Seeing Pacha! - Tapir And Other Puente Notations

After being unsuccessful in seeing Pacha's face on my first try the Thursday before, I jammed there first thing (last) Monday morning.  

I didn't notice signage last week, but was drawn to it immediately once I observed he wasn't out yet.  The photo is my Goobie!  I am so happy to see Goober's face here.  It's a wonderful nod to him, he was a beloved Zoo Friend to myself and many, and I know he will be there watching over Pacha.  

I don't think the Zoo used his photo, or our beloved Tallulah Chimpanzee (at the new Chimp yard), as a tribute to these wonderful passed residents, but to those of us who love them, it means something.  

When it was time for Pacha to come out, I positioned myself to be able to view him as close as possible when he came out.  This view is inside passage way, next to the Anteater inside viewing window.

In my first video, you can hear me say two things of note... I mention the spots on his footies.  I was told to look at his feet, as he still has his babie spots visible!  This is the closest I'll get to a babie Tapir, unless Pacha gets a breeding partner in the future.  So, seeing his little watermelon toe spots is special, make sure to look for them! ... I also wonder outloud, when I see Evita Anteater pass by the fence, if there will be interaction between them.  There wasn't, but when I got home and looked for Pacha content on the Zoo's socials, they coincidentally posted a video from the same position, and scene, that shows them interacting.  Check it out!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=9xGddTrPCn4&si=nGU0kw1bijpbUWmv

https://youtube.com/watch?v=VaS3POmltaQ&si=MpWDszrw47CZbms6

I asked the Curator whether my friend Cusco, the Guanco, would be coming back to the Puente after Pacha was over quarantine and was told no.  He is now being housed off exhibit permanently.  Cusco is one of my besties, I love visiting this guy, so this makes me very sad to hear, as now I will never see him again.  Cusco was hand raised and is used to seeing people, and liked waiting to see his train go by, and now he doesn't get to see either.  

I've written before that I think they need to clean-up South Gate area, where Hoofstock species previously were, so those areas can be used.  That or by the Przewalski maybe there's a space that could be renovated for him.  Cusco should be visible.  ...  The Farm has also just popped into my mind, as I'm writing this.  Maybe he would do well there?  Maybe he and Slider could be companions?  Both were hand raised, maybe they would get along?  I may be on to something!  Will investigate the possibility.

Upon hearing news that Cusco won't be coming back to Puente, I asked whether there's been talk about bringing back Capybara to this enclosure, as not only were they popular, but Pacha has lived with them before and it would be nice for him to have companions.  There has been no talk of it.

I forgot to ask about the female Spectacled Owl that was listed in Acquisitions.  I'm curious if she will be housed with our male, Quetzal, here at Puente.  Will seek that info and share when I know.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/11/meet-pacha-zoos-new-tapir.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:

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Fossa Finally On View! - Hi Violet!

Getting back to posts I wrote a couple weeks ago. Finally getting to adding photos and video links.

In early October, I had been round to try and see the Fossa, in the Madagascar, eternity to complete exhibit, a couple times.  

The exhibit is split into two enclosures, one at ground level and one upstairs.  I never liked the idea of this, in fact thought, Why the hell would anyone think putting these Animals on top of a concrete structure was a good idea.  My first impression is, it's too small, and awkward looking.  I don't like it for them.  From what I first heard, it sounded like they would have full access to top and bottom, but then I learned they can not be housed together, so there it is, each one gets a small area.  

At the time, there was supposedly some kind of issue with the bottom enclosure, so the male hadn't been moved down from FCC yet.  The female initially had access to the bottom, which I heard she liked, but is now exclusively on the top level only.  Hopefully they will be rotated between the two areas.

I scanned the enclosure for her, and saw her sleeping on the ground by the shift door to the lower level.  After hearing that she liked the lower level, I felt bad she was sleeping by the door, seemingly waiting for it to open so she could go in.  I don't know, obviously just my thought.  I said, Hi Violet. She continued sleeping, so I waited hoping to eventually see her face.  I was looking at the phone for something, when about a minute later, I heard patter, and turned my head.  She had come over, right up to the fencing to greet me!  It was so sweet! and I'm lucky their footies make a good slapping sound on the cement, or I wouldn't have seen her.

Hi Kim!

My video, includes overview of enclosure:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=GQ6nlpw8RxI&si=nD05WozDHm5twf-Y

In case you think the Fossa are new to the Zoo, they have been here near six years.  Like other wonderful Animals, they were kept hoarded away in various places.

Meet our Fossa ("Foosa") female Violet and male Dorian, in this post I did over five years ago when I finally got to see them for the first time.  They were being kept in an awful caged area, that was behind the scenes but viewable.  They had arrived at SFZoo eight months earlier, and held hostage in either the hospital and/or a quarantine area.  

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/03/sfzoo-stop-collecting-animals-you-have.html

Anyway, glad we are all getting to finally have access to view this beautiful species.

