What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part One

Time sure flies.  Looking at my draft document for this post, I see it's been a day over three weeks since my last attempt at finishing it.  I try every weekend, but fail often, because I hate Zoo blogging.  After fifteen years, it's a drag.  That drag is also a weight.  As I have previously said, I feel like it's important to document stuff, as well in more recent times, I think my (member of the public) voice is even more important, because at least my goal is always with the betterment of Our Zoo in mind.  My words are backed by lifelong on the Zoo grounds experience, and eighteen years of consistent interactions with Zoo world professionals, both inside and outside Our Zoo.  Whether I'm expressing thoughts on things I have an issue with, or putting forth ideas, it's all backed with care for Our Animals and Our Zoos ability to thrive into the future.

While I know some of my efforts have helped Our Animals, and Our Zoo, the 8,000 hours+ spent has had limited satisfying moments.  A very high percentage of that time, has come at a cost to my health and to the neglect of things in my life that are more important.  In hindsight, I want back all that time.  I only keep on being a voice, at least until the Panda Plan plays out, because until then, there's still hope for Our Zoo.  And with that, hoping to one day soon be done.

The post draft I started three weeks ago, will start at the *, remaining as previously written.  Considering this past Wednesday's announcement that Interim Co-CEO Cassandra Costello has been appointed to the position of CEO/Director of Our Zoo, I think before publishing again, it would be weird if I didn't acknowledge that.  For the sake of flow, I don't want to make a dedicated post about it now.  Last month, in choosing which drafts to go with next, I chose putting forth long-standing ideas about What I Think Our Zoo Needs, over the other option, which reached back to management thoughts. 

Since I still have thoughts pre-appointment, and I also don't need to have anymore Zoo stuff take up space in my mind or in notes, I want to say that other than the Zoo's Facebook short post, I haven't read any other reports, news articles, opinion pieces or public comments.  I'll read and react when I get to that point.  Who knows when that will be.  

For now, my only reaction is that I'm not surprised by this appointment.  I thought this would happen, and Costello is probably as good a choice as anyone, and maybe has an edge, as she is from here, and at least knows (I hope) the issues Our Zoo faces and the challenges it has, having worked within the current higher management structure, as inefficient as it is.  Additionally, it's been six months.  Allegedly there were others interviewed, and rumored that some were offered the job and declined.  Months ago I wrote a thought to self note, "No one wants to take on our broken Zoo.  That's how we ended up with Tanya Peterson in the first place".  She became Director by default, and destroyed Our Zoo with her mass mismanagement and cruelty.  I'm hoping for better times ahead for Our Animals and Our Zoo.  While there have been a handful of small changes, overall I've been disappointed in the lack if momentum the last six months.  I'm remaining optimistic for now.  

*Today marked six months since Our Zoo has been free of former Director Tanya Peterson, and as long since the Co-CEOs have taken the management reins.  

In recent weeks I've mentioned posts in draft.  Until a couple weeks ago I thought there would only be two, maybe three.  The first one which was prompted by the November Chronicle article whose title boasted a "Major Shift" due to new leadership, and a TV news story the same week touting "Revitalization Plans".  It started mostly as a reaction to those claims, but with that reaction came more thoughts that have been on my mind, so I'm splitting it up for clearer subject documentation. The other one, is an update of what I think the Zoo should focus on in relation to the Animals.

After five posts stemming from the EcoPark Fantasy, I have bounced back and forth which to go with next.  If I had gotten to drafts in a timely manner, the November one would have been done before all the EcoPark ones.  Now that it's become a series, and one that could possibly spur more in the same vein as time ticks on, I think the one about the Animals is a better fit for this next post.  I think coming off the heels of the EcoPark Fantasy, presenting what I consider a more realistic alternative would be a good post in the flow.

I ended the second of those previous posts with words in reference to the Zoo's mention that they were working on a Master Plan.  I wrote,...

"Having seen previous Master Plans, that are elaborate dreams of grandeur, I seriously hope the Zoo does not itself entertain fantasy."

By this I refer to previous Master Plans and Dreams of Grandeur, which never materialized.  I know the Zoo has been called out for not having an updated Master Plan in years, but I don't think they need to give into that, especially coming off eighteen years of mismanagement that included projects of Want (Madagascar), not Need, and of lackluster and mediocre design (Snow Leopard), along with other scatterbrained ideas, including the disturbing "renovation" to Triple Grotto (north) for the Orangutans.  I'm not sure who entirely to point the finger at for any of those designs, as former Director Tanya Peterson allegedly always had the last word on everything, down to a tweet, but there are other non-Animal Care staff who were on her team, including a Project Manager, and Consultant, who allegedly had input.  

That said, I hope moving forward with any Animal Enclosure builds or renovations, that Animal Care staff input is taken into serious consideration, and the projects heavily monitored, as the same team is curiously still in place.  A lot of money was wasted on all projects mentioned, as well as other (in my opinion) on a whim ideas that weren't thought out, and not long-term, or permanent fixtures.  So much waste.  Money that could have been spent better.  Don't get me started again on the million plus wasted on the Train situation.  

