Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving

Let me just start by adding on to the post title a bit...

Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving ... What the Serious F%%k!!!???

So, per usual when I go off course with my current post list, I constantly rework it for flow, as I always try to get back on track with some order if possible.  That said, once again I didn't even get to pick back up with even one draft post, before something else presented itself.  

I've said before that I usually don't look at the Zoo's Social Media regularly, unless I'm looking to see if they posted something specific.  Same goes for the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, which are monthly and sometimes I go a few months without checking that.  With both, it's just a thing where there is always something that's going to bother or upset me, and I got enough without going looking for it.

So, now for getting into the title of this post.

I've been sitting on this for a week now. Last Saturday, I remembered the Joint Zoo Meeting was the Thursday before, so I thought I'd take a look.  There it was, 1.0 (meaning one male) Donation to Houston Zoo.  I was shocked.  Even though upsetting, I'm glad I did, otherwise I may never have known about Akobi, and would have went there one day and he would have been gone.  

I feel bad for all of us who love this guy, but most of all for him.  This was his first home away from his Mother, and he seems happy.  

Akobi coming to sat Hi! 

screencap from video linked below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3jcEl1Elwwqm_eTNfCcqVrVUYHKoRCGslEaqOLYFn6N0tlK-HlizsyP7A&v=nTRMjDTho6w&feature=youtu.be

The Animal Care team did a good job renovating the enclosure for him, even adding to it after his arrival.  As well, modifications were made to the night quarters as Pygmy Hippos have different needs than Nile Hippos.  Will this be the end of Pygmy Hippos occupying this enclosure?  Akobi is popular and not having him (or another Pygmy Hippo) here is big hit to the Zoo.  Hopefully the Zoo doesn't go ahead with a previous plan to demolish this area, because that would be a really bad call to not use this enclosure, and another waste of money, doing one thing, then changing it not long after.  

I waited to write a post about this because I wanted to confirm it verbally with someone there.  I was 99.9% sure this meant Akobi, but just in case, I like to be as sure as possible when I'm documenting something.  There are times, and coincidentially one listed right after this Akobi entry, where transfers for Black Rhinos (or other Animals SFZoo owns that are not part of the onsite collection) are listed and it's just paperwork. I knew this couldn't be the case, because we don't own any Pygmy Hippos in other Zoos.  So, I visited the Zoo on Tuesday, and my inquiry in regards to Akobi leaving was curious.  Usually I can ask a question and get an answer, but literally four people quickly said, "I don't know anything".  When I added that we don't own other Pygmys, one said, "There's your answer".  That's essentially giving me the answer without actually telling me, which leads me to believe, staff has been told not to talk about it, or not to talk about it to me.  The fifth person I mentioned it to, said, "I heard something about that".  

So, while it is sadly indeed true, I do not know when, or why.  I can speculate on why, but don't think I'll be confirming it, since no one is even talking about him leaving.  I was told Akobi is high on the genetically valuable list for breeding, and that is the only thing I can think of that would be a factor.  When he first came here, I was told that at some point a female would be joining him.  Considering that, I am assuming that SF does not want to breed him, so maybe he is going to where a female will join him.  It wouldn't be the first time we lost an Animal because of breeding conflict.  Again I'm just speculating, but it's worth the lead-in to documenting the whole non-breeding issue.

Like with Akobi, who was brought here as permanent resident, I thought when our Tiger Jillian came back to SF to be paired with a male (Teddy eventually transferred here) for breeding, they too would be permanent residents.  Then we lost both Tigers back to San Diego who owned Teddy.  This allegedly happened because San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson allegedly will not breed any Animal that might result in a birth that will require round-the-clock care if it is rejected by the Mother.  You may wonder why, as other Zoo's hand rear infants.  Allegedly Director Peterson will not pay for after hours care.  That point lends to the fact I have continually presented, Our San Francisco Zoo has been mismanged by Director Peterson through-out her sixteen years at the helm.  No money for any Animal related need, but we got gardens galore, and art installations keep on coming.   

