Zoo's, Conservation And Needed Housing For Unreleasable Wildlife - In General and In Our Zoo

Before I launch into the title subject, I want to say something about the post I made yesterday.  I rarely have an after thought about what I've posted about, but even while I was writing it, I had a wonder.  Since I used something that happened to me personally, I had and have hoped it didn't come across as self-serving.  If that photo hadn't come up in Facebook Memories, wouldn't have even thought to bring up my experience.  But it did, and reflecting, I realized how Director Peterson's actions toward myself and my friend, echoed what became regular treatment I have heard she allegedly put forth toward Staff.  When it happened to me, I was shocked, but as time has gone on, behavior in the vein of what I experienced, allegedly became common towards others.  So I thought it was relevant to document considering the past nine months that her mismanagement has been in focus.  Peterson's untruths and illusions, have been a major theme in her defense to hold on to her position, and at the expense of others, both human and non-human. 

Yesterday, I saw this...

https://www.facebook.com/sunday.roast.media/videos/1860502501154183/?mibextid=NnVzG8

I thought it was good, and I learned some things about the Species highlighted.  I thought to share it, because the lead-in text on the post, made me think about the Anti-Zoo Activists who came out of the woodwork as soon as the first Chronicle article dropped last April.  These Close Zoo Zealots as I call them, put forth their agendas that Our Zoo should be closed, or shouldn't exist outside of being rescue only.  The later I just don't think would allow for Our Zoo to thrive financially.  I know Sanctuary owners and follow that network, so I know how hard it is financially.  And changing the current model of Our Zoo to that of a rescue only facility would basically make it a Sanctuary.  I think there are ways to modify what Our Zoo participates in and does not, is doable, but while visitors welcome native rescues, they also come to see Animals that they can't see in our local wild spaces.  So, non-native species that exist in Zoos are needed to sustain consistent attendance.

I also want to say something to anyone who is Anti-Zoo.  I've actually given up getting into it with Zealots on social media because they are not rational, but this is my platform and so I will.  While in a perfect world, I think everyone these days would love to not see captive Wildlife, but that's just not a reality.  These Zealots incite people to Open the Cages and Empty the Tanks, often without any plan for those Animals care.  In captivity, these Animals, at the very least, have food, shelter, and healthcare.  Without fine-tuning the counts, let's use low-ball numbers in North America only.  Let's say there are 200 Zoos, with 200 species.  That's 40,000 Animals these people want turned out to fend for themselves in the wild, because there is no room in Sanctuaries as it is for Animals in current need, so it's delusional that there is space for homeless Zoo Animals as a result of their illogical notions.  

Additionally, most of the Animals at this point in time, were born in captivity, and are not candidates for rewilding.  Closing Zoos will most likely never be a thing in any of our lifetimes, so the logical thing is to not be Anti-Zoo, and to try and bring change to Zoos in your corner of the world.  

I saw this update from Oakland Zoo a couple hours ago.  

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid03482Sx5kXZAqnRKXurkbEttHDwFsbSFmBGdXUgxkhuM5VoahGDi27fBXCz1kpfoKfl&id=100064458473201&mibextid=CDWPTG

Once again, a rescue story about another orphaned Mountain Lion. Sadly this time, it's not a singleton, but triplets, who lost their Mother.  Every time these events happen, my heart breaks for these babies. I have posted my thoughts about their plight before.  Oakland Zoo works with State Officials to find homes for these orphans.  My fear is one day in the near future, there won't be any facilities left with space to offer these orphans homes. I think there's a great need for a Native Wildlife Sanctuary in California to house primarily (because of their size) Mountain Lion orphans, and other rescued native species that are non-releasable.  On our local level, each time I see orphan Cubs, I wish Our Zoo had the capability to offer one or more a home.  In increasing recent times, it gets more upsetting and frustrating, because of how the lack of direction, lack of vision, lack of fundraising, and misuse of funds, the mismanagement of Our Zoo at the hands of Tanya Peterson has denied Our Zoo the growth it could have had over the last sixteen years. All which could have seen Our Zoo having better homes for current residents, and in a better position to offer homes to those in need. Not providing an appropriate home for the Orangutans, claiming no funds, yet raising funds for Pandas, who don't live here, and then wanting to spend funds to build new Lion housing, when they already have a home.  Ths lack of care for the Animals, and disturbingly curious thought process of Peterson is mind-blowing and maddening.

