Zoo Hospital Destroys Nesting Duck's Eggs! - Happy Mother's Day NOT!!

I've been sitting here for days trying to decide if and how to write about this.  The first thing I saw on social media today (May 11, 2019) was this post by a Zoo I follow. 

How appropriate that Mallards are pictured!

Together with tomorrow being Mother's Day, I think the Universe is telling me I need to do this.  ... Ironic that I also just read the Zoo's Newsletter, celebrating Mother's Day.

On Tuesday, I passed by Chimps on my way to loop around Cats.  I noticed a female Mallard on top of the fence that borders the construction area for the new GAP yard.  I thought it was curious.  When I came back about a half hour later, she was still there.  I watched her, she was frantically vocalizing and repeatedly jumping down to the other side of the fence.  When someone came from the other side I asked them to look and see if there was a nest, eggs, or babies in the area her attention was on.  There was nothing there but pulled up greens.  I stood in that area near two hours, and the Duck did not give up.   Something was not right. 

Where are my EGGS?!!

Later I would learn more details.  This is the story as I know it.  Two non-Animal staff employees had done what they thought was best.  With no Mama around at the time, they removed the Eggs from the area within the construction site.  One had the thought to wait and see if Mama came back and try and lead her to a safer place to nest, but before that could happen, somehow the Eggs were taken to the Hospital and left in the hands of "Animal Care Professionals", assuming they would know the right thing to do.  I later heard through the grapevine that the Eggs were disposed of.  WHAT?!

Facts that I know first hand.  I was in the area of where the Eggs were removed from for near two hours, which was said to be about an hour after the Eggs were removed.  During those two hours, the Mama Duck was frantically looking for her Eggs.  Moving between sitting on the fence and flying down behind the fence on the construction side.  She even flew up on the skytrail, looking down all around for her Eggs. ...  At NO point during the time I was there (or reportedly the hour before), did anyone from the Hospital or any other Animal Staffer come down to check if the Mama had returned, in an effort to reunite her with her Eggs in a safer location.  THIS is the issue, plain and simple.

There were many who heard the story who have wondered the same exact thing that I did. WHY upon intake of Eggs at the Hospital, did no one come down to the site and see if the Mama was around, and attempt to reunite her with her Eggs?

Did anyone one on the Hospital staff or any Animal staff member, ask at the time of intake, Where did the Eggs came from?  How long had the Mama been gone?  Was the Mama still around?  Did anyone monitor the site where Eggs were found to wait for Mama to come back?  I know the answer to the last one, as illustrated above, so I can only assume the answer to the others.  Instead, the Eggs were disposed of.   THIS is a BIG FAIL on the part of the Hospital or anyone else there at the time the Eggs were brought there.

My ears are pulsating just reliving this.  I have been beyond upset about the way this played out since it happened.  I saw the Mama looking for her Eggs.  I saw how upset she was.  This was beyond wrong.  If someone at the Hospital had the sense and compassion to have just come down to the site,  they would have seen the Mama was back, and could have reunited her with her Eggs back and relocated them to a safer place.  A Mama Duck will follow her Eggs, and there is a garden area about seven feet from where her Eggs were.  It was a no-brainer, yet in the hands of "Animal Care Professionals" it didn't happen.  WHY?

Additionally, if for some reason, the Hospital staff was at a lack of thought on how to handle this, all they had to do was put out a call over the radio and ask if anyone had experience with this, because you know what, the first person I told about what was going on (before we knew the Eggs had been destroyed), asked, Why don't they just show the Mama the Eggs and lead her to a new spot?  BAM!  DONE!  ...  As I said, there was a spot for her, seven feet away.  I had a pic but not handy right now.  For anyone who knows the area, the garden area is by the Chimp path window.  

I know there will be people there that think I make a big deal about things, but too bad.  This is a big deal.  We are talking about living Beings and their emotions.  Whether or not you believe non-Humans have emotions, not only do I not care, but I can't help you, that's a whole different issue.  This Mama knew that something happened to her eggs, nature's container that was holding her babies, and it just was not right.   This was wrong, anyway you look at it.   Destroying those Eggs was WRONG!

I knew at the time, there was a Law protecting nesting Birds, I just didn't know the specifics.  When I got home I researched the law about this, and the first article about the Migratory Bird Act, that came up was posted to the Wildcare site.  For those who don't know, Wildcare is a rescue and rehab organization in San Rafael.  I have turned to them over the years for advice on a few occasions. I called them to confirm that my feelings about this situation were on point, that Mallards were protected and that the Mama could/should have been reunited with her Eggs and relocated.  Their answer was yes to all.  They did add that technically the original area should have been cordoned off until the Eggs hatched.  We were past that point and frankly, in my opinion, I don't think the Zoo would ever do something like that in this circumstance, geez they couldn't even return to the site and try to reunite. 

