Sunday, October 13, 2024

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:


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


























Saturday, October 12, 2024

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.



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

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

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


























Friday, October 11, 2024

Zoo In The News - Today's Chronicle Article 10.11.24

It never fails, when I'm almost ready to publish posts that have been in draft, something else presents itself.  At 3a this morning, someone sent me this new Chronicle article.  I glanced at it behind the paywall before leaving the house today.  Sat down tonight with the intention to reread without the wall and make a few notes for a reaction post.  I started reading and found myself notating for every paragraph.  What you read below are my off the cuff reactions.  Like I said in my last post, I'm sick of them all.  Them all being, anyone who has been tasked with the responsibility of monitoring, managing, whatever role, that the player is in, in regards to making sure things are right in Our Zoo.  Not one person has fulfilled their duty, and I'm disgusted by their sudden care after, at the very least, sixteen years of neglect.  The boo-hooing is shameful, since myself and staff have been shedding tears for Our Zoo for over a decade.

The article is pasted below in bold, but my reactions follow each paragraph and are highlighted.  If you want to read the full article, use the link or skip the highlighted parts.

First, the article title.  It's sensationalism.  I doubt the Zoo is unsafe for Visitors.  At least there is nothing I know of.  I'd like to know the specifics of that claim.  It should have been included in the article.

The only issue I have with safety, is the Barrier issue I've been roaring about for over a decade.  That said, it's more unsafe for our Bears and Black Rhino than for visitors.  Visitors constantly putting the Animals lives in danger by sitting, standing and hanging their kids over or on those Barriers.  They fall in, and come into contact with one of those code red Animals, the Animals lose their life.  I'm sorry, but the visitor safety in this respect are not my concern.  Follow rules, use some sense and stay safe.  ... Now if there's a concern about Animal escape, again it should be included here.  And the only legitimacy to that would seemingly be if it came from Keeper staff.

The San Francisco Zoo is the subject of a scathing draft report from the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission.

San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission is just another entity who has had someone on the Joint Zoo Committee panel at least the fourteen+ years, since I started attending meetings and reading the monthly Meeting Minutes. So, again, just like with Commissioner Mazzola being shocked and Board Member, now Chair Melinda Dunn launching her investigation, these people are jumping on the bandwagon, of the Chronicle's continued article series.  ALL these people, have had a responsibility to the Zoo, and have never given a crap about it.  It's disgusting.  Our Zoo would not be in the shape it is, if the San Francisco Zoological Society Board, SF Recreation and Park Dept, and other Joint Zoo Committee Members had been doing the job they were tasked with, which is monitoring the Zoo.  The biggest part of monitoring the Zoo, aside from actually going there and seeing things for themselves, is monitoring the Queen of Suck that is unfortunately still the Director, Tanya Peterson.  

These people can all feign ignorance, but it's been flat out negligence.  And if anyone of them want to debate me about it, bring it on, I've been keeping track of all you all's bullshit.  

The commission, an advisory body to the city, voted unanimously Thursday night to support the recommendations in the report, which called for an audit of the zoo by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The zoo is owned by the city but run by the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society.

I'd be interested in knowing just what they've been advising on all these years, because it's not Zoo stuff.  

The report came in response to a Chronicle article published in April that outlined serious concerns among staff about animal welfare and employee safety at the zoo. According to the report, many of the zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects, including that they provide “enough room for animals to exhibit normal behavior,” “be pleasant to the eye of the patrons” and be safe for the animals, animal caretakers and the public.

"...zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects,..."  What the serious F?  I seriously can't with this self-righteousness.  Again if these people went to the Zoo at any point in sixteen years, they would have seen what's going and how Peterson has not made the Animal Residents or their living conditions the priority.  

"Parts of the zoo are best described as dilapidated,” the report said. “It looks like an institution that needs a comprehensive, strategic redesign plan to modernize the habitats.” 

