Acknowledging Nine Zoo Friends Who Have Left Us

I finished this on the date below, and never got to publishing it.  

August 8, 2021

I wrote this in June and never posted it.  Two weeks ago I heard that Ramona, the San Clemente Matriarch had passed away.   I had a bond with this lady, and like many Farm Friends, I've missed interacting with her since the covid shutdown.   Sadly, too many have left in the past year and those interactions are only memories now.

June 28, 2021

I started writing this when I heard Malagra (female Guanco) passed away.  I did several posts last year to acknowledge all the Passings that I knew about, because the Zoo often does not.  At the time, I had put those draft posts on hold, so I was writing about other things.  Years ago I used to try and post about each Passing, but as I got more overwhelmed with issue posts, those became my focus.  I have felt bad over the years, not to write about each one, and now as I write this abbreviated post I feel even worse.  I started and intended to write something short about each one, including my personal connection with them, with a photo or video link.  At the time it was only two.  

It's saddest to write about a lost Friend too soon, so I wait. Unfortunately as I waited this time, more Friends kept leaving us.  

Soon after I found out Malagra passed away,  I read that Lily (female Duiker) had passed.  Then it was Merlin (male Alpaca), then it was Garcia (male Wolf), then Nataani (male Sheep).  While in conversation about Nataani, I found out the Mac (Rooster) had recently passed.  Just as I was about to finish working on my original post, we lost Cobby (male Chimpanzee), and Prince (male Wolf) in the same week.  

As I write these names, I think about those that I haven't heard about.  The ones I will read about in the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, whenever I catch up there.  I'm glad that they are documented publicly, so that I at least know what happened to them.  At the same time, it makes me sad, that the Zoo doesn't recognize each one, with at least a social media post.  I expanded on this in a previous post.  I think every Being deserves a mention.  Some may not be publicly known, or would gain media attention for the Zoo, but they matter to all who knew and loved them.  Big or Small, every Being should be treated as a Member of the Zoo Family. 

Some Residents get acknowledged in one way or another, others nothing.  Take for instance the two most recent Friends.  Cobby and Prince.  One got a sign, one did not.  One had a bucket in front of the sign, for those who wanted to leave flowers, one did not.  How hard is it to make a sign of remembrance, and put a bucket out for those who wish to pay their respects?  The Zoo has a computer, color printer,  laminating machine and buckets.  So what's the problem?

I will also mention that the same, some do and some don't, extends to Birthdays.  How hard is it to post a Birthday Wish for everyone?

It hurts my Soul when one Resident is not shown the same Respect for it's life and service to captivity, than another. 

As I wrote in the post prior to this one, because of the issue posts I have in draft, and the drain it puts on me to write issue posts, which is the reason I've had some of those drafts sitting on my computer for over two years, I've decided to shorten this post and a few others, so that I can finish those drafts and be done with them.  They are a weight, because they highlight so much that is wrong at our Zoo.  Unfortunately, things just keep getting worse and I have to lift the weight.  Once I document something, I feel like I've done what I needed to.  

The sadness has just been too much lately.  I'm not sure what the future holds for me writing about passings as I would want to, but I wanted to acknowledge these eight Precious Beings at this time.  Lucky to have had them in my life and to have known them, some abit more than others.  I have spent a good portion of time over the past thirteen years at the Farm, so those Friends I knew very well, and had hands on contact with.  I have also spent alot of time with the Chimps over the years.  I grew up going to the Zoo and grew to know our original four as individuals since I started spending more time at the Zoo in 2008.  When the dayroom opened, I was amazed at the connection it allowed.  Beyond what I imagined.  I'll end this post with this photo of me and my Friend Cobby smiling at each other.  It's my favorite. 

I could write so much about how each one of these Precious Beings has touched my life.  For now I will just send out a Blessing to each.  

RIP Malagra, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Lily, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Garcia, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Merlin, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Nataani, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Mac, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Cobby, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Prince, Bless Your Soul.

RIP Ramona, Bless Your Soul.

It was a Privilege and Gift to know each one of you.  Love You and Miss You.  

A couple video links of Cherished Friends

Nataani and Ramona

https://youtu.be/1oB8DkvsEvw

The Merlin Head Shake

https://youtu.be/287LeX3qYcU

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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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Why Can't The Orangutans Get Something New Made For Them?