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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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Meet Bajkit and Solonga - New Przewalski Horses

Getting back to posts I wrote a couple weeks ago. Finally getting to adding photos and video links.

Also on Halloween day, I got lucky and was told the new Przewalski Horses were out, so I went over to see them.  I've had physical limitations last couple months, so I haven't been that far in awhile.  When I first walked up, their neighbors, the Peccary ladies were lined-up close to the fence, trying to get a look at them!

They are beautiful!  They seem a bit shy, but when I talked to them they stood and looked at me.  So, shy, but curious I think.  

Here's the video of my first view.  You will hear that I had not previously learned how to pronouce this species, which is lame, since I've known for some time they were being acquired.  So for those who are not familiar like me, Przewalski is pronounced, "Shuh-vahl-skee".

https://youtube.com/watch?v=g7_l-1BZs8Y&si=f_nAnVpVHFiVb-em

Our two ladies are Solongo age 14, and Bajkit, pronounced "Bah-keet", she is 19 years old and the darker of the two.  Get to know them, as the Zoo will most likely change their names.  

This video from Brookfield Zoo where they moved to SFZoo from.  This was a great post that talks about the two females as individuals and the breed in general.  It's where I got the pronuciation of Bakjit's name. 

https://fb.watch/osi74kEjg5/?mibextid=NnVzG8

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Animal update from the same day...  

Andean Condor Claudia, who was moved back down to the main Zoo (to the previous Bobcat enclosure) from an off exhibit enclosure at FCC, has been relocated to the Puente.  When Claudia first arrived at SFZoo she was housed there, but taken off exhibit over four years ago.  

It was a surprise when I happened upon her sunbathing at the Puente.  Claudia is a special friend who I spend extended time with.  She will always comes to greet me, and just hang next to me for as long as I will stay there with her.  

I have a nice video of her flying down to greet me, but for some reason saving to upload to YouTube isn't happening now.  Here's a few screencaps.

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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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Happy Birthday Slider!

Getting back to posts I wrote a couple weeks ago, finally adding photos and video links...

As I keep noting, I'm behind in so many posts. There have been Animal updates I've wanted to make in the recent times and just didn't get that far.  So, working backward, I'll start with Halloween day.

One of my besties is my Farm Friend Slider. Born October 31, 2009, Slider celebrated his 14th Birthday on Halloween.  

I inquired with a Keeper several days prior, to see if he could have Birthday treats.  It had been years since, and it was about time to start celebrating his Birthday again.  I was thankful everyone was on board, and very happy to get to once again spend Slider's special day celebrating with him while he enjoyed his cake and other treats.

Here are two of my videos from Slider's Birthday party!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=j8F9nVCVylKxzO0u&v=SE0-A720FqM&feature=youtu.be

https://youtube.com/watch?v=af8jqs9BImI&si=0dyWtjMj-LsIen4w

I Love this boy and so happy to see him!  It had been awhile, usually I have to talk to him from the barrier fence in the parking lot.  The only place to view him, is in the sand corral and I've seen him there less than half my visits over the past several years.  He has been kept most often out of public view, either in the grass corral or his bedroom area.  He often is in one of those places all day, only coming out to the sand corral on average about four times a week.  In my opinion he doesn't get rotated enough.  He definitely shouldn't be in the back grass corral or bedroom for entire days.  He should have access to the other areas for at least a couple hours each day.  Not only for his own enrichment, but he has lots of friends who rarely get to see him.  Management needs to make this happen.

He used to go to the front area on red barn side, but hasn't been given access there since his birthday four or five years ago.  He loved it!  See him running along side his friend Lee in my video below.  In the clip, you can hear his Keeper say, "it's exercise" and "he loves people".  Why he's been denied these varied enrichments for so long is beyond me.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WhQfyLhy8C0&pp=ygUPbGVvODExc2Ygc2xpZGVy

He also had access to the yellow barn contact yard (one time?), when the farm reopened after the shutdowns.  Another great space for his friends to visit with him!  

Seeing my cute friend after no face time for months.  I think he missed me as much as I missed him!

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While waiting for Slider's party, I stopped at Meerkats, who were still actively enjoying their Halloween Enrichment.  

This is male Mkhaya.  Named by a Curator, it is the name of Mkhaya Game Reserve, a nature preserve in Swaziland, South Africa.

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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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Face-time With Tica! - Finally Seen Our Ocelot!

While I may not have seen Pacha our new Tapir on my visit Thursday, I got super lucky, and after almost six months, I finally saw our lady Ocelot, Tica!

When I went round to try my luck, I saw there is now a nest box up at the viewing window.  She was napping, but when I excitedly saw her, I said Hi Tica, and she got up and looked at me :). So happy to see this beautiful little girl's face.  And her nesting material is in a heart shape!

Good to see she seemed comfortable.  It took her along time to get used to being in view.  From outside sources, she allegedly came from places where she was not on public view, and possibly had never been outside.  

Look forward to seeing more of Miss Tica!

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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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Meet Pacha! - The Zoo's New Tapir!

