Orangutans - Where Will They Go?

I left off my previous post, from last month, "Orangutans On Their Way" , 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/02/orangutans-on-their-way.html

... with this paragraph:

> As there is an Orangutan on the GAP (Great Ape Passage) sign,  Triple Grotto is the only place they can permanently go, so, I sure hope there is a plan to make Triple Grotto better for the Orangutans, and BEFORE they get here! <

That post was made in relation to a news article out of Erie, PA announcing the departure of the Erie Zoo's nine year old Orangutan Ollie, who is headed for the San Francisco Zoo! ... I was shocked this was happening so soon, since there was no place ready for him or the mate that is intended for him.

Since that post, I have asked a few questions, since the arrival of the male sounded soon, ...

*When are they coming?

*Where are they going?

*What is the renovation plan for Triple Grotto?

No one I had the opportunity to ask even as recent as this past Wednesday, has an answer to any of those questions. In fact most people, including staff, volunteers and members I know, didn't even know there was a plan set for them to come anytime soon and responded by saying, "Where are they going?"  

Information straight from Erie Zoo, has our new SFZoo Male Orangutan Ollie's last day on exhibit this Sunday and him leaving as early as next week.  There are many posts to the Zoo's Facebook, as well as these two news video's about Ollie's departure.

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-last-chance-to-visit-ollie-the-orangutan-this-weekend_20190328165421/1883166449?fbclid=IwAR21rjCFjouObz8pZryb57iVlQPdR-wX4vGs9Asg_C7X4qTl4vaReJGd90s

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-ollie-leaving-part-2_20190328170009/1883176812?fbclid=IwAR0N1VtXdfcVTUcLTYu5bdp9Kh_8-EXyMryR4vKYakKwfFZni3p3CONJseI

So, its happening and its happening now!?  ... Some Ollie pix next and keep reading below for more about this curious timing of bring in Orangutans.  

Screencap from Erie Zoo Facebook Page

Visit this link for beautiful photos of adorable Ollie and his beautiful Family, through the years since his birth, at the Erie Zoo.  I hope the San Francisco Zoo will surprise me and not sell off his name to the highest bidder.  

https://www.goerie.com/photogallery/PA/20190328/NEWS/314009996/PH/1

So with all the confirmation on Erie Zoo's side, the question still remains, Where does the San Francisco Zoo plan to put the Orangutans?   

That said, let's consider these facts (as I know them):

*The new Great Ape Passage sign shows an Orangutan.  This Species will be housed in this area, and when all is completed, most likely be rotating with Chimps between surrounding habitat areas (Dayroom, new Yard attached to Pachy Building, and possibly (what I thought) a renovated Triple Grotto).  This will be nice for all involved. 

*As of over a week ago, Chimps no longer had access to Triple Grotto. Doors closed and signs down. A couple months ago, I heard this was imminent, and it made me sad. They had lived there for fifty years and I would think might still feel attached to it.  I would have liked to seen them retain access at least to the North Grotto, and at the very least, until the new yard was completed and full integration with new Chimp.  The issue of the new yard NOT even being finished, is in my opinion a big one. In fact it doesn't even look barely started, even though they have been working on it for many months, although last couple weeks haven't heard much.  You can see in the photo, it only looks like the perimeter is mapped out (left side).  As of last week, they were still putzing about with the second Skytrail, that has only had one pole up for over a week.  SO without Triple Grotto, they appear to have NO outside access, except for the Skytrail, which I haven't even seen, only heard its happened on occasion.

*Triple Grotto is in need of a renovation.  At the very least, something as simple as I've outlined before, which suggested filling moat and glass/fencing off perimeter. Also by doing that, the North and Middle Grottos would provide a huge space, and they could use the South Grotto which is off exhibit, to build new bedrooms. For thirty years, the Chimps literally sat like bumps on a log, upon the structures, staring out at the people.  The islands are small and with structures, leaving basically no topical area.  They need the structures, but also need space.  