I haven't been to the Zoo in almost a month.  I also haven't heard of any changes to the Orangutans environment.

I never found the drawings I made, that I referred to in my previous post.  I did find some photos of examples of what I was thinking would have been, or still could be, a great option for Middle Grotto.  

I also made a new drawing, although the other one I actually input into a photo of the grotto.  And, yes, I know I'm no artist!  I'm a visionary and fixer!

The Triple Grotto status is as such (for those who haven't followed along)...  After the Orangutans being here two years, modifications were made to North Grotto, to facilitate the Keepers being able to access the enclosure  island.  That is it.  There was nothing new done FOR the Orangutans. ...  Middle Grotto received the same modification, and also saw half the old structure removed because of deterioration.  That is it. ... As of my last visit, the Orangutans still only had access to the North Grotto. 

The Keeper Staff did an excellent job at utilizing hose and hammocks on the existing structure in North Grotto.  They have always done the best they can with what they have. The point is, this enclosure could have been so much more, if the Zoo Director had a conscience and put some effort into the well-being of these Being's she wanted so badly to bring here.  There should have been funds in place years ago, as her plan was hatched before she tried to kick the Chimpanzees out in 2015.  The Director surely won't like my words, and will possibly retaliate because of them, but those are the facts she created and there is no other way to describe Ollie and Amoi's situation since coming to the San Francisco Zoo.  They had no dedicated outdoor space for two years.  Ollie spent eight straight months in the caged tube.  The whole situation is disgraceful.  AND yes, their names are Ollie and Amoi, not "Berani" and "Judy"!

In that previous post, I noted that I realized long after publishing, that the Orangutan Update before that was incomplete.  No idea what happened, but what didn't save was a whole idea I had for Middle Grotto.

The idea was based on tree like structures similar to that image.  The grotto islands are not sizable by any means, so as is, obviously can't have too much done.  That doesn't mean do nothing, which is what the Zoo has done.  Orangutans need vertical space to climb, and stretch.  Taking down half a deteriorating structure is lame.  The whole thing should have been removed and something new built.  Why is it so hard to give these Beings, something new of their own?  

Using Stumps and branches from around the Zoo, a nice vertical tree structure could have been built.  I posted a photo of a "sling-shot" stump across from the northeast end of the Pachyderm Building that would be a perfect base.  If Animal Care Staff thinks its a good idea, there is no reason not to build them something new.  I floated the idea to a Keeper and was told it would be good and would work for them, but that the Zoo would say, no money.  As stated,  using material already there, the only cost would be for hardware to hold it together.  I also asked someone in maintenance if it was possible to build something like that and they said yes.  

Gardener and Landscape Artist Patricio recently built this.  Maybe he and maintenance can build something cool for the Orangutans. 

Previous Post:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/will-orangutans-languish-in-pit-as-is.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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Will The Orangutans Languish In The Pit As Is, Forever?

Bumping this one up on the list of future posts, noted in my previous post.

As I start to bat this one out, I looked back to my last post, which I thought was an Update about the Orangutans finally going into Triple Grotto.   Well, ... I have found two irritations.  First, there is no such update.  Second, the last update I did do, is incomplete.  Incomplete as in, I posted an unfinished post.  What the hell.  I've never done that.  How half of it disappeared is beyond me.  I write posts in Notepad and then paste to blog when done, and I re-read it several times before publishing.  Maybe I accidentally hit publish.  Good grief.  Anyway, it will be linked at the end of this post.

Backing up a bit. ... The Orangutans were given access to the North Grotto June 2.  Here's a short clip from the first time I saw them about an hour after they entered.  

screencap from video

https://youtu.be/Ao2ivQKQfSM

The Orangutans have all day access, and they go out and spend time there.  They also still spend time, staring into the Chimp yard.  Whether they are just watching the Chimps for entertainment or longing to climb the netting or make their way around the large topical space, who knows.  What I do know is that their space is subpar.  The Triple Grotto renovation was a cheap, ugly attempt to throw something together, most likely to appease the AZA Inspectors later this fall.  As I noted before, not ONE thing was done for the Orangutans.  All attention was on how the Keepers are going to access the Grotto, since they (unnecessarily?) knocked down the bridge from the island to the building. 