Since I got a Panda post in draft as well, it's worth it to note that part of the agreement with China for acquiring Pandas is that they breed.  So, that makes me wonder how that would then come into play?  Would Director Peterson create yet another illusion and lead them to believe she would allow them to breed, or would they get a pass on the alleged no breeding issue?  Or would millions be spent to get them here, only to have them repossessed?

Another example of no breeding is with Gorillas.  In late 2019 female Kimani was transferred to the Zoo to breed with male Oscar Jonesy.  Jonsey bred with two first-time Mothers, resulting in two offspring, both who had to be hand-reared until a surrogate could take over.  Both our resident female Monifa and Kimani have breeding reccomendations with Jonesy.  Kimani was supposed to breed first, as she came from a Gorilla group where she witnessed births and mother raised babies.  It was hoped she would do the same and that would show Monifa how it's done.  It's been almost five years and this still has not happened.  Jonesy will turn 43 this year.  

Also note that the Orangutans have and I think still do, a breeding recommendation.  Nothing yet and last I heard the female was still on birth control.  That all said, while I'd be over-joyed to experience a babie Orangutan, I personally don't think they should bring a babie into the situation that is, that shit show, ancient, enclosure they were thrown into.  It needs a complete overhaul to provide a new life an appropriate home.  They've already damaged the personalities of Ollie and Amoi, hope they don't bring a babie into it.

I digressed a bit about the no breeding issue, but let's get back to the lack of transparency issue, specifically about Animal transfers.  Since the Zoo is owned by the City, it is responcible for certain transparencies.  Even though Acquistions and Dispositions need to be documented publicly in the Joint Zoo Minutes,  that often doesn't happen until after the the transfer, and the Zoo does not let the public know anything via their Social Media platforms.  Which in my opinion is a huge disservice to Visitors who are endeared to the Animals.  Before I expand on that, I want to make a notation that will support a future post about how the the Zoo management system works and the Pyramid of Power.  All Acquistions are supposed to be approved by the Joint Zoo Committee.  In my opinion, that is all paper pushing, as no managing entity really cares about what goes on at the Zoo.  The whole Orangutan situation has singularly made that clear.  And in relation to the Joint Zoo approval, the female Orangutan arrived at the Zoo, before her acquistion item was even introduced to the Joint Zoo Committee.

So, transparency.  Let's start with another Hippo, our Nile Hippo Tucker.  The Zoo knew about his transfer over a year before him actually leaving.  At no point did they alert the public.  It wasn't until he was gone and Cinncinati anounced his arrival did they post a sign at his enclosure.  In my opinion, that was a COMPLETE mismanagement of his departure.  Tucker was extremely popular. He had a huge fan club among visitors.  Many Zoo's will post about their Animals moving to another Zoo, giving their fans a chance to come and see them before they leave.  Some have even have going away parties.  When Tucker left Topeka, they had a party.  Not San Francisco Zoo.  You become endeared to an Animal, and you go there and one day they are gone.  I've mentioned the lack of Community for our Zoo, meaning there has never been an effort to build a community that cares.  Having a community that cares, lends to people being invested in our Animals.  Creating an enviroment that endears people to our animals, gives them the opportunity to learn more, feel more, care more.  It also leads to more Visitors, more Members and productive fundraising.  A win for everyone.  Our Zoo has none of that.  The individuals that are invested and endeared, have had to seek out information to feed their interest.

