I have had this on the to-do list since Our Zoo was finally rid of Tanya Peterson as Director August 1st. With the Government Shutdown effecting SNAP benefits as of November 1st, it seems like the perfect time to get this done.
As I write this, I remember back to the start of Trump's first term, when someone shared with me an email Peterson had sent to staff after Trump took office, Welcoming him, and hoping he takes care of our Wild Things. My ears pulsated when I heard this. Anyone who cares about Animals could see way before he was nominated, that this was not a person who was going to do good for any wild thing.
As Trump forged ahead with his Dictatorship, I also noted Peterson was developing a similar management style as the head of Our Zoo. The parallel was unfortunately too close. In this moment I reiterate this comparison. One year ago, just before the Thanksgiving holiday, Peterson removed Our Zoo from the list of facilities that participated in the Museums For All program. This program allowed Low Income members of Our Community access to Our Zoo at a discount. Now, Trump is not allowing Low Income American Citizens their Food benefits.
For years, Our Zoo, along with other area facilities, several in the RecPark (the same department as Our Zoo), participated in the Museums For All program. Additionally, in the Summer of 2024 Our Zoo's Membership department was allowed to create a Community Access Discount of 50% on all Memberships for SNAP recipients. This offer was substantial, and valuable to many who visit the Zoo regularly. ... Peterson ended that as well, just two weeks after the New Year.
By not participating in the Museums For All program, Our Zoo is excluding Low Income Visitors/Families from experiencing Our Zoo affordably any day of the year vs random free days. Our Zoo should be Inclusive to the entire Community everyday.
On December 4, 2024, immediately after learning of Peterson's action, I contacted the RecPark and asked... "Do you know if Tanya got permission to opt out of the Museums For All discount at the Zoo? Or is that her discretion whether or not they participate in the Museums For All?" ... I never got a reply.
On January 23, 2025, I sent an email to the Park Commissioners... "The latest offense by San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson excludes Low Income Visitors from experiencing Our Zoo affordably. Our Zoo should be Inclusive to the entire Community. The Zoo is under your jurisdiction. It would be in everyone's, Our Zoo and Community's best interest for you to endeavor to have it reinstated."
That same day, I also sent an email to the Board of Supervisors, alerting them of this offense to Community members.
On May 1, 2025, after receiving a comment to my blog post from a Mother who had arrived at the Zoo only to learn she could not affordably enter the Zoo, I again sent emails to the RecPark Commissioners and Supervisors. I shared her words... "I had no idea SFZoo stopped being apart of the museums 4 all. I was about to buy tickets and the worker saw my benefits card. My total was $100 for my 3 kids and myself. I said sorry, that’s a lot and made my way to my car with kids crying. What a disappointment. I type this in my car getting ready to leave the zoo parking lot."
This really upset me. It should never have happened. Instead of a visit to Our Zoo filled with joy, all those kids will remember is being shut-out. They were not welcome at Our Zoo.
Since then I have received additional comments similar to that Mother's. Obviously, RecPark Commissioners were not moved by this, as I asked them to over-ride Peterson and bring back the Museums For All program to Our Zoo, and that never happened. After the long battle to rid Our Zoo of Peterson, we now know the RecPark Commissioners, who are supposed to be an Oversight entity to the Zoo, do not feel it's their responsibility to do anything more than "advise" the Zoo.
Other Park attractions still participate in the program. Our Zoo should be a part of this integral community necessity.
With the Holidays approaching, and Tanya Peterson finally gone, I will now contact Our Zoo's Interim CEO, as well the Mayor, since he was instrumental in freeing Our Zoo from Peterson. Maybe one of them will care enough to reinstate Our Zoo's participation in Museums For All.
Related Posts:
*Director Ends Zoo's Participation In Program For Low Income Visitors
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/01/director-ends-zoos-participation-in.html
*How Zoo Director's Decision To End Low Income Discount Affected One Family Today
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/04/how-zoo-directors-decision-to-end-low.html
