from an internal newsletter were quoted, "However, that does not account for the cost of building a new exhibit for "the lions that will be ousted from the Historic Lion House."  

I can't even with this.  Removing the Lions from the Lion House.  And spending money to build them a new home, when they have a home, and the Orangutans need a new home.  Am I the only one with smoke coming out of her shaking head?  I was against the cost of a new build for Pandas, but this in insanity, just build the Pandas a new enclosure already and leave the Lion House alone.  

Our Cat exhibit area, does not need this logistical destruction.  

*It Needs to leave the Lions in their home, THE Lion House.

*It Needs to bring back a species of Tiger to the Lion House.

*It Needs follow-thru on the Snow Leopard expansion, that was supposed to cross the path into South Gate, to create an additional enclosure, which is much needed.  Originally the additional space, rumored to connect to the current enclosure by an overhead trail, and allow for the rotation of the current male on exhibit and his two offspring, currently off exhibit.  The new build done several years ago is embarrassing in size.  

*It Needs to expand the Jaguar enclosure.  The Zoo has a mocked up plan on the side of the Tropical Building, which makes no sense to me.  There is space on that same site.  In my opinion, a more logical and logistical place. 

Anyway, one would think it couldn't get any worse than the Cat area, being dismantled, yet the final Project Plans for the Pandas, that have been submitted and approved, shows remodeling seemingly of both Cat Yards and building two Dayrooms inside the Lion House! 

That said, How true is that $8 Million price tag?  Peterson has reortedly declined transparency about the amount of her fundraising and where the funds are coming from.

The Lion House has historical landmark status, so I'm not even sure how it's possible to completely change the inside. But, somehow The City Planning Commission signed off on it.

                            Aerial Diagram

                          Outside Cat Yards

                        Both Yards A and B 

                     Shown As Remodeled

Yard A? (Shown)

Before and After (Architect Rendering)

Aerial Diagram Inside Lion House

Full Floor Plan To Be Used

Lion House

Before and After (Architect Rendering)

The Peterson Zoo-lusion tried to sell us, one yard remodel, but, according to these Planning Commission documents, appears to be both Yards, and two Dayrooms.  How is all this less expensive than just building a new enclosure?  One Yard, No Dayroom, because this just looks like they are building rooms, in lieu of not using existing bedrooms, and using both yards just so one is not left vacant.

So, that's all that will happen, but not all that could happen. What could happen is all this goes through and for some reason, unforseeable, political, financial, whatever, Pandas aren't sent, that is a huge amount of money to lose.  As well the destruction to the Cat Yards will make them inhabitable by Big Cats, unless more money is spent to net them over.  Can't see that happening as Peterson vetoed netting for Orangutans in Triple Grotto North and Jaguar in Cat Yard B, she has also neglected to authorize finishing the netting on the Flamingo renovation from ten years ago.  The other gamble is, Pandas are sent, but as I predict, the expected attendance spike will not last, thus not produce the funds needed to maintain them and their annual fee. Then there's Trump who could piss China off at any moment and then they start repossessing Pandas in the US.

Additionally, according to one reported expert on Zoo Panda Acquisitions, a Zoo can do all the prep, jump through all the hoops by Chinese Officials, but until Pandas actually land here, it's not a sure thing.  Oakland Zoo reportedly spent a Million building an enclosure and Pandas were never sent.  

And finally, the emotional upset to us all, as suspected by some is, we might lose Our Lions because of all this insanity. Some have suspected that the new enclosure for Lions would never get built.  They may be right.  According the notation on the Planning Commission documents, the Lion Plans submitted are "On Hold".  One would logically think those plans would need to be Approved before, or at the same time as the Panda Plans, otherwise where are Our Lions going to be housed as Panda Plan moves forward?  Will this unfold as another Tanya Peterson untruth?

Next Post: Coming Soon... ETA Probably next weekend.

*What's The Alternative To Pandas In The Lion House?  ...  Pointing out the obvious location for the Pandas, and probably more ranting with reason.

Previous Posts in this Series:

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans ... part one 5.4.25

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

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo ... part two 5.5.25

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

Related Posts:

*The Zoo Has Released Their Panda Enclosure Design

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/the-zoo-has-released-their-panda.html

*Zoo Director Plans To Kick The Lions Out Of The Historic LION HOUSE?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/zoo-director-plans-to-kick-lions-out-of.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

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

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

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

A Crucial Moment In Time For The Future Of Our Zoo

I apologize for once again interrupting the flow of posts I have in draft that belong in a series.  Consecutive flow is always my goal, but there are times I feel certain things need to be documented timely, something that has gotten away from me too many times.

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

Discussions this week were again extensive, with certain things (ideas and suggestions) I've put forward in previous posts, brought up and suggested that I forward them to those in Authority beyond the Zoo walls.

One post, a two-parter posted in October 2024, was the main one discussed.  I'm linking them next.  Note part-two is the one that contains my detailed thoughts on restructuring management.

