Less and Less Space For The Orangutans - Another Triple Grotto Update

Not only is there less and less space, I have still not seen one thing that is FOR the Orangutans.

As with my previous post titled,  Disgust At The Triple Grotto Renovation - Our Poor Orangutans, I was not going to do another Orangutan/Triple Grotto update until this joke of an enclosure opened, but I missed something in that post that really needs to be pointed out.  

The situation is getting worse, and I'm not exaggerating when I say this makes me physically sick.  It's hard to even go by there, just looking at (or thinking about) it makes me want to cry.  Tears are welling as I type this, with visions of this sick plan and the life Ollie and Amoi will be stuck with in this disturbing offering of a home.

So, the only new thing for this week, is the prison wiring went up, to keep the Orangutans from accessing the roof of the night quarters building. ... Hard to see in this photo, but it looked like a few rows of probably hot wire, around the roof of the building.

Additionally, what is worse is something I never even considered was permanent, when I saw it last week.  The huge box that holds and I assume acts as a stopper for the skyscraper bridge, is there to stay.  It's obvious that it is permanent, but like I said, never crossed my mind last week, as I'm pretty sure I was distracted by the whole bridge and platform monstrosity. 

The box, which is in both grottos, looks to be about 3.5 ft square cube.  Not only are they an additional ugly-ass eyesore, that is alot of space being taken up when you think about how small the topical part of the island is to begin with.

To get an idea of how these boxes, even further shrink the topical area. ... The islands are outlined.  They are approximately the same size as one quarter of the Chimp yard, as shown.  The red boxes on the islands show actual size, as the one that has two includes the twigging mound that is similar in size.  

It's hard to believe that this falls into any current aka modern guideline the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has for housing Orangutans, or any other Animal.  But it's also hard to believe that the AZA and their SSP (Species Survival Plan) breeding program would send the Orangutans here without a dedicated enclosure.   But, they did. 

Two years later and I would still like to know what transpired between the AZA/SSP and our Zoo Director to make that happen.  It's truly shameful, yet neither party seems to think so. 

That all said, I personally don't have any faith in the AZA doing the right thing in many circumstances, so I'm not entirely surprised.  I started a post in early December 2019 titled, Is The AZA a Questionable Leader In Zoo Animal Welfare?  It was born out of a specific situation, but that was just a culmination of too many questionable instances put forth by the AZA/SSP that I've either known about at our SFZoo or read about in other Zoos.  

My draft list had gotten too lengthy for me to ever have the energy or the time to get to, so I narrowed it down to what I felt most needed to be documented, and that AZA post didn't make the cut.   That said, there are some very relevant points that come to mind that I'm going to include in this post. 

The first time I approached the AZA with a concern, I was told to send it to the Accreditation department.  Note that anytime you contact them, they usually do not respond.  You put forth your concern and it either gets attention or doesn't, and you never know what, if any action was taken.  

After years of ignoring my shares via Twitter to them about the breachable barriers that put Animals lives at risk, they contacted me and asked for more information.  Yet, of course when I sent it, there was no response.  There was also no action, as those breachable barriers are exactly the same years later.

Barrier issues is just one issue point.  Other's include, transferring and/or housing of Animals, when in my opinion it's not been in their best interest.  This includes, like with the Orangutans, acquiring Animals that have no place to live or have been hoarded away to inferior housing.  

One example that was disgusting, is the Zoo housed Squirrel Monkeys in a concrete room, with no outdoor access for more than four years.  Either the AZA didn't know about it, or didn't care, but what is curious is that the Santa Ana Zoo got it's accreditation yanked for the way they housed small Monkey species, that actually had an outdoor area.  There just seems to be something not quite right with the things that are allowed to happen at SFZoo.

An article about the Santa Ana Zoo accreditation issue.  Noted in the article is the reasoning.  Here's a screencap. 

https://www.ocregister.com/2017/06/09/outdated-monkey-exhibits-lead-to-loss-of-accreditation-for-santa-ana-zoo-but-officials-have-appealed/

Yet, the AZA has no issue with sending Orangutans, to live at a Zoo that has no dedicated enclosure for them.  It will be interesting to see what they think when they see Triple Grotto!  Still outdated, and now surrounded in concrete. It surely is NOT modern!