*The second Skytrail is being attached to the Triple Grotto night quarters, at the South Grotto side.  This will provide access to the new Yard.  I was told many years ago the the night quarters were in bad shape.  There should have been some work done on the night quarters before that and definitely before the Orangutans would occupy.  I don't recall any upgrade taking place, as the Chimps still used those bedrooms up til less than two weeks ago.  So, this must mean the Orangutans will have to use the old bedrooms?  Forever?  Because seemingly, if new bedrooms aren't built or old ones renovated before they move in, when and how will they be done?

While this is a digression, I feel like this additional information in regard to Triple Grotto is on topic. ... The outdated Triple Grotto was one of the reasons our Chimps became vulnerable to losing their home.  Our group had lost a member, reducing the size to three, with AZA requirements of four or more.  The AZA would not send the Zoo more to live in Triple Grotto unless it was upgraded.  With the 1997 City Bond money that was in part for a new Chimp habitat, mysteriously disappeared, and not one Donor stepping up over the last two decades to fund a new habitat or even upgrade (shameful!) for the Chimps, that opened the door for Director Peterson to try and kick them out.  So, its documented as outdated and not a proper habitat.

Director Peterson and the Zoological Society have allegedly been pushing to acquire Orangutans for years.  Their wants were the main catalyst for Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps and replace them with Orangutans.  So it is not a surprise they are coming, the timing is what is so surprising to everyone.  No one thought it would be this soon, as in, before there was a proper habitat for them.  

The SFZoo seems to be in the habit of acquiring new Animals with no appropriate place to house them at the time of their arrival, so wondering what's going on isn't far fetched.  The order of construction projects is curious.  The Chimp project is not finished, and they start demolishing the Primate Center for the Madagascar project.  Snow Leopard Expansion area is cleared out and ready.  Now Triple Grotto?  That is four projects.  It seems logical that the Chimp Yard should have been finished first, even more so now that the Orangutans will seemingly need access to it immediately.  The Triple Grotto next, although that still begs the question where will their night quarters then be?  Then, the Snow Leopards (which frankly should have been done before we acquired a breeding pair, knowing within a year any Cubs would be adult size and need more room).  Other needs should then fall into order, including habitats for displaced Monkeys, Condor habitat, Bird Aviaries, Secure Barriers, and THEN the Primate Building should have come down, and THEN Madagascar.

To the nay-sayers who think I don't know what I'm talking about, let's then talk about these facts...

*The Chimps.  Yes for me it always goes back to the Chimps.  Disrespected and back-burnered for decades, left to just sit there year after year in the same old enclosure while new ones popped up around them for newly acquired Animals.  As I said, no one associated with donating funds or fundraising gave a shit about these poor Beings, only donating for their personal shiny new toys.  And again, I'm sorry for regular readers, but to those who say that's not true (because I've heard this repeatedly) they have a new Dayroom and are getting a new Yard.  Yes, that's because I crusaded on their behalf.  Left to the Zoo Director, they's be in Florida or dead, by some peoples opinions.  What they are getting now, is not because of something the Zoo wanted to do for them, its because the Zoo ended up with its back against the wall after my crusade created public outrage. 

*Moving along in order, Squirrel Monkeys.  They came with locked money for a new habitat.  Still haven't gotten it.  In fact a small group are living in a room and have had no outdoor access for at least three years.

*Komodo Dragon.  Promised a new habitat within a year of arrival.  The original "terrarium" was supposed to be temporary.  It became his home for over five years, until he was so big he could barely turn around in it.  Contrary to what the Zoo told people, his health had nothing to do with the original timeline for a proper habitat.

*Condors.  The female who used to live at the Puente, was only supposed to be here temporarily while her home Zoo built her a new habitat. Allegedly some covert change of hands happened and SFZoo became her permanent home, and her previous home Zoo was shit out of luck for a Condor when it was ready to open its new exhibit.  SF was sent a male to breed with her, even though there was no proper habitat for them.  She moved off exhibit to be introduced.  Over two years later, they have still never been in with eachother. They are still off exhibit, as the habitat that is still assumed for them on the east side of the Tropical Aviary, has still not been built.  What's taking so long?