So, like with Tucker, there have been many residents before him that just disappeared, who have had their fans upset.  A big one for me, was the departure of Slider the Cow.  I have a stand-alone post about that in draft.  Before him, my little Turaco Friend Zabebu, was sent away.  Usually I get wind of these things, but with both of them, I didn't know.  I have a friend who's a Member, who five years later is still upset that Hasani the Gorilla is no longer here, but at least I knew and she was able to visit him before he left.  The Zoo didn't announce it at all and that was a huge mistake.  He was born here, and hand-reared, so he was in the News, and had alot of fans.  Going back a bit further, when Director Peterson was going to kick out our senior Chimpanzees, she was trying to do so without anyone knowing.  The Zoo's longest residents, having lived here near fifty years, and she was just going to ship them out in the dead of the night, without telling anyone.  It's Disgraceful, and very rude to every Visitor and Member, to not alert and allow for people to know what's happening, especially if its an Animal they'd like to see before it leaves.  My guess would be she doesn't feel like she has to, but a good and decent "manager" would want to.  The disappearances are not even all transfers to other Zoos, but taken off public view and never to be seen again.  There have been many.  I've been attached to three Snow Leopards, Ming Wah, Rigel, and Niya who were taken off view and retired to the off exhibit area FCC, never to be seen again.  Most recently the Great Hornbill Hercules, who has been my first stop of the visit for over a decade, was taken off view.  I can hear him talking from FCC behind Black Rhinos, but who knows if I will ever see him again.  These are all just a few of my personal accounts,  I'm sure everyone who visits regularly has their own sad stories.

So, the goal of this post was to alert everyone to Akobi's upcoming departure.  If you're endeared to him, be sure to visit as who knows when he will disappear. 

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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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Response From Woodland School Regarding Shooting Simulation

After writing my post yesterday, I also emailed the School.  I wanted to connect with them, incase the incident was not talked about later.  I also included the link to my blog post.

I received a satisfying response today in their favor, so I'm sharing it as it's necessary to for well-rounded documentation.  Additionally, I feel it shows this was recognized as something that was an issue that required further discussion.  

I feel their response, and the actions they took, appropriately covered the situation.  Below is my reply to their email.

"Thank you for your response.  The attention to this by all that you have shared is commendable.  Thank you.  In these times especially, it's important that kids inappropriate actions are dealt with, in hopes it makes an impact on what kind of adults they will become.  Thank you."

When I started this post, I had not thought about my personal experiences with situations at the Zoo that I have reported and that have been mishandled.  Certainly not my intention to re-air them here, but their response had me thinking about the extreme difference in how our San Francisco Zoo handles issues and how apparently properly managed facilities do.

I won't go into to much detail as I think the gist is enough, and I think I documented the incidents at the time.

Four incidents come to mind.  

*One season, myself and others were heavily present as we observed the Flamingo nests daily for hatchings.  One of those days coincided with the Zoo's Octoberfest event.  I spied a group of people who were inebriated and holding beers.  I could tell two specifically would be trouble.  They ended up standing right next to us.  At the time there was no fencing as barrier, and nests were very close to public.  One of the jerks, picked-up something from the ground, leaned back like a baseball pitcher, at which point I said, do not throw that!  I was met with obcentities yelled at me and the jerk threw the object at a Parent Flamingo sitting on an Egg on a Nest and hit the Bird.  Obviously I went postal.  Gave them a lashing and called security.  Security came, chatted with the drunk group and then let them continue on their way.  I was not satisfied that letting people who target and harm the Animal Residents are not kicked out, I took it up with the Supervisor on Duty, Bob Cooney.  He told me he made a judgement call. I asked him to explain how someone throwing something at an Animal is even something that needs thought about how to handle it.  They should be thrown out.  I insisted he be responsible for his decision and explain it to me.  He got on his bike, and said, I don't have to talk to you.  

Now granted there are two things I will note.  I am treated differently than everyone else, because Director Tanya Peterson created such the notion when she falsely accused myself and a friend of calling in a false report resulting in the Zoo's own communication team issuing a code-red alert.  Anyway that's a whole other thing.  I only bring this up as it lends to the way I was treated by the majority of staff for a very long time.  Not so much in current times, as I think all staff have now got Peterson's number.  That said, the stigma with me lingered long and still comes into play with some who feel because I monitor things, it's justified to treat me differently.  Not my problem.  What is the problem, is that Visitors, even Members are allowed to do whatever the hell they want and there are no consequences.  

