Squirrel Monkeys That Haven't Been Outside in Two Years! ... Updated 10.23.18 - Info Error

For those who read my last post, Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It! and may have been waiting for the second Zoo issue from that week, I apologize for not getting to it right away as planned.  Had bad sinus pressure for over a week and just didn't feel like dealing with upsetting stuff.  ... I will give a bit of an update here.  As of last week, there are still no Life Saving Decals up at Flamingos.  But, hey, I did notice some fall decals on the windows inside the Lion House, you know where lots of Birds are flying into windows.  Shameful.

As noted, the week starting 9.17.18 brought two Animal Care issues to my attention.  One being the care and concern for the wild Beings (Ducks) that live at the Zoo and this one regarding Beings in the Zoo's collection and care. 

So, deep breath, here goes.  ... That week, while visiting the Sifaka, a friend (and Zoo Member) and I were watching the male Max jump to and grab onto the mesh of an upper window.  My friend noticed movement inside, which is part of the night quarter building, in a space that is above what is used for the Sifaka.   This building is part of the Primate Discovery Center, which is two stories tall.  I had never noticed or have known this to be an area that housed Animals. 

I quickly snapped this photo and then turned on the video to be able to zoom in clearer to identify what was in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYE1ktSIL8

We could see that there were small Primates scurrying about, but couldn't identify.  My first  thought was they were newly acquired Lemurs for the Madagascar project, as I wouldn't put it past the Zoo to bring in Animals there was no appropriate place for.  I later asked and was shocked to find out they were four of the Squirrel Monkeys, from the current collection.  Even more shocked and sickened to hear that they have been in there allegedly for at least two years!

There is so much wrong with this, but let's just start with the fact that these Beings have been living in a concrete room with no natural landscaping and most important, they have not been outdoors for years!  Sadly they can see the Sifaka enjoying a spacious OUTDOOR area.  Shameful. 

So, the obvious question is Why have these Beings been subjected to this kind of containment?  The other obvious question is, Who made this decision?  Who thinks this is ok?  I would bet no one on the Animal Care Staff think this is a good thing.  So that leaves Management level staff.  I'm going to bypass finger pointing at the Primate Curators and go straight to the question, Why does the San Francisco Zoo have a Wellness Department?  Is it not the purpose of this department to make sure that every Being in the collection is housed in an appropriate habitat,  appropriate to their well-being? 

In my opinion, there are three people on full-time payroll that should be making sure that among so many other things, this and other inappropriate housing are never more than temporary.  Those people are Jason Waters VP of Wellness and Animal Behavior, Animal Curator David Bocian, and (*Please see my update at end of post. I had an additional name here that was in error.) Additionally, the buck usually stops with Director Tanya Peterson.  So who's fault is it that these Animals and others get stuck in inappropriate housing?  One would have to assume either someone isn't doing their job, which in my opinion is to be on the Animals side, or they just don't care, or they afraid to put forth a plea for the Animals that might get challenged and threaten their job security?  Regardless, this is not right.  

Let's not forget the recent living situation of the Fossa. They have been moved to the Feline Conservation Center (FCC), but had lived in inappropriate housing for over two years as well.   You can view where their home was for over a year.  The other near year they spent living in quarantine.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5OaWnXoaQ&feature=youtu.be

At this point, noting that the FCC is an option for housing over-flow Residents, is moot.  The FCC is over crowded now with many different species, with those displaced by the Madagascar project on the way.  But, at the time, two years ago, it wasn't and both these Squirrel Monkeys and the Fossa could have been housed there immediately without ever being subjected to the containment areas there were.

Let's take a look at the history of the Squirrel Monkeys.  This group came to the Zoo from Stanford in 2010 as a retirement home.  These Beings were former research test subjects.  These Beings should never have been locked inside again.  This was supposed to be their retirement from that environment.

Over the years, the group has dwindled, sadly many passing from age related issues.  Every now and then, it seems there are less on view, and I've asked about them.  I've been told some are off exhibit.  My bad, not to ask where.  I never would have thought that meant an area where they had no access to the outdoors.  