Oh you think?  And who's going to fund those redesigns?  Peterson has cried poor since she started in 2008.  She has done near Zero fundraising, and thus veto's Animal Enclosure upgrades.  Yet somehow finds funds for Gardens, Art Installations and most recently, green lighting over a Million Dollars for unnecessary train bullshit.  There are many Animals that have had their needs neglected.  Again, the Orangutans are the current case and point.

"Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson and board chair Melinda Dunn did not immediately respond to a request for comment."

Haha, no shit.  Tanya Peterson does not think she has to be responsible to anyone.  She thinks she owns the Zoo, and has allegedly said such to staff.  Dunn, is supporting Peterson because like every other Board Chair and Member, has been negligent in responsibility to the Zoo, either because she doesn't care or is lazy like the rest of them. ... Now that Dunn's investigation is over, will she and Peterson be attending the Joint Zoo Meeting to answer Commissioner Mazzola's questions?

Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokeswoman for Mayor London Breed’s office, said that the commission has raised concerns about the zoo before. She added that the expected arrival of a pair of giant pandas from China next year could help fund upgrades to the zoo.

I call bullshit on this too.  The Pandas are going to cost more money than they will generate in excess funds that would be needed to fix the Zoo.  The Mayor is another one who doesn't care about the Zoo, only about her Pandas. Everyone knows that.  Staff joke that the only Animal who will get anything are the Pandas.  I half joke that if we get Pandas, they will be all the Zoo can afford.  So I hope they are popular enough to keep the Zoo afloat, because they might be the only Animals there!  

The mayor agrees the zoo is in need of revitalization, which is why bringing a global attraction such as the pandas would be ideal — to expedite and invest in improvements and enhancements where necessary,” she said in an email."

The Mayor is delusional, and just chasing Pandas, without seriously thinking about all the factors.  Why?  Because she doesn't care, and doesn't know jack about the Zoo.  Breed and Peterson will be gone after Pandas get here and the City will not give a penny to support the Pandas, and then what?  

Safarzadeh also noted that the zoo exceeds standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

These people need to stop hiding behind AZA Accreditation.  The AZA is another sorry entity, who doesn't care about Animals.  They sent Orangutans to SF knowing they had no dedicated enclosure.  They Orangutans lived exclusively in caged tubes for eight months. It was two years before they got access to an enclosure.  That enclosure is inappropriate for them, and was deemed ancient by the AZA who would not send more Chimpanzees to live in that enclosure, yet sent Orangutans??!?!!  Peterson says no money for Orangutans, even though she chased the acquisition.  And the Joint Zoo Committee approved the acquisition.  So, again, none of the people tasked with the responsibility of keeping the Zoo in healthy shape on all counts, has given a shit about the place.  

Commissioner Jane Tobin compiled the main part of the report after taking a tour of the zoo with Dr. Joe Spinelli, a longtime veterinarian and animal welfare consultant, Michael Angelo Torres, chair of the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, and Justin Barker, an animal rights activist and critic of the zoo who created a website called SF Zoo Watch.

Dr Spinelli is useless.  He's been sitting there for at least fourteen years, doing nothing. He made a comment about the Polar Bears once, yet did nothing to help improve their living conditions.  And Barker, that guy up til recently wanted to see the Zoo close.  Ugh.  This whole parade of people all of a sudden "caring", would be comical if it wasn't so disturbing.  

The report said that though the zoo’s safety measures meet requirements set by U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they “are minimal and even more frightening — unsafe for the animals and visitors.

Again, what are the safety issues, specifically for visitors? ... The USDA guidelines are a joke, and again the AZA is not only questionable, but inconsistent in their Accreditation process.  SFZoo should never have gotten Accreditation renewed, based soley on the Orangutan situation, which they are fully aware of, because I sent them a very detailed account of their life at the Zoo since day one. ... That all said, requirements must be followed, but to go beyond that, you have to have morals rooted in care, and some sense, and Our Zoo has not been managed by those who possess such.

The zoo has passed all recent inspections from the U.S.D.A. and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which oversee the zoo’s licensing and accreditation.