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part One - Current Management 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo.html

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part Two - Restructuring Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo_19.html

After posting part-two, I thought of some tweaks to my well thought out idea for a successful management structure.  Some might say, who is she to put forth such ideas?  Well, at least I have thought of ways, better ways to make Our Zoo have a fair management system, instead of languishing status quo in a pattern of neglect by authority entities, that have allowed a dictatorship to flourish.

Since this post is meant to put forth information in a timely manner, I have not put my tweaks to paper in any presentable way.  I also don't think it's necessary at this point, but if a change is on the mind of anyone with authority, who is further interested in my ideas, they can contact me.

That further thinking many months ago made me realize what I'm proposing is that Our Zoo be run as a Co-Op.  Not only out of what has seemed logical to me for many years, but in light of certain members of the Joint Zoo Committee, and allegedly the Board, considering the opinions of Anti-Zoo Activists as Animal Welfare authorities, instead of the knowledge of Our Zoo's long-time Animal Care Staff.  Director Peterson has run-off many, but there are still a good number of qualified Animal Staff who should have a seat at the table.  The Zoo is at the core, an Animal Care Facility.  Sure, there's a business side, but the Zoo as a whole, is about Animal Welfare.  That department should be at least half of the management equally.

I then looked-up the meaning of a Co-Op Management. ... "The co-operative method of management is modelled after participatory democracy: depending on their size, co-operative members not only vote for their board members or representatives but directly participate in the management and decision-making process of the organization."

Democracy.  Under Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society, the Zoo has not been run as a Democracy.  If it had been, the No Confidence vote against Peterson would have had weight.  Instead, the Society Board, who knows nothing about the Zoo, supports Peterson and her morally criminal offenses against the Animals, Staff and Zoo.

Management of Our Zoo should not continue, as is.  New "leadership" is long overdue.  It is extremely vital to Our Zoo thriving into the future.  I seriously fear without it, and the irresponsible acquisition of Pandas, Our Zoo will not see it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.  

The fact that it took eight months of media exposing mismanagement to even get anyone at City level, even that of the Zoo's own oversight entities, SF RecPark and Joint Zoo Committee, is sad.  All these entities, including the SF Zoological Society, have known about problems for over a decade.  They just ignored them, literally rolling their eyes, which I witnessed with my own eyes, at the concerns from Animal Care Staff at Meetings and myself, who spoke at Meetings in regards to the Chimpanzees.  So far, the only City entity to move forward with any seemingly serious attempt at uncovering any unbiased mismanagement is the Board of Supervisors, who have launched their own investigation.

It's disturbing that the incoming Mayor Daniel Lurie, has been silent in regards to the Zoo.  A San Francisco Native who took office in January, is well aware of all the bad press.  Additionally, up until just over a month ago, I was in contact with his team, since he won the election.  They led me on for months, yet never committed to putting a meeting on the calendar, and avoiding answering my question of Why? Clearly, the Mayor, like every Mayor before him, has no interest in Our Zoo, despite it being City Owned.  

Before my initial contact with Team Lurie, I inquired with Supervisor Aaron Peskin, former President of the Board of Supervisors, to confirm my understanding, by simply asking,... 

Since the Zoo is City owned, only "managed" by the Zoological Society, ... What City entity has Authority over them? ...The Mayor, BOS, or another entity? (alluding to RecPark)

His answer...

"Recreation and Parks Department under the Mayor."

So, it would seem that not only my logical thought, but actual fact, Our City owned Zoo, pyramid of power, is...

* #1 ... San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie

* #2 ... San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission

... above overrides below, as they are "Management Entities"

* San Francisco Zoological Society Board

* San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

Every entity, collectively or individually is an accomplice to what has and continues to happen at Our Zoo.  There has been negligence of duty by all.  It's time that the Authority holders, Mayor Lurie and the RecPark Commissioners, make executive decisions for the future of Our Zoo.  

If the Mayor and RecPark do not act to not only remove Tanya Peterson as Director, but Restructure the management system, they will send the same message they have in at least the last seventeen years I've been monitoring the Zoo, which coincidentally coincided with Tanya Peterson's reign as Director.  That message is, they just don't care.

The lack of care, and subsequent oversight from these City Officials, have allowed The Zoological Society and their appointed Director, to not only mismanage Our Zoo, but to operate it with the thought they are untouchable, unaccountable and that nothing anyone outside their self-entitled clique says, has any worth.  They deflect, they lie, and they put forth creative narrative to suit their needs and protect their position.  Where and more important, When, does it stop?

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

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

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

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

The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

Got to admit, that last post wore me out.  Rehashing those heartbreaking details of disrespect to innocent Beings, really affects me emotionally, in addition to really f*cking pissing me off.  