The other issue, again involved an Animal related situation.  I was also at the Walk-About at the time, and a Mother was holding her kid over the barrier.  If you're new to my documentation, search this blog for "barriers" and you will see I've been ranting about barrier breaching for years and how it can get our Animals murdered.  So, not only is the kid hanging over, she's waving a five foot stick at the Emu as he passes by the fence line.  I said, Yea, they don't want you hanging over the barrier like that.  I also mentioned the stick, which honestly I wanted to grab and break in half.  The Mother's response to me was, Shut the Fuck up, or Fuck off, something like that.  I said Wow, now you're swearing at me.  So I called Security.  Now you may be thinking, what for?  I agree, as I'm a big girl, with a fowl mouth that can battle with the best of sailors, but after Director Peterson's bullshit againt my friend and I, a big sign of Zoo Rules went up on the side of the gift shop, geared at having recourse for banning us, since she failed at keeping us from having memberships.  That's right, she revoked our memberships, but was forced by the Board Chairmanto reinstate them.  Anyway, I digressed.  So, one of the rules states something about using vulgar language at other guests.  So I always bit my tongue when interacting with jerks.  I called Security multiple times over near a half hour.  At the point this woman left the Walk-About I followed her so when Security finally came, I could point her out.  Well, we cross paths with Walker one of the front of house Supervisors, who listens to what happened and takes over.  I watched his interaction with this woman, and I was appalled.  There was no serious facial expression from him, instead he was laughing with the woman!  I had reported an incident where both actions could result injury to our Animals, and yet this was funny to him, and of course this woman was allowed to continue on her way. I will also add that I was told she was a Member.  If I had gone over a barrier, or swore at another Member or any Visitor I would have been banned.  Others, no repercussions.  

I know I said four instances came to mind, but now my ears are pulsating. I'm disgusted rehashing just these two.  Briefly, one other involved people throwing rocks at the Tiger and nothing happened, on their way they went.  That outcome really bothered the Security Guard who was sent to talk to the jerks.  He told me, talking to them is all management allows.  Unreal.  The other was during the height of Covid when someone not wearing a mask was by me coughing.  I told them masks were required.  They came right to my face, no mask and coughed, three times.  I'm not a violent person, but it's at those times I wish I was a good sized guy with a big fist.  Anyway, I called Security, Jerome talked to them and let them go on their way, before the management representative I requested to talk to got there. They were Members and Security never got their ID or contact info.  Why, who knows.  Lame protocol, or Kim reporting protocol?  I had been health assaulted during a pandemic, by Members, and guess what, that's right nothing happened.  Both Walker and Evelyn from Security, failed to properly handle the situation.  

Who do we blame for these incidents and all the others witnessed by myself, other Visitors and Staff?  We must blame Director Tanya Peterson for she dictates every aspect of what goes on there.  Sure there are lame Staffers, I've talked to them, a couple who have taken it upon themselves to enter into bullshit conversations with me obviously because they feel like they can based on the stigma some still project onto me, but in general, I have to assume their hands are tied by the guidelines they are Directed to follow.  No one wins when jerks are allowed to perpetrate inappropriate actions against the Animals and others, and get away with it.  That's disturbing and mismanagement.

Boy, this totally turned into something I hadn't intended.  I apologize if you read til the end and feel much was unnecessary to rehash.  As I wrote, I felt it was in tune.

Here's a few photos for a bonus.  I often end-up at the Yo Toads when they are going to lunch.  I got the full series last week.  ... On their way and back home 😊 They are taken out and food monitored so they each get the appropriate amount. I'm told necessary because they aren't good foragers.  This takes less than a half hour, so swing back round if you miss them. There are three Yosemite Toads in this habitat as you enter the Children's Zoo.  The female has white under her chin, she is in the middle, the two boys on either side.

Previous Post: 

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/03/disturbing-animal-disrespect-shooting.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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Disturbing Animal Disrespect - Shooting Simulation!

I plan to do some catch-up posts this weekend, but I have to do this first, as it was so upsetting to see and still sad to think about.

Yesterday was my only Zoo visit for the week.  While I was spending time talking to Boomer, wishing him a belated Birthday, and general lovey chat, a group of unruly school kids came loudly barreling into the enclosure area.  

You would think uniformed private school students would at least have some manners but not this group from Woodland School in Portola Valley.  Checking their website, they note this "CHARACTER... We build character in and out of the classroom, it’s an integral part of our teaching philosophy."