Our Zoo is already involved in Conservation efforts, and has given homes to many wild species in need.  I do think that given the opportunity to be more involved in Conservation efforts, and to give homes to more wild species in need, is something that would be welcomed, both by Staff and Visitors.

Hoping Our Zoo sees change in management soon, so it can begin to heal, thrive at optimum, and be able to reach goals that have not been within reach for too long.  

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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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.  

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , 

#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie

#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Membership Memories, The Wonderful And Disturbing

 

Me and the Giant Origami Tigers

on display at the Zoo. 

This photo just came up in my Facebook Memories from January 28, 2011.  Two weeks later, Zoo Director Tanya Peterson Revoked My Membership on lies she made-up.

As I wrote a short text to go with my share of the photo to my FB, I thought I might post it here as well.  Decided I should, when I realized the last post was Membership related as well. This is not something I dwell on, nor does it have any relevance on my documentation (this post serving just that) of Peterson's mismanagement, or my want for her to be replaced, so Our Zoo can begin to heal and thrive into the future.

Those not familiar with this event, it's a wordy tale, too long to tell here (see link at end), basically, a friend and I, unbeknownst to us and staff, were allegedly a major thorn in the side of the person in charge of Enrichment, the Carnivore Curator, and Director Peterson, each with a personal issue against us for caring about the Animals and the Zoo.  Director Peterson created an untrue narrative, containing blatant lies about both of us, to use as her reasoning.   After that, several Staff members approached me, relaying more lies she had told about me.

When our Memberships were revoked, we learned that we were the first people in the history of the Zoo to have their Membership taken away.  To this day, I never received a reason.

I had been a Member most of my adult life.  The Zoo has been a part of my long life since I was a babie.   What the Zoo had grown to mean to me was immense.  There is probably no other member of the public who has cared about the Zoo more than myself.

At the time, my friend and I had spent ten months of the previous year, making Enrichment Toys for the Big Cats (every weekend) and Bears (on occasion).  We each used our own money for supplies, and spent over twenty hours (individually) a week on our projects.  This was all approved by the Keeper Staff and the Hospital.  

We knew something was not right when the eleventh month, coincidentally November, rolled around and stipulations, to change up how we were doing things, were put forth.  What they really were, were roadblocks to put a stop to us making Toys for the Animals.  I coined the Curator, the Grinch that stole Enrichments. 

We declined all the stipulation requests.  A compromise was made, only because we had already had Toys made for a Grotto wide Bear Birthday Party for our five Bear friends.  I knew this would be my last hurrah.  Sadly, I was done.  Their childish actions toward us and more disgusting, their selfishness towards the Animals, was not something I wanted to be a part of.

Our Memberships were Revoked Valentines Day 2011. I worked hard for eleven months to get our Memberships back. They arrived Christmas Eve, and complimentary, which on my opinion shows guilt.  Mine came with this letter...

I replied to her letter, and simply said, There was never any issue to begin with. 

Tanya Peterson knows very well she lied.  She thought I was some peasant she could get rid.  She was very wrong.  

In 2014,  two friends and I started sharing a Family Membership.  In 2016 Peterson would revoke again, and of course without any reason given, because there wasn't a valid one. My thoughts are she didn't like what I wrote about her in my blog.

At least I am a truth teller.

To further illustrate how disturbing so many of Peterson's actions are, when she revoked our Membership this time, she had each of our accounts Deactivated, with the notation "Deceased".  

Having My Membership taken away the first time spurred my blog documenting Director Peterson's mismanagement. I haven't stopped yet, because her offenses against Our Animals and Our Zoo has not stopped.  

Previous Post:

Director Ends Zoo's Participation In Program For Low-Income Visitors

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/director-ends-zoos-participation-in.html

Related Posts:

A San Francisco Zoo Crime - Documenting The Director Revoking My Membership

https://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com/

The Big Catnip - Zoo Animal Enrichment Made Fun

https://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com/

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Blogger's Statement

"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Director Ends Zoo's Participation In Program For Low Income Visitors

Affordable Access to All.  Not at Our SFZoo.

I was shocked to learn that Director Tanya Peterson had opted out of participating in the Museums For All Program. 

For those not familiar with the program, I took snips from the website.  