A clip from June 30.  Ollie had been in the short tube, watching the Chimps, who were calm, when he backed up and made a run for the access door.  He started banging and gesturing.  Then Amoi ran from inside their night quarters and started banging as well.  I had never seen the run and bang by both before.  I had to wonder if they aren't pissed that they don't get to go into the yard anymore?  I was told they would still get a few mornings in the yard, but I have yet to see that happen.  That said, Cobby passed away a few days after the Orangutans accessed North Grotto, so the sharing could have been halted to give the Chimpanzees more space while grieving.  Just a thought. ... Here's a clip of the interaction that I had not made public.

screencap from video

https://youtu.be/hOSyaaIIYCY

I am constantly thinking about the Orangutans situation.  Some might wonder, What situation? as they now have their own dedicated space.  In my opinion, that space is not appropriate and never will be.  It's a Prison Pit, not a Habitat.  They don't know how Disgraceful the situation is but, I do, and I'm not alone.

The only reason to be happy?  relieved?  at this point, is that they do have a space dedicated to them, that they have full access to.   They do seem to be enjoying it.  The Animal Care Staff has done a great job at positioning fire hoses and hammocks for them to move around on.  They always seem to have Enrichment Items with food to occupy them.  I just think they need more than an ancient structure on an ancient island.

Are they supposed to just live on that island structure for the rest of their lives?  What about when they breed?  Ollie, Amoi and their babie just going to sit there?  No topical space for the babie to crawl around?  A few moves in one direction and the poor thing could roll right off the island.  These are valid questions, since the Zoo does no fundraising and seemingly cries poor for everything Animal need related.   I had a whole portion of that post I now know published incomplete, that suggested a Tree Structure be made using trunks around the Zoo.  I had photos, and drawings, still can't believe it somehow didn't save.  If anyone remembers seeing this idea in a post, let me know!  Anyway, regardless, I described my idea, and asked a Keeper if that would be a good thing for them in Middle Grotto, and she said yes, but said they've been told no money.  I guess that meant for anything?  I don't think my idea costs anything but for nails, brackets, whatever it would take to hold it together.  I'm going to look for those photos, and if I can find them quick, I'll make a blog post, after this.  Maybe if I post some diagrams, like the Chimp sign, it will get done.  Or maybe now that I'm saying that, they wouldn't even do it out of spite that it came from me.  Who knows with this place.  All I know is the Orangutans need more.  

So, the reason I bumped this initially, was because last week, I saw a group of people who looked like they might be architects.  I don't know that, but they had clipboards and were being led through the Chimp yard path, to where I don't know.  I can't imagine that they have any money for anything considering they haven't finished Triple Grotto yet.  Or have they?  Maybe they are seeking ideas for Triple Grotto?  That would be awesome, but I'm not holding my breath.  They surely should not be starting any other projects, when there are too many current needs.  Although that hasn't stopped them before.

In addition to Triple Grotto, they also have Animals hoarded at off exhibit who need enclosures.  They allegedly during the past couple years have also shot down simple needs like aviary style netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs.  It wasn't enough that Prairie Pups were taken by Bird Predators.  Thankfully the Animal Care Staff is resourceful and came up with alternative ideas to deter that, but come on, a couple grand and it could have been done properly.   These are the things that happen when there is no effort to fundraise.  Oh yeah, and the netting over the Flamingos was never completed.  No money.   It only got the second part done because for some reason the last Chicks didn't get their wings clipped.  A few got out, one made it to Gorilla yard, thankfully Gorillas were inside.  Ugh.  The Fails are exhausting.

Anyway, seeing that group that may have been architects, got me rethinking my ideas for Triple Grotto.  In previous (at least I hope THAT published!)  I put forth the idea of combining North and Middle Grotto, filling in moat, netting it over, all to create a larger topical area, a suggestion from when the Chimpanzees still lived there.  Additionally we now know the Orangutans, especially Amoi love climbing the netting.  I also added doing the same for South Grotto, with a walk-in viewing area between.  Now that Orangutans are in North Grotto no way that can happen, unless they complete South Grotto, fill and net, and then work on North and Middle.  That should have happened before they got here.  Now that they are in North Grotto, they shouldn't be displaced unless it's to a permanent new area.