Going back again to when the Squirrel Monkeys first arrived.  I remember their place in the Primate Center was supposed to be temporary, with a designated donation to build a new home for them elsewhere in the Zoo.  So many years ago but I my memory is right.  You can read the June 2010 news article from about this here:  http://www.sfexaminer.com/zoo-saves-monkeys-from-euthanasia/

I want to notate a couple quotes from that article:

"When MacDonald (former Primate Curator) feels they are ready to revel in trees and dirt, the monkeys will temporarily live in the Primate Discovery Center."

"In the meantime, the zoo will use a $250,000 donation specifically for the monkeys to extend an outdoor exhibit at the new South American Tropical Rain Forest Aviary that’s still under construction."

Additionally, in November 2010, I attended a Reception for Guardian Members.  Director Peterson displayed an artist rendering of the proposed new Squirrel Monkey exhibit.  This photo depiction became the future project and was made into a banner and put out at the project site adjacent to the Tropical Building.

I was horrified on the spot to see the drawing for the new Squirrel Monkey exhibit shows, not only another play area for humans, but white tree structures?!  Where in nature are there white trees? I think even the Director felt the need to sell this odd habitat, as she repeatedly said,  "Think modern. Think modern." Why should we think modern? This isn't a museum, this is an Animal Park and Animals don't live surrounded by white plastic looking tree's.

Construction never happened for this.  The sign was taken down.  The area went through a couple stages, at one point housing the Dinosaur sculptures, and more recently the ridiculous Ropes course, something that was never used in that area after time and money spent to develop the area.  Not to mention money spent when the Zoo purchased this crap.  Seriously, we have a three million dollar playground, the Zoo should not be spending money on this, especially when for one thing there is allegedly a shortage of funds for Animal Enrichment.  

So, with the money locked specifically for a new Squirrel Monkey home, and the proposed location touting the future home designated, I ask, What happened to that project, and even more curious, Where is that money?

Update 10.23.18 ... I had originally included Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson as I was told by a couple staff members that she had been given a new title and was the Asst (General Curator). That information was wrong, she still holds the title Asst Carnivore Curator.  Squirrel Monkeys fall under Primates and Ashleigh has no connection to what goes on in that Dept. Additionally as I stated in original post body I do not put responsibility for these types of issues on Animal Staff including Department level Curators.  I do believe that Upper level Management - Animal Care Staff  like Bocian and Waters who I noted are responsible for championing these issue points to the Zoo Director on their behalf.

I don't like that I got misinformation.  Contrary to what people think I do try to confirm information and have never been told anything I have posted is in error.  Of course there have been differences of opinion or as I have been told misinterpretation of situations. Actually this has only happened once.  The Carnivore Dept stands by the act of letting people handle and visit behind the scenes with the Snow Leopard Cubs. I stand by my opinion stated in a couple posts that I think this is wrong.

I will also again note that if anyone has an issue with the subject, information, or my interpretation in any post there is a comment portion to this blog.  I moderate the comments so it can also be used to contact me.

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Previous post: Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It! http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/ducks-continue-to-fly-into-windows_21.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

Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It!

So yeah.  While I'm trying to work on the post about the Madagascar project that I've been mentioning, two other issues came up.  Just can't seem to get ahead, there's unfortunately always something.  ... Here's the first one.

While visiting the Flamingos early in the week, I experienced the unfortunate sight of one of the wild Mallards flying out of the pond and hitting the window.  Crashing and then falling backward into the water.  Horrifying, as that could have gone very badly.  Sad, because its easy to prevent. 

These incidents, not only with Waterfowl but with all Birds, is so common that there are many companies that make Decals for windows to help prevent these actions, and what could be severe injury or death to Birds. 

These Decals are on the windows at Mandrills and Gorillas. Why aren't they on the windows at Flamingos, where there is a constant flight stream in and out of wild Ducks?

This was the first time I had seen this, but someone I was standing with has sadly seen it many times.  Before today, the last time a few days before.  That Duck was flying into the exhibit and hit the glass so hard, it fell to the ground and was so stunned it couldn't move.  She picked it up and brought it to the side, so it could recover and get back to the pond.  She also told me about another time, one hit the glass so hard it vomited all over.  This is a serious issue, and I ask again, Why don't these windows have the Decals?