It's been at least a month since I read in the Joint Zoo Committee Minutes that our SFZoo would be getting a Tapir!  To say that this news was exciting, is an understatement.  Anyone who knows me, knows I had bond with our beloved Tapir, Goober.  I loved my friend Goobie, and miss him everyday.  He was the first Tapir I knew, and immediately became endeared to the species.  He is the reason this blog is named, I Am Not An Anteater, and his photo is the background.

When there is a new Acquisition, I try to learn everything I can about that Animal.  Mostly for my own knowledge, but since the begining of my research on all the Animals in 2008, I also enjoy sharing what I've learned.  One of the things I am passionate about, and no surprise by this, is knowing their original names.  I'm a name purest, and have made it no secret how I feel about name changing.  I'm sure the Zoo will waste no time Re-Naming him, so I'm here to tell you, his name is Pacha!

I immeadiately found it was most likely two-year old Pacha who would be moving here from his birth Zoo in New Orleans.  I had planned to share info right away, but there is still tough stuff going on in my life, that either puts me at momentarily motivated, or doing nothing at all.  So here we are, a month+ later and Pacha is already here and out on view.

Within an hour of hearing he was out, I changed my errand route direction and headed to the Zoo.  Overcome with emotion, I had tears streaming, at the possibility of seeing a Tapir again.  All I saw was his little backside peeking out from behind the lean-to, while disappointing not to see his face, I was happy just knowing he was there.

Get to know Pacha.  Born on July 2, 2021, to Mama Ixchel and Papa Tybalt, he was the first Baird's Tapir born at the Auduon Zoo.  

Read about his birth and see his adorable babie photos...

newsroom.audubonnatureinstitute.org/endangered-bairds-tapir-born-at-audubon

When Pacha was a year old, he picked his own name out of three chosen by his Animal Care Staff.  I'm personally glad he chose this name.  Pacha is translated in the native Quechua language, to "world above", which is rooted in Incan Mythology of the Cosmos.  I love the meaning.  One can hope, Pacha will be able to keep his name, but one can not hold their breath on that.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mItsN6Z0xjU

Yesterday I saw that his home Zoo gave him a send-off, with Going Away themed Enrichment.  

https://m.facebook.com/story.php/?id=100077266899460&story_fbid=347113224540905

Hoping to get lucky and see his face this week!

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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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Meeting Lulu! And Other Visit Updates

Yesterday was my first Zoo visit in over two months.  I've had the Sciatica for seven weeks and finally felt I could hobble around a bit slowly.  I had a list of new things to check out, so my visit was concentrated on that.

The most important thing was to meet Lulu, the female Lion who moved here a couple months ago from Lee Richardson Zoo. I had been waiting months for our Jasiri to get a companion, and was bummed not to see her when she first had access outside.  So I'm happy to have caught her out!  Reportedly she is out mornings, then Jasiri rotates out.

Before even seeing her face, I saw her from the back and thought wow, she's huge!  Maybe because in recent years our two beloved females were aging and body mass shifted?  I don't know, but she seems like a biggin' and is beautiful! Not long after I arrived, she came to the viewing window.  She was very interested in the kids.  She started doing the running action on the glass.  I have only seen this with Jahari (Jasiri's father) and Kimani (Jasiri's aunt, now at Idaho Falls Zoo) in the past, and not in years.  

https://youtube.com/shorts/WK56IW_sYis?si=ZN0Oe_zv20pGIt8p

https://youtube.com/shorts/kCAakaQ6TRU?si=-qfUrCCzQORJa0Ps

She did not have a face to face viewing area where she came from, which was her birth Zoo, so this is completely new for her.  She definitely has alot of energy!  I'm looking forward to lots of great play action when she and Jasiri are finally introduced and together on view.

Of note at Cats, there were metal barriers at the main doors to the Lions House.  I inquired and was told that the LH has been open on occasion.  Very happy to hear that.  I had been hoping at some point in the future that would happen, because it's a shame that no one gets to experience the inside of that historic building.  Even a monitored hour a day would be good.

Another Cat update, Tica the female Ocelot reportedly remains elusive.  I have still never seen her.  I was told she came from places where she was allegedly not on public view, and possibly never had outdoor access.  If even one is accurate information, it makes sense that adjusting will take time.

Also a no show on view was the new Fox, who is in the old Patas Monkey exhibit, most recently occupied by the Eagle.  I heard he has not yet been seen in the enclosure.  He has access but there are lots of hiding areas.  I have not confirmed identity, but he came from Sacramento Zoo and seems to have been their only one, so he may be Lando, seen here in a video on SacZoo social media.  If this is him, he was an Ambassador Animal and from this video it seems like maybe has never been on public view in an enclosure.  

video screencap

https://m.facebook.com/video.php/?video_id=275574810375643

I will happy to see him when he presents himself.  I love Foxes and the only ones I've seen, hijaked my walk at the Botanical Gardens many years ago and freaked me out, causing me to run from them like Barnaby Jones lol!  It has been a fantasy idea that the Zoo would rescue a small group from the Fur Farm industry.   So seeing him will be nice.  It's noted in the video that he came from a rescue situation as a young kit.  Always wonderful to see homes provided for Wildlife in need.