My latest idea has each of the Grottos filled and netted independently, with some sort of access tunnel connecting all three.  I still like the walkin viewing area, but Zoo doesn't want to spend money on netting, they aure aren't foing to spring for windows.  Anyway, with this idea they get the added topical area and net for climbing and containment, and the different areas can be used in different configurations for both Orangutans and Chimpanzees.  Then the Great Ape Passage could be a true rotating exhibit as it was intended.  There would be many ways to change up who gets what access and each species can enjoy every area, and each have a trail that is open ended.  The later is important, as I learned when questioned why the Chimps no longer had access to the long trail.  I was told that in case of a fight, they couldn't have a place that had no outlet.  Idea example, the Dayroom, long trail, North (+Middle) Grotto could be one access, the Yard, short trail, South (+Middle) Grotto could be another.

I'd like to see the Chimps in an improved Triple Grotto so they could access the twigging mound.  Minnie used to love that.  As well they used to love sitting up in the trail.  Especially Cobby.  Sad he never got to go back up there.  Precious guy, I miss him so much.

And more than obviously, that awful skyscraper bridge, platform and extra concrete crap that has made the exhibit an eyesore could be demolished! 

Whatever they do there, or for that matter anywhere else, I hope they fired the previous architect company who did the Orangutans and Snow Leopards and who were on board to do the Madagascar because the Orangutans turned out like crap and the Snow Leopard Expansion is awful too.  Both areas big eyesores of concrete and metal.  Don't even get it in this day and age as they say.  That said, regardless of what any architect puts forth, unfortunately in the two cases mentioned, Zoo management did agree to both designs.  A real head-shaker!

Previous (incomplete) Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/04/orangutan-update-part-two-current-state.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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Blog Status, Future Post Subjects, & Rec and Park Fails

This Update is going to cover a few things.  My current position in regard to posting, a listing of upcoming posts, and an abbreviation of two posts that were going to be stand-alone.  One an Update on the Palace of Fine Arts Swan, and the other a hopefully short documentation about the Zoo's perimeter fence.

I write this as I sit here not feeling great, so to say this is not what I want to be doing, is an understatement, but I feel I need to try.  I'm at a moment in time when I can no longer have Zoo Fails weighing on me. It would be easy to just stop for the time being and shut everything else out, but because of how passionate I am about the well-being of the Zoo Friends, and the future of the Zoo, it's a weight that is hard to let go of after twelve years of constant bearing.  I saw this graphic recently and related to it.   

Zoo stuff that takes up too much of my thoughts and time. I put myself in this position by not documenting things in a timely manner, and letting them build up.  While the procrastination was meant to be a way to stay calm, it just ended up compiling into an enormous weight.  I think if I get certain stuff out, I will have those weights lifted, and right now I desperately need that.  

Some may not understand when I talk about the weight, but most don't understand what is going on at our SFZoo. Sometimes I wish I didn't, but I think I have been positioned to know what I do, because I have the strong character needed to be a voice.  In the past twelve years there doesn't seem to have been anyone else outside Zoo walls who has spoken up for the Zoo Animals. Honestly, it's a burden alone, but that's what happens when you have a conscience and compassion.

So, since there are posts in draft that are going to nag at me, I have to get them published.  So I'm gonna make an attempt to bat them out and they may fall short of the well-rounded documentation I usually try and make each post, by providing all the information and photo support that I can, but wading through all my notes may not happen.  I might just end up winging it from memory.  I'm gonna do the best I can with the energy that I have right now which is pretty much zero, and hope It's enough to illustrate what's going on with the subject matter of each post.  

That all said, I have to note that the Zoo by all accounts (not just mine) is probably in the worst place it's ever been and that is solely because of mismanagement.  It is desperate for change, otherwise it won't last the way it is being destroyed, seemingly at every turn, with each day that passes.

And that said, I'm sure the Zoo Director and others in management won't like what I document, my opinions, thoughts, etc.  I have made myself vulnerable with truth before and I'm not afraid to do it again.  The retaliation I've endured in the past, by all accounts, is not legal, just a bullying tactic.  

I heard a quote recently, "You're going to piss folks off no matter what, that's just life.  Might as well be for something worth a damn."

Current Posts In Draft -  Below are some of the posts I've had in draft for too long.  Some several months, some up to three years back.   I'll note the subject and description.  Some have working titles. There might even be some condensing, rather than making separate posts for ones that could be combined.  While I like a certain flow, this may also not be the order they will be published.