Well I didn't see any good "character" from some of this group.  Yelling in this peaceful off path, sheltered enclosure, and then the really offensive act that set me off.  Two of the students rolled-up their paper, and pointed it at Boomer and made like it was a gun and they were shooting!!!  Not only was I horrified, my heart sank and my soul hurt for my precious friend Boomer.  I know he didn't know what was going on (thankfully), but I did.  Anytime I see or hear disrespect towards an Animal, it hurts.  

The lack of empathy, especially from anyone visiting a place where Animals live, is truly disturbing.  I have seen too much at the Zoo and in our Parks.  More often, from Adults, which may be the reason Adults accompanying kids don't surpervise accordingly.

Of course I reacted at the time of action, and told the kids that was awful, and that hunting isn't cool.  I also told the chaperone what had happened and that such an action is unacceptable towards any Animal, especially in a Zoo.  She did talk to them, but still, it happened and unless further education on how to be respectful of other living Beings is put forth, another instance of the same, will most likely happen again from these same kids.

The Zoo used to have a Guide or Security give a talk before school groups would enter, I haven't seen that in awhile.  That said, I never felt the talk was heavy enough on behavior at enclosures and toward free roaming Animals, basically noting to Respect the Animals.  But, that doesn't surprise me.  I shared my idea about a welcome video at the ticket and gate house areas, that includes showing the Animals, but the goal being highlighting etiquette around the Animals.  Something I think everyone should be reminded of upon entry.  That has never happened.  I would hope an extensive print out of etiquette in writing is given to school groups  upon entry, if not in advance, but I don't know it that happens, and if it does, how heavy on Animal Respect it is.

There are always going to be Zoo Jerks, but the Zoo can always do better to deter some of that behavior.  

Good Grief People, the Zoo is Their Home!  View Peacefully or Stay Home!

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Next time you visit, stop by the Walk-About and wish Boomer a Happy Belated Birthday!  He turned 44 years old!  I checked the Zoo's Socials and didn't see any mention of his special day.  So Shameful!

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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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Catching Up On Posts! - New Commentary Videos

I have a post about Animal Disrespect written and ready to post, but I'm going to share these videos I made last week first. In certain instances, I get superstitious about post flow, so I needed a buffer post.

I used to only share these videos with my friends, but I have thought in recent times when I'm done with my backlog of draft posts, maybe I'll just mostly do video's, since it's easier and can be more timely. I like writing as I can organize my thoughts, include photos, etc., but after thirteen years and thousands of hours spent on this Zoo effort, I can no longer spend that kind of time and energy, especially having too much in draft for too long.

The videos aren't premeditated, so I'm winging it either on impromptu thoughts or long lingering frustrating issues.  

Here's the most recent, eight of them, and this bonus!

In case you've visited and haven't noticed, the Spectacle Owl is back on view at the Puente and his new lady is with him!  So, exciting and happy for him to have a same species friend.

*First Glance of Quetzal with his new Girlfriend Athena! 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wVu9DEqQYG8&si=l4ph5j9POa2hgweL

screencap from video

*Old Black Rhino to Grizzly Gulch 2.6.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eJQKUP1TvcM&si=hTbZBx0wTvJGw0Jg

View of a long strip of vacant area that used to house Black Rhinos.  My long ago thoughts on a use for the area, and a new thought in light (at time of video) of the Panda want.

Photo of area... Red lines indicate fences closing path on Snow Leopard and Therapy Horse sides.  Red outline is of unused area referenced.

*San Francisco Zoo Perimeter Fence Update 2.29.24 ... It Got A Paint Job, but...

https://youtube.com/watch?v=wyJcRz1RFY8&si=RsFA2sJQ3wjy4ntq

Good grief, the crumbing fence got a coat of paint.  It looks better, but still in shambles and in need of replacement.

*"Asian Conservation" Area??? 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XN8z_xpcLmg&si=HAMEQ9tZuNCeY6_O

Overview and history of area where I'm assuming they have dubbed, the "Asian Conservation" area, in hopes of luring in Pandas.