I also checked out the part of the Madagascar exhibit that is now open.  Violet, the female Fossa did not show herself.  My impression of the enclosure for the Fossa is on track with what I thought it would be.  Too small!  More on my opinions and photos in the next post.  Might be a few days, so check back.

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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:

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Is It Good Management To Let The Outside Of The Zoo Look Like This? Hell No!

I got out to the Zoo today for short hobble around.  Will make another post after this one about Animal updates, so check back later or tomorrow.  

Like my previous post about the Bison, several months ago I also threw my hands in the air and said I was giving up on documenting the damn perimeter fence situation.  Alas, I can not.  

How is it possible that anyone in the San Francisco Zoological Society, or the Recreation and Park Department (the supposed managing entities), think Director Tanya Peterson is doing a good job, when she has failed (for fifteen years!) at something so basic as keeping the outside of the Zoo in good condition and attractive to and for Visitors?

I haven't been to the Zoo in over two months, who knows how long it's looked like this.  When the graffiti that read, "Zoos Are Animal Prisons", was there, it took me alerting staff a week after I'd seen it.  Again, who knows how long that was there.  

This was the sight today.  Video in link after photo.

https://youtube.com/watchv=GkIjEGl95xo&si=tZjoRP6ozcTx0NwZ

Inside the Zoo, I spied this craziness.  

I say craziness because it's a real friggin' head shaker that this fence was painted.  Not just that it was painted, which in itself is enough, but painted when it seemed perfectly fine as is, the same wood as other fences, but that it was painted like this.  It's a Zoo, not Cirque Du Soleil.  I got nothing much against the artwork, but just not for the Zoo.  It should be nature themed, Animals, Flowers, not big bright colored shapes.  

So that's my opinion on the look of the paint job in relation to it's appropriate factor in a natural setting, which doesn't even begin to express the lack of appropriate it is to think this is a good idea, good use of funds?, just plain have any thought about this fence, when you got a shit show on the perimeter fence that leads into the Zoo.  

Shame on Director Peterson, yet again for bad management, and the Zoological Society and Recreation and Park Dept for supporting her as someone who can handle managing our San Francisco Zoo.

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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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Dianne Feinstein And Our Bison

I wrote months ago that I didn't plan to keep on posting about the Bison Paddock neglect, but it's so disgusting to me that I can't let it go. It has to be documented. 

I took a video a couple weeks ago of the current condition of the meadow.  I just watched the video (yes I'm driving but I got the phone dangling on my finger using ring holder) and there's a part I'm talking about the back meadow, and somehow I'm zoomed in and it's not visible.  Here is a photo showing the back meadow, below it is the video link.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RUhM2m_5huw

It continues to be a rough time for me, so my consistency in posts, or anything else in life these days is sporatic at best.  With the passing the other day of Dianne Feinstein, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share the video and also note the connection Feinstein had to our Bison.  Most might know, but there are probably many who don't.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, was a San Francisco native.  I'm not much into politics, but have known of her since my teens.  She became Mayor of The City when I was in high school.  I saw her once while she was campaigning for an earlier political position, when her car stopped outside Value Giant on Geary a few blocks from my home, as I was approaching the store.  She got out and started shaking the hands of people on the street.  

In 2011, Feinstein's husband Richard Blum, not only helped with the purchase price of seven babie female Bison to join the existing ladies, he reportedly donated $50,000 to make repairs to their home.  I was lucky to meet the resident Ladies as babies, they were offspring that were born at the Bison Paddock in the 1980s.  It was an incredible experience being able to watch them their whole lives.  

While tracking the exact years for this post, I read that in 1984, Blum gifted Feinstein, his wife, two of the Bison that eventually gave birth to the calves I knew in the 80s. In 2020, years after the last senior Lady sadly left us, Blum again donated $50,000 for the acquistion of five yearling females.  

I thank Richard Blum and Dianne Feinstein posthumously, for making it possible that these beautiful Beings have been a part of my life.   May you both RIP.

I throw shame to the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, for too many years of neglect to the Bison Paddock Meadows.  These are grazing Animals and deserve to have lush green landscape to graze on, a natural behavior necessary to their well-being.  

Note that the responcibility agreement is that the Recreation and Park Dept maintain the Paddock grounds, while the San Francisco Zoo cares for the Bison.   I have no issue with the care the Bison receive from the Zoo's Animal Care Staff. 

Related Posts...  There are so many.  Use keyword "Bison" in the search box in upper left corner of blog.

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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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More Money Being Spent on Non-Animal Crap

I wrote a sentence in my last blog post, that just flowed out of me.  It wasn't something I had previously thought of, but it is completely where I've been for years. ... 

"I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo."

