Saturday, August 23, 2025

Unaware Mayor & Officials Still Pushing For Pandas - Unpacking Director's Resignation Media Attention Pt Three

I'm finally getting to finishing this post!   It's been in draft since July 1st, the day the media reported the former Director's retirement.  News sources also quoted the Mayor.  This is part of a two-parter, that is focused on two comments regarding the Zoo, made by Mayor Daniel Lurie in his statement at that time.  One was specific to "leadership", which I covered in a post last Sunday.  The other was specific to "Pandas", which is the focus of this post.

"Lurie, in a statement Tuesday, said that “under new, stable leadership, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to reach new heights.  I want to thank Tanya Peterson for her service to the Zoo and our City.  I look forward to working with the Board and the new leadership to improve our Zoo and fulfill the rare and exciting opportunity to bring Pandas to our City.”

I have chosen to address this statement, because I think Leadership and Pandas are the most important initial factors, on the road to healing Our Zoo.

My bet would be that Mayor Lurie, Supervisor Melgar, Members of the Zoo Board, and RecPark, have no idea how bringing in Pandas will affect Our Zoo.

Do they fully grasp the long-term financial commitment the Zoo would have to take on?  What happens when initial spike in attendance drops?  

Do they have any knowledge about what bringing in Pandas will do to the Zoo?  The change in the landscape by taking over the Lion House inside and out, the displacing, and possible transfer out of Our Lions, the disregard for the Needs of the Animals currently living at the Zoo, and the continued neglect of other Needs, both in adding to the collection, and fixing issues on the property? 

When was the last time the Mayor, was at the Zoo either in his current position or as a visitor?

When were any of the Panda supporters?

The Officials who have the Authority to Stop the Panda nonsense, and yes I'm once again talking to the Mayor, the RecPark, and the Board, need to seriously open their eyes to the reality, not the fantasy. 

Speaking of RecPark, they are part of the Oversight panel that sits on the Joint Zoo Committee.  Has acquiring Pandas even been put to approval vote in that forum?  No, it hasn't.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, has said she is “110% pro Panda” and fully supports bringing them to the Zoo".   I'd like to know What she bases her "full support" on?   When was Melgar last at the Zoo?   Has she seen the enclosure that houses Our Orangutans?

Supervisor Connie Chan, seems to be the only one who has spoken logically about the Panda situation.

In April 2024, the Chronicle published it's first of many expose style articles about Our Zoo.  Two days later, then Mayor London Breed announced she had secured Pandas for Our Zoo.  It was a week of madness.

Supervisor Chan initially made statements questioning whether funds raised for Pandas could also address deferred maintenance at the Zoo. 

The agreement by the Board if Supervisors to allow sitting Mayor Breed to raise funds for Pandas, stipulated that a portion of those funds would also need to be used for the Needs of current Zoo Animals.  Once Breed was out of office and former Zoo director Tanya Peterson took over raising funds, that became void, as any monies raised by the Zoo (Peterson), are considered general funds and use is dictated by Zoo management (again, Peterson).  With Peterson at the helm, the Needs of current Zoo Animals, specifically, but not limited to, Our Orangutans, would have never been met.

Additionally, Officials, and supporters within the Chinese community have touted "economic growth" and have used that as their cornerstone crutch.  When in reality, there are economic factors that have not been investigated and/or vetted thoroughly.

The biggest factor that relates to everyone's "growth" reasoning, has only been reported once.  

"Rebecca Snyder,  Chair of the Giant Panda Conservation Foundation, is quoted, "Snyder said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers permits to zoos,... does not allow them to keep any profit from pandas. Instead, it expects extra money to go to back to panda conservation in China."  A recent financial breakdown of sorts, reported such a kick-back.

I have tried many times to confirm this, emailing Snyder and the USFW, and asking specifically whether Zoos benefit from additional revenue brought in by Pandas.  I have gotten no response, which I consider suspicious. 

The most recent statement by Supervisor Chan is the most realistic...

“It is mission critical for the San Francisco Zoo to have a safe and healthy environment for the wellness of the animals and their caretakers,”  “We must have competent and transparent leadership at the Zoo to ensure this work is done before we can even begin to position ourselves to welcome Pandas to our City.”  

Chan's words from last year echo the same, "...if the Zoo needs to pause its Panda project to address financial and safety issues, “so be it.”

That said, how far will Chan use her voice to support that? There is a long list of Needs to address, will she champion for those Needs to be met?  When was Chan last at the Zoo?  Has she seen the enclosure that houses Our Orangutans?   She certainly knows about their plight, as I have provided her with documentation of their sad journey at Our Zoo.