Well, I don't have an answer, but I certainly have a some opinions about this.  First, this same person, a Friend of the Flamingos has told many Staffers of these incidents, noting the need for the Decals.  She's been telling people since she first saw this horror.  Its been since the glass was installed there and that's been well over a year!  Understandably this person, a Zoo Member was very upset and angry that this problem has been ignored. 

Photo of window just after the Duck hit it.  The bottom circle is of the water dripping from where it hit.  The top circle shows a smear of something from a hit the week before.

I feel guilty that I didn't spot this Fail before seeing this crash.  That said, the Zoo has many Animal Professionals pulling in full-time paychecks, someone should have known to do this.  That said, either no one did?!  , which is hard to believe, and if that is the case then there's a bigger problem with the education of those Professionals.  Then there's the Or, that no one cares.  Regardless, Staffers were notified and still nothing.  Why?  Are they waiting for a Duck to break its neck when it flies into the window?  I sure don't want that to happen, and I sure don't want to see that.  Do they want that to happen?  Do they want that to happen in front of some kids?  That would really further their Mission of Connecting people with wildlife.

Good Grief San Francisco Zoo, buy some damn Decals and fix this situation!  If you didn't hate me so much I'd buy the Decals if that's what it took to prevent Animals from injuring or killing themselves. 

I'll make it easy for you.  I'm sure I saw them recently at Sloat Garden Center, across the street.  They also got them in a 4-pk at Home Depot.  

When I left I filled out a comment form. Directed it to Jason Waters, Wellness and Joe Fitting , Deputy Director. These are available upon request in the Membership Office. If you have an issue, comment or anything else, please stop in on your way out and use one!  So, Myself, this Member, and a Docent who was also there, have all alerted the Zoo to this.  Let's see how long it takes to get Decals on the Windows.  

...

Ok so while on this, I'm just going to go ahead and include some personal opinions about the Flamingo exhibit, that I don't think I ever posted about. 

After seeing an endless stream of people hang over into the exhibit before the renovation and someone throw something at one of the Flamingos while they were sitting on a nest, I was happy to see a better barrier go up.  When it went up, I commented that I thought it was a bit obtrusive, but if it keeps them safe,... The Staffer I was talking to said, it wasn't to protect the Birds (silly me!) but to keep them from flying out.  

For some reason it was decided that the Juvenile Flamingos from the last couple of allowed breeding seasons, would not get their wings clipped.  One flew out and landed at Gorillas.  Thankfully after the Gorillas were in for the day.  I think there may have even been another one that flew out before the renovation.

When the renovation was done, the pole that would hold the aviary style netting was bare.  When the netting eventually did go up, it was only over a quarter of the area and with the way the light hit, almost invisible.  I almost didn't even notice it.  One Juvenile attempted to fly out and didn't see the net and flew into it, allegedly falling to the ground.  When I heard this, I noted how the net was hard to see, and suggested they put something over the top, a tarp or such, so that its visible to the Birds and they know its there.  Was told that was a good idea, but it may fly up, ripple in the wind, whatever excuse.  I made suggestion how to keep it down.  That never happened so I guess it was too hard to figure out.  Letting Birds fly into things seems to be the way they'd rather go.  Allegedly two of the other Juveniles decided to leave and land on the Restroom Building behind the exhibit.  Not long ago another quarter of the netting was put up, yet not over the area they were escaping through?  Its curious that the whole thing isn't netted, just to avoid any instances.  And wasn't that the goal?  

 My finger pointing to the part that is not netted.

FYI The window Ducks are flying into
is below that, under the overhang.

You can see how hard it is to tell which side is netted,

if you were a Flamingo looking up at it.

As well, the path the Ducks are taking is threw a small opening on the netted side, by the window,  so they are missing the opening.  If it was completely netted on top they would find a different way in or not have access.  They do like the Flamingo pond but it might save a life and they have the Lemur stream that they love and can hang out at.  

