More Unrecognized Passings To Acknowledge

In a post I made July 13, just after Tenzing the Red Panda passed away, I wrote...

"Unfortunately because of so much Zoo bullshit and the often overwhelm of it, my recognition of Zoo Friend losses is inconsistent.  That really bothers me, especially if it's also a passing that has gone unacknowledged by the Zoo.

Admittedly, the Friends I have given recognition to, have been those I know and/or have visited regularly.  That said, whether it's a larger, recognizable resident, or a smaller, often mostly behind the scenes resident, all of these lives matter.  Every Mammal, Bird, Reptile, Amphibian, and Invertebrate, are part of the Zoo Family, and has someone who cares about them.  Each one is part of the heart that is Our Zoo." 

After Tikal passed away, I was thinking about another passing, that had gone unrecognized. My Sweet Friend Angelo the Anteater, passed away in December.  He was one of my besties and it hurts my soul that I missed making a Tribute post for him.  I couldn't believe it.  When I realized it, I looked back for others, who then kept coming to mind.  I have missed too many.  I'm mad that Zoo bullshit has interfered, causing me to lose my way on what is really important to me, which is respecting these Friends.  With every loss, I privately give remembrance to them, and think of them every visit, acknowledging their spirit.  Still, it's upsetting when they aren't recognized by the Zoo.  

There doesn't need to be a full on press release, but with the onset of social media there is no reason a mention can't be made, especially of the Animals that are visible to the public and who the public may be endeared to.  It's all about Respect.  Respect to the Animal, their Care Staff and the Visitors who love them.  

I mentioned there were others who kept coming to mind.  I ended up going back through several years of documents and made notes.  Maybe someday I will make a long list and post Remembrances for those who never got a mention.  RIP to each Zoo Friend lost.  Bless Their Soul.  

Remembering Angelo

I knew Angelo for sixteen years, since I started learning about the Animals as individuals.  Angelo was born Oct 26, 1998 in Fresno, and came to SF in August 1999.  Like many of the Zoo Residents, Angelo quickly started recognizing me and/or my voice.  I talk to all the Friends, and always sweetly say Hi to them.  Angelo has always come over to the front to greet me back.  

Angelo Giving Me Some Sniffy Greetings

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U-JX_h17Qd0

With His Awesome

21st Birthday Fun in 2019

Some other memorable moments caught on video

Bathing In His Pond

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

Playing With Utensil Enrichment

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/EBMnhbpUKBU

About ten years ago Angelo was moved from his home at the Puente exhibit, to an enclosure across from the east side of the Lion House.  His old home allowed him too much access to dirt, which he loved to eat, but his tummy was not happy.  At this new enclosure the ground covering was chipped bark, and he thrived there.   Not long before his Twenty-Sixth Birthday, he was taken off exhibit, and moved back to the Puente, to breed with his past mate Evita.

This move, like with so many before him, was very upsetting.  I've expressed my feelings before about these moves without any notice.  It's not right.  Visitors should be given advance notice so visits can be made in preparation that it might be the last time you see this Animal that you have become endeared to.  This time, with Angelo, he never came back. 

In Angelo's case, the sadness was even worse, as in my opinion he should not have been moved.  He had become a Super Senior, with the health issues that come with that.  His living situation, routine, and physical behaviors, should not have been disrupted.  He should have just been left alone to motor around his own home, in his old man ways, not be forced into a completely different situation at this stage in his life.  Certainly not for breeding. My opinions are from a compassionate point of view and from watching him. I will always wonder if taking him out of his comfort zone, exposing him to female scents, then the actual action of mating, just wasn't too much for him.  

I voiced my concern after his passing, in conversation with someone I trust.  I asked whether this all could have exacerbated his time here.  They said that wasn't a factor.  Still, I'll always wonder, and think no one will ever really know how it affected him.

RIP Sweet Angelo, Bless Your Soul.  

Thank you for the friendship.  I really miss you and your Precious face to face hello sniffs. Knowing you has enriched my life.  It was a Beautiful, long journey.  I Love You.

Remembering Otters

This past week, while in a conversation, two other disrespected Friends came up.  While it's been a couple years plus, I think about them every visit, and still hear visitors mention them.  I will never forget that their passing's were never acknowledged,  Trent and Si'hal the Otters.  

I have Loved all Our Otters, and thinking back, I don't think any of their lives were recognized by the Zoo when they left us.  Female Pescita and Trent were companions when I first knew them.  

In 2010, after seeing a video of Otters with Coconut for Enrichment, I brought some for Pescita and Trent for her Birthday.  See the video...

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

After Pescita passed away, Sable joined Trent.  

Sable

When Sable passed away, male Si'hal became Trent's final companion.  

Trent and Si'hal Wrestling in Snow for World Otter Day!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=s3pRIXH6AUw

Each one of these Friends was a Joy to watch, especially when they would swim up to the window and give some face time cuteness!

Sadly, Trent lived through several losses and was alone for many, many months before his passing in 2023.  All these babies deserved to be acknowledged.  Trent, like Angelo, was a long-timer.  I don't know when he arrived, but he lived at Our Zoo at least fifteen years, possibly much longer.

One favorite memory was watching Trent eat a Green Pepper.  I got a fun faced pic that I titled, Trent Gettin' His Pepper On.  Wanted to share it, but while I saw it the other night when I was looking for pix, now I can't find it.  Here's one from when I used to post all the Zoo Friends Birthdays.  

This is a super cute video of Trent Rubbing on a Log, that possibly had scent for enrichment on it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yKxlMwXimH8&pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD

RIP Pescita, Sable, Si'hal, and Trent.  May each of Your Souls be Blessed.  I have been blessed to know each one of you.  I miss you all.  Thank you for being a part of my life.  I Love You.