Passings ... Recognizing Zoo Friends who have passed recently, and the continued disrespect of not acknowledging many of them.

Animal Go-Round ... Comings and Goings and questioning why there are no announcements.

Farewell Tucker ... I started this post in early 2019 when I first heard about our Hippo leaving.  To date the Zoo has not made a public mention of his departure.

Where Are The Monkeys? ...  What happened to all the Monkeys when the Primate Discovery Center was torn down.

Secret Safari ... A look at the Animals living at the former FCC (Feline Conservation Center).  Who are they, why don't they have proper homes, and why was (pre-Covid) the Zoo charging people extra to see Animals that should be on exhibit?

Where Are All The Animals Period! ... A look at empty enclosures, Animals leaving and hoarding Animals that have no homes. 

Fundraising ... Why is there none?  Casualties of lack of fundraising efforts. 

Orangutans and Triple Grotto ... More thoughts about this, as time ticks on toward the Orangutans breeding recommendation status in a few years.  ... This one might be bumped to the top of the list in light of a current notation.

Snow Leopard Expansion ... My thoughts on it even happening, as well as what it means for other Animals. ... Original is a two-parter.  Hoping to condense.

Madagascar Project ... I call it the MAD Project, both because it's mentally Mad that it even got the go-ahead at this time, in this decade even, and Mad because it outrages me so much.  This one project encompasses all that I think is wrong with how the Zoo is managed. 

Note that these are not all the posts I've started over the last few years, but the ones that are the weights, because I think they contain information that supports mismanagement.  For me, that has to be documented.  I hope there are many of you that agree.

Palace of Fine Arts Swan Update -

The last update I did on Blanche the female Swan, was back in March, soon after she was returned to the Palace after being treated at the Zoo for lead poisoning.  Sadly, her longtime mate Blue Boy, did not recover.  In that update I expressed concern about her diet, among other things.  I sent an email to the Rec and Park about my concerns, starting with the fact that she was returned to the Palace alone, as well, questioning whether there was ever a conversation about keeping her at the Zoo, and whether or not she was finally receiving a proper diet.  Not surprising that even though I am very clear with my questions, they were not answered.  What was surprising is that they said, in addition to forwarding my concerns to the Park Staff, they forwarded to the Zoo as well.  Curious action, as at this point the Zoo was not part of her current care.  I thought because of this, I should document that correspondence action.  If I wanted to involve the Zoo, I am fully capable of doing so on my own.   

I never got a response from the Park Staff in regard to her diet.  I again recently saw one of the Volunteers feeding her. She was giving her, her regular can of corn.  I asked if that was all she was getting, and was told, as far as she knew yes. Two weeks ago I saw a Rec and Park Gardener, and asked the same.  She said that in addition to the corn, they are giving her a pellet food, and some greens.  I am satisfied with that, and hope the pellet food is a proper waterfowl diet.  I will follow-up with again requesting they plant edible aquatic plants for her in the lagoon inlet.   Unfortunately, she remains alone there.

Zoo's Perimeter Fence -

In early 2019, I had been parking along Sloat at some newly opened spaces by the old entrance.  It was during that initial walk along the perimeter fence that I noticed how awful it looked.  Seriously it makes the Zoo look downtrodden.  There's a link at the end of this post to a video I made about it last year.  Here's a photo of just one small portion.

I never wrote anything about it, because it was not something I wanted to complain about, when the Zoo cries poor for so many things that the Animals need, I would not want them to spend any money on a fence.   That doesn't mean there are aren't some valid thoughts and questions regarding the situation.

My first thought was, this is a rich City and this is shameful. While the Zoo does get a "managing fee", from the City, the Zoo falls under the umbrella of the Rec and Park, and if there is something in need someone needs to step-up.  I'm sure that is not outlined in the Lease Agreement, which at this time I don't have the energy to sort through.  I do know that the Bison Paddock fence and grounds are the responsibility of the Rec and Park, while the care of the Bison is the Zoos.   I was once told by a Park Gardener that Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg, would allegedly call area managers in a tirade, if there was even one piece of trash on the route of his morning run.  So, the first thing staff did in the early morning was to go out and clean Ginsburgs route.  So one has to wonder, if it's not on Ginsburg's route, does it even rate?  