My Mantra...

Our Zoo Needs to do better for Our Orangutans, before moving forward in any way to bring Pandas here.  And, the solution is NOT to transfer Orangutans or Chimpanzees out of Our Zoo to make that happen.  The Zoo is home to both Species and that should not change.  The Zoo Needs to maintain Chimpanzees in their home here, and build an appropriate home for Orangutans here.  NOT a new home for Lions, to accommodate Pandas.  Lions Stay, Chimps Stay, Orangutans Stay.  No Pandas.

It is completely irresponsible to saddle the Zoo with the financial drain, upset to the landscape of the Zoo, and displacement of current Animals, while trying to address all the Needs.   For what, a Want for a Species Our Zoo can't afford, has no logical place to be housed, and would take priority over current Animal Needs.   Hell No.  No Pandas.

When I read about anyone who is on board with bringing Pandas here before taking care of the current Needs of Our Animals and Our Zoo, I feel like they're under some kind of spell.  They are clearly uneducated because they do not come to the Zoo.  They just listened to either the former Directors illusions and untruths, or they just think, Ooh Pandas Great, without considering what that would mean to Our Zoo.  One might think, well, maybe they don't know they need to be educated?  Well, after the last year and a half, with everything that's come out about the mismanagement and ignored Needs, there just can not be anybody with any care that can say that they don't know that there are Needs to be met before the Zoo takes on something like Pandas.

Do any Panda supporters care?  The answer has to be No, otherwise the Panda Plan would have been stopped at the same time the former Director was.  You know who does care, Animal Care Staff, and concerned Members of the Public.

I hope the Animal Care Staff who are against the Panda Plan are speaking up to the interim CEO's, so they can convey it to the Board, and other Officials.  They all Need to understand what bringing Pandas here will do to Our Zoo.  

Our Zoo is supposed to be entering into a new era.  Will that era be one of Care?

Has any Official talked to anyone on the Animal Care Staff about Pandas?  The previous Mayor did not.  The former Director did not.  Members of Animal Care Staff allegedly appealed to the Board.  They obviously didn't care, because as recent as July 1st, the Board was quoted saying it remains committed to bringing Pandas to the Zoo.  

The current Board has proven they could not make good choices in Zoo Leadership, opting to keep and support the former Director, despite overwhelming evidence of her mismanagement, and calls for her removal.  They should not have sole final say in acquiring Pandas.

Once again, the Mayor, and the RecPark are in the position to Stop the Panda Plan.  

Hopefully, they will take the time to educate themselves on what bringing Pandas here will cost Our Zoo, not just financially, but in every way.  Our Zoo needs to heal and have a chance to mend, without being thrown into the turmoil of Pandas.

Related Posts:

*The Moral Crime Of Bringing Pandas To Our Zoo

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-moral-crime-of-bringing-pandas-to.html

*What Will Happen If the Panda Plan Goes Through

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/what-will-happen-if-panda-plan-goes.html

*There's An Alternative To Ruining The Lion House For Pandas

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/05/theres-alternative-to-pandas-in-lion.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








Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Palm Oil Free Donuts! - Are You Out There?

Day in today from peopling.  Lounging while the sun shines bright outside and warm inside.  Finally West SF is getting some Summer!

Still thinking about yesterday's Zoo Fail.  Within minutes had four Zoo ideas, that would benefit the betterment of Our Zoo.

Satisfied with that, about to pick a movie and further relax.  Scrolling through social media, the mention of Donuts sparked memories of a lost love.

No one might care about this personal and I think fun post, but it's my blog and I thought my AI creation came out too cute not to share.  And the Awareness is worthy.

I miss Donuts.  They will always be my favorite food.  Have not had one in many, many years because I can't find one without Palm Oil. ... If anyone knows of a place, please hip me to it!

Messenger AI created my fantasy in less than two minutes!  ... Funny note.  It asked me if the Orangutans were "running a secret donut shop in the Zoo" 😂!  And said my sign text was "perfect for Orangutan Conservation Awareness" 😊

I'd be in line at Palm Oil Free Donuts every day.

Read labels people.   This Killer Oil is in everything.   

Related Links:

Made these videos years ago for Awareness.

*Palm Oil Products Sold at Target ... Nov 2015

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pUtvBur2f2Y&pp=ygURbGVvODExc2YgcGFsbSBvaWw%3D

*Palm Oil Kills - Halloween Candy - How Many Animals Died For Your Treats? ... Oct 2016

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CMyioiZOjN0&pp=ygURbGVvODExc2YgcGFsbSBvaWw%3D

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Happy World Orangutan Day! ... Our Orangutans Got Nothing!