> It allows those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) to can gain reduced admission, ranging from free to $5.00, to visitors presenting their EBT card. ... Museums for All is a national, branded access program that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. ... Museums for All invites low-income visitors to feel welcome at cultural institutions. <

For a full description of program and list of participants visit..

https://museums4all.org/

Local participants include Calfiornia Academy of Sciences, DeYoung Museum, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploration and Oakland Zoo, who's website states, "We are proud to be a part of Museums for All..."

In my opinion, stopping this program shows that the Zoo is not inclusive to all income levels.  

My second reaction was wondering if because of the timing, this wasn't some kind of money saving tactic to fund Peterson's Panda Plan.  

Either way, it's in very poor taste, and discriminative. ... And to do it allegedly right before the Holidays, seems Calculated and Grinch-y!

Peterson may argue that there are still Free Days.  Those days, which are typically first Wednesdays, have no bearing on the availability to All that the Museums for All discount helped.  There are people and families who do not have the flexibility to visit the Zoo mid-week, due to work and school.

The Zoo does continue to offer a discount on Membership for SNAP recipients, which was implemented this past Summer.  The discount is substantial, at 50% off all levels.  That said, this Community Access Discount was never advertised, and doesn't come up from a search on their website. ... It seems like they want to keep it a secret.

The Community Access Discount on Membership is awesome and valuable to many, but does not help low-income day visitors or families who may not visit often, or can't afford a membership, even at the discounted rate.

*Update:  I wrote this three days ago, Monday morning, before I went on my Zoo walk.  I didn't publish it because I had a thought that I did remember seeing it on their website once, even though I remember thinking it was curiously placed and not easily found in regards to membership.  When I didn't find it at all on a site search for this post, I asked when I got to the Zoo.  

The Community Access Discount for Membership has also been discontinued.  Last day was January 17, 2025.  

Tanya Peterson is not a Friend to the Animals at Our Zoo, and not a Friend to Low-Income Members of Our Community.   She needs to go.  ... The Zoological Society supports her actions, whether against the innocent Animals who live at Our Zoo, or against certain groups of people. Our Zoo is desperate for big changes in Management.  None of this is okay.

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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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Reactions To Director Peterson's Mind Boggling Words

On January 11, I wrote a post that was prompted by a recent news article at the time.

I didn't do my usual dissection and response to paragraphs and/or quotes.  After I published that post, I was still nagged by one of Director Peterson's quotes...

> Peterson also acknowledged that some visitor amenities could use updates, and that the zoo’s front entrance at the Great Highway is not looking its best — which she attributed to the city doing construction work in the area. <

It struck me odd, and pissed me off, that she brought up the front entrance, choosing to note the area to the west, which as she states is due to construction, therefore unavoidable, and not even part of the Zoo, YET she doesn't mention the perimeter fence to the east, that has been crumbling from age for decades.  The state of this fence has been in stages of shambles and ignored as Peterson has used what little funds the Zoo has, to build art installations, gardens and a tiki hut, among other unnecessary projects.  My concern is always foremost for Animal Needs, but this eyesore should have been taken care of at minimum ten years ago.  Only prior to last years ZooFest, did it get a paint job, to visually distract at a glance from it's poor shape.  I have written what seems endlessly about this.  Seach this blog for "fence" if interested in more.

Here's what a small portion of the fence looked like pre-paint.  Multiply that by the entire length, and it looked like that for many, many years.

Following Peterson's quote, she continued and gave excuses...

> Peterson said it’s difficult to keep up with ongoing repairs on the 95-year-old, 100-acre outdoor facility constantly hit by storms and sea air at its location near the beach. ... “We’re like the Golden Gate Bridge,” Peterson said. “As soon as you paint it from one side, you got to come back and start again.” <

I'm sorry, but the tales of illusion this woman spins is borderline comical and walking the line pathetic, until I remember it's just sad.  

An ex-Member, contacted me in response to this particular portion of the article, which actually prompted me to write this post.  

Her reaction was...

"No shit. Costs money!!!! And spending money on Pandas seems so frivolous…. Especially with what LA is going through… Fix the infrastructure!!!!!".

My reaction was..

It's hard when you don't do any Community Fundraising and rely only on deep pocket donors, some of which who lock their funds for things unrelated to Animal Needs, and other projects we don't Need, but are instead their personal Wants, like Madagascar. ... If Peterson had better sense and vision, the Zoo would have more funds, at the very least for basic up-keep.