Again blah, blah, blah. Just stop with this nonsense crutch. Means absolutely nothing.  What means something is Caring.  Having Compassion and Empathy for the Beings who live at the Zoo.  Director Peterson lacks all three, and even jokes about it.

In an interview, Tobin said an example of the group’s safety concerns is a report from employees that the zoo plans to house a jaguar in an enclosure that is open on top and outfitted with hot wire and cantilevers, rather than in one that is completely enclosed in mesh, which the Association of Zoos and Aquariums considers the highest standard of safety for the dangerous big cats.

Well, that's because Tanya Peterson says netting costs too much.  That is why the Orangutans are stuck on tiny Islands.  She won't even fund to finish netting over the Flamingos.  They did a third at start, then added some years later, and it's still not covered.   Several Juveniles escaped and still no care.  That all said, I heard the Jaguar will allegedly not be moving to that enclosure.

Considering that a tiger escaped and killed a patron in the zoo in 2008 and then was killed in the aftermath, said Tobin, “To even go second best, with a minimum standard — that is just a dereliction of duty to the animal, and to the public.

That was in 2007, good grief this Tobin woman doesn't even know when the Tiger event was.  That said, those "patrons" tormented Tatiana into a frenzy.  If the Zoo had better protocols, that may not have happened. Security Protocol now is still shit and allows visitors to put our Animals in danger.  I will again note that management as far back as early 80s, has known that the Tigers could scale the walls.  And why is no one talking about the Barriers at Bears and Black Rhino?

The report will be shared with Peterson, Dunn and others in the Joint Zoo Committee, which includes members of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, as well as Tobin and Spinelli.

When does the public get to see the report?  I'd like to see what they think are issues.  Not including it here is ridiculous.  All this has been is crumbs of bullshit.  

Prompted by the Chronicle’s investigation and a vote of no-confidence in Peterson by the zoo’s union, the S.F. Zoological Society board recently concluded a five-month investigation. Last month, the board issued a statement saying it had “continued confidence” in Peterson’s leadership, but it has not released the results of its investigation, which was conducted by an outside law firm.

This was not surprising.  Keeping Peterson, who allegedly appointed majority of the Board Members, allows the Board to continue having someone they can defer to, instead of actively doing what the role requires of them.

The Animal Control and Welfare Commission’s report was not critical of all enclosures in the zoo. Commissioners praised the zoo’s lemur exhibit as “exemplary,” describing it as “a large swath of land with trees for climbing and enough space for the lemurs to play and explore.

Again, I want to see this report, not read snips!

But it described an exhibit for langurs as a series of “imposing and dreadful” chain-link cages. “The habitat is a jail from a visitor’s perspective.” Overall, it described the zoo as “uninspiring” for visitors. 

The Langur area is ancient and sad.  That said it was worse when they were holding the Fossa in there. The Langurs are being shipped out and Squirrel Monkeys are rumored to be moving in.  In my opinion, when Peterson grabbed the Donors check for the vanity project that is the MADagascar debacle, displacing five Primate Species, part of the deal should have been that the Donor has to also fund new Aviary style enclosures for those species.  Still, the fix could be to flatten the whole Langur area, and the adjacent area going towards Mandrills, and create two aviaries and a new night quarters.  Unfortunately it is too late for the five+ species that we've lost because of the MAD Want over Animal Needs.  Wants over Needs is how Director Peterson rolls.

The report comes as the zoo is expecting to house giant pandas from China next year. A section of the report focused on plans for the pandas but was contributed by animal rights activists and did not come directly from the commission, Tobin said.

Activists should not be contributing anything.  They don't know anything about the Zoo and only arrived on the scene five months ago.  Good grief.  Where was my invite to this party?  At least I know shit.  Talk to people who care.  The Keepers are the richest source there, yet their opinions aren't utilized near enough, if at all.  That said, if the Commission cared to learn about the Zoo, they wouldn't need the Activists contributions.  

The wrap-up in regards to just things mentioned here... The Mayor needs to fundraise for the Animals that already live at the Zoo. ...  The Board of Supervisors need to squash the Panda nonsense, until the rest of the Zoo's Needs are met. ... Tanya Peterson needs to resign and go far, far, away from the Zoo. 