Photo outlines area alluded to for Pandas.

*Old Black Rhino to Grizzly Gulch 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_-6EKOt2h-I&si=bb4X56hS4R6ZhKsX

Additional views of this area, including Therapy Horses, Old South Gate, and previous Eagle Lake observation.  This week the lake was back at normal level and water was better, so what I saw in progress was probably just upkeep maintenance.

*Old Sea Lion Pool 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iS6pE97n1L4&si=AvCK3xQc9dTFOcvB

View of Old Sea Lion Pool and vacant neighboring area adjacent to the Tropical Building.  Notations about current plan for pool, previous plan for vacant area, and my thoughts and opinions.

*Family Farm 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ze0n9hb3bqg&si=9hqb8qXoQApc1Pgb

View and commentary about current status and past memories of how it's changed in the past several years.

*Old Kookoobura and current Agouti Enclosure 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=j_TgqPwyxis&si=iRWb8PjLfdLkL-i5

View of two enclosures, one that is damaged and one temporarily in use.  What is the plan? and maybe what should or could be the plan.

*Old Children's Zoo Duck Pond 3.11.24

https://youtube.com/watch?v=V32Ay5QeRJY&si=d8JQMv-SxGjahSL

View of Pond that's been filled in.  My thoughts about that and what I'd have liked seen done with the Pond. 

Previous Post Containing Commentary Videos:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/02/what-set-me-off-yesterday-commentary-in.html

Here's a screencap from that post detailing the video topics.

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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 News This Morning - RIP Ponso

Very sad news to wake up to.  Heartbreaking.  I am sorry to all on scene who have taken care of and/or helped Ponso over the last nine years.  I've been following his story since the news broke of his discovery in August 2015, as well as the Liberia 66 the month before.  What was done to these Chimpanzees was pure evil.  If you are not familiar, I will write a brief bit, but if it's of interest, it's worth doing some research.  What happened to Ponso and the other abandoned Chimpanzees should never be forgotten.  

In March of 2015,  a group of sixty-six Chimpanzees used in Lab experiments, was released onto an island in Liberia, by the Demons at the New York Blood Center.  These Chimpanzees were abandoned and left to fend for themselves.  They became known as the Liberia 66.  I came to know about them in July, which I think was when this horror first hit the news.  A month later, news that a lone Chimpanzee was discovered on another island on the Ivory Coast.  That was Ponso.  Ponso too came from a life of being experimented on in the Labs of the NYBC.  He was abandoned there in a group of twenty, in 1983.  He watched everyone in his group get sick and die, including his wife and children.  It's unknown how many years he was alone.  

Many efforts to help raise awareness for this atrocity, both in person and online were put into action.  One was the #IAmPonso campaign.  Followers from all over the world made signs with this slogan... 

My effort to spread awareness, 

shared on the SOS Ponso Facebook page

Those words meant to relate us as fellow Great Apes to our DNA relatives, Chimpanzees.  To further emphasize the cruelty put on those Chimps by Humans. 

I was working on posts yesterday, but never sorted my words into any one in particular enough to post.  Maybe it's meant to be that this one follows the one I wrote about the anniversary of our SFZoo Chimpanzees plight.  2015 was a heavy year for my emotional state regarding my love for Chimpanzees.  

Thankfully they all had wonderful humans on the ground and around the world helping them, when those responsible ignored what they did.  I followed their plight closely,  my heart breaking with every thought of what had been done to them.  My soul weeped for them all,  especially dear Ponso who was left all alone after losing his Chimpanzee family.  The Liberia 66 caught the attention of a married couple, who moved to Liberia to help them.  They also eventually started the Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue, that takes in babie Chimps orphaned by the poaching trade.  Efforts to both move Ponso to a Sanctuary and to bring him in a companion failed.  He continued to be cared for by a local family, his human family, who came by boat daily to bring him food and give him companionship.

Since learning about Ponso, there have been many tears shed for him, but many smiles too, as we, his fans, were shared the happy times he spent with his caregivers.  

I'll never forget this boy and the life he led. 

RIP Ponso, Bless Your Soul.