> Peterson is also seeking to raise about $3 million each for four other projects: a new jaguar habitat, a new lion exhibit, the ongoing expansion of a center for animals from Madagascar, and upgrades to the zoo’s grounds and gardens. ... “I’ve been trying to say that there’s a larger vision here,” Peterson said. <

This is also noteworthy, as it shows, Peterson's continued lack of care for what she did to the Orangutans, and the enclosure she has sentenced them to, is not even on her radar. 

*Building the Orangutans should be the priority.  They have been waiting six years. 

*The Jaguar is fine for now, and the projected new habitat is not much bigger.  As well, it will probably be even smaller once they are done, if ite anything like the ridiculous layout of the Snow Leopard's faux expansion.  

*The Lions have a home!  In the Lion House.  Building them a new home (is ridiculous), all so Pandas can take over the LH, and still no new home for the Orangutans, it's morally criminal. 

*Not a penny more should go to the Madagascar Disaster!  

Hopefully NOBODY gives this woman any more money to squander.  

Larger vision?  Please.  She's had sixteen years, When does that vision become clearer?   

The closing of the article contained these outrageous words by Peterson...

> Even if she is unsuccessful in her bid to bring pandas to the city, Peterson said her work would still be worth it. ... “At the end of the day, (if) I’ve just created more awareness for these animals, and I got bruised up in the process — well, it was worth it,” she said. “As Jane Goodall told me, if you think saving a species is going to be easy, you’re the wrong woman for the job.” <

I seriously can't even with this woman.  She brings up Jane Goodall, who's head would probably spin off her neck if she knew Peterson kept Orangutans, in caged tubes for eight months straight.  

Tanya Peterson IS and has been, the Wrong Person for the job.

Related Posts: Pick One.  The all support my closing line.

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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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

One Down, One To Go - Deputy Director Is Done, Is The Panda Plan Too?

The news of Vitus Leung, recently leaving his positions as Deputy Director & VP of HR, at Our Zoo, has not been publicly announced.  

Since I have posted about this guy multiple times, I have been waiting for the Zoo's official press release before posting anything.  That said, a couple days ago, someone sent me a post by one of the activists, who mentions it.  As well, this morning I saw another activist group had also included it in their mantra to the media.

Only thing I can say is, Good Riddance.  I've been waiting years for this.  The ridiculousness of this guy taking on a high level management position, has resolved itself.  One less thorn that needs to be snipped.

This guy has been on my shit list since I heard him call one of Our Goats ugly.  For that alone, this guy shouldn't be allowed to work at the Zoo, let alone be promoted to second in command at Our Zoo.

Hopefully next to go is Director Tanya Peterson, an Orangutans worst enemy.  Her exit is a celebration that is already dancing in everyone's mind.

No one who disrespects one of the Animals, should even be working at the Zoo.  The Zoo is an Animal Care Facilty, the Animals are why people visit the Zoo.  The Animals pay everyone's salary.  They should all remember that before opening their cake holes.

It was rumored, Leung, who has long been VP of HR, was also given the title of Deputy Director, allegedly as a gesture from his friend Peterson, to boost his salary, as he prepared to soon retire.  Financials didn't reflect that significant a pay raise. 

Recently he became a face in the Panda Plan, and seemingly the major player in the acquisition.  It made me wonder if the real reason for his promotion was because Peterson saw his ethnicity as an asset to getting Pandas. 

Is Vitus Leung's resignation or early retirement, a sign that the Panda nonsense is finally over?

Previous Post: 

Grand Illusions Presented At Today's RecPark Commission Meeting

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/grand-illusions-presented-at-todays.html

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Grand Illusions Presented At Today's RecPark Commission Meeting

After decompressing from three long days out, I had an important Zoo effort that I wanted to finish this evening, but instead I got involved with listening to the RecPark Commission Meeting.  I shouldn't have, because I needed to prioritize that other effort, that has been in my minds motion for two months and it's becoming time sensitive.  But, here we are, and instead I've now spent over four hours on this post.

I just listened to the Zoo's Monthly Report given to the Park Commissioners by the Zoo's CFO Jeff Pace.  What a joke.  I'm sorry, I don't know this guy, he may have drunk the juice and believes what he's saying, or is just one of Zoo Director Tanya Peterson's minions, or both.  Director Peterson continues to think she is above attending this and the Joint Zoo Meetings regularly.  So, Pace was the face of this month's report.  This presentation continues the Zoo's scramble for back-pats, amid obvious and mass mismanagement that has and continues to take place under Tanya Peterson's Directorship.