*Fossa.  These poor Animals make me want to cry.  When they arrived almost three years ago, everyone's thought was, Why (at this time)?  There was no place for them.  Rumor was they would be built a habitat in the Primate Center, right away, but after almost two years of them living in quarantine and off exhibit caging, they still had nothing in the works.  The area where their habitat was supposed to be, THEN became the Madagascar project.  So, they must now wait til that's done. So, five years after arriving they may finally get a home.  Again, we all ask, Why? What was the rush in acquiring them before having a home for them?  They are fine now, they finally got moved to the FCC (Feline Conservation Center) with the other Animals without homes. They should have went there directly after quarantine. The short string cages they were in for near a year were awful.  Those cages and the Squirrel Monkeys in the room, are heartbreaking.

So yea, I think I've illustrated why bringing Orangutans, or any other Animals to the Zoo at this time is just not right.

I can only think of two scenarios, either they are going to just dump this poor guy and his intended missus into Triple Grotto as is, or leave him/them languish in quarantine til they do upgrades, if that is even in the plan.  Unfortunately that seems like the only logical and logistical scenarios.  If there were housing for them in the Pachy Building (which I have never heard there was), I could see them doing this and then when new Yard is done, rotate with Chimps in Dayroom, while Triple Grotto gets renovation, but they still need someplace to sleep, unless they use Triple Grotto night house or Dayroom, but using Triple Grotto night quarters would seem to mean those bedrooms never get upgraded?  I don't know, just going through possibilities that could work best for these new Residents, as it seems like things aren't going to be optimum for them.  At least not for some time.  I hope I'm wrong.

It is apparent by the info put forth by the Erie Zoo, that it is time for Ollie to find a new home, where he can mature naturally and eventually start his own Family.  BUT they have also noted in a comment, that this "time", could be within the next year.  SO, I must ask, What is the rush?  Why is he being moved out of his current home, right now?  To a place that has no appropriate housing for him?  Maybe I'm missing something, but I doubt it.  It seems someone, the AZA/SSP?, our SFZoo Director?, someone is rushing this, and for what reason I can't figure.  A move right now is NOT in the best interest of this Animal.  Shame on whoever has had a voice in Ollie's transfer at this time.  Its wrong.  His move should wait at the very least until the new Yard is done and new bedrooms built at Triple Grotto.

This is posted on the Erie Zoo Website in regards to Ollie's move.  It makes me sad.  They are under the delusion that there is a wonderful new habitat here waiting for him.  There currently is not. Yes he will have access to the Dayroom.  This can't happen until the new Yard is done, otherwise Chimps will be in lock-down in bedrooms.  Yes he will have access to the new Yard. Who knows when that will be done.  So, right now,  unless the Zoo works some magic quick, there is no other thought I can have than to assume he will be living and sleeping in old Triple Grotto as is. 

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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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Chimpanzee Introductions! Cobby and Qadeer Sharing the Same Space!

Another piece in the new and enriching journey of our Chimps!

Last week, I happened upon the first day of introductions between Cobby and Qadeer!  So exciting!  I had no idea they were at this stage yet, as last I knew they were still at the distance stage, first of three, that included subsequent stages of separation by glass and then fencing.  So I was shocked when I shadowed the path viewing glass and saw Qadeer, then Cobby!

I had noticed that our three long-time residents had not had access to the Triple Grotto the visits I made the week before.  Someone said they heard that they were no longer going to be able to have access, as the Zoo was going to start renovating that for Orangutans.  I will post about this separately.   ... I only note it here as I have to wonder if introductions weren't fast-tracked because of the loss of access to the Triple Grotto and having the Dayroom as the Chimps only? enclosure area at this time?  Which would mean if they weren't introduced asap, then either Cobby, Maggie and Minnie would be locked in the Bedrooms, or Qadeer would.  You don't see the steam coming from my ears, but since the new yard is still no where near finished, if this is the actual scenario, that would mean the Chimps have no outside access.  The thought of this is very upsetting. 

I knew the plan was to introduce Cobby and Qadeer first (the two males), and then the girls.  You can view my video of short clips taken on my cell phone, as I was out of battery power on my camera, after spending the morning watching our Park Owls new babies!  You can view videos of the Owlets on my Youtube if interested.  

https://youtu.be/NBdYkqZOrVI

Ok, I digressed. I was so happy to be able to see this process in the early stages.  I didn't think it would be public, but lucky to have the experience.  I haven't talked about my interpretation with anyone, but as you can see, it seemed to be going very well.  I hope I'm right!