Three minutes to midnight and I'm just starting this post.  I wanted it dated today, August 19, as it is World Orangutan Day. So, I cheated, published title, then reverted to draft.  Apologies if that's not cool, but I ran out of time this evening, as I spent a couple+ hours pulling videos to share, and getting side tracked watching Orangutan videos.  

When I went to the Zoo yesterday, I saw Zoo Friends doing new stuff.  I decided this week I might try to start a new regular post, This Week At The Zoo.  I have a post in mind that follows-up the last post, so wanted to to do that one first, then the week wrap-up.  I thought, it'll be fun, I can share Ben the Camel and Bajkit the Przewalski Horse are now sharing space, Raj the Snow Leopard had a huge cardboard sand box with wood dust from a tree trunk, and his daughter Tikka, had a huge play pen box.  Then there was today, and now we have this post instead.

Happy World Orangutan Day to Our Ollie and Amoi! ... This photo and video are from August 19, 2020, before they had their own enclosure.  They had some access to the Chimps yard, and got a wonderful celebration for their Species Awareness Day.

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

But not today.  There was nothing for them, and there was nothing at their enclosure to educate visitors on the plight of wild Orangutans.  Big Fail!

There was a time many years ago when Our Zoo didn't do anything for Awareness Days.  Some where along the way, little by little celebrations starting popping-up, to the point where they were decently regular.  If it's a weekday, I always go, just in case, and hope to see some special enrichment fun.  I was surprised there was nothing.  Not even a sign stating the day, and some information about why it's important to recognize this Species on this Awareness Day.

I was disappointed and frankly pissed.  Not pissed because I didn't get to see some fun, I'm pissed because it's mass disorganization, that reflects badly on Our Zoo.  It was an opportunity to educate visitors about Orangutans, their plight, how to help, and about Conservation efforts.  Even larger than usual missed opportunity, as it was Free Day and the Zoo was packed.

I have high hopes for new management, so I don't want to be too judgemental, but I do feel like the Co-CEO's should have had this coordinated.  The CFO/CEO of the team, Jeff Pace, in my opinion should have had a game plan in place of what he thought the Zoo's Needs were as soon as they took the reins. He had his previous knowledge and at least a couple weeks before the former Director left. The COO/CEO, Cassandra Costello, gets a little bit of a pass because she probably doesn't know anything about the Zoo's Needs.  He's been there over a year I think and if he has risen to this position, then he should have identified Needs and prioritized what could be done with no money, what could be done with little money, and beyond.  I obviously don't know anything that is going on in regards to what their course of action is, I'm just saying I have a game plan, so I expect those who actually have the job, to have one.  Mine may be a fantasy game plan but hey, you got to be prepared in case you win the big Lotto and can buy the Zoo.  So while that's very far-reaching, I am just trying to say that we're now in the third week of their management, there's no reason why there couldn't have been at the very least a sign for World Orangutan Day. Making sure Awareness Days happen on the actual Awareness Day is essential for all the factors I already mentioned, and one that lends to what I think is desperately needed there.  I'm not saying what that is, because they have the gig, they should know.  

Someone texted me in the afternoon and said they are now planning to do Orangutan Day on Saturday.  Good Grief, that's just lame.  Today was the day and they missed it.  At least Ollie and Amoi will get party fun.

The Phoenix Zoo had it together and celebrated today.  Our Amoi's brother Wgasa, and his Lady Rayma, got Orangutan Day fun at their home there.

https://x.com/phoenixzoo/status/1958015974222827905

One of my big irks from the former Director's reign, was funds spent on Gardens and Art Installations.  It was often rumored some of those were allegedly funded by Donors, not money from the general fund.   I've heard doubts about that though. Regardless, in my opinion when you have Needs, your Wants have to wait.  I also take issue with Members of the Zoological Society who would fund Wants, before Needs in a facility that cares for Live Beings.  Anyway, the Canopy Installation is the latest unnecessary addition.  This in particular offends me.  It's a Rainforest set, with fabricated trees.  It's not that it's not well done, it's the slap in the face to the Orangutans that upsets me. The Orangutans were kept in caged tubes, and when they were finally let into Triple Grotto, there was no renovation FOR them.  No Trees to climb on, yet they watched fabricated ones being built across the path.   Sad and Shameful.