It's mind-boggling that not only with the awareness of the complete financial irresponsibility, disregard for both current Animal Needs, and Zoo fixes, plus the absolute injustice to the Orangutans, that a post like this even needs to be written.  Yet, here we are.  The same broken record playing.  Maybe Someone With Authority to put an end to the Panda Plan, will hear the tune, step-in and Save Our Zoo, from the greedy, misaligned clutches of Director Tanya Peterson and the Zoological Society Board.  What say you, Mayor Lurie and/or the RecPark Commissioners?

Anyone who supports bringing Pandas to Our Zoo at this time, is just plain selfish.  Pandas are a Want, not a Need.

So yeah, I have already mentioned the Orangutans.  Their situation is probably the single most irk I have about bringing Pandas here at this time.  Let's make no mistake, that irk is quickly followed by the plan to house Pandas in the Lion House, throwing that whole area of the Zoo into chaos, and foremost, displacing the Lions.  Then, using funds to build a new enclosure for Lions.  The Lions have a home, in the Lion House.  The logic of it all is insanity.

It makes no sense to build the Lions a new home, when it's the Orangutans that desperately need a home.  If you have read my previous post, and still think it's justifiable, after being confined to caged tubes for a total of a year, and then being banished to live on tiny islands for eternity, then there is seriously something wrong with anyone who doesn't think this is morally criminal.

Tanya Peterson should not be allowed to bring in her next new shiny toy, while her last ones still live on small ancient concrete islands.

Peterson's habit of acquiring Animals with no appropriate place to house them, misappropriating funds for non-Animal projects, and general Wants over Needs has to stop.  Starting with putting the Panda Plan on hold indefinitely, and possibly revisit it once all the Needs for current Residents and Zoo fixes have been met.  It's not rocket science to see what needs to be done to Save and Fix Our Zoo.  Yet no one with Authority has the balls to do it.  Panda's will not Save Our Zoo.  New management will.  Until that happens, righting the wrong that was done to the Orangutans, and not rewarding a Cruel Animal Welfare Offense, by allowing the acquisition of Giant Pandas, a large costly Species, should be the example of Caring set forth.  

The Zoo has been under immense scrutiny the past year, the right steps forward need to be taken.  Care and attention to current Animal and Zoo Needs, is how you do that.  Not obsessively focusing on bringing in a Species that is outrageously costly, while the rest of the Zoo suffers.

The Zoo has used "Economic Growth", as one selling point.  I have a problem with this hypothetical in general, as I know funds have been used for non-Animal Wants, ignoring Animal Needs.  That and other factors make it clear, that there is no guarantee that the current Needs of the Zoo will benefit from any influx of funds from a spike in attendance.  A spike I will add, will most likely not last long and definitely not through the lease.

For one, and this is a big one, it was reported that US Zoo's hosting Pandas do not benefit from additional revenue.  Rebecca Snyder,  Chair of the Giant Panda Conservation Foundation, is quoted, "Snyder said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers permits to zoos,... does not allow them to keep any profit from pandas. Instead, it expects extra money to go to back to panda conservation in China."  A recent financial breakdown of sorts, reported such a kick-back.

The news article that broke-down the alleged budget outline noting an estimated $8 million to renovate an existing Lion exhibit for the Pandas, $7 million for operational expenses, and $10 million in “conservation gifts” to China.

So, the largest chunk of the funds raised is being kicked back to China, in addition to the $2 million annual rental fee.  That is not a "gift", that is an additional payment.  Way to waste money that could be put to better use.   That money could do wonders for Our Orangutans and other Animal Needs.   These costs are obscene.

If Tanya Peterson had not spent the last seventeen years mismanaging Our Zoo, and actually done her job, maybe the Zoo would be in the position to build an dedicated enclosure for Pandas, and one that doesn't take away the home of current Residents (Lions), or from the Needs of current Residents (Orangutans).  At this time, it is not.

After Maggie Chimpanzee passed away, the thought came to mind... Would, rather could (because she is certainly capable of it), Tanya revisit her plan from ten years ago, and try to kick out the three remaining Chimpanzees, to free-up THEIR HOME for Orangutans?  There has been no word of our Chimps future, whether they will stay or whether the Zoo will acquire additions to their troop.  I wrote about this in a blog post, but I bring this up again, here and now, as I put exclusive pressure on regarding the Need for the Orangutans to have a new enclosure built, in the light of the Panda Plan, and the proposed new Lion enclosure.  

If this Chimp transfer notion were to come up, I'm sure Tanya would see this solution as a win.  Tanya should not be rewarded for not building an appropriate home for the Orangutans.  She should not be rewarded for not fundraising for the Orangutans.  She should be required as part of her job to build them a new home, by any means possible.  If she can raise funds for Pandas who don't live at Our Zoo, and displace, building new for Lions, she can raise funds for Ollie and Amoi, who have waited six years for a new home to be built for them.  Their Needs matter.  They matter.

Furthermore, Shame on anyone who would Donate what I assume would be locked funds to Pandas and Lions, while the Orangutans wait.  