My first thought in the heat of things was to report this to Fish and Wildlife, but that's not going to help the situation.  The Zoo needs to do better.  Someone needs to address this situation. The Hospital Staff and/or anyone who was involved with the Eggs once they were turned over to the Hospital, needs to answer as to WHY? No one went to the site where Eggs were found, No one investigated the situation, No one tried to see if the Mama was there to reunite and relocate, and WHO? disposed of the Eggs? Those involved in that way with the Eggs were responsible for doing the right thing.  There was a way to make this right and it wasn't done.  

This situation showed lack of empathy, compassion, and thought.  It was not only a moral crime, but literally against the law.  I knew this, I don't know how anyone in Animal Care did not.  Or did they?  ... Maybe they only care about Animals in their collection?  I have to remember that it took three years of reporting about the Mallards flying into the window at Flamingos, before the Zoo would show some compassion and do the simple task of putting up Decals on the windows.  

I still just don't understand how something like this could happen.   I can guess, but it just seems, questionable things just keep happening over and over.  Its exhausting, upsetting and sad.  What happened to this Mama Duck is extremely sad.  

I'm sorry Mama Duck.  Hopefully next Mother's Day will be happier for you. 

Here are some links to information the Zoo Staff should educate themselves about:

https://www.discoverwildcare.org/wildlife-resources/living-with-mallard-ducks/

https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php

Zoo's Social Media Fail - Mentioning the Kentucky Derby

So yeah, this happened today.  Not that I needed or wanted another thing to write about, but in addition to responding on Twitter, I felt I should post about it.  There are a couple reasons, one I'll keep to myself for now, the other I'll make note of later in the post.

I saw this Zoo Tweet today (Sunday).  

In the last couple decades I have grown increasingly bothered by Horse Racing in general.  With the internet, that feeling has been compounded with the awful stories about the welfare of these Horses.  In the past few weeks there have been articles written about the awful practices and deaths of Race Horses. 

Just a couple of the horrors you can find by googling "race horse deaths"

http://time.com/5582343/horse-deaths-kentucky-derby/

https://www.horsedeathwatch.com

So, when I saw this, I was really upset that the Zoo would not only promote a Horse Racing Event by mentioning it, but use one of our Zoo's Animals in relation to such a thing.  Of course I tweeted back and said exactly that.  With the Animal Cruelty and Abuse that stigmatizes Horse Racing, I think its a huge Fail on the Zoo for even mentioning it, the Kentucky Derby.  It's not worth any trend media attention they might get out of it.

Also came to mind, wondering if they know that Siesta is not even a Horse but a Pony?  I am irked by this whole thing, so I know I'm nit picking.  

Anyway, this is not the first time something like this has happened.  It  was sometime ago, but reminds me of when someone posted in comment to one of their posts, a photo of them holding a Lion Cub at one of those Cub Petting places.  The Zoo gave it a like!  I could not believe it!  In my opinion by doing so, that shows that they think those places and that practice is ok.  Its not!  That would have been a good opportunity for some awareness but nothing further was noted.  Too many people think those places where you can hold and pet exotic Cat Cubs is ok.  I have heard them at the Zoo by Cats talking about their experiences, more than once.

So, I just wish the Zoo would be more conscious of the plight of Animals in all situations that are considered Animal Abuse or Animal Cruelty, and not promote them or even suggest that these things are ok, when they clearly are not. 

Meet Sally, the Zoo's new Komodo Dragon! - She's Falcor's Sister!

I'm a bit behind on posting about new Residents, but I wanted to post about Sally, so that people knew who she was and to share my video of her first hour out on exhibit!   ... Unfortunately since I was delayed in posting, during that time, Sally has already been renamed. UG. 

Sally is 6 years old and came from Omaha Zoo.  She was hatched in January 2011 at Memphis Zoo.  She shares the same Mama as our beloved Falcor! Possibly the same Papa.  I'm very happy to be able to know one of Falcor's siblings :) that is bittersweet.

Here's a link about the hatching of her clutch which hatched sixteen babie dragons!

https://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2013/02/komodo-dragon-memphis-zoo.html

I was told she is very smart and came trained in many ways.  At the time of her debut, she had been at the Zoo for two weeks and is still currently under quarantine, but is quarantining on exhibit.