The Canopy Installation was open Monday.   I filmed a walk-thru of it today.   Commentary about the Installation, and my opinion about how it relates to the Orangutans.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_sTe9zZZWJ8

Related Post:

*Orangutans Can See Construction Of Fabricated Trees, But They're Not For Them ...   10.15.24

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/orangutans-can-see-construction-of.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


Sunday, August 17, 2025

Mayor Mentions No Changes In Management Structure - Unpacking Director's Resignation Media Attention Pt Two

Heading into the closing hours of the weekend, and once again I'm attempting to tackle finishing posts in draft.  Other than sharing stuff about the Animals, I don't want to blog anymore.  These posts in draft are a weight.  The post topics that swirl in my mind are a weight.  They are all long overdue for posting, for documenting.  Their hovering in limbo cause me anxiety.  I need to be done, but I press on, because I feel an obligation to document every last bit of residue regarding the former Director's path of destruction, and how it might possibly affect Our Zoo's future.  

Much may be a repeat of what I've said before, but I try to make every post stand alone, and particularly lately as most, like this one, are sent to City Officials.  Often written, specifically for that reason.  

July 1st, the day the media reported the former Director's retirement, news sources also quoted the Mayor.

"Lurie, in a statement Tuesday, said that “under new, stable leadership, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to reach new heights.  I want to thank Tanya Peterson for her service to the Zoo and our City.  I look forward to working with the Board and the new leadership to improve our Zoo and fulfill the rare and exciting opportunity to bring Pandas to our City.”

For the purpose of this post, I want to focus on the Mayor's words regarding "leadership".  I'll attack the Panda situation in following posts.

Words from the Mayor sound like the only change will be in a new Director/CEO.  What about the malfunctions of the Zoological Society Board and the RecPark in this whole mess of the last seventeen years ?

What happens if changes, or at the very least the defining of these entities roles doesn't happen?  Will there be instances of mismanagement that are again ignored by the Board and RecPark, the City Department tasked with oversight?  Will there still be domination by suits over Animal Care professionals and other staff that have no voice, but yet have more knowledge?

Our Zoo is off to a fresh start, with the addition of a COO (Chief Operating Officer), Cassandra Costello, who is currently also Co-CEO (Chief Executive Officer/Director), along with the previously installed CFO (Chief Financial Officer), Jeff Pace.  Since she was hired before the forced resignation of the former Director, I will assume she will stay on after a new Director is hired.  Once that happens I hope she partners with someone on Animal Staff, considering she, like the former Director, have no experience in managing an Animal Care Facility.  That by no means devalues her, I have long thought it completely necessary for Our Zoo to have a top level "manager", another factor that the former Director did not possess.  It seemingly would prevent a dictatorship.  Another reason why I put forth the idea of a Cooperative style management, made-up of a team.  I think having formed this Co-CEO team is a start, and if someone from Animal Care was added to the team that would not only be ideal, but an asset.  It may even prove to be a winning combination, and negate the need for a new Director, at least for a period of time to see how effective that team could be.  Saving that huge salary would be a bonus and could go towards overdue Animal Needs.

That all said, it has been a thought of mine whether the Board will let her do her job, or find fault, even be resistant, to changes she might want to make, because their support for the former Director was overridden by the Mayor.  This is another reason why it's important that a restructure, and definition of roles within complete management (Board and RecPark), should take place.

I hope the Mayor will stay true to his words and be involved with Our Zoo through this transitional time.  I hope he educates himself on where the pyramid of power broke down.  Indeed, the former Director is to blame, but so are those who enabled her by ignoring their responsibilities.  Those people include the RecPark General Manager and Commissioners, and the Zoo Board Members, some supporters still seated.  I think it's important to document this as leaving extended management entities status quo, seems like continued negligence.  This is the time to get it right.  It may be the last chance Our Zoo has to thrive and survive into the future.

The Zoological Society Board proved to be biased in their blind support of the former Director.  Members have taken no active action to gain any knowledge about the Zoo, other than what the former Director told them.  The Zoo cannot have a Board who doesn't know anything about the facility it governs, that is not managing.  That is not caring.  They treat the Zoo like their private club, keeping their roster biased, even installing Docents on the Board in seats meant for Community Members.  Their officer election meeting is supposed to be open to all Zoo Members, yet is closed to those who have raised questions.

