San Francisco Zoo in the News - KGO-TV Safety Investigation

As many SF Locals might know, KGO-TV (ABC Local) ran a piece on the Thursday News about the Zoo.  Staff came forward and worked together with the Reporter to launch an investigation into Staff and subsequently, public Safety.  The piece and content took me by surprise, as I had not heard about any concerns regarding Safety from the Staff.  Considering the situation that I was personally involved in, in 2011, as well the endless times I have posted about Animal Safety, I found it very interesting and my mind began swirling the second the first word was uttered and hasn't stopped.  I haven't had time to put those thoughts together for a post, but for those who missed the News broadcast, I wanted to be timely (for a change lately) and post the link to the Video of it, as well include the email sent out to Members that evening, by the San Francisco Zoological Society.  I hoped to have my post done yesterday, that said, my goal is by tomorrow night.

Additionally, the piece rebroadcast on yesterdays 6p News, noting that Zoo Keepers had planned to stage a protest at last nights annual ZooFest fundraiser, but cancelled that as (this is not exact quote, but from memory) 'Management had shown signs of being cooperative in attending to the issue'.

Link to Video of News piece:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Fiteam&id=9516010

Email sent to Members:

Dear Member of the San Francisco Zoo Community, As many of you have seen from advertisements over the past few days, ABC-7 plans to air a story at 11 pm tonight about "zoo safety." While we do not know the specifics of the story, we understand that representative(s) from the union, Teamsters Local 856, will be appearing in the story as well as Zoo employees who also function as union stewards for Teamsters 856. To put some context to this story, Teamsters Local 856 and Zoo management have been in negotiations since September 2013, and the collective bargaining agreement between the two parties has now expired. During negotiations, the Teamsters have sought to make dubious claims about Zoo safety procedures and sought to publicize these claims through the media, working closely with Channel 7 in San Francisco. The Zoo was approached by Channel 7's "I-Team" but declined their request for an interview over concerns about the impact on confidential negotiations as well as creating a story of bias and sensationalism. The Zoo's Executive Director informed Channel 7's reporter that she would sit for an interview once negotiations have concluded, but instead, ABC-7 has chosen to proceed and air this story during the important "sweeps" rating week. Nevertheless, the Zoo has responded to the station's questions in writing and has provided requested documents. Most importantly, the Zoo has full confidence in our safety procedures. We have been cited by fellow institutions as a model of emergency preparedness and safety, and we employ safety procedures above and beyond regulatory requirements. The Zoo has received full and complete certifications from all of our oversight organizations, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the USDA. Lastly, we are using a mediator next week in the hopes of making progress in our negotiations with the Teamsters. We believe negotiations conducted respectfully and privately between all parties are in the best interest of the entire Zoo community. Again, thank you for being a part of our Zoo community. The San Francisco Zoological Society

My Zoo Outtings Synopsis - Sunday April 6, 2014

>April 6, 2014 - Zoo Friend Birthday Today!

Happy 23rd Birth/Hatch Day Edna!

> April 4, 2014 - Coati Ladies Say Hello!
Took this cute video the other day of the Sisters Rosie and Maggie :)
Enjoy!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDbVz2oDivg

> April 2, 2014 - Trash Update.  My original post to this blog about this issue was March 10. Synopsis, I saw a pile of plastic bags and coffee cups, beyond a barrier that borders the Lake where the Pelicans and other Waterfowl live.  I reported it several times and its never been picked-up. My primary concern was we were due to have high winds and if it got carried to the Lake it could pose a danger to the Animals.  As of yesterday, it was still there.  Ten Weeks later.  Each time I visit I make sure to check on the trash, because, although the weeds have now grown over the plastic and after so many rains the cups are beaten down and none of it poses a threat to the Animals, I'm just pissed at the lack of regard for the grounds.  Frankly, I'm surprised by the complete lack of follow through by the Staff I've reported this to, including Staffer Lamar, who I expressed my disgust to last week.  I know for fact that many Zoo Staff read my blogs, and not one person made sure this trash was picked up. 

That said, I am happy to report that someone finally cared.  After I took this photo, one Staffer came by and I told her about it and she went right over and picked it up herself.    She got in there, picked up the cups, and even searched the over grown weeds and gathered all the plastic bags that were still there. It was a huge pile of trash.  No passing the buck.  She did it because not only did she think my original concerns were valid, she cares about how the place she works at looks.  Thank you!