There was a day last week when I received information from multiple sources of things going on at the Zoo.  The level of disgraceful bullshit all at once was very upsetting.  After I commiserated about them to another friend, I hung up and realized I had tears in my eyes.  I'm just very sad at the state of our Zoo.

One of the things happening, is another non-Animal installation.  A friend who was there last week sent me this photo.

Apparently, Director Tanya Peterson thinks art installations and gardens are a priority over adding Animals to the collection.  I shouldn't be surprised, her decisions over the years have made it very clear that she has no clue how to manage an Animal Care Facility.  

In recent years we have lost senior Animals, had many Animals transferred out or moved off public view.  Visitors constantly complain there are no Animals.  This is a Zoo, what the hell is she thinking?  What the hell does she think people come to see?  Pay to see?

As I visit the Zoo in my mind, these are the minimum that should be done, before any non-Animal thing is added to the Zoo.

First of all, what the hell is the plan for the pit she allowed to be created for "Madagascar", that has sat there for over five years?  For that project we lost many Monkey species. ... So, let's start with Monkeys.  We need more Monkeys!  ... We need a better habitat for the Orangutans. ... We need a new aviary for Hercules the Hornbill to be back on view. ... We need the netting over Flamingos completed. ... We need proper netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs. ... We need Kangaroos in the Walkabout. The back barrier in Walkabout that borders Sloat has needed a permanent fence for over seven years. ... We need Southgate renovated and housing a few Hoofstock species. ... We need appropriate housing for both Sloths. ... The list is probably endless if you consider things the Animal Care Staff would like for the Animals they care for.  

And what about fixing the damn perimeter fence that has been in shambles for decades so the Zoo looks inviting and not downtrodden?

And if we're going for non-Animal related stuff, in addition to the fence, what about installing some outdoor lighting throughout the Zoo in case there's ever an emergency at night?  What a concept!

What we don't need is more gardens and art installations.  I don't know if this new art installation is being paid for with Zoo funds or is being funded by a donor with locked funds, but either way, these things should not be happening before necessary Animal related projects.  Allegedly this project is costing six figures.  That is outrageous.  

Director Peterson cried poor that there was no money to net over two grottos for the Orangutans, which would have made that habitat renovation optimum for them, and not have to include the eyesore metal bridge.  Yet there continues to be funds for gardens that cost ten's of thousands of dollars.  

Let's talk about those gardens.  A new one has been in progress along the path from gate house the carousel.  Dont get me wrong, the gardens are beautiful, but unnecessary when the Zoo needs stuff related to being a Zoo aka an Animal Care Facility.  Allegedly many of the gardens are funded by locked donations.  I've written about this years ago, as I found it disturbing that Donors will donate money specifically for non-Animal projects like gardens, art installations, and even trips for the Director, but not to actual Animal needs and necessary enclosure builds.  This is a Zoo, what are the Zoological Society Members who donate to non-Animal related stuff thinking??  The Society is the managing entity of the Zoo and this happens?  They don't even live up to their responsibility of over seeing the Director's management, prefering to just defer to and support whatever she does.  It's all morally disgraceful.  I don't understand the whole management structure (including the lack of management responsibility from the SF Rec and Park Dept) and how it's gotten away with allowing the downfall of our Zoo.  

Shame on all of them.

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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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Sad, No Party. At Least Jasiri Got A Girlfriend For His Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jasiri!  

Jasiri turned eight last Thursday August 31. Unfortunately, because I'm not very mobile right now, I wasn't there, but someone I know was, and he got no party. Awful.  Every Animal should be celebrated on their Birthday with special treats and fun enrichment. No exceptions!

My First Video of Jasiri.  Two months old, waving Hi!

https://youtu.be/vnCPcDCdOPs?si=yh4vEsjioDoPRy0q

The Zoo has been better in recent years recognizing the Animals Birthdays with parties, although they still haven't grasped the concept of how sharing them with the public is benficial.  Jasiri not getting a party is a bit surprising, though not shocking, since it's been my experience that parties in the Cat dept are inconsistent.  Why is that?

At least he got the best gift, his girlfriend Lulu arrived in July, ending six months of him being alone.  Even though they couldn't be together yet, at least they had visual of each other.

Lulu spent a month inside the Lion House, since there was no outside yard for her.  More bad planning on the Zoo's part, both starting Jaguar proofing in the only other Cat yard, knowing Lulu was on her way, and the ridiculous mismanagement decision in the first place to reduce the number of Cat yards.

Contrary to reasoning put out there, allegedly this expansion of Cat yards was not an AZA mandate.  There could have been one double size and the other two left alone.  Which would have left room to bring back a Tiger.  The Cats could have rotated and all still got to use the double wide.  Apologies for the digress.

Now done with quarantine, Lulu has been given access to the outside, rotating with Jasiri the last few mornings!  I cried when I heard she had arrived, so happy for Jasiri, so I'm bummed I haven't seen her yet.  Hopefully soon.

The Zoo posted Lulu at the window.  Love seeing that she is confident and coming to up close viewing.  