When I walked up, Cobby was in the top left corner, and Qadeer on the bottom.  For the most part Qadeer had range of the lower area and Cobby the top.  I watched for an hour and a half and while they stayed stationary in certain areas at times, there was initiation of play on Cobbys part, with what looked like him gesturing to Qadeer to join in the play.  While that didn't seem to put Qadeer off, he didn't accept the invite and retreated to the Keeper fence, where Curator Joe Knobbe gave him a mirror.  The mirror seemed to keep him comfortable.  ... The video opens with a smiling Cobby.  He was on top when I walked up and about twenty minutes later as he made his way around the room, he came over to the window, as he does when he sees me, and was smiling huge and gesturing about his new Friend!  I was happy that he wanted to share this with me, but also apprehensive to respond to him because I didn't want to interfere with what was going on, knowing Chimps behavior can easily change. I stepped back a bit and then he remembered the daily boot check, and stood up to see my boots.  So cute, he does this every visit!  Never gets old.  Then he sat back down, still smiling.  I didn't want him to think I didn't love him by not responding, so I smiled back and shook my head a bit to acknowledge and said, That's your new friend!  That's when I took the clip and he was still smiling, then went off.

I'm so happy that this appeared to be going smooth.  I was worried about us getting another male as Cobby hasn't been around another male for near fifty years.  Maggie and Minnie have never been with other Chimpanzees, except Cobby and our beloved Tallulah.  I Love our Chimpers, they have been great in behavior toward Qadeer.  Qadeer had it rough in his previous social group, so this needs to be good for all of them. 

The next day, was the same between them.  No close interaction, but I witnessed another initiation of play from Cobby.  Will add the link when I post it, and definitely to the first day video.

https://youtu.be/UgKkFD48ozY

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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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Barrier Breaching - Recent Incidents at Two Zoos

New Years Day a news story came through about a Toddler "slipping through a barrier" during a Rhino Encounter at the Brevard Zoo in Florida.  

At the time, with the New Year, I had been thinking about what issues I was going to continue to post about, and came up with very little.  Having written about Barrier Breaching at our San Francisco Zoo for going on eight years now, I had pretty much done all that I could to get change and safety for our Zoo Friends.  I had repeatedly documented the barrier breaching offences, in every way I could.  I posted via blog, a Facebook Group I made, YouTube, Twitter, ... I had publicly, shared to the Zoo, AZA, and Media. 

After over a year of including them in my tweets, the AZA had contacted me and requested more information.  At the time, they had known about this already, so I'm not sure what the angle was in contacting me, but the end result a couple years later, remains the same.  Not one thing has changed at the hot spots, barriers that are at four Code Red Animal enclosures.  Black Rhino, Hippo, Black Bears and Grizzly Bears, all have barriers that people can misbehave at, which can possibly end with someone accidentally ending up in an enclosure and our Animals being killed. 

Neither the Zoo and its governing entity the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has any problem with the existing barriers (at SFZoo), as is.  ... Nothing more I can do, except pray no one falls in and our Animals stay safe.  ... That said, I decided not to post anymore about the barriers, and to not worry about the lack of updates to the FB Group. 

I have noted in everything I've written that the barriers need to be, at the very least "fool" proof, to cover accidental entries.  I don't understand the resistance to keep the Animals safe and by proxy their biggest concern, the Humans.  By putting up at least a solid barrier with some sort of spiking (I suggested the bamboo like at our Anteater) that would physically deter people from sitting and standing on the barriers.  The only other issue would then be those who on rare occasion would for whatever reason voluntarily enter an enclosure.  I'm told glassing in whole enclosures is too expensive.  So I am then to guess that rolling the dice and crossing fingers is the way to go and if you end up having to kill an Animal that may come in contact with a Human, then that's the cheaper way to go versus "full" proof barriers? 