For that matter, has the Zoo Director even look at the fence?  Has she tried to get the City or Rec and Park to help replace the fence over the thirteen years she's been at the helm??   This fence has been deteriorating for a very long time, in fact those pillars might have even been there since it opened in 1929.  Someone has had to notice.

I understand lack of funds, especially when you don't do any real fundraising, but over the past twelve years, I've seen money spent on things that are unnecessary, when some money could have been used to by some lumber.  One thing that we didn't need, and believe me, I'm all about vintage Polynesian, but we didn't need a Tiki Hut above Mandrills, when the fence is in shambles.  As well, during a time when the Zoo first started to close off paths, fencing went up all over the place to cordon off those areas.  Couldn't some extra planks been bought at the time, and used to replace the crumbling ones along Sloat?

So, later in 2019, I had seen a new fence going up along Kezar Drive, that bordered Sharon Meadow.  Then not long after, I noticed the same type of fencing going up down Lincoln  bordering the Botanical Gardens.   After I made that video, I went to Botanical Gardens and saw a sign about Fence Projects.  Note that the Botanical Gardens, like the Zoo, is managed independent from the Rec and Park. Now I had serious questions.  If the Rec and Park had extra bucks for building fences, they need to help the Zoo out.  I emailed the Fence Project Manager.

I inquired about the Project, noting that there was an area within the Rec and Park system that needed desperate attention and asked if the Project was over or if they still had funding for more.  I got a great response, "Thanks for reaching out.  Yes, we are constantly replacing fencing across the park system. Please let me know what park you are concerned about and I can look into it."  So I sent him my video, and explained that the Zoo did not have money for needed Animal projects, so they can't be spending money on a fence.  He responded and said he wasn't familiar with how things get done at the Zoo, and reached out to the Manager of Policy and Government Affairs.  That guy said No!  They would not help the Zoo, it's their responsibility. ... He also noted that guy forwarded my concerns to the Zoo. 

I was seriously pissed about two things.  First, but not foremost, that again the Rec and Park passed on my concerns, because as I said with the Swan situation, if it was something that the Zoo needed to be involved in, I am obviously capable of contacting them myself.  And, I've already noted, that is not something I'd want the Zoo to spend money on, especially at this time, when so many Animals are in need.  I was clearly seeking them to include the Zoo in their Project of Rec and Park needs.  Second, I have to say, How dare the Rec and Park not be willing to help an entity of their system, if they have the means to, considering the desperate shape that fence is in?  Not only does it look bad, there are dig holes from Coyotes all along there.   

The Rec and Park sure makes sure all their Park places have inviting appearances.  I guess the Zoo is at the end of the City and no one cares that it looks like crap.   It's a shameful position for them to take.

Also if you listen to the video, you hear me talking about the Bison Meadow being brown, that is in reference to their grass.  I asked several Bison Keepers if they had ever seen sprinklers in there and they said no.  I had planned to inquire with Rec and Park, as these are grazing Animals and even though they get a Zoo diet, they need fresh grass.  As well, there is no other patch of grass in the Rec and Park that has been left unwatered to dry out.  Well, with my procrastination, there was a turn of events.  One day I saw sprinklers in there!  Then realizing it was during the 150th Anniversary of the Park, I had to wonder if it was part of the improvements they were making in hopes of big celebrations.  Festivities didn't happen large scale because of the Pandemic, but at least the Bison got some fresh green grass out of the deal.  

Link to a video I made last year of the Fence situation, including a look atbthe new fences being put up by Rec and Park:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB6-a5o1R-U

Previous post:

Why Did It Take Almost A Year For An Effort To Keep The Chimpanzees Covid Safe?

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/why-did-it-take-almost-year-for-effort.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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Why Did It Take Almost A Year For An Effort To Keep The Chimpanzees Covid Safe?

It's been a rough couple weeks, so I'm not really in the mind-set for Zoo blogging, but I thought this update should follow-up the last post, sooner, rather than later. 

The last post, dated July 18th, was a long winded account of the Covid Safety sign saga at the Great Ape Passage.   I didn't even get as far as Tweeting it out as I usually do.  Then I just felt that it really was directed at Zoo management, and I knew they would see it.  It was purely meant to get them to, Get It Right.  As well, additionally continuing my usual purpose of documenting issues in full, which is the reason for the length of that post.

