For years my Holiday routine included a Zoo Visit. I have had a Membership most of my Adult life, but it wasn't until the following year that my passion for the place and its residents would escalate and I would learn more about the Animals as individuals and be endeared to each one. That Christmas Day in 2007, I visited the Zoo Animals, even though I didn't know their names, I was thankful to be in their presence.
I had two places to go that day. I debated which to do first and chose the Zoo. When I got home at 5:30p, I would learn that the Tiger in this photo was Tatiana. Taken at 2:48p, probably that last photo of her. By 4p, another visitor had seen the three evil delinquents who caused her death, harassing the Lions and didn't say anything to them or notify Zoo Staff. By 5p, Tatiana was dead. I would forever know the name of a Tiger I would never really know. Her companion Tony would become one of my best Zoo Friends.
RIP Tatiana Bless You and Precious Tony. Thank you for trying to protect him and your home from Evil Delinquent Bullies.
Hard to believe its been Ten Years.
Every Holiday Season since 2007, the Media has dredged up the tragic events of that Christmas Day. Every year I'm pissed about it. I think they do it just to have a sensationalized story. Unless there is a new reason, there is no reason to keep bringing it up. So, as someone who hates when this story resurfaces, why am I bringing it up? Its been ten years. In my opinion not much has changed to keep the Animals who live at the Zoo, safe in their home. Why is that?
If you read my last post, then you will understand why I feel this way. While the exact circumstances are not the same, a barrier was breached, by both Tatiana the Tiger, and the Delinquints who led her to her death.
It seems the media continues to focus on the height of the wall, which may or may not have played a part, but was not in violation of any guideline. I had never participated in comment banter before this, but spent many nights up late reading every sfgate comment on every article and responding to many in the Zoo's defense. All I knew is, if that exhibit had re-opened the next day, I would feel safe in front of it. I figured the Zoo had been open almost 80 years and a Tiger had never escaped before, there couldn't be an issue with containment. I thought that Tatiana gained super strength from rage toward her tormentors, and was able to use their legs as a ladder to exit the enclosure. That said, in recent years I have learned from different sources that Zoo Management has allegedly known for over forty years, that the Big Cats could get out and as far back Visitors had reported seeing a Tiger's head peek out of the bushes that lined the top of the enclosure. So many years ago, those instances didn't involve Tatiana. In the summer of 2007, one person relayed that she heard rustling in the bushes and saw a Tiger's head pop up for a second. That may or may not have been Tatiana, but it was one of the Zoos Tigers, showing that they could get out if they wanted to. Even a Keeper said a Tiger could easily jump out. So, in hindsight, not so sure I'd go and stand in front of that same enclosure.
The point is, that even though entry to the enclosure was not the catalyst for that tragedy, unsecured barriers played a part. All those years went by with different administrations coming and going and not one ever thought to put more secure barriers on exhibits that held Animals that could jump. Just like today, people hang their kids over barriers, but I guess not until one falls in will the Zoo add a deterrent to prevent such a thing. I pray all the time that never happens and the Animals stay safe.
Even though I now know, an escape is possible, I had never felt and don't currently feel an Animal could get out. My concern is that a Visitor could get in, most likely accidentally.
Even though I now know, an escape is possible, I had never felt and don't currently feel an Animal could get out. My concern is that a Visitor could get in, most likely accidentally.
I also want to say something about misbehavior. I've written endlessly on this as well, but the barrier breaching is just part of bad behavior that is allowed at the Zoo. Too many instances that parallel what happened to Tatiana, still going on today and the Zoo doesn't even give these offenders a reprimand. One incident in which Visitors threw rocks at one of the Tigers who was sleeping, because they wanted it to get up. You would think that person should have been thrown out, not only because of the action, but because of the direct reflection to the Tatiana tragedy. Nope. Zoo Management allowed those offenders to continue on with their day at the Zoo. Outrageous.
The way Visitors behave, breaching barriers, throwing things in enclosures, heckling the Animals, Howling at the Wolves, banging on windows, pounding their chests at the Gorillas, its all disgusting., harassment and bullying of the Animals in their home. The Zoo Staff most often says nothing to these people, in fact they barely notice. I've had Zoo Staff stand right next to me while people hang their kids over the barrier. Security zoom by on their bikes with blinders on. And if you do call in something, offenders are never ejected. In fact I've witnessed Security and Management when they do talk to offenders and often they are so causal about it, I see them laughing. Personally I don't think putting the Animals in danger or harassing them is funny. I've stopped doing that because its a waste of energy.
How many more years do we have to wait for these issues to be taken seriously?
She was such a beautiful animal- in so many ways. She'll always be in my heart. I think the other issue is the zoo staff being able to sedate an animal before the police even arrive. There is no excuse for unsecured wild animals (low moat), but even worse is that the animals aren't protected from abuse. Sounds like lazy security. Not just hostile people are of concern, but mentally ill people, people on drugs, etc. who could be harmed/do harm. Thanks for your post.
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