At the SFZoo we can even get appropriate signage NOT to misbehave in general and certainly not serious words about barrier breaching.  We have got a mishmash of small signs, here and there, with most understandable one being the smallest and less prevalent.  Especially at Bears where there is near 100 ft of barrier and only four signs.  Its irresponsible and embarrassing.  .. That said about signage, people don't always read them, but its something, if you're not going to take any other precautions.

If someone falls in accidentally, or enters voluntarily, the end game is the same for the Animals.  If they go anywhere near the Human, they are shot.  Dead.  Why doesn't anyone take this seriously?  I welcome anyone at our SFZoo to explain this to me, because after eight years, I just don't get it.  

So, let's come back to today.  The catalyst for once again writing about this.  I back burner-ed the Rhino incident at the Brevard Zoo (AZA), and moved on.  Then today, we have the news of the Jaguar attack at Wildlife World Zoo (Non-AZA).  Here we have two examples of both sides of the issue. 

The Rhino incident was accidental but could have been avoided if the Zoo had a better barrier situation, and the Parent was watching their kid.  I see some messed up Parenting, in the nano second it took to type that, at least four situations I've seen crossed my mind.  The most recent one, a couple weeks ago, two nannies sitting at Black Rhino, with their backs turned to the enclosure, staring down at their phones, while four Toddlers ran to the Rhino exhibit and started to scale the fencing.  Unbelievable.  ... The Rhino story also contained a quote from another Parent who went to the Rhino Encounter on a different day.

>The zoo has said this is the only such incident since the exhibit opened in 2009, but investigators said (name withheld) contacted them during the investigation, saying one of her grandchildren intentionally squeezed through the vertical bars and entered the rhino exhibit in 2010."I turned around, and I about had a heart attack," she told Channel 9 on Wednesday. "I snatched her so fast and got her out of there."<  

I'm sorry but What the Hell?  Why are people not watching Kids in their care?

Today's Jaguar story, a voluntary incident.  Thankfully the Zoo in Arizona did not kill the Animal.  I'm actually in line with their thinking and applaud them for being bluntly honest about the situation.  In SF, that Animal would be dead. ... On Sunday, the Zoo (Wildlife World Zoo) assured people that “nothing will happen to our jaguar.”  “She’s a wild animal and there were proper barriers in place to keep our guests safe,” the zoo tweeted. “Not a wild animals fault when barriers are crossed.” ..."Please understand why barrier are put in place".

Note: Published post before finding a photo of the Jaguar barrier.  Just screencaped this news video.  Having some additional thoughts. Will probably post again about this, since near twenty people have already read this post.

So let's end with the question,  Why people are so careless with their Kids lives and their own, not to mention putting any Animal they act the fool with, at risk of losing its life?  I read many comments, even by my friends, who use the words, stupid and dumb.  Myself, I'm not that nice to use such words for people I consider unworthy of niceties when they are making Animals vulnerable to losing their lives because of their misbehavior.  For me, I've grown intolerant of all misbehavior towards Animals.  I've seen too much in the past decade that I have spent a concentrated time at the Zoo and in the Park, to give any passes.  I do not think that in the age of technology anyone should be stupid. You can learn anything on the internet.  Learn to be Respectful of other Beings or stay the hell home.  

That said, in my hometown, I have seen a change in the population since the .com era.  People are the rudest, self-entitled bunch I have ever come in contact with.  It is that feeling of entitlement that I think guides many of these acts.  It certainly is what happened with the Jaguar incident.  That girl wanted a photo, much like those who take photos with Sea Lion pups and give no shit that it drives the Mother away and the pup is left orphaned to starve, as long as they have their photo.  It's what drive's people to sit their kids on the barriers, because they can do whatever they want, because nothing will happen.  Tell that to the Mother who did the same in Pittsburgh several years back, I'm sure she didn't think she'd drop her kid into the Wild Dogs.  Even the day after Harambe (Cincinnati Gorilla) was killed after a negligent Mother let her kid wander into the enclosure, which I should note was not fool or full proof, I saw three people hanging their kids into enclosures at SFZoo.  People don't seem to be waking the F up, they seem to be getting worse.  So, Zoos need to do something so that they are in charge of keeping the Animals safe.

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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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