As you can see, the usual has happened, the Zoo changed Lulu's name.  So Disrespectful. ... If Director Peterson had more respect for the Animals, she would find alternate ways to raise money, other than to sell off the Animals identities.  Geez, if she had any care for the Zoo in general, she would do fundraising of any kind, instead of crying poor for Animal needs.  Disgraceful. Again, I digress.  Fifteen years of seeing the Zoo struggle in her mismanagement has worn me out.  I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo.

Looking forward to when Jasiri and Lulu have been successfully introduced and they are together.  Maybe then there will be a party??? There better be, because that will be something to celebrate!

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/07/new-female-lion-is-finally-on-her-way.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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My Survey Responses - Will Anyone Join Me?

In my previous post, I linked the Survey I made.  I took the Survey and am posting my responses here as an example.  It took me near an hour to answer six questions.  

Just a reminder, I didn't make this Survey for myself.  I have 800+ blog posts, most of which support the mismanagement of Director Tanya Peterson.  I think I've been more than clear on my thoughts, and the face of them publicly.

I made this Survey as an anonymous platform for Zoo Staff, Zoo Members, and the Public, to be a voice for the well-being of our Animals and our Zoo.  

If it's not successful, to me, that will mean no one really wants a change in leadership.  No one really wants to Save Our San Francisco Zoo.

The question is Do You?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

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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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Take My Survey And Let Your Voice Be Heard!

I've done the Survey mentioned in the previous post.  To take the Survey use this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

There will only be six questions.  One will be repeated three times and have comment space.  They are as listed below...

Are you:

SFZoo Current Staffer

SFZoo Former Staffer

SFZoo Member

SFZoo Visitor

Other 

No Answer

Do you believe that there has been mismangement by SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson?

Yes

No

Not Sure

No Answer

Please list, without too many details (comment space will be provided later for that), in your opinion what her top offenses have been. 

Comment space

Please expand on any offenses in the following three comment spaces.  Please use "allegedly " for anything you may not have witnessed first hand.

Comment space

Do you have anything else to add?

Comment space

Do you agree to have your Survey responses published on the blog, iamnotananteater.blogspot.com ?

Yes

No

End Survey Questions. 

The responses are all anonymous.  I think I may be the only one who can view them.  So I plan to just screencap and save as confirmation to allegations if need be.  Those who agree to having their comments public, I will post screencaps in a blog post.

It really is necessary for voices to be heard, and allegations to be documented, in order for there to be any change.  So I hope there will be a decent response to this Survey, which can be an anonymous platform for your voice.

Thank you to all who will participate in adding to what I've already been documenting the last twelve years.

Realted Posts:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/09/my-concerns-about-strength-of-petition.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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My Concerns About The Strength Of The Petition

It's been a heavy week for me, and thus it's now a week since my last post.  That said, I have not only had follow-up thoughts about the Petition since my last post, but a few other Zoo issues have come to my attention in the past day.  These issues are not only bad, but sad.  After talking to a friend about them, I hung up and felt tears welling up.  Our Zoo is literally dying at the hands of Tanya Peterson.  Will anyone help save it?

While I believe in Petitions, this one is still curious to me.  When I have done Petitions, the site I used, had a different format.  That format included two things missing in this one, who the Petition is targeted at, and the list of signatures.  In my opinion, both these things seem necessary for the Petition to go any further than just garnering signatures.

Aside from making up an anonymous tag as the person who started it, there is no one targeted as the recipient of the Petition.  Is the Petitioner asking Tanya Peterson directly to resign?  Has the Petitioner sent this to Tanya Peterson?  Does the Petitioner want the Zoological Society to ask for her resignation? Has this been sent to the Zoological Society?  To the Rec and Park?  Or as it appears, is the Petitioner asking the signers, public, staff, et al to make this demand?  The Petitioner needs to post an update that clairifies their plan and goal.

The other thing that makes the Petition feel like it could be less impactful is that all signatures aren't shown.  On the Petition site I've used, every signature is visible, with anonymous signatures listed as, "name withheld".  The Petition currently has 637 signatures, but only the 12 with comments show.  So, that's 625 signatures that we are left to assume are anonymous.  I have been told that alot of staff are signing.  Having those signatures listed and noted as name withheld, with location and option to comment, in my opinion is important to the legitimacy of that tally.

In light of the amount of signatures, I plan to try and get everything I have in draft and new items, posted, to capitalize on any progress this Petition could result in.  I unfortunately don't think there will be much, just because of how this Petition was set-up and especially the lack of a face to it.  Both seem like things that would prevent it from having legs.  Hopefully I'm wrong and the Petitioner has a plan.

That said, as usual, I may be the only one working for this effort.  I'm in pain with the sciatica, and can't sit up long to type on computer, so I'm writing with thumbs on the tablet.  At least I'll be trying to do something to help this along, by continuing to document all the mismanagement that supports the Zoo's desperate need to have Tanya Peterson removed as the Director of our San Francisco Zoo.