And, if Donors don't know there are desperate Needs, that is what the Oversight of the RecPark Commission is SUPPOSED to be for.  They should be aware (but aren't) of everything going on at the Zoo, to make sure Tanya and the Society Board do not step-on and over Needs, for their Wants.  Which is What has been happening for seventeen years, and Why Our Zoo is in the state it is.

This has been part-two of a series of four.  There is a method to my madness of continued Orangutan/Panda Outrage.  

In the next two posts, I will continue to illustrate why I think the Panda Plan is a bad idea.

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through ... This post will outline what the Plans are, what they means for Our Zoo and current Animals, plus what can go wrong.

*What's The Alternative To Pandas In The Lion House ... I still believe the Panda Plan should be shutdown, but if it continues to be sought after, in my opinion there is a better location option. 

Previous Post:

*Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

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

Related Post:

*Are Our Chimpanzees At Risk For Leaving?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/04/are-our-chimpanzees-at-risk-for-leaving.html

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

Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

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

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

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

Timeline Of Great Ape Disrespect - Highlighting Orangutans

Pre-read... I just finished this post.  I intended it to basically be a sterile bullet pointed list.  It's long.  There's more to it.  No way to avoid it. The sad plight of our Orangutans, Ollie and Amoi, is personal for me.  I watched every step of their disrespectful time at Our Zoo, and it was heartbreaking.  There is no way my emotions would not sneak into this a bit.  It's important that newcomers understand and that no one forgets that everyday since these poor souls arrived here, they have been disrespected.  This will not end until an appropriate home is built for them.   An illusion of one was sold to get them here, it's way past time it became a reality.

...

When I started this post and it's one, now three successors, back in December, I thought I was finally seeing an end to Zoo blogging as it has been for fourteen years.  I felt I had said all that could be said about the mass mismanagement under Director Tanya Peterson, and more than well documented most issues that made it into my realm.  I was energized to get to that finish line.  Then of course other Zoo BS happened in between and I've been talking about these two posts since. 

The reason for these posts was I wanted the last posts up to reflect, even if a repeat of previous words, some kind of synopsis to illustrate what I feel are key points in mismanagement that connect the disrespect of the Orangutans, to the insanity of bringing in Pandas, because make no mistake, they are related.  I wanted it laid out for anyone new to the saga to get a general understanding of at least this one factor that I believe should have been reason enough for some authority entity (Mayor, RecPark Commissioners) to override Director Peterson and Zoological Society Board, and shut the Panda Plan down. 

I know long-time readers might be like, geez, how many times she going to do this timeline?   Well, hopefully this will be the last, and it will be a bit different, as all the previous were focused on the Chimpanzees, and then Orangutans added on.  This will be focused on the Orangutans.  I do this not only to document a relatively, if not exact timeline, but because I don't expect others to have kept the same records I have. 

Ok so, let's get into this.  Starting with the history of Triple Grotto, the current home of the Orangutans.  Built in the mid-60s, each grotto is 32 feet across, according to this document. 

My estimation on the size of the islands, is less than half that.  You can see in this photo that the island raises up to a leveled off point, that is ridiculously small compared to the circumference. 

This is a photo of how a grotto island looked in the earliest days.  I was told soil landscaping wasn't added til the 80s.

These are aerial views of Triple Grotto, I used in a previous post to illustrate the size of the Islands, compared to a quarter of the size of the Chimp yard.  

Keep in mind the severely reduced topical space, due to added structures, as seen in this photo.

Photos below have also been included in previous posts.  They show the size of the Islands compared to other areas in the Zoo.

Anyone who knows these areas and have looked at them can readily understand the inappropriately small area the Orangutans are living in.

Present day view of the Triple Grotto enclosure our Orangutans are living in viewable in this video.  They have access to North and West (Middle) Grotto.  There is very little topical area on either island.  

*Orangutans 3.28.25 ... Shows Triple Grotto Building to Island + Bridge Bullshit

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=anp1Ri3u3xI

Timeline Continued...

I'm not sure the time frame for each species/grotto but I do know that Chimps, Orangutans, and Gorillas all occupied a grotto.  Pretty sure at the same time at some point.    

*Chimps - mid60s - March 2019

*Gorillas - mid60s - 1980s & approx 2002-2004 (Temporary relocation for two teenage bachelors set to be transferred to another Zoo.)

*Orangutans - mid60s - 2003

1997 -  San Francisco Residents Vote and pass a Bond for improvements to the Zoo.  The bond was for specific projects, the building of The Great Ape Forest, a new home for the Chimpanzees and Orangutans, was at the forefront of the campaign.  That never happened.  Money was misappropriated and never replaced by fundraising efforts or donor driven.

2005 - Bond Update showed the Great Ape Forest  had been cancelled.

2008 - News article notates, that over 10 yrs after the Bond was awarded, there were still questions about How the money was spent and Why the Chimps were still living in the "ancient" Triple Grotto.

2008-2013 - The SFZoo is very well aware of the AZA/SSP Guidelines in regard to Chimpanzee troops being four or more.  There has been no fundraising for a new Chimpanzee enclosure.  There has been no plans made for the inevitable future, when our troop number reduces.