A Video of the Meeting is viewable here:

https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/48429?view_id=91&redirect=true

Pace's focus was to applaud themselves for the Madagascar project, which has been a shit-show since day one, and a singular example, of Peterson's and the Zoological Society's style of mismanaging Our Zoo.  Their personal Wants have taken priority over the Needs of Our Animals and Our Zoo.  The Lipman Family Madagascar Vanity Project is the epitome of that.

I will, as I have before, note that I appreciate the generosity of the Lipman's who have donated alot of money to the Zoo over the years.  Their funding created the Lemur Forest, and enclosures for the Sifaka and Komodo Dragon.  That said, the Madagascar Project was fast-tracked above necessary Needs, and that may not necessarily be their fault, but it is a thorn to all of us who care about the Animals Needs that have been grossly overlooked.

While touting glorious illusions about the Mad Project, Pace states, "We have created an upper walkway, that allows visitors to traverse from the Lemur Boardwalk to the dual level Fossa habitat".  Again I'm sorry, but is this guy delusional?  That upper walkway was built in 2002 when the Lemur Forest opened.  Good grief.  Is it delusion or flat-out lies? That said, the RecPark Commissioners have no idea about the Zoo, so probably bought what he was selling.  Another major issue in Zoo mismanagement has been and continues to be, the lack of interest and attention to the Zoo from the RecPark, resulting in them having no idea.

Pace also states, "We the Zoo have invested over $7.75 Million", (to the Madagascar Project).  As I have understood the funding for this project was soley Donor funded.  At first it was rumored ten million, then seven million.  I think this is creative wording to create yet another ray in the Zoo's illusion of sunshine.  The Zoo should not have put any money into this project.  

Since I continually roar about the issue with the Orangutans, I will note that this Mad Project, coincided with Director Peterson chasing the acquisition of Orangutans.  Once successful, Orangutans arrived with no dedicated enclosure, and their only outdoor access for eight months straight, but not limited to, was the caged tubes of the overhead trails.  Shameful that there has never been any funds for them and they continue to languish in an ancient enclosure, with no change in sight.

Additionally, Rosemary B., the Finance Chair for the Zoological Society, rose to the occasion, and took the opportunity to boast about the Society's monetary support in the last twenty-four years, also reporting that the Lipman's have contributed and additional $400,000 to the project.  This is surprising as I heard last year they were allegedly not happy with it and threatened to pull their funding.  Not hard to believe that rumor as fact considering what the outcome has and will be.  It certainly is not what I have imagined could have been done with the space.  It's a complete waste of an enormous amount of money.  

The design has changed a few times, but aside from the Fossa and Insects, has never included actual Animals from Madagascar.  I don't even get what it's supposed to be.  The Fossa area in my opinion should not have been built where it is.  The ground level design is ridiculous.  So far it has some kind of interactive presentation area, where the poor Animals will be forced to interact with visitors, which Pace says is "Awesome".  Not for the Animals.  Anyway, I hear I'm not the only one who calls it the BBQ Pit.  Another Zoo eyesore. The next phase was noted in the design and confirmed in todays presentation, to include a pond for Pelicans, and two Tortoise enclosures.  Pelicans aren't even native to Madagascar.  I'm assuming that the recently re-acquired Pink-Backed Pelicans will be moved from upper lake to this smaller and sure to be inappropriate housing.  Pink-Backs reportedly bred on the island at some point, but are no longer found there.  No idea what Tortoises they plan to put there, as the Radiated Tortoise which is from Madagascar, has been recently introduced to the Sifaka enclosure.  

In my opinion the ground level (referred to by Pace as the Basin), is a huge disappointment.  Sad that this substantial area of space was not better utilized, and that we lost four species of Primates for this disaster. When this project first arose, I thought that the Fossa would go in the main area.  I thought the main area was going to be filled with Animals from Madagascar.  They could have created two, two level enclosures to house both the Fossa's (one is off exhibit) and a large indoor/outdoor enclosure for the Aldabra Tortoises on the ground level and a separated space for Madagascar birds above them.  The Tortoises are currently happily living at the Farm, but will continue to grow, and could have used a permanent enclosure to accomdate their eventual size.  There would probably have even been space to acquire additional smaller Madagascar mammals, like Fanaloka and/or Tenrec's. Funds should also have been used to update the Nocturnal Gallery to bring back Aye Ayes, which we used to have and are native to Madagascar.  That was a great exhibit, and a visitor favorite. ... I think my vision is far better than their outcome.