So, I don't know what they consider good or bad. It seems to be fluid, depending on what Zoo you are.  We certainly seem to get passes in situations that seem disgraceful and in the current (yet, not only), case of the Orangutans, cruel.

San Francisco Zoo accreditation is this year.  Will the AZA think this shit-show at Triple Grotto is an acceptable housing situation for Great Apes in the the year 2021?

Related post and video

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/03/disgust-at-triple-grotto-renovation-our.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ykFLabiXrs

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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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Palace Of Fine Arts Swan Update - Is Blanche Being Fed and Checked on Daily?

I visited Blanche yesterday afternoon.  It was very upsetting, and now there are so many questions.

Last week when I heard she was returned to the Palace of Fine Arts I was shocked and sad for her.  In my opinion, doing so was Irresponsible and Cruel.   

Here is the link, for those who need to catch up on her situation.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/03/palace-of-fine-arts-swans-update-male.html

I was already in for the week when I heard this news, so I planned to check on her first thing Monday morning.  I didn't get there Monday or Tuesday, and was disappointed in myself.  So, yesterday was my next day out again. ... I'm a believer that everything happens the way it's supposed to, and the Universe confirms that every time it positions me where I need to be, and at the time I need to be there.

When I got to the Palace, unfortunately it was packed, and too many people with no mask.  I maneuvered that health assault obstacle course over to Blanche, who was at the edge of the Lagoon, with a woman who was feeding her, her daily corn.  

From visiting regularly for many years, I know the Swans are given a can of corn everyday, possibly twice a day. ... A few years ago when I was concerned about their diet, as I mostly see the Waterfowl at the Zoo get a soaked pellet type food, in addition to some greens, possibly some other veggies, I researched what exactly they should be eating, and corn was a staple mentioned.  The Ritz Crackers and Cereal I saw them being fed regularly by a Caretaker, were not.  I would assume that the salt content of crackers isn't the best thing, but I don't know that for sure.

I had not seen this woman before and asked her about the feeding schedule and additional diet she was getting, as I heard the Zoo had been giving both Blanche and Blue Boy an appropriate diet and that some food was sent "home" with Blanche.

The information the woman provided was concerning and raised unanswered questions.  Among the things she said were,...  She didn't know who, when or how often anyone was feeding her.  She was asked by someone (although she didnt know who, and was not in contact with them) if she could come on Saturdays to feed Blanche corn. She was under the impression that a some feeders need a break, and possibly longer as two were going on maternity leave.  She said they were still feeding her Ritz Crackers.  

I don't know what the recommended amount of Corn is, but I think both Swans were given one can to share, once or twice a day. While I stood there, Blanche ate almost the equivalent of three cans, out of a juice bottle.  She seemed ravenous.  I have to wonder when the last time she ate was?

Blanche eating her corn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DGExqz-yn0

After she finished all the corn there was, she moved along down the edge of the Lagoon towards people feeding the Ducks.  A girl came up and started feeding her a Cupcake.  I asked her not to, noting that she had a special diet.  Then a Family carrying six loaves of bread showed up.  I educated them about feeding bread, and also told them not to feed her that.  Blanche was still trolling for food, and I felt bad.  While in the moment, I felt it was the right thing to do, for her health, but I ended up feeling guilty, like I prevented her from a meal, when she was obviously hungry.  The whole situation was very upsetting.  And, I should not be feeling bad, because I'm not the one who is denying her what she needs at this point in her life. That's on the Caretaker Gayle, as she is responsible for Blanche's well-being, and the Rec and Park who should be monitoring the Caretaker.

Short clip of Beautiful Blanche on the Lagoon, going looking for a handout, because she's still hungry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPpiV36b0_g

I will keep repeating this, because I think its a valid thought, and again disturbing that returning her was the decision made.  It does not seem like it was in her best interest.  At her age, previous health issue, and vulnerable environment (both human interactions and possible toxins), she should still be at the Zoo, living in a controlled environment, monitored by Animal Care Professionals, and fed a proper diet.  I have no idea if a conversation ever took place between the Zoo, Rec and Park and the Caretaker Gayle, about a permanent retirement home at the Zoo, but I strongly feel like it should have.  I'm completely disturbed that Blanche is back on the Lagoon, and alone.  At the very least, once she got clean bill of health, they could have tried to put her at the Puente and seen how she adjusted.  It would have also given extra time for her to be monitored.