2013 - Tallulah passes away.  Zoo Director Tanya Peterson does nothing to ensure that Tallulah's Chimp Family, Cobby, Minnie and Maggie are guaranteed a lifelong home at the SFZoo.

2014 - Triple Grotto deemed too outdated for Chimpanzees, AZA/SSP refuses to send anymore Chimps to SFZoo.  Rather than raise funds to build Chimps a new home at the Zoo, Director Tanya Peterson decides to kick our senior Chimps out of their home of over forty-five years. ... Allegedly she already had plans to bring in Orangutans.

2015 - Director Peterson's cruel plan to get rid of our Chimps is foiled by public outrage.  Chimps stay and new home to be built for them. 

Nov 2018 - New Bedrooms and Dayroom completed.

March 2019 - Chimps move out of Triple Grotto. ... Shockingly, news of Orangutans on the way is leaked.  Everyone's (myself and staff) big question is, Where will they go? 

April-May 2019 - Orangutans arrive.

With Triple Grotto previously deemed too outdated for Chimpanzees, and no renovation in sight, the horror and fear that the Orangutans would be tossed into Triple Grotto as is, is real.  Unimaginably, what actually happened is far worse. 

I've written endlessly about how heartbreaking the lives of our Orangutans has been since arriving, starting with the emotional and mental trauma forced on the male Ollie, who arrived first.  With the Chimp yard still under construction, this poor little boy was held inside the old Chimp house, while loud sounds of metal banging and screeching, were happening directly outside.  At nine years old, Ollie was allegedly not slowly separated from his Orangutan family at his previous Zoo, including his infant brother who he was bonded to.  One day he was with them, the next on a plane here.  Alone and with the sounds of a war zone going on around him.  This should not have happened.  This didn't need to happen.  At the very least he should have stayed at his previous home until that construction was done.  Ideally, until a proper home at our Zoo was constructed for him and the incoming female.

Some might ask, How is this treatment possible?

I've been questioning that for six years.  The only story I can piece together from information I've gathered is... Director Tanya Peterson once again created and sold an illusion, that the Orangutans were getting a new enclosure built.  That is what the male's previous Zoo was told.  Tanya allegedly used what was being built for Chimpanzees, was going to also be for Orangutans.  Other than selling the idea of rotating the species, I can't figure why no one asked how that was going to work.  One species would always be contained either inside, or in the Skytrail, which is what happened.

Also note:  The hands-off oversight approach that the Rec and Park Commissioners and Zoological Society Board Members have given Director Peterson, have allowed this and all other disastrous issues to happen.  Animal Acquisitions are supposed to be approved by Commissioners and Board Members, at the monthly Joint Zoo Committee Meeting.  In regard to the Orangutans, the female was already at the Zoo when her acquisition approval came-up.  Not sure anyone but me noticed.  No one noticed, because no one cared to.  Acquisitions are approved without question, specifically, Where will this Animal live?

May 2019 - New Chimpanzee Yard opens.  

June 2019 - Chimps have random access to their Yard.  My count is less than a dozen times and that's generous. ... Female Orangutan has alternating access.

July - August 18, 2019 - Chimps have had no Outside access for Seven Weeks.  Not to the Trails, Not to their Yard.  Exclusive access given to Female Orangutan.

8.18.19 - I had enough of what was going on with the Chimps, and made a call to Steve Ross the head of the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan.  He said he would make a call to the Zoo.

8.19.19 - In tears, I witness the Chimps were given outside access!  

Sept 2019 - Three new Chimpanzees arrive and integration by gender completed.  Two groups require use of both spaces, Dayroom and Yard.

9.26.19 - The Chimpanzees have had continuous access to yard since 8.19.19. ... This means that for five weeks, with no other yard, the only access outside of the bedrooms for the Orangutans is the Skytrails. ... Note the Male Orangutan has NEVER had any other outside access except for the caged tubes of the Skytrail.  

11.18.19 - All seven Chimps now integrated.  Due to Chimpanzee behavior and space requirement, they continue to use the Dayroom and Yard that was built for them.

8.19.19 - 12.17.19 - The Orangutans only outside access for Seventeen Weeks was the Skytrails.  I documented two things each week, that they were living in caged tubes, and that there was no attempt to provide them with a dedicated home of their own. 