Related Post: 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/animal-welfare-commission-report-piece.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 ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas


























Sunday, October 6, 2024

I Think I've Said (Almost) All I Can ... I'm Tired

As I said in my previous post, I've been talking about a lot of issues, for a very long time, and with one exception, no one caring enough to help.  

For sixteen years I've watched Zoo Director Tanya Peterson destroy Our Zoo.  For thirteen years I've been roaring about.  Alone.  No other members of the public, or Staff were willing to join the fight to save Our Zoo.  

Now other people are talking.  Staff has finally, and frankly long overdue, decided earlier this year to speak to media.  That awareness and the Mayor's Panda Plan,  drew the attention of two activists.  One has recently seemed to change his original course and is seemingly trying to help the Zoo, rather than shut it down.  At least I hope my interpretation is correct.  It also seems insiders are talking to this guy, so let him be their mouth piece.

A blog follower sent me this, after reading my last post (linked at bottom)...

"This one is great. It’s very heartfelt and honest. It breaks my heart to know all this stuff, so I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, with no one listening... Hopefully it changes with other people speaking out."

I've long spoke of the effects the weight of this crusade has caused me.  I've long wanted to step back, because it had become too much, but I was the only one.  I felt if I didn't continue, at least until we were rid of Peterson, I'd be letting the Animals down.  

I noted in the title of this post, "Almost".  I still have at least a handful of posts in draft that I feel need to be finished and published.  After that, things will be alot different.  I'm not quitting.  I'll always be vocal, just not the constant source everyone is used to.  You won't be learning everything from me, and I won't be obsessive about feeling it's up to me to document everything.  It's not up to me, to save the Zoo. 

I know what I've done, being a Voice for the Animals and documenting all the wrongs, is what I was meant to do at this stage of life.  I've been coming to the Zoo since I was an infant, yet it took going through different chapters in life to get me to the chapter where I had complete endearment to the Animals as individuals that it became a focused passion.  I belive I was positioned to learn, through my own skills, see with my own eyes, and to be privvy to inside info, through those who confided in me.  I used my character and abilities to be a Voice for the wrongs that I was witnessing.  I know the attention I put on many things, forged little changes.  The most rewarding was being the Voice of Our Chimpanzees.  Saving them from the horror Director Tanya Peterson had in store for them, makes all the anguish that being engrossed in all the wrongs for so many years, worth it.  Knowing my Chimp Friends never had to step foot in a transfer cage, seeing them get new enclosures that enriched their lives, and brought them new experiences and new friends, has been one of my most beautiful experiences.

I will never give up championing for the Orangutans to get a home at the Zoo that they deserve.  I am specifically stating AT the Zoo, because I fear they could become a target of Peterson's, and be sent packing at some point, as continued pressure to provide an appropriate home for them mounts.  And after over a decade of roaring about the Barriers at Code Red Animals, I can't see giving up on that, because that could one day be tragic.  

I was in a store the other day and saw this...

That along with the Martin Luther King quote on the sidebar of this blog, ...

"Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake.  Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”

... means, I'm not going anywhere.  I can always be counted on if there is an Animal issue that I can do something about.  I'll just be taking better care of myself by trying to refuse to allow myself to get wrapped up too deeply in all the bullshit that Director Peterson will continue to rain down on Our Zoo, with the support of the Zoological Society Board.  

I'm exhausted from it all, especially the same old battles.  I've been the only voice for too long and I'm tired.

I'm tired of Tanya Peterson.  I'm tired of the Zoological Society and their Board.  I'm tired of the SF Recreaction and Park Dept.  I'm tired of no one caring and of those who are supposed to care, supporting Mismanagement and Animal Welfare Crimes.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/more-voices-for-our-zoo-if-only-this.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 ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas







 


 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

More Voices For Our Zoo - If Only This Would Have Happened Sooner

I just woke up.  An email from a friend hipped me to an entry on the "activist" Justin Barker's effort against the Zoo, a website called SFZoo Watch.  He recieved some feedback by notable voices, on his recent opinion piece published by the SF Standard last week, which make-up this new entry on his site. ... I should note that after reading his op-ed, his tune towards the Zoo has a different tone, switching? from Close-Zoo Zealot to someone who may actually have some drive to help the Zoo see needed changes, instead of abolishment.