Additionally, the Flamingos allegedly aren't being allowed to breed this season, which would be in full swing for hatching right now.  Rumor has it, there's a concern for future Chicks safety, considering what has happened in the recent past.  Sad.  Why don't they just net the whole area?  Problem solved. 

And even further ridiculousness, I think they eventually clipped all the wings.  So, the whole exhibit build, all this drama and injury for nothing. 

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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

Enrichment - Needs and Funds

Coming Soon!

My Big Fat Running Commentary! Pt 2 (Updated ...)

Starting Soon!

Hoot! So Lucky, I Saw The Chimps In The SkyTrail!

Great news!  Yesterday while I was visiting the Chimps, they got access to the SkyTrail!  They seemed to really like it, I think they will be even more happy with it when it leads to an open end and into the Playroom.  It was great to see them exploring something new.  So happy and lucky to catch this!  I just missed capturing a photo of all three standing side by side looking out, but here's a few solo.

I have heard in addition to the access I previously wrote about, that they have gone out before the has Zoo opened.  I don't know if its been everyday since, but aside from Cobby who was very excited and active, Minnie and Maggie seem relatively unfazed.  Minnie went up and smiled and hooted a bit with Cobs, but after some initial investigation and smiles, Mags went back inside.  I did hear that all three were very excited and animated, the very first time, which of course was expected.  As I wrote before, the Zoo really did a disservice to those who love the Chimps by not documenting it and posting, so everyone could enjoy the joy they were experiencing for the first time.  That was a moment that won't be repeated.  Hopefully the Zoo will take note and document their first access to the new Playroom and new Yard when those times come.

That all said, I heard there is actually a video, taken by a Docent.  This Docent posted it to her Facebook and someone I know saw it.  Lucky I got a play by play of the fun!  I later heard from someone else that the Zoo didn't like that it was posted.?  Not sure what the problem is, it was taken during a time the Zoo was open.  Friday was Member's Morning, the Zoo opened from 9-10a for Member's.  Any Member could have done the same thing.  Instead of being mad about it, the Zoo should be thankful someone documented their first time and share the video for all to see.

Anyway, here's the link to my video, for all to see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bciNektpLo8&feature=youtu.be

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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

Chimps Experience Their New SkyTrail For First Time! + Chimp Expansion Update!

Yesterday afternoon, someone messaged me and said, the SkyTrail is open!  Surprised to hear this as they were still working on it a few days ago and the building it leads to is still not ready.  

I heard they had access for a short time before the Zoo opened and that they were making happy sounds!  I cried.  Its been along time coming for these babies to have something new and exciting.  They have waited over twenty years.

After shedding tears of joy for these babies, I snapped a thumbs up pic, no care that I had no brows done, just happy to document the moment!   Glad I was able to help them secure the Zoo as their forever home and  make sure they got some new, exciting experiences added to their lives! 

I love these Friends and am so happy their journey to new experiences is about to begin!  The building won't be ready for at least another month, and the outside yard longer, but its all happening for them.  My Precious Chimpers waited the suits out!  Over three years in the making and these babies sat and watched every single day of it.  Congratulations Minnie, Maggie and Cobby!

From the start I have envisioned their reaction the first time they took to the trail.  I knew they would be happy, talking, and smiling huge as I've seen before.  There is no way anyone could imagine how they must have felt, leaving the Triple Grotto for the first time in near fifty years.  They can see out of course, but the sense of freedom, walking on their own, beyond the walls of the only place they've known for all those years, must be amazing.

I checked the Zoo's Facebook and Twitter and not a mention of this.  No Photos, No Video.  No Nothing.  I realize this was a brief test, but it was their First Time experiencing something like this.  And again, the first time they've been out in five decades!  This was a big deal and in my opinion should have been documented and shared.  When the Snow Leopard Cubs first went outside, the Zoo had Media there (in my opinion prematurely), and no one documents the Chimps big adventure?  Unbelievable!  Well not really, but still.  Geez.  So many of us would have loved to have seen the Chimps faces.  I'm sure those initial expressions were priceless.