*Orangutans Continue to Live in a Caged Tube 12.2.19

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

Dec 2019 - At Seventeen weeks, I thought, enough of this crap. What is going on?  Why is this being allowed to happen?  I sent an email to the AZA President Dan Ashe, the Orangutan SSP Chair Lori Perkins, and Orangutan Studbook Keeper Megan Elder.  I never expect to get responses, and I didn't, but I wanted the people responsible for sending these poor Animals to a place that has no proper home for them to know what was going on (if they didn't already), and that someone is watching and documenting this crime.  After eleven days, I sent the same message via Facebook Messenger to the AZA and the SSP.  The gist of the message was a repeat of my emails, Do you know...?  Maybe they did and didn't care, maybe they bought the illusion that there was or would be a place for them in the new Great Ape Passage.  Hard to believe that any professional with authority, would think rotating them through the Dayroom and Yard with an eventual Troop of seven Chimpanzees, was a feasible option, which I have illustrated many times it is not.   My message included a link to one of my shaming videos.  I also made a call to the USDA and reported the situation. ... Three days later the Orangutans had access to the yard.  Two days after that, there were non-Zoo people in Triple Grotto.  I'm not assuming my correspondence is connected to those events, but I'm also not one who believes in coincidence. 

12.17.19 ... Hallelujah!  Orangutans get access to Chimp yard.  Note: While female Amoi had some access four months ago, this was male Ollie's FIRST time in an enclosure since his arrival.  His ONLY outside access for eight months was the caged tubes of the Skytrail.

*OMG! There Was Christmas Joy for Ollie and Amoi! - Orangutan Update!

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/12/omg-there-was-christmas-joy-for-ollie.html

12.18.19 - 6.1.21 -  During at least a year of this time frame, The Orangutans got access to the Chimp yard, two days a week.

6.2.21 - Twenty-Five Months after their arrival, Ollie and Amoi finally have access to a dedicated enclosure.  It is a horrible Prison Pit, but at this point, at least they have a daily yard option. 

I've provided several links below.  Just a few in the multitudes of videos and posts I've made about the treatment of our poor Orangutans under the direction of Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, and because of neglect in duties of faux management of the Zoological Society Board and the oversight negligence of the Rec and Park Commissioners.  No one will like being called to the mat on this, but that is the truth.  If any entity from the above is reading this and cares, I urge you to visit the links I've provided.  If you really want an education, search this blog and my YouTube for "Orangutans". The information matters.  It mattered then and certainly matters now, six years later.  Do not continue to turn a blind eye any longer.

*News on Triple Grotto! - Orangutan Update - 1.13.20

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/01/news-on-triple-grotto-orangutan-update.html

*Triple Grotto Renovation/Home For Orangutans Update 3.9.21

https://youtu.be/1ykFLabiXrs?si=-4oLzIl4VPDP4GCz

*Disgust At The Triple Grotto Renovation - Our Poor Orangutans

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/03/disgust-at-triple-grotto-renovation-our.html

6.2.21 - Present - The Orangutans have languished in the Triple Grotto as is.  There is NO Plan to give them a better home.  An appropriate home.  They spend more time in the trail than they do in this enclosure.  The caged tube of the trail is what they first knew here.  It's all they knew.  

I can think, maybe Ollie and Amoi don't know how bad their living environment is, but they are smart.  They look down at the Chimps all day in a nice yard, with netting they remember climbing on.  I think they understand.  Even if they don't know how horrible it is, I know.

Related Posts:

March 29, 2019 

*Orangutans - Where Will They Go?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/03/orangutans-where-will-they-go.html

Next Up: The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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How Zoo Director's Decision To End Low Income Discount Affected One Family Today

This comment came in this afternoon for a post from January titled, Director Ends Zoo's Participation In Program For Low Income Visitors.  

For those who didn't see that post, or are not familiar with the Museums For All program, I've linked the original post at the bottom.  

In short, the Zoo participated in the program, which allows Low Income people who get SNAP benefits, to show their EBT card for a discounted admission of $3.00.  Additionally last summer, a discount of 50% off Memberships was added. Director Tanya Peterson ended the Zoo's participation in the day use tickets, just before the holidays last fall, and then cut the membership offer in January.

In my opinion, ending this program shows that the Zoo is not inclusive to all income levels. 

Those within SF Rec and Park Dept, the same department as the Zoo, that participate in the program are, California Academy of Sciences, DeYoung Museum, SF Conservatory of Flowers, and Japanese Tea Garden.  Other area attractions including, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploration, Disney Museum, and Oakland Zoo, also choose to participate.  

Director Peterson's choice to not have the Zoo participate in this valuable program, is disturbing.

I know how this affects people financially in regards to whether they can or can't afford to visit Our Zoo, but hearing this Mother's experience in real time and how it affected her kids is sad. This shouldn't happen. ... I'm also curious if she still had to pay for parking.

This really bothered me.  Our Zoo should treat people better. I'm not talking about the point of sale staff, I'm talking about Director Tanya Peterson.  And, I know first-hand how shitty she is to people.

In my last post, I documented information regarding Panda funding.  In a Dec 2024 Chronicle article, Peterson named The San Francisco Community Investment Fund, as one of two entities contributing to Pandas.  I was not familiar with SFCIF, so I took a look at their website.  This was the lead-in sentence, in their What We Do- Who We Serve section...

"SFCIF uses federal New Markets Tax Credits to invest in nonprofits, businesses and organizations that deliver significant benefits for low-income communities and residents in San Francisco."