The RecPark acts like the Zoo is not even a part of their Department.  Three Commissioners sit on the Joint Zoo Committee, and have been useless in oversight, and dismissive of Keeper Staff when they have tried to bring attention to issues.  I have taken massive aim at them for their continued negligence in responsibility to the Bison Paddock.  They refused to include the Zoo in their Perimeter Fence project, saying they can pay for it themselves, even though they installed over a mile of fencing around the Botanical Garden, a department facility also privately managed, just like the Zoo.  They have never mentioned the Zoo's upcoming events in their newsletter.  They can't even put a Zoo pole flag near Bison.  

The Board and certainly the RecPark, especially after Commissioner Mazzola's bewilderment of the state of the Zoo, and offense at being questioned for RecPark's negligence, need to recognize their part in the state of Our Zoo.  These people need to uphold their responsibility to Our Zoo.

I had planned to reiterate a synopsis of my Restructuring Management post from last October, but it's just too much to tackle.  I'll link it at the end.  It's a decent read for anyone who cares to think about ways to make things better.  It details my opinion, ideas, thoughts, about what a healthier Management could look like.  I took time to really think about the structure, with fairness in mind.  Since I've learned some things in the ten months since I put those ideas out there, I may have another go at it.  It's still a solid frame, but can also be a fluid outline, that might benefit some tweaking.  Not that I have any say in the matter, but like other ideas I publish, at least I'm thinking about things and how to make them better for Our Animals and Our Zoo.

I have not read through it since I published it, but have thought about the structure.  I know I had something similar outlined, but for the sake of this post and for what, in my opinion is probably the most necessary component of a restructure, I'm going to put forth something.  In my opinion, at least two VPs on the Animal Care Staff, and at least one Senior Keeper (not Curator, but representative of the Keeper Staff), should be part of the Board, and be at least one of the three Board Members who sit on the Joint Zoo Committee panel.  While that is completely doable in the snap of a finger, under the current structure, not one Zoo Staffer is on the Board.  This means they have no say in what happens in the Zoo's Animal Care Dept, even though they, not Zoological Society suits, are boots on the ground in Our Zoo, an Animal Care Facility.  There is something very wrong with that.

Furthermore, if no Animal Care Staffer is allowed to sit on the Board, then they should at the very least have a seat on the Joint Zoo panel.  There must be a better balance in a situation that involves Lives, as Our Zoo does.  It cannot be such an unbalance of power, especially when the power side is an uneducated entity.   Case and point, the Animal Welfare Commission Report, that was initiated by two Joint Zoo members, who sought the opinions of four Animal Activists, all who are proponents of seeing all Zoos close.  The outcome was a nit pick list of issues that would require 100s of million dollars to attend to, and that's if every issue was even justified.  Point is, Animal Welfare representatives who sit on the Joint Zoo Committee, are so uneducated in Zoo's, that they exclusively sought out Activists, instead of including Zoo Staff.  And then, submitted it to the Zoo and Board, as some kind of bible.  I found it outrageous and irresponsible.

I tried to keep from rambling, but as we enter the era of new beginnings, many of my recent and subsequent posts could serve as the last documentations on all the past wrongs, fails, and frankly bullshit, from the last seventeen years.  Hopefully some of it brings Awareness and Enlightenment to those who can make the changes Our Zoo desperately needs.

NOW is the Time for Change. 

Change for the Betterment of Our Zoo.

Related Posts:

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part Two - Restructuring Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo_19.html

*The Change That's Needed To Save Our Zoo - Part One - Current Management

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-change-thats-needed-to-save-our-zoo.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

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Animal Notes - New Male Gorilla Arrives - Female Snow Leopard Returns

A couple short notes.

Even though I still have management type posts to get out of draft, I'm making an effort to move into posting more about the Animals.  The last sixteen months were too heavy on drama, and if anything besides Our Zoo's Freedom from the former Director has shown, is people care about Our Zoo and most importantly, Our Animals.  They are the Heart and Soul of Our Zoo.

I still have stuff I want documented and reiterated while Our Zoo goes through management changes, and I may get to some of it this week, but for tonight, it's all about Cecil and Tikka.

On my visit yesterday, I was lucky to see Tikka, the female Snow Leopard who has been off habitat at FCC for a couple years.  She and her brother Tsering were previously on rotation with their Papa Raj, between the new Snow Leopard enclosure and the existing one.   With both Tsering's and Tikal's (Jaguar) sad, sudden, and recent passings, I assumed, and confirmed Tikka would be moving back.  

My sighting of her was very quick.  Her eyes were locked on Raj, her neighbor once again.  But, she quickly retreated to her night quarters.  She was moved back last Thursday, but when I saw her yesterday, that was her first time out.  So, lucky I was!  If you're a Zoo Visitor, check both enclosures and see who's hanging out!