For those who aren't familiar with the Chimps history and plight at the Zoo, you can learn more on my blog dedicated to them.  http://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com/

Cobby with SkyTrail in background

I've taken more clips of the Chimp Expansion for Updates, than I've had time to put together and post.  Good timing that I had a current handful, so I could include it in this post.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaeuMporhSg

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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

Is Ndume Gorilla In A Tug Of War Between The Cincinnati Zoo and The Gorilla Foundation?

Darn, I didn't see having to write another blog post about Ndume's situation, until his new journey began, and certainly not right now when I'm trying to work on some other things, but this new development has got to be documented.  

Well my original post (7.14.18) entitled, Will Ndume (Gorilla) Become The Gorilla Foundation's New Cash Cow? , unfortunately seems to be accurate.  ... You can read that post here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/will-ndume-gorilla-become-gorilla_14.html

On August 29, The Cincinnati Zoo posted a press release to their Facebook that stated, Ndume would be moving back there, from The Gorilla Foundation.  Born at the Cincinnati Zoo, Ndume has been living in isolation at TGF for 27 years. 

Screencap Cincinnati Zoo FB

On September 3, The Gorilla SSP posted a link to their Facebook of a News article about the move.  This long overdue move has made it to many national news outlets.

Screencap Gorilla SSP FB

The Gorilla Foundation has curiously remained silent.   Those who have been close to TGF in the past have suspected something was brewing over there.  

I emailed both Ron Evans, Cincinnati Zoo Curator of Primates and Kristen Lukas, Gorilla SSP Coordinator for updates and got no reply from either. 

Last week I sent Cincinnati Zoo a message via Facebook.  I asked if a date had been set for when Ndume would be moving to the Zoo from The Gorilla Foundation.  ... "No date had been set." ... I asked what the plans were for housing him since they already had two Groups with adult males.  ... "Details have not been decided."  ... Huh.  Seems like no plan is not indicative of any immediate move.

I messaged the Gorilla SSP after.  They had recommended to CinciZoo an asap move, so I asked if a date had been set, noting that CinciZoo had no plans for housing even.  ...  The FB person said they were not privvy to that information, but stated, "I’m assuming that at the upcoming gorilla workshop, if plans aren’t already in the works, it’ll be heavily discussed."

Yesterday I read there was a post mail letter sent from the Gorilla Foundation, received by some individuals, last week.  The #TeamNdume Facebook page asked if anyone had received one.  This was posted by a page visitor. 

Screencaps from #TeamNdume FB

The goal of this letter from TGF Founder Penny Patterson, is clear.  The Gorilla Foundation is at this moment in time, soliciting donations for three projects, one being the acquisition of additional Gorillas to create a Family for Ndume. 

Personally I think this is Outrageous.  Aside from the Ndume money grab, which may even be fraudulent if he indeed is going back to Cincinnati Zoo,  none of the other things are relevant or legitimate at this moment in time.  Penny and her gang have had 46 years to get to Maui and all this other stuff.  It seems like a last ditch effort to continuing funding a certain lifestyle on the sympathy of those who loved Koko and for some reason still believe in the fantasy.  

So, all things considered, this latest has myself and many others wondering, what the hell is going on?  Is Ndume staying or moving?

The only two conclusions at this point are, He is staying at The Gorilla Foundation and the Cincinnati Zoo and the Gorilla SSP are making up this whole move to appease this public outrage that he is still living at TGF in isolation, Or he really is moving and Penny and the gang at TGF are delusional and in denial, and therefore soliciting donations fraudulently.

I made a call to The Gorilla Foundation today.  I spoke with Sofia.  

Me: I have a question about the letter that was sent out last week, asking for donations to get more Gorillas to make a Family for Ndume.  

Sofia: Yes that is our goal (or what we'd like to do, something like that.

Me: Well, it was announced that he was going back to the Cinncinnati Zoo, so I'm confused.

Sofia: We are working with them.

Me: Working with them in what way?  Is he staying or going?  

Sofia: We are working with them.

Me: Yes, but in the letter you are asking for donations, based on him staying, if he isn't then what are the donations for? 

Sofia: I can't comment any further.  You can call back and dial ext 14. 