In my previous post I noted that my opinion about Blanche not returning to the Palace might not be popular with locals.  I don't know what the overall feeling is, but one of the neighborhood visitors said I was not alone in how I felt and that others that frequent the Palace were also upset that she was returned during the storm, and also worried about her being there in general.

I will continue to seek answers, as the situation seems unstable. While I did find out that the Gardeners have been feeding her, I want to find out how often.  I want to know if there is a schedule of reliable people committed to feeding and checking on her morning and evening everyday.   I want to know if anyone is following the Zoo's diet recommendations. From the information I have so far, no one seems to really know the complete management program and/or where Caretaker Gayle fits into that.  Is she even regularly involved?

I still believe that everyday that Blanche is out there alone, and unmonitored, is detrimental to her well-being.

I'm just very sad for this Precious Lady.  Please keep her in your thoughts.

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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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Disgust At The Triple Grotto Renovation - Our Poor Orangutans

Yes, I'm Disgusted.  Yes, Our Orangutans continue to be given no regard by the San Francisco Zoo management. 

Note that my disgust is not aimed at the Primate Staff.  They have done everything possible to provide the Orangutans with the best life they can, given the situation management has put them in.

I am so outraged, that at this point, I don't think it's in my best interest to publish the post I wrote in full.  So, for now, I will just go with this abbreviated version because I wanted to share the video I made on Tuesday, before the week ends.

I have sat here for days, piecing together my thought notes, and too many weave a narrative that could put a target on me, as it has in the past.  While everything I want to say is truth, and my personal opinion based on that, criticism of management to the degree of the words I have written, quite possibly may not fall under MY right to freedom of speech without retaliation.

In my previous post, I started by saying it was a heavy 48 hrs at the start of this week.  Still sad from the loss of Blue Boy the male Swan, I got to the Zoo and felt physically sick when I approached Triple Grotto.  

I wrote an update about the renovation progress February 21st.  At that point the perimeter walls had been built up with cement, what looks like about three feet.  With no netting in the plan (deemed too expensive), this was necessary to bring it up to code. There was other construction that I couldn't tell what it was for, but that took some form by the end of last week.  Obtrusive looking, and with raised perimeter, it has made entire area look like a cement wall.

When I approached Monday morning this was what almost brought me to tears.

I seriously could not believe what I was seeing.  This huge metal bridge looks like a fallen skyscraper.  Together with the built up cement walls, it looks like a prison yard.  All they need is a watchtower with guards.

THEN by the next morning, this stairway and platform were there.  Good grief this is getting worse with each passing day. 

I made a video.  Feast your eyes on this Fiasco.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ykFLabiXrs

The bridge moves in a 180, so even when centered, similar to the illusion this photo gives, it's still disgustingly ugly and ridiculous.

 

The video was unpublished until this post, but I shared it with my Zoo Visitor friends and coincidentally, two long-time Zoo Members made the Prison connection without even knowing I had written the same analogy.

"This is not a natural habitat it’s a cement and metal jail that has no place for animals..."

"The grotto needs to look more natural, not prison like"

Here are some others

"It doesn't even look like an exhibit.  Amoi and Ollie deserve better."

"Looks strange. Don't understand what they are trying to do with that exhibit."

"I've never seen anything like that. It's like a throwback enclosure from the 60,s or 70,s... At first glance I thought it was a swimming pool... Poor Orangs surrounded by concrete... how can they people watch? Visitors are a much needed form of enrichment for apes in captivity."

"All this time and this is the best they can do... Its just not good enough"

"OMG!"

"It's way over engineered for what its supposed to accomplish.  This looks more like it all belongs in the maintenance side rather than what viewers will ever see."

"Wow!  They've made a proper mess of it!"

"Your video is upsetting. Those poor orangs... what on earth is the zoo thinking? That looks horrible!!!! I'd love to hear an explanation."

"What the heck!"

"Why did they actually bring orangutans too the zoo if they don’t really care about their well-being? Hopefully they are still working on the exhibit. But it really doesn’t look good."

and,  "Sure hoping this won’t be the final result!"