Yesterday also presented the path around Gorillas closed, and word that Cecil, the new male Silverback, would be arriving today.  I had heard mid-month, so this is close to target, and exactly one month since Louisville Zoo threw Cecil a going away party.

Received an update today that Cecil arrived safely!  From what I understand, it will be a week or two before he can go on habitat.  He is going through quarantine, and will have to get an all clear fecal test before entering into a shared space.  

I miss Our Oscar Jonesy dearly, but this new era for Our Gorillas will be exciting, and mostly, I'm just happy for the girls!   Crossing my fingers they're going to be happy to!  So, keep a watch at Gorillas.  If sometime soon, you see only one out, it may be Cecil!

Related Post:

*New Beginnings For Our Zoo & Our Gorilla Family

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/new-beginnings-for-our-zoo-our-gorilla.html


Sunday, August 10, 2025

Why I Think It's Important That Members Of The Animal Care Staff Have A Voice

I have written much about my opinion that the Voices of the Animal Care Staff need to be a part of New Management.  It has been a desperate Need for at least the last seventeen years, the duration of the former Director's reign.  Too many wrong decisions made, ignoring Keepers and other's on the Animal Care Staff.  Our Zoo is an Animal Care Facility, their input is valuable and vital. 

Coincidently, yesterday morning as I prepped to finish the two "Unpacking" posts in draft, I decided to look at my Facebook memories, something I usually don't do until the evening.  A sad memory from an upsetting Zoo event seven years ago came up.  So, before I move on, I'm going to give some space to that, as it's representative of past management, led by the recent outgoing Director not putting value (listening) in Our Zoo's Animal Care Staff.  The list of offenses is long.  I've posted so many instances for years, that for now I will just post this, as I believe that things that happen "coincidently" are instances that are meant to be, not in "coincidence" in it's usual intention which is by chance.   The later I don't believe in.

Remember, I posted this to my personal FB, so be warned my words are emotional and casual, as I am speaking to my very small circle of friends that I share posts with.

August 9, 2018 ... I wrote this while at the Zoo, on the first day the Snow Leopard Cubs were going to be out...

"I am so pissed right now. I feel awful for these poor little Snow Leopard Cubs. The Keepers wanted to bring them out in the morning for a few days to get them used to the area before the Zoo opened.  Now Management not Animal Care Staff has made it a whole thing and issued a press release and is going to have media here and everything so the first moment these poor little scared two month old babies walk out into this exhibit without their mother for the first time there's going to be media here, people yelling and screaming at them banging on the window it's going to be packed.  So fucked up.  I don't know why the Zoo makes these fucking bad decisions as far as Animal Welfare they just don't care, they just want the media attention. You know they could have let it be at least this morning and tomorrow morning and then done the media thing tomorrow afternoon to lead to weekend.  No reason to do it.  They couldn't have even let the Keepers go with their plan for today and then the media thing this afternoon, but no, they had to do it this way.  Those poor little cubs are going to be so scared my heart breaks for them. I don't know what the fuck is wrong with the people that run this place. ...they don't care how their decisions affect the animals it's so disgusting."

From my blog post dated August 11, 2018, linked at the end.

As noted in my post from last October, detailing my opinion, but what has become and can be, a fluid outline of what a healthier Management could look like.  Since I've learned some things in the ten months since I put those ideas out there, I may have another go at it.  It's still a solid frame, but might benefit some tweaking.  Not that I have any say in the matter, but like other ideas I publish, at least I'm thinking about things and how to make them better for Our Animals and Our Zoo. 

That said, I will further add/reiterate...

In my opinion at least two VPs on the Animal Care Staff, and at least one Senior Keeper (not Curator, but representative of the Keeper Staff), should be part of the Board.  While that is completely doable in the snap of a finger, under the current structure, not one Zoo Staffer is on the Board.  This means they have no say in what happens in the Zoo's Animal Care Dept, even though they, not Zoological Society suits, are boots on the ground in Our Zoo, an Animal Care Facility.  There is something very wrong with that. 

Their voices should be heard.  Their experience acknowledged.  Having an Animal Care Team from the Zoo on the Board, allows for those with knowledge about Our Zoo to have some say over what happens at the Zoo.  Giving up a small amount of seats to Staff Members, would not be damaging, but beneficial.  For the last seventeen years, the Board has been clueless (by their own lack of care), to what goes on at Our Zoo.  That should never be allowed to happen again.  

NOW is the Time for Change.  