She sure is a pretty little girl!  I love the markings over her right eye that look like eyelashes, and the spot on her lip that looks like lipstick.  She's a fancy :)  ... Look forward to knowing you Sally!

The arrival of a new Komodo so soon, was a bit of an emotional tug for me.  Those who know me or have read this blog, know how much I loved Falcor, who recently passed away.   I think that the Zoo had planned to acquire a second Komodo while Falcor was still here, so this was probably already in the works.  You will hear me say in my video, how I wish Falcor was here to meet her.  That said, any meeting they would have had, I assume would have been with a barrier, since I have not read of Komodo's cohabiting.  Based on that, I do find it curious that the Zoo would need a second Komodo, as they would have to be rotated and one would always be off exhibit.  I'm not a fan of keeping Animals locked in night quarters, while the other is on exhibit.  I don't think its ideal and certainly not necessary.  So, I hope there will not be a second acquisition in the Zoo's future.

I got lucky, and happened up to the Komodo exhibit within the first hour Miss Sally was out!  I was surprised, as I had heard one had arrived not long ago, but the previous week there was a sign on the window saying coming soon, and the next day the sign was gone, so I didn't know what the deal was. But there she was, in the exhibit and digging her way around the perimeter of the wall!  She had dug a hole in one area, that was about eight inches deep.  She was head first in it, up to her shoulders!  She is a cute little girl, giving those of us at the window, some face time!  

You can view my video of her first hour and second day adventures!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE_3jcay5_Q

Also want to give the Zoo kudo's for keeping up Falcor's memorial sign, even though the exhibit has a new resident.  His young life deserves to be remembered.  ... I Miss You Falcor!

Great Ape Update Continued ...

Orangutans:

I didn't post this in my last update, as I was going to wait for confirmation, but I'm pretty sure my process of elimination guess is correct, so I'm going to share this now as I think this will be my last update, until the new GAP (Great Ape Escape) yard is done, and/or the Orangutans (yes, they are both here!) are out of quarantine and on exhibit.

My guess, out of the Females at the Omaha Zoo, that it is this lovely teenager, Amoi, who is our new Orangutan.  She's a pretty girl!  This photo from the Orangutan SSP a few years back, celebrating her Birthday. 

I have finally heard rumor that there will eventually be work done on Triple Grotto!  Thankful for this, I was increasingly upset that the Orangutans would be living in a sixty year old enclosure without any renovation.  I hope whatever work is done, its brought up to date and not some band-aid attempt.  I still think its curious that the AZA would allow Orangutans to occupy TG as is, when they would not send additional Chimps in its current state.  That said, with the new Dayroom and Yard as part of the GAP Project, I can't imagine the Zoo would leave the ancient TG as is as part of the third leg of the passage. Time will tell.  And I'm keeping my eye on one specific thing, that I hope not to have to write about.  ... The Zoo wanted Orangutans for along time.  Now they have them, they need to pony up some funds for Triple Grotto.  I haven't heard whether this NEED was part of the annual recent fundraiser ZooFest, but it should have been. 

Chimps:

Full integration is complete between our three long-time residents Cobby, Maggie and Minnie, and our new addition Qadeer!  I am beyond happy and moved to tears every time I think about these precious Friends.  Not only happy for the three I have known my whole life, since I know what this whole adventure has meant for them, but also, and maybe even more so, for Qadeer.  Qadeer lived at the Oklahoma Zoo for twenty-five years, and remained on the bottom of the social group the whole time, even suffering some injuries as a result.  Seeing him and Cobby form the tight bond that they have, is wonderful.  Qadeer has a big brother in Cobs!  Maggie has been cozying up to Qadeer, but Minnie is taking a bit longer.  It's a beautiful thing!

Here's a video from the week before last of all four together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiBpDv1wdsk&t=217s

And another of Cobby and Qadeer having morning BroTime :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIdSO-2hkdI

The new yard made some great progress over the past week.  You can see that the poles for the boundary mesh are up (the mesh will be like what is used on the skytrail) and the second skytrail that links the new yard and the south grotto, is almost half done.

Interesting happenings on the Zoo's social media.  By habit, I don't look at the Zoo's platforms regularly, because something always irks me.  I'll take a look every few weeks or if I'm looking to see if they posted something specific.  For some reason, their Twitter posts are popping up in an email alert recently.  If anyone read my last update 4.14.19 I mentioned how I had not seen any mention of  Qadeer anywhere, even though he has been on exhibit for months, or much about the Chimps at all for that matter.  

Well, the tweets have been curious, as the Chimps have been posted about three times in ten days!  Still no mention welcoming Qadeer/"Gombus" . Sad.