In short, in the sixteen months since the onset of the Pandemic, the Zoo has been open for ten months.  At no point has there been appropriate signage at the outside enclosure that has been used exclusively used for two Ape Species, both vulnerable to Covid.  

I had made previous attempts to suggest appropriate wording, but I guess it wasn't until I actually mocked something up that anyone got it.  I posted this in the previous blog post.  

This was what I finally came up with at the time, yet it wasn't my first or foremost thought.  After seeing this in a window, I had something like this in mind, with the mask graphic first, ...

... but after witnessing so many people walk by the signs the Zoo did put out, I thought about a Stop Sign graphic.  Then I after seeing this on a door leading to the Zoo Education Building, I was a bothered that they chose to use it there, but not in areas where it was much needed.

So, I added it to my mock-up.   I also noted that I thought Mask Graphics should be along fence at Chimp yard, as well as in all other areas where Masks are Required, as reminders.  LIKE the Chimp Dayroom, which has no signage about Mask wearing at all.  

So, my one visit last week was Wednesday.  It had been a week since I was there, so I don't know when this happened, but this is what I saw at Chimps today! 

It was like a dream come true!  Almost couldn't believe it, even though my goal that day was to see if there had been any signage changes.

I was about to write, all I can say is FINALLY!  but you all know that is not all I can, or will say.

When I saw it, of course I was relieved to see it, since the Chimps have been sitting at that fence vulnerable to possibly being infected by people breathing on them for over 1800 hours, but I was also really bothered.  

I immediately had thoughts and messaged them to myself.  These were the blurbs that bounced about in my mind.

*I guess I have to blog about everything to get stuff done at this place.  (This is not the first time).  And obviously make mock-up's of how it should be done. ... I can't be managing the Zoo from this blog.

*It's disturbing that a member of public has to constantly point out faults publicly and shame them, for stuff to get done.

*What's the brain drain, that this could not have happened when they first re-opened in July last year?  

*Why didn't they listen when I suggested it after the first re-opening?

*Why didn't they listen when Keepers suggested it?  Keeper's even made their own that management took down.  

*Why didn't they heed the warning when San Diego Zoo Gorillas got Covid?  

As well on Wednesday the sign at Entry, that I ragged on for being a novel, has been changed to this.

Additionally, in that previous post I ragged about signs taking too long to go up, specifically after the first time I pointed out the need for one at the Chimp yard.  I noted that they have computers, color printers, and laminating machines.  Urgent signs should be done within an hour of the thought. 

It had been over a year since the White Cheeked Turaco moved to the Children's Zoo, and he still had no sign.  He had a sign where he was before so what the problem is I don't know.  This is not the first time there has been no sign for an Animal, for an extended time.  Finally, about a month ago I Tweeted the Zoo and asked when he would be getting a sign.  There was one within a couple weeks.  Point is, ones can be made immediately. 

There's a new exhibit in the Children's Zoo for Yosemite Toads.  I joked, wondering how long it would take to get a sign, considering it was in progress for a couple months and there was nothing.  Wednesday, I saw this.  A sign that looks alot like it was printed out and laminated.  

It really is not my intention to be snarky, but seriously, simple things like these signage issues, should not even be issues, they should just be done.  Done in a timely manner and done right.  I'm sick of the lack of smarts and attention to everything.

It is just inexcusable that there is continued issue with things concerning animal welfare and/or safety.  Whether it's their health, or physical safety and when I say physical safety I'm going back to my decade long tirade about the barriers that people hang over and stand on, which puts the Animals in danger of getting a bullet to the head.  If members of management want to lame around, they should go off and work in places where they don't have lives to be responsible for. If this were that type of place, I wouldn't care what they did, but when you're working in a facility where your responsibility is the lives of those who who depend on you to make their needs priority, you better be on the top of your game and not have all these fails. I know they're going to be like what is she talking about all these fails.  They are well documented in this blog, as well far too many on a simple internet search of  news articles on the Zoo.  

Our Zoo is in desperate need of capable management, because seemingly, there is a great disconnect in getting it right, with too many things.

Related Post:  Why Is Zoo Management Still Taking Risks With The Chimpanzees?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/07/why-is-zoo-management-still-taking.html

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