Change for the Betterment of Our Zoo.

Related posts:

*HOT TOPIC! - Snow Leopard Cubs Debut - the Amazing and the Upsetting ... August 11, 2018

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/08/snow-leopard-cubs-debut-amazing-and.html

Link includes video of what happened at the event.

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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

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

A New Era For Our Zoo - Let's Hope So!

While I'd like to take a long break in posting now that Tanya is gone, I gotta keep on, keepin' on, at least with a few things.  Not only does this week and into the next, have many important dates for me personally, I need that break.  I'm going to endeavor to wrap-up those two "Unpacking" drafts, as we head into a new and hopeful era for Our Zoo. 

I wrote that and the rest of this post Saturday, and planned to publish the next day, along with one of the other drafts.  Obviously, I didn't get that far.  Considering that note of immediate ambition was days ago, and my need for personal time starts tomorrow, wrapping-up anything, may not happen in the next couple weeks.  Not only do I want it done, I also think those posts are necessary for enlightenment and awareness, for those in position to bring on change for the future betterment of Our Zoo.  So, I will try to find pockets of time.

The new COO (Chief Operating Officer) Cassandra Costello started yesterday, taking the helm assumingly along with the current CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Jeff Pace.  Pace mentioned at the last RecPark Full Commission Meeting that they would be interim Co-CEOs (Chief Executive Officers).   I previously posted about his reveal,...

"It's a bit surprising to hear the word and implementation of the term "Co-" , the Zoo has not to my knowledge ever had a team leadership at the highest level, but this has been a major component of my thoughts on Restructuring Management.  I'm disappointed that someone within Animal Care is not half that team.  Pace mentioned the search for the next Director, but didn't say if he and Costello will maintain the shared CEO duties after a new Director is hired.

If the next Director is not someone with an Animal Care background, I am leaning towards doubting that there will be much change in the management structure."

I feel very strongly that someone in Animal Care needs to have an equal voice, and seat at the table, in whatever new management structure is formed.  Regardless of whether that is interim, with this COO/CFO team, or with a new Director, regardless of whether they have Animal Care experience, I think it's important that current Animal Care Staff are included in all decisions, and their voices heard at all times.

If I had to choose just one Tanya Fail in the past seventeen years, it would probably be that Tanya (Peterson, former Director), did not listen to Animal Care Staff.  She had absolutely no experience in Animal Care, yet she failed to include those who did in on her ideas and/or plans for the Animals, which could have benefited the Animals and Zoo as a whole. 

Last Fall I wrote a detailed outline on what I thought a restructuring of management should look like, for the whole system to work to Our Zoo's advantage, moving into a thriving future.  It was based on the heavy inclusion of Animal Care Staff, as well as redefining the roles and duties of both the Zoological Society Board and the RecPark Commission.  Both the Board and Commission have been negligent in their responsibilities to Our Zoo the last seventeen years, throughout the reign of Tanya Peterson as Director. 

Members of both the Board and Commission have not admitted to any negligence of duty over the past sixteen months that Our Zoo has been under scrutiny.  They need to suck it up and accept that their free rein with Peterson contributed to the state Our Zoo is in right now.  No part of past mismanagement, past misappropriation of funds, or past dictatorship, can be a part of Our Zoo's future.   Our Zoo needs a management that is tight with oversight, it needs massive fundraising from sources big and small, and it needs to be run as a team, with everyone working together for the betterment of Our Zoo.

That all said, moving forward the two big questions on my mind are,...

*Will the new COO be engaging with Animal Care Staff?

Not only including them in ideas and decision making, but most important regarding Pandas.  In my opinion, that is the one thing Animal Care Staff has to be immediately vocal about.  With the exception of one, and that person may have just resigned to it because there was seemingly no choice,  no one I have talked to thinks Pandas are a good idea.  Most infact flat-out think its a bad idea.

*Is there a plan to confer with the Board, RecPark Commission and Mayor, regarding Restructuring Management?

In my opinion, there are serious issues within the clarity and execution of the Management duties of the Zoological Society Board, and the Oversight duties of the RecPark.  These responsibilities have been ignored for the last seventeen years, thus directly related to what was allowed to happened to Our Zoo.  Sorting this out in the near future is a necessary Need.

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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

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Consensus Is - No One Will Miss The Former Zoo Director

Former Director.  That sure does sound good!  Even though I'm hoping writing about her is a thing of the past, I might have to use that a few more times!