I asked for her name, the name of who was at ex 14, and said Thank you.  

Joy at ext 14, is reachable at the same number by dialing an extension.  So essentially, when I called back Sofia wouldn't answer and I'd get the option to choose the extension (that is for press inquiries), which I did and of course I got voicemail.  I say of course because I imagine Joy had been told I'm calling back and what my question was. ...  I left a message and am currently waiting for a call back.  If I get a call back I will post what the outcome was.  

My San Francisco Zoo Status - Membership etc.

Over the next week or two, I'm going to seriously attempt a blog post months in the making. I've been trying to write a post about the upcoming Madagascar Project since I first heard about it, over five months ago.  Its a long one because in my opinion, it encompasses so many issues.  I cried when I first heard about it and that sorta set the tone for how emotionally draining write about it will be.  

The reason I bring this up premature to posting, is because I know its something that Zoo Management is not going to like.  Everytime I have written a blog post that contains opinions against something the Zoo has done, I always feel a bit of apprehension on my next Zoo visit.  In short, I never know whether I'm getting in or not.  

For those who aren't familiar with my history with the Zoo, in the smallest nutshell I can fit a synopsis, I'll attempt it.  In orders from Director Tanya Peterson, my Membership has been revoked twice, once in 2011 and again last year 2017.  Neither time was I given a reason.  In 2011, I was grouped in with a lie that was given as reason to my friend Lee, a Guardian Level Member and former Docent, who had hers revoked at the same time.  Eleven months later the Zoological Society Chairman David Stanton, finally responded to one of my letters, with untrue reasons he got from Peterson. I replied and asked him if he wanted to be the face of other peoples untruths.  Both Lee and I immediately had our Memberships reinstated complimentary.  Six years later it happened to me again.  This time Director Peterson had it noted on my account that I was "deceased".  I requested from three people a reasoning for that notation and for being denied renewal and to date have never gotten one.  I must either be considered so beneath Director Peterson that she does not feel it necessary to provide me with one, there is no legal/legitimate reason, or both.

I must remind Director Peterson that while she and others may not agree with what I write, it is not against the law or rules to have an opinion.  Last weekend, I added two quotes regarding personal opinion to the side bars of this blog.  I will also remind that I have never (even pre-2011) been spoken to by any Staff Member about my behavior while visiting the Zoo.  

I wrote about this in a post when it happened.  After noting rules to visitors on two separate occasions, one sitting over a barrier, one throwing something at a nesting Flamingo, I was told to fuck off, and mind my own fucking business , respectively.  I of course reported these two instances, for the Animal Endangerment factor.  I'm a big girl, so I am not offended by someone swearing at me, but knowing that it is noted in the rules at the front that vulgarity is cause for ejection, and knowing that not even throwing rocks at a sleeping Tiger will get you ejected, I followed-up on these incidents.  Neither offender was ejected.  Neither offender asked if they were Members (as shouldn't they have their Memberships revoked?).  In fact, I witnessed one of the offenders being spoken to by Management and the Management representative was very causal, not serious or authoritative.  I saw him laughing with them!  Other than the wrong call by Management not to eject these offenders, the relating point is, there are separate rules for me than there are for others, and I don't even do anything but have an opinion in regards to my compassion for the Animals.  So if I had sworn at someone like that, good grief who knows what they would have done.  

I will also note that I asked this Management person about these incidents and was told in general the rule before ejection is three warnings.  I don't agree with that when it comes to throwing stuff at the Animals, one, two, three and we have a Tatiana situation. That said, should there not be three warnings before having your Membership revoked or denied renewal?  As I've stated I have never had a staff member or security speak to me about my behavior, and that's because I don't do anything disruptive. So, I have never been warned about anything.

So, as I started, I often feel apprehensive after writing something controversial.  Following the recent posts I made about the Zoo allowing non-staff handle the Snow Leopard Cubs, I have had some interactions with staff that have been different than in the past.  I'm not a paranoid person, but I am very observant and sensitive to changes.  I have a feeling something could be brewing and I wanted to document it here, as again there is no valid reason for retaliation against me, for me posting my personal opinions about something.