Considering the choice to opt-out of Museums For All, I had to wonder how the Zoo qualified. I emailed the Fund and asked, as Peterson was quoted saying $15 Million was coming from this Fund. They responded, "SFCIF has not provided any confirmation of funding to the Zoo."   So, that is just another untruth from her mouth.

There are too many things not right with management under Director Peterson.  I truly believe under her continued mismanagement, Our Zoo may not see it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/director-ends-zoos-participation-in.html

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

Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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

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

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

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

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Zoo Week Wrap-Up - My Mind Hurts

My goal this week was to get in multiple Zoo visits.  I strive for at least two, just so that I can make sure I visit all the Zoo Friends every week. As well, my visits are also my primary source of exercise.  I twisted my ankle five weeks ago.  At this point in healing, I need short consistent walks.  I was successful with three visits, but in regard to the flow of Zoo information and inquiry, this week was overwhelming.  After my first visit on Monday, my mind felt chaotic.  I had new stuff, discussion about existing stuff, as well as later sending inquiries to outside sources, and the information I got in reply.  So, it's been a mentally busy week.  I'm still trying to sort how to proceed with what to document, and how.  As well, also what to do with certain information.

I woke up this morning with the intent to start early on those two draft posts, that are related to the Orangutan/Panda Outrage saga, I started a couple months ago, even though I have all this other stuff compiling and clogging my mind.  One of the first things I saw on social media today, was this T-shirt graphic.  I guess the internet is now somehow spying into our minds?  

I don't think I have it in me to sort things into a flow, but I'll try.  

I guess the first thing I'll note is, I received confirmation from the Rec and Park that both the irrigation system and the daily automatic turn-on valve have been repaired.  So, the Bison should have year-round green landscaping in their meadow.  Guess we will see what it looks like through the Summer.  Everyone cross your fingers!  I am, because I can't with this negligence another non-rainy season.

More Info...

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/08/roaring-about-brown-ass-bison-meadow.html

In addition to involving Supervisors on the Bison drama, I have questioned and/or looped them in on several Zoo issues, and will continue to do so.  Still waiting for replies on some things I inquired about mid-week, but a response I got a couple weeks about the upcoming Audit, included this in regards to the outside Auditors...

"They have set up an email account so that the public can contribute useful information they may have and it can be  anonymous if you'd like. That email is: BLAzooaudit@harveyrose.com " ... I encourage and hope everyone who cares, will take advantage of this opportunity.  My list is so long, it of course overwhelmed me and I haven't sorted it yet.

I was also told by a few that the Audit hasn't started because Director Tanya Peterson has allegedly refused to cooperate in providing the necessary documents!   Another Red Flag.  She and Zoological Society Board Chair Melinda Dunn allegedly also refused RecPark Commissioner Mazzola's request to answer for the allegations brought up in last year's Chronicle articles.  Yet, City Officials refuse to take a good look at restructuring the Management of Our Zoo.  Instead, not only allowing current management to remain intact a year later, but also allowing the acquisition of Giant Pandas that will throw Our Zoo into chaos, and further downfall.  

In my last post, I referenced a quote from the SF Standard article (April 17).  There was another that I didn't use in that post, because even though I reacted to it as I read it, I didn't think it was relevant to express publicly. Coincidentally, someone repeated it to me this week, and thinking there might be others who took notice of the quote, I'm just going to put it out there.  

Director Tanya Peterson stated, in reference to her quest for Pandas, “So far, no one has told me ‘no’ —  ..."

Well, Tanya maybe the San Francisco and Chinese government haven't, but almost everyone else has indeed expressed NO in reference to Pandas, and so many other things you do in your mismanagement of Our Zoo.  

People have been expressing NO to Tanya Peterson for years, unfortunately it's not in her personality to care.  I saw her last week for the first time in at least a couple years I think.  She was heading into the Zoo.  All I could think was to wonder how it must feel to go into a place where the majority of people do not like you.  And then I realized, she doesn't care.  

On that note, let's talk about something I've been saying for over a decade, that is apparently true, The Zoo is City Owned yet no one with authority has proven to care.  Not a single Mayor, Rec and Park Commissioner, or Supervisor, no one. Tanya has allegedly been telling random Staff for years that she owns the Zoo.  When I've repeated this to those I know, they seem in disbelief, yet here is documentation on the Panda Plans that indeed the Zoological Society and Tanya Peterson as CEO thinks they own the Zoo.   Make no mistake, Our San Francisco Zoo is Owned by the City of San Francisco.  The Society is paid an annual managing fee, which is most certainly from City tax payer money.  The manager of Safeway, does not own Safeway.

This graphic is from the Zoo's submitted Plans for the Panda's.  I'll write a separate post about these plans and more.

In addition to the Panda Plans, there are unanswered questions that relate to the acquisition of Pandas that I've been looking into.  Some inquiries made this week have not yet been replied to.