My previous post published Friday, her last day, was my fastest moving post in all fourteen years.  It garnered forty views in less than two hours from publishing, now over a hundred.  May not seem like much, but for my outreach it's decent.  Overall, since 2011, 990+ posts have totalled just under 560,000 views. 

While the all-time total comments is just two from 1100, that post garnered the most comments at seven.   People had passionate words, so I'm including them here.


Thank you to everyone who shared their feelings.  This will always be a forum for that.

I've written much about being overwhelmed, and desperately needing to heavily reduce blogging.  That exhaustion has also led to a delay in responding to comments.  I just spent near two hours replying to these new ones and ones still waiting from last few months.  And I still haven't finished.

Unfortunately, I think it's time to take the pressure off myself.  I added a notation on the comment form, that moving forward, I can't guarantee a reply.  If a question is asked that I can answer, I will endeavor to do that.

The future of my posts will concentrate on what, if any changes I notice in new management.  I also want to get back to posting more about the Animals, less about the bullshit.  I'm hoping the bullshit moving forward will be greatly reduced.  If new management can't make a difference, Our Zoo is seriously doomed and won't make it to it's 100th Anniversary in 2029.

Anyway, I digressed a bit.  The gist is, I need to greatly reduce the amount of time I spend on documenting Zoo stuff.  The average time spent on one post is 6-8.  So, I've given approximately 7000 hrs to the cause.  That's equal to almost a year and a half, of a full-time job.  And that is only counting this one blog.  Prior, I had many other Zoo related blogs, including two that claimed over 800 hrs.  So, I hope readers understand why I need to alleviate the pressure of comment replies, and why I will eventually reduce pressure of documenting much at all.

The main pain that was the former Director, will be gone, and noting again, I think the incoming COO, future Director, Board, RecPark and Mayor, will need to recognize Our Zoos Needs, and hopefully finally do right by it.  Time will tell if new management will care and listen.  Staff have spoken, I have spoken.  My work is pretty much done, except for the wrap-up of drafts, and the estimated next few months of reiterating the Needs of Our Zoo and monitoring any progress in change.

The new era starts tomorrow, as the new COO takes position.  Fingers crossed.  

Related Post:

*Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out! - Director's Last Day

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/08/dont-let-door-hit-you-on-way-out.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



Friday, August 1, 2025

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out! - Director's Last Day

Well, we have finally arrived at the day we have all been waiting seventeen years for.  Our Zoo will be Free of Tanya Peterson as Zoo Director!

A few days ago I posted a Countdown to July 31st, but apparently we have this one day left.  Reports of Tanya's Retirement listed August 1st, which I think I interpreted that as July 31st would be her last day.  End of month, seemed logical. Logic has never been a part of anything Tanya has done, so I shouldn't have assumed.  Maybe it was just the excitement that threw off my count.  None of it matters.  By the end of today, Our Zoo will be rid of her.

I've heard from many people in response to some of my posts about Director Tanya Peterson's Resignation.  Almost everyone has echoed on their own, the same phrase that first came to my mind, "Good Riddance"!

Some might think that is harsh.  It's not.  It's no secret that I am not a fan of Tanya's.  She's done some really shitty things to me, and even more to Our Animals, that by my standards makes her a really shitty person. 

To Tanya, 

Your Retirement is a decade plus overdue.  You should have been gone so many torturous years ago.  The majority of Zoo Staff will be celebrating and raising a toast to your departure.

Your Forced Resignation is Justice for all Our Animals, innocents that you disrespected and treated badly. 

This is for...

Ollie and Amoi, Our Orangutans
Cobby, Minnie, Maggie, and Tallulah, Our Original Chimpanzees
Falcor, Our First Komodo Dragon
Wishbone and Annie, Our Andean Bears
Violet and Dorian, Our Fossa
Jesse Patrick, Our Patas Monkey 

...and All The Others who I may not have known about, and those I just suspect, or that my mind has fogged over the memory of, your inflicted cruelty to.

I know you will never admit to your lack of care, your mismanagement and the advantage you took of your position.  If you had been a team player and listened to those you were lucky to have around you, Our Zoo could have shined.  Instead you are leaving it with a dark cloud, like the one you came in with and vowed to lift.  You were gifted with one of the best jobs someone who cares could wish for, yet your lack of care kept you from pure appreciation and kept Our Zoo from reaching its potential.  You caused great sadness to many, both human and nonHuman. 

Happy Retirement Tanya AKA Good Riddance!

Related Post:

*Zoo Director "Accomplishment" Fails - Unpacking Director's Retirement Media Attention Pt One

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/07/zoo-director-accomplishment-fails.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