I apologize for not including a better photos of this area.  I took one this week, for future use, I didnt share from my phone to tablet, as I didn't think the future was this soon.  So below I have a photo from before the BBQ Pit was constructed and a aerial view from Google maps.  Both show the size of the area.  The non-map photo, actually is shorted, there is more room beyond the bottom of the photo.

Another thing this final plan shows, or shall I say exposes, is Director Tanya Peterson's lie to the public.  After the horror of Maki the Lemur's kidnapping (in 2020), Peterson created a fundraiser to allegedly, "build Maki a new home". By all accounts, my own and staff, this was allegedly completely made-up.

In a blog post at the time, I wrote... "I get that its a fundraising thing, but I think it's in very poor taste to use Maki's traumatic experience in this way.  They aren't creative enough to come up with other ideas, so they pimp out this poor guy's kidnapping?  I can't even with this lack of conscience".

I was hurt by this.  In my opinion this took Peterson's disrespect for the Animals to another level.  Using what Maki went through in this way, was beyond disgusting.

Pace's concentration on the Baobab Tree is comical.  There is a Baobab tree in the Sifaka, that has been there for six years, and never has been talked about to the extent it was in this presentation.  Highlighting the larger version that is an eye sore, is just padding to the illusion of their own faux greatness. There has been more attention spent on that damn tree than on the Animals. Unfortunately that is nothing new.  Director Peterson favors art installiations, gardens and other non-Animal related ventures, more than the Animals. Tanya Peterson has no care or compassion that the Zoo is an Animal Care Facility.   Our Zoo Needs a Director who does.

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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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

  

Fingers Crossed The Panda Plan Folds On Its Own & Ends The Reign Of Tanya Peterson

I feel like I've been relatively quiet about Zoo stuff, unless a news article compells me to respond, rather counter the bullshit with reality.

I have continuous Zoo related thoughts, and always making notes, for words I want to express about the Zoo outside of this blog.  Unfortunately, I don't often get farther than my notes in any timely manner. ... Last night I was working on organizing thoughts, when I checked email and saw this... 

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/zoo-pandas-fundraising-politics-20018982.php

What more can be said about the Panda Plan? 

Not much, as anyone who really cares about Our Zoo, knows bringing in Pandas at this time is  irresponsible, and disrespectful to all the Animals that currently live at Our Zoo.

The whole Panda Plan has been a sour note from the start.  There has been opposition from not only members of the Public, but from members of the City Board Of Supervisors.  That said, the real shit-show is how acquiring Pandas will throw Our Zoo into long-term financial ruin, and how it will negatively affect the current Animal Residents.  

The most recent chaos that will ensue, is the plan to displace the Lions.  Director Tanya Peterson has had absolutely no sense, in any logical vision for the landscape of Our Zoo, for the sixteen years she's held the reins.  She will stick anything, anywhere, just to get something she wants in Our Zoo.  

It really pisses me off that Director Peterson, has no problem displacing the Lions from the Lion House, which sounds ridiculous when you see it as simple as that.  

It really pisses me off that Director Peterson is willing to remove the Lions from their home, and spend millions to build them a new home.  It's pure insanity, and disturbing considering she did shit zero for the Orangutans, who she kept in caged tubes for eight months.  The Orangutans were dumped into the ancient Triple Grotto after being here two years without their own home.  The Orangutans need a new home.  Not the Lions.

I apologize to regular readers, who continue to listen to me champion for the Orangutans, but they have been disrespected by Director Peterson since before they arrived.  The lack of appropriate housing prevented them from being able to move in their natural and necessary physical motion, and has scarred them emotionally and mentally.  So, the broken record will continue to play.

Tanya Peterson will continue to sing and sell her songs of illusions to everyone, especcially anyone who can help her further her and the Zoological Society's personal agendas.  She and the Society will continue to hide behind certifications (USDA) and accreditation (AZA) both "awards", that do not reflect the real issues in her mass mismanagement of Our Zoo for the last sixteen years.  