I previously posted about my concern that Peterson may revisit her plan from a decade ago,  to transfer out our Chimpanzees.  At that time it was our three seniors, and now after their passing, it could be our current trio.  One would think there would be a plan in place for future acquisitions to their troop.  There seemingly is not.  This is still on my mind.  I recently remembered something about the funding for the Chimpanzees new home.  The news article reporting on the lead donation had this quote, "According to Peterson, this anonymous donor’s favorite primate is actually the Orangutan. But if the Zoo does not have access to future Chimpanzees, this donor hopes the revamped space is filled with other primate species."  This completely lends to my suspicion.

More Info...

https://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com/2015/03/million-dollar-donation-for-chimps-news.html

This week shined curiosity on what Peterson actually has in store for our Lions, considering her plans to destroy the Lion House.  The alleged plan is to build them a new home.  Some, including myself think that could just be Peterson selling another illusion.  One question I had was what will become of Cat Grotto B, since Pandas are set for Grotto A?  I got no answer.  

Are our Lions future at the Zoo also at risk?

More Info...

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/zoo-director-plans-to-kick-lions-out-of.html

I also started out the week remembering I wanted to seek confirmation on Peterson's fundraising efforts, as to whether she needs to be transparent on where the money is coming from, as she was quoted in that same Standard article,  "...expressing confidence in the zoo’s fundraising efforts to support the initiative but declined to share the numbers." ... I sent that Wed, no reply yet.

That also reminded me I had been meaning to learn more about one of the two funding entities she mentioned in a Dec article, The San Francisco Community Investment Fund.  My brief scan of it initially made me wonder how the Zoo would qualify, and if it does, why wasn't it tapped for Orangutans?  Well, we know why.  Peterson has no care for the Orangutans, but her hard-on for Pandas obviously has her exhausting all options.

Peterson was quoted in a Dec. article saying $15 Million was coming from this Fund.  That is just another untruth from her mouth.  I emailed the Fund and asked how the Zoo qualified, and they responded, "SFCIF has not provided any confirmation of funding to the Zoo."

More Info... 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/zoo-director-eyeing-city-community.html

So, while I'm on money, let me add something, that continually irks me.  Seemingly wasted money.  I focus on money, because there's so many things that the Zoo needs and hasn't gotten over the years because of *tiny Peterson's ( lol! *typo) lack of fundraising, the waste on high level salaries, art installations and gardens.  The Zoo employs two girls, who from what I understand are the guides who lead the tours.  I have yet to see them leading tours, but I see them every visit, wandering around like visitors.  This is nothing against them personally, but from a payroll stand point, this position is unnecessary unless they are doing something else when there are no tours.

Additionally, I've had issues with some Docent's apparent ambition for years.  Their time is volunteered, but still, seems they could be more useful to the Zoo and Visitors.  Yesterday I walked by Snow Leopards at the viewing window on the west side.  A Docent was standing at the window.  When I got to the other side and was looking for Raj the Snow Leopard, I saw he was eating a bone in that window.  Now, I'm not concerned for myself, as I'm there all the time, but shouldn't this Docent have stepped aside and pointed Raj out for visitors to see up-close?

While I'm on Docents, this happened Tues.  I stopped at Mandrills for an extended viewing.  I heard people on the walkway above me say, "Oh good, can I ask you a question...?"  Then I heard, something passive, like I don't know, ...  So, I looked up and saw a Docent laughing along with two visitors.  A couple minutes later I heard, "Padlock... and something referencing one of the Mandrills.  I questioned and was told one of them had a Padlock!  I asked them to point out which one.  I then saw one of the juveniles running with a large lock in their mouth, and a foot long chain attached to it dangling, and at one point almost hitting the youngest one.  Horrified I said, that's not an enrichment toy.  One of them said, I didn't think so.  I said, I'll call someone.  Within minutes the Keeper was there to call them in.  

This isn't meant to pat myself on the back, but to illustrate mismanagement of the Docents, just like with the Guides.  These people should be not only paying attention to what's going on, but should immediately act on safety issues, even if they are unsure.  If I wasn't there, that padlock/chain, could have caused dire injury.  It was very upsetting to think about that possible scenario.

At the opposite end of issues, you might remember in my last post I shook my head at the color choice for Gauhati's enclosure.  Well, this week my mind was blown with this...

Seriously WTF? is this?  Why is there a random panel on the Primate Building now painted red?  I can't even with this craziness.  There can't possibly be any logical reason for this. ... They can't paint barriers at code-red Animals red to deter people from hanging on and over them (a suggestion I made over a decade ago), but they do this?

Seeing this random eye-sore, like so many other slap-hazzard illogical and/or ugly things strewn across the Zoo's landscape make me sad.  Among so many other offenses, Director Tanya Peterson is destroying the way the Zoo looks.  

And to finally wrap-up this week, a friend sent me this Monday night, from last Sunday's Chronicle.  To which I replied, "Good Grief the Zoo is now a Comic."

I hate that Tanya has not only brought down such a bad vibe on Our Zoo, but now we're a joke.  Not cool at all.  Makes me 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 ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
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