As for the final result, I can't imagine anything FOR the Orangutans other than some fire hose and roping.  Regardless of what else they do, what they've already done is here to stay and there's no dressing it up!

All of this is just nonsense.  Disturbing nonsense.

Clearly no regard for the Orangutans went into this design.  So far, I've seen nothing for them.  It was obviously born out of keeping the cost down, and since netting is considered to be costly, everything was done to avoid using netting.  Although I can't see where all this crap and two months of labor could cost that much less. ... The cement walls.  Taking down the walkway from night quarter building to island.  The weird bridge.  All so that Keepers can access the enclosure from the visitor path, since there are now no walkways.  Who knows what else will be added, because right now it is curious how the Orangutans will be kept off the bridge, and since no walkway, how they will access the islands.  

I know there are many Orangutan enclosures in Zoos that are open air, with no netting.  Which would have been fine if the topical space was larger to begin with and perimeter design was such that cement walls of this height were not needed in the year 2021.  

If netting had been used, with or without filling in the moat, there would have been no need for the cement walls, or the awful metal bridge.  It would also be clear that the renovation attention would have been with the needs of the Orangutans in mind.  

This is how it should/could have looked. ... All those trees are not necessary, just showing a larger topical area (even with our existing platforms).  Netted over and it would have looked nice and been a decent home for Amoi and Ollie and their future offspring. ... As well, if funding possible, that would have even provided for multiple options of viewing windows to be added in the future.

Coming to the San Francisco Zoo has been a prison sentence for Ollie and Amoi.  Like all prisoners, they have gotten sometime in the yard, but the majority of each day is spent imprisoned in caged tubes and night quarters.  

As it appears, they are going to go from spending time in that nice new Chimpanzee yard, to this ancient pit, that according to the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) wasn't even fit to house Chimpanzees in current times.

Speaking of AZA, I have to wonder if this renovation is only happening at this time, because the Zoo has their Accreditation Inspection this year.  Can't be for the Orangutans, because their needs haven't been priorty in the two years they have been here.

As well their future with the babies they are recommended by the AZA/SSP (Species Survival Plan) to have, will apparently be to sit on two ancient islands for the rest of their lives.  It's sick.  

This enclosure could have gone from two small areas, each approximately a quarter the size of the Chimpanzee yard, to one large area.  This would have also allowed for an additional space for the Chimps to use, and Orangutans to continue to be rotated into the yard.  Isn't that why there are Skytrails?  Isn't that why it's called the Great Ape Passage?  They sure have seemed to botch that, because as is, I don't see how or why the Chimps could, would or should ever be rotated back into this area.

The Zoo Director knew in 2014 possibly earlier, that she wanted to bring in Orangutans.  There is absolulty no reason they could not come up with funds from 2014-2019 to net over South Grotto before the Orangutans got here, so they had a dedicated space and then they could have continued fundraising for however long it took to do North and Middle Grotto right.  Something I wrote about a year/half ago.  Doing that would have done justice for the Orangutans, for the asthetic of the area and the permanent upgrade to the landscape of the Zoo.  As is, this is a blight with no vision or care put into it, other than to do it as cheap as possible.

For those who aren't familiar with the San Francisco Zoo here is a Satellite Map.  Triple Grotto is positioned in a focal point of the Zoo.  ... The red line shows the position in relation to the entrance.   In addition to the disservice to the Orangutans, to make this area what they have, is just bad.  

I don't see this turning out better by the finish, and to that I say, the Zoo should be embarrassed.  

Frankly, I hope one day there is new management and they raise proper funds, and bulldoze this eyesore down.

Related post

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-will-2021-be-year-that-orangutans.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

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Palace Of Fine Arts Swans Update - Male Passes Away, Female Returned to Lagoon

Sad News all around for this pair.  

It was a heavy 48 hours as this week began.  I found out late Sunday night that Blue Boy (the male), had passed away. Learning early Monday morning that happened last Thursday.  

This news broke my heart.  I love these two and have been invested and endeared to them for over a decade.  Their illness was upsetting, but I honestly never thought it would end in the death of one, and certainly not the younger of the two.  I was shocked and saddened by Blue Boy's passing, and heartbroken for Blanche's loss. 