Hopefully the Panda Plan will burst, and with that Peterson will ride her broom out of Our Zoo and let people who care about it, Save Our Zoo.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/lion-relocation-plans-disgusting-that.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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison

Bison Fence Storm Damage Update & Responce From RecPark

On December 16, two days after the storm that triggered a Tsunami alert, I wrote this post...

Storm Takes Down Fence At Bison - Will RecPark Make Repair A Priority?

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/12/storm-takes-down-fence-at-bison-will.html

As noted in my last post from Christmas Eve, I also emailed the RecPark a letter I'd been working on regarding the longtime negligence of the sprinkler system and dried out state of the meadow during non-rainy season.  I added in a mention about the fences and my concerns after seeing a friends photos, that it makes the Bison vulnerable. After looking at the fence myself, I emailed again and asked if they ordered replacement fencing for the Bison Paddock.  In my opinion, the fence panels should have been ordered that Monday December 16.  The semi-tornado storm the Saturday before took down entire portions of fencing on the West and East sides and in the front along JFK, at least four panels are damaged and being held together with Zip ties.  I know they are busy with downed tree clean-up, but there should be immediate attention to secure an area where there are Living Beings.  Note the Bison are secure and contained in the back meadow.  I did see RecPark in the front Meadow digging?  Crossing my fingers, maybe they're working on sprinklers, as well there was work being done on the feeding structure roof.

As Richmond District Native, the Park has been my backyard my whole like.  I spend the majority of life on the westside, so the Park is on my regular route.  I had seen no change to front fencing, or fallen trees.  Yet this past Thursday, I got an email reply to my inquiry sent Wednesday December 18th, which was...

> Do you know if replacement fencing has been ordered for the Bison Paddock?

There is damage on the:

*South (JFK) side, trees cleared, four panels being held together with Zip Ties.

*West side, tree on fence, wide open into holding area.

*East side, tree on fence, wide open into main meadow. <

Curiously, this was the reply I got...

> Apologies for the delay. Our Operations team quickly worked to repair the Bison Paddock. 

Thank you for caring for our parks, 

SF Rec and Park <

So, I'm assuming the RecPark considers Zip Ties, repairing?  As well, no other attention has been given to the West and East damage.  In my opinion, this is unacceptable, for an area that houses living Beings.

My question regarding whether replacement fencing has been ordered was not answered.  If it has and there is a delay in receiving it, that should have been relayed in reply and there needs to be some kind of temporary fencing rigged up.  But, don't tell me it's been repaired.  I'm not stupid or blind.  

Again I understand that our poor Park is a disaster zone, especially in that area, but I still find it unacceptable that three weeks later, there is still Zip Ties and wide open panels, with fallen trees on them.  I walked the area on Friday morning, just in case I missed some action while in for several days, and not only was nothing done, except larger Zip Ties, but the East side had many stumps from trees cut and removed, yet the tree is crushing the Paddock fence is still in the same place.  I would expect that tree to be a priority, as well the few that toppled five panels of fence on the West side.

Here are my photos of damage...

Front side along JFK...

West side...

East side...

Am I the only one who thinks this is unacceptable and concerning?  

Fencing is meant to keep areas secured.  Having wide open panels is a problem, and the front panels that are buckled can be breached by small off leash Dogs.   Then what, owners trying to get in to retrieve their Dogs, causing the Zip tied panels to collapse?  It all just seems like something to be concerned about.

I also took this video of what appears to be attention to the sprinkler system...

San Francisco Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock - Sprinkler Update 1.3.25

https://youtube.com/watch?v=NYyR0ZrLxOI&si=j4UBKUwUYN3lRW7b

Additionally, there are a few signs on the perimeter of the Paddock fence that have been in continuing despair for a few years.  Another RecPark neglect to the Bison.  These signs were posted after a Dog got into the Bison Paddock thru one of thirty-six **breachable points in the fencing (another RecPark neglect), resulting in the death of a newly aquired babie Bison.  An avoidable tragedy.

These signs read, Dogs Must Be Held On Leash In This Area. Posted for a reason, so one would assume they should be readable? ... I will be asking RecPark when can we see all the signs like this replaced.

** My video of that fence issue in 2012

Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock Fence - Outrageous and Concerning!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9WplGJnJge4

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,
#SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie
#AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas #Bison