I also want to fast track a Survey I had eventually planned.  I've used Survey Monkey before, and it posts results anonymously, as well has decent comment boxes.  If Staff is signing this Petition, I hope a good amount will fill out the survey, as their words are the only confirmation that can attest to what is really going on at our San Francisco Zoo, and this is a way for their words to be heard.  Ultimately, it needs to be the voices of Staffers who will be able to help end the reign of Tanya Peterson killing our Zoo.

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.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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The Petition To Remove San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

I felt like I was on a bit of a roll with blog posts and heading toward finishing the last two in draft.  Then life crap came my way once again.  This year has seriously been the cliche take one step forward, get knocked two steps back.  Anyway, I didn't get to that goal, which was not just a blog goal, but a set-up for a bigger plan to help the Zoo.  Now the universe has screwed me again, and the past eight days I've been laid up with sciatica pain which is new to me and excruciating in case anyone has never had this.  I can barely move without severe pain and medication is not fully masking the pain.  With this not subsiding for so many days, I can't help but feel like this is a permanent thing and like I'm never going to be able to be productive again.  I hope I'm wrong.

That all said, it is no secret this blog has been a place intended to document all the fails at the Zoo.  My recent posts are clearly geared toward focusing and outting Zoo Director Tanya Peterson on fifteen years of Mismanagement, including Animal Cruelty, that has had the Zoo circling the drain her entire reign 2008-2023...  

All anyone has to do is scroll through this blog archives and the majority of my 834 posts is proof of Director Peterson's moral crimes against our Zoo.  A couple I just pulled, are two that focus on replacing Director Peterson.  The one from 2017 got her panties in a twist and she revoked my Membership for the second time.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/05/what-needs-to-happen-to-replace.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/for-lack-of-better-title-our-failing.html

Unfortunately no one in the San Francisco Zoological Society, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept. or the City of San Francisco, cares to help the Zoo.  Not one person who has the authority to replace Director Peterson, cares enough to open their eyes and learn what's been happening the last fifteen years.  They are content with letting her do whatever she wants, as long as their lazy asses don't have to deal with the Zoo, unless they are coming to a cocktail party.

So, that bring us to today.  I hobbled in pain to prepare lunch, and checked the phone for call back from my doctor.  Saw someone had sent me a Petition link.

https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-resignation-of-tanya-peterson-director-of-san-francisco-zoo?

My next comments are not meant to be critical or dissuade anyone from signing this.  I encourage everyone to sign. 

Upon first look at this, it's very curious.  That screencap I included shows what had me go, "Huh".   Considering I am not aware of anyone, over all the years that I've been monitoring, documenting and rallying for our Zoo, not one other person, member of the public, who has been vocal about helping our Zoo.  So, yeah it's curious when the Petitioner doesn't include a name, only " You should know" and leads with, "a concerned citizen and frequent visitor".  My first reaction is someone is trying to make it seem like I started this Petition.  Before I go on, be very clear, I did not.  Doing a Petition has been a thought, and curiously my draft of it uses the words "Demand Resignation", but I still hadn't got to that point in my plan of action. In case it's not well-known, I Do Not do anything anonymous.  I have put my name and face to everything I've done in regards to the Zoo.  

So, as I read on, while some of the content are things I've noted in blog posts, the grand gist of this petitioners mission is focused on non-animal issues, which would differ from anything I'd put forward.  The non-animal issues mentioned are a big part of why Director Peterson needs to be replaced, but the animal cruelty issues considering the Zoo is an animal care facility are equally important.  

One of the issues mentioned in the Petition, I covered in a recent post.  The appointment of Vitus Leung, VP of HR to Deputy Director.  An outrageous move of favoritsm, when there is an exceptionally qualified member of staff, that should have been promoted to that position. *** If a Zoological Society board memebr wants to know who that is, contact me. It would be in the best interest of the Zoo.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/07/former-vp-of-hr-is-now-deputy-director.html

Anyway, I support any efforts that move toward replacing Director Peterson.  My only concern is the Society's incapability of finding an ideal replacement.  I think because of the unique situation with our Zoo in it's management structure, in addition and most importantly, having to fix so many fails created by Director Peterson, that the new Director should come from within the Zoo.  Someone who already knows the Zoo.   Not an outsider who doesn't know about the challenges of our Zoo.  I'd vote for the person who I previously referenced, should have been promoted to Deputy Director.  We're screwed if the person who was promoted ended up Director.   

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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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World Andean Bear Day & Shark Week

Before another week begins, I want to recognize World Andean Bear Day, which was celebrated Friday July 21, 2023.

I miss our Andean Bears, Wishbone and Annie.  I love them.  I feel bad about what happened to them, and believe they left us too soon.  In my opinion, their deaths, at least Wishbone's, could have been avoided.  So, when I saw it was Andean Bear Day, even though they brought me so many smiles, I thought of them with sadness.