I mentioned the Standard's article in my weekend Zoo post, "SF Mayor, Zoo Director, and Society Board, Seek High-Tech Enclosure For Pandas While Orangutans Live On Concrete Mounds".

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/sf-mayor-zoo-director-and-society-board.html

That post was prompted by a few articles that had come out in recent days.  The gist of them being about the Mayor's Panda efforts, while also noting other Zoo fails under Peterson's mismanagement.

I note that I'm still working on my series of posts prompted by the Zoological Society Board's decision to keep Tanya Peterson as Director of Our Zoo.   There's too much.  Keeping the perpetrator of the crimes against Our Zoo and Animals, bring on the flood of Fails.  I've been engrossed in all the Fails, mostly one's that have dealt with Animal Welfare, for sixteen years.  I can say this with complete confidence, no other member of the public has felt the Heartbreak over what has happened with too many of the Animals I've known as individuals, more than myself.

After writing about these Fails I've lived through for over thirteen years, admittedly there is an uncomfortable feeling that comes over me, when I have read other people's words.  Whether the Chronicle reporter, the Barker guy, or insiders finally speaking out.  I can't describe it, but it's a bit of frustration, and a lot of sadness.  Sadness because, other than when Dan Noyes from KGO I-Team, gave interest to my Crusade to Save Our Chimps, no one cared about the mismanagement I was detailing in my blog documentation.  If they had, a light would have been shined on the situation at Our Zoo a decade ago, possibly saving it from what it's become at the hands of Peterson and the neglect of the Zoological Society.  More importantly, the number of Animals who have suffered from the uncaring of those entities that could have been prevented.

I deal with subject expose'.  I'm long-winded, and detailed in order to illustrate the complete picture and my feelings.  I can't bat out short teaser reads like the Chronicle reporter or Barker.   As someone who has been at the Zoo from two to four days a week over sixteen years, I lived through everything I've written about.  All 850+ posts.  I've given so much of my energy and time to being A Voice, that's is caused me physical anguish.  So yeah, while I'm glad people are finally responding,  it's a weird feeling, as I've been roaring for years and no one listened. 

No one cared when I wrote about the Lion House having No Heat (2015) for six months during Winter, or that Tanya got rid of both Vets (2017) and the Zoo didn't have one of record for over two months.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/heater-in-lion-house-out-for-six-months.html

I never got around to a dedicated post about the Vet situation, but it's documented in a post 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/06/my-sfzoo-membership-revoked-again.html ) ,

about the last time my membership was not only revoked without any reason given, but Director Peterson had my account noted, "deactivated and deceased"!!  I was again stigmatized among some Staff by her lies, put forth out of her fear of me knowing too much and continuing to expose her wrong doings.  Branded a Zoo Enemy, I noted how not having a Staff Veterinarian because of her doing, made her a bigger Enemy of the Zoo and it's Residents, than I ever could be portrayed as.  My only crime is caring.  Her crime is that she doesn't.  Neither does the Zoological Society Board who has and continues to support Peterson.  They are the true Enemies of the Zoo.

During the time the Zoo had no Vet on Staff, it mained basic care by having per diem Vets come in.  Not having a full-time Vet on staff meant that other than basic medication already on hand, if needed no other medicine could be obtained, as only the Vet of record could write prescriptions.  This all happened during a time when one of the Goats was suffering through an unknown illness.  Thankfully he survived without needing medical attention that might not have been available for him.

As painful as so many of the Zoo Fails have been, and there's a very long list, I'm glad that the universe positioned me to be a privy to it all, so that I could Roar for My Animal Friends and the Zoo I care about.  I only wish my Voice could have been louder, and there could have been less heart ache for all who have cared, and still do. 

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

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