RIP Blue Boy.  Bless Your Soul.  Watch over your Lady.

My Photos

I had planned to update by Tuesday, but the day got heavier and I put it off til the next morning.  The post was going to be about this loss, and a continuation of my suggestion from my previous post, about the Swans retiring to the Zoo permanently. 

That all changed when I saw this ...

Screencap Rec and Park Tweet

Again, I was in shock.  Both the action and timing is beyond upsetting.  

I had planned to email a City contact, as well the Rec and Park, after my first post on February 14th.  Per usual, I failed to do so in the following weeks.  Seriously I thought I had time and that my procrastination wasn't an issue.  When I heard Blue Boy had passed, I felt it was now urgent and sent out that email the next morning.  I felt more than ever, the City and RecPark, needed to approach the Caretaker and discuss having a conversation with the Zoo about a retirement home for Blanche.  

While I was probably too late in my effort, those that supposedly care for the Swans, the Caretaker who brought them to the Palace, as well the Rec and Park who oversee the area and apparently confer with the Caretaker, should have both thought to have this conversation despite any effort I may or may not have put forth.   It's an obvious thought to anyone who truly cares. 

I find it completely Irresponsible and Cruel to have returned Blanche to the Palace Lagoon. 

For all the reasons I noted in my previous post, management fails, lack of regular medical care, and improper diet.  When I read that Blanche was 25, versus the late teens I thought, together with this recent illness, it seemed apparent that returning the Swans to the Palace was not in their best interest. 

The latest news about Blanche returning was not only shocking but disturbing.  It appears she was returned Tuesday morning, which was less than a week after Blue Boy passed.  It was also the day a storm was in forecast.  So Blanche spent her first night (as well as last night) alone in the rain.  I can't even with this cruelness.  

Why was it so important to return her, and at that time?  If this was their (Caretaker/RecPark) final decision, why couldn't it wait another week or two?  She could have only benefited from further observation by the Zoo Hospital Staff.  

My soul hurts for this poor Lady.  

It's been reported that the cause of their illness was lead/zinc poisoning.  A build up possibly from soil and coins thrown into the water.  The Rec and Park has cautioned not to do the later.  Seriously, that it?  That's how future danger is going to be prevented?  First, I have never seen people throw coins in the water.  If this has knowingly happened, shouldn't the Lagoon be drained and cleaned of contaminating coins before returning Swans?  As well, I learned there are many factors that can cause soil contamination, so, there is no way to control that issue. The Palace Lagoon remains a vulnerable environment for Swans.

I know that my opinion about this will not be the popular one by local area residents who love seeing the Swans at the Palace, but it is the compassionate and logical one.  Keeping them, and now just Blanche safe and well cared for should be the priority.  At the Zoo she would be in a place those who love her can visit her.  Finding Blanche a retirement home there, would have and still could be, the best thing for her.  

I previously wrote about an area in the Zoo that with small renovation could accommodate them both.  Now that Blanche is alone, there are two other options that are already in use and would be ideal for her.  In fact, a Zoo Staffer thought of Pelican Lake, when I first mentioned Puente.  

Puente

Pelican Lake

It would seem, the action of returning Blanche to the Palace, is a prelude to the Caretaker buying another Swan as her companion.  

I truly believe the idyllic tradition of having Swans living at the Palace Of Fine Arts is outdated.  The progression of bad behavior by Humans dictates this.  As well, the environmental hazards that caused their illness (and death of Blue Boy) can not be controlled. Continuing to subject Swans, is Selfish.

As well, with Blanches advanced age, the next time she is not feeling well, and falls lame, she will literally be a sitting Duck out there for a Coyote.  

The right thing needs to be done by her, and that's allowing her to retire to a peaceful and safe environment with access to regular care and proper diet.  

I am worried for her.  ... If you also have concerns, please email the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept at  rpdinfo@sfgov.org  Attn Tamara Aparton Re: Palace Swans

Previous post

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/02/palace-swans-relocated-to-zoo-should.html

My blog dedicated to the Swans, contains past issue of Caretakers Kidnapping Swan Babies.  If you're interested ...

https://savesfpalaceswans.blogspot.com

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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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