Precious little Annie fell ill allegedly with a respiratory issue, but I heard that was clearing up, when she started having trouble standing up.  She passed away while still in the hospital.  At the time, 2010, losing Zoo Friends was new, and I don't remember investigating the specifics any further.

I had been uncomfortable with the Andean Bears living exclusively on concrete for some time.  With the nature of Annie's passing, I was moved to crusade for Wishbone to get even just a small patch of grass.  I had never done anything like that, but something needed to be done, to bring some comfort to his living situation. 

I started a blog dedicated to my crusade.  I also contacted members of the Zoological Society & Recreation and Park Dept. both failed managing entities of the Zoo.  

This post goes into detail why I feel this was necessary.  http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/project-get-wishbone-grass.html

screencap from post dated March 7, 2012

titled, RIP Wishbone - SFZOO Bear Dies 

After Years Of Living On Concrete

I will note that this was not news to Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, as in 2009, I sent her an email detailing my concerns.  I believe if she had shown the Andean Bears some empathy,  Annie and Wishbone would have lived longer lives. 

Here is an excerpt:

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/andean-bear-grotto-letter-to-zoo.html

I hindsight after crusading for the Chimps, I feel there was more that I should have thought to do, but it was early in my advocacy missions, and thought I was doing what I could.  I'm sorry Wishy for not doing more.

View precious Wishbone enjoying some Christmas Tree Enrichment here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NzmqQ_M5rgs&pp=ygUVbGVvODExc2YgYW5kZWFuIGJlYXJz

I blame Zoo Director Tanya Peterson for many Animal cruelty situations, and a few deaths, Wishbone's being one of them.  His death could have been avoided had she shown some compassion for his living environment.  Director Peterson has failed in so many ways, but the one's that involve the lives of the Zoo's Animal Residents, is unconscionable and unforgivable.  

**********

This past week was Shark Week, started years ago by the Discovery Channel and it's viewing celebration of Sharks.  I'm reminded every year of the Awesome recognition our beloved female Lion Amanzi got, when I sent in her photo to the Discovery Channel and they picked it to be featured on their website, in their top favorites!

This photo is from 2010, when my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys for the Cats every week.  Lee picked the Under the Sea theme, and made this paper mache Shark, which Amanzi came out and ran straight for!  She and Jahari, and the rest of the Cats had so much fun, and I'm so happy Discovery Channel recognized our precious Amanzi!

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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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Are The Animal Care Departments Fully Staffed?

Recently someone on staff asked me if I had seen the new videos on the Zoo's Tik Tok.  I hadn't.  I've noted before that I don't regularly visit the Zoo's social media platforms, mostly because it always seemed inevitable that something would irritate me.  If I do, I look at their Twitter if I'm looking for something specific, like to see of a Birthday was celebrated.  I was blocked from their Facebook years ago lol!  I can view on another profile, but I really don't have the energy to spend switching profiles.  That said, I do think since not everyone uses every platform, that all posts should be shared, on all platforms.  I understand building numbers on all, but I think it's more important to get the content out to as many people and in my opinion that means having all content the same on all platforms.

So, Tik Tok.  I've never used it, so joined just to view the Zoo's videos.  They had some fun stuff during Keeper week, which was what I was referred to view, but it was another video that I really liked.  I wanted to share it here, but I can't figure out how.  Check it out if you can. 

screencap of sfzoo tik tok

https://www.tiktok.com/@sanfranciscozoo

I found this in line with my own ideas of what the Zoo should be sharing.  I made a list during the shutdown, and how those types of behind the scenes peeks could help the Zoo.  That's all I'll offer in regard to ideas.

The main reason I really liked this video is because even for someone like me, who does know alot about the Zoo, I learned something.  I'm not sure that I realized that the Nutrition Department actually made ALL the diets, everyday.  I know that's where the Keepers get the food, but I don't remember knowing the details of preparation and delivery.  

Watching the video immediately had me wondering if this department is fully staffed.  Because I know how many Animals there are to care for, it certainly seems like alot of work for only three people.  I may be biased, because every time I'm at the Zoo, at least one Keeper mentions they are short staffed.  This has been going on for many years, at least four, but probably more.

The Animal Care Staff being short is shameful.  Does Zoo Director Tanya Peterson dictate this?  I certainly believe that it is lost on her in many ways that the Zoo is an Animal Care Facility above everything else.  While there continues to be non-animal care positions filled and promoted, with those staffers doing what to pull-down a full-time paycheck?  While those who take care of the Animals are run ragged.  It doesn't surprise me, because it's been made very clear in her actions, and lack of, that caring about the Animals is not Director Peterson's priority.  During the pandemic shutdowns, Animal Care staff were allegedly made to take pay cuts, while high level non-Animal Care staff, allegedly did not.  From the online tax forms, it seems other than some bonuses, none took a pay cut.  The most disgraceful is that of Director Peterson, who I still don't know what she did during the shutdown, other that use the fact that she kept Orangutans in caged tubes, as the butt of her social distancing joke, because she sure wasn't doing any fundraising.  

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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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