Also a waste of money (rumored to be $300,000 +) was the metal plates added to the east Cat Yard (B) to supposedly contain the Jaguar.  This was done even when management was allegedly told by Animal Care staff, this wasn't going to work.  This type of disregard, and waste needs to stop.  It's also been rumored that architect's hired have no previous experience with designing Animal enclosures.  Animal Care staff input, competent designers, and a highly monitored project team are necessary.  

Sorry, but one more thing on waste of money.   And, I concentrate on money, because of the eighteen years of no fundraising during the former Directors reign.  Too many needs like keeping the first Komodo Dragon in a terrarium and Orangutans in caged tubes, were vetoed during that time allegedly because of no money, yet money found for wants like the recent Under the Canopy art installation.   Sorry, I digressed, the one more thing about money is the alleged consistent stream of Contractors, Chinese Officials, and other entities related to acquiring Pandas.  I was there one day maybe a month ago, when half dozen contractors types were entering.  They ain't coming there for free.  In my opinion the Panda Plan is a Fantasy.  It's rumored all the permits, and most likely all the funding, is not in place.  The Zoo should not be spending any money on Pandas, especially when they are still not a reality, and in my opinion, never should be.  It's curious that there wasn't a halt to this whole Panda Plan during the Audit, that is supposed to in part determine whether or not the Zoo can even financially handle the long-term costs of Pandas.  Anyone with half a brain and probably less, doesn't need an Audit to know that answer.  Anyway, per my City source, the Audit is supposed to be made public in April.

So, now that I've written a novel before even getting to What I Think Our Zoo Needs, I think I need to also split this post.  What I will do in ending this, what is now Part One, is briefly expand on my title.

In my opinion Our Zoo needs...

1. Start aggressive fundraising for a build on the site of Triple Grotto.  The Chimpanzees are set to be transferred out.  Once that happens, the Orangutans will be moved into the Chimps former home.  Triple Grotto as is will no longer house Animals.  The redesign timeline of that space will be pending funding. 

*This is only in first place as it will soon be a vacant site with a fence around it for years, like the Madagascar disaster project, and that project had funding.  In my opinion, this should have started immediately when the thought to transfer out Our Chimps came into play.  Actually, it should have started ten years ago, as the former Director's alleged plan was to always transfer out remaining Chimps (after senior originals passed away), and move Orangutans into their home, leaving Triple Grotto empty.  Now, unless huge donations are made and soon, most likely Our Zoo will see it's 100th Anniversary in 2029, with a huge empty pit in a focal point of Our Zoo.  This is a travesty.  The Zoo needs to make the Triple Grotto site a priority, not just for the eye sore it will be, but to bring Chimpanzees back to Our Zoo as soon as possible.  The 100th in 2029 would be a wonderful goal, but seems unfortunately unlikely.  Although, end of 2029, is over three and a half years, it could happen if they focus on this project and not Pandas!  Our Zoo needs to Gift us with Chimpanzees for Christmas in 2029!

2. To make the Animals currently living there the Priority.  I'm not saying their care is not, I'm saying in my opinion there are things that can be done to make some enclosures better.  Of course pending funding, but this could be done with minor fundraising.

3. Acquire Animals for empty enclosures.  

4. Plan next new builds with Animals in mind that the public has missed, and repeatedly asks about.  

This list does not include Pandas, or Animals that the Zoo has not previously had.  No Fantasies, just in my opinion what would better Our Zoo for the current Animals, and make Our Zoo going public happy.   In my opinion, people would rather see improvements be made for Current Residents, or new builds only to bring back Animal Species we've transferred out or lost, over Pandas.

Some notes the the Items above.  Expanded notations in following post(s).

#2  After seeing the enclosure for the Radiated Tortoises in the Madagascar exhibit area, I'd like to see more space for the Aldabra and Galapagos Tortoises.  I have long thought the Aldabras needed a larger space than their current space at the Family Farm.  They have grown considerably, at least three times their size since relocating there from the Komodo Yard where they first landed upon arrival.  The Galapagos seemed fine in their current enclosure, until I saw one exiting the night quarters and the doorway fit looked tight.  Whether currently accurate from my perspective, fact is, they will eventually be outgrowing that space.  There are two spaces I think could be renovated for them that I'll note in a following post.

#3  I understand that more Animals, cost more money.  That said, Our Zoo can not continuously keep having empty enclosures.  The main issue for me right now is the previous Hippo enclosure.  That coupled with a vacant Cat Yard is a real problem for that area of Our Zoo.  Again, the Zoo needs to abandon the Panda Plan.  Enough is enough with keeping one of those huge yards empty on the hypothetical it will one day house Pandas.  It's been four and a half years since Our Tigers were transferred out.  Our Zoo needs to acquire a Tiger.  The public constantly asks about Tigers, and far more than about Pandas.  They also ask about Hippos.  I'll mention my Hippo idea in a following post, but for now, the Zoo needs to fill that enclosure.   There are alleged reasons for it remaining empty, but it's been almost a year and a half.  There needs to be more life at that end of the path.  The reasons have it seemingly being in hold indefinitely.  The Zoo has long wanted to bring back breeding Black Rhinos, which I understand would require renovated use of the Hippo area.  Additionally, regardless of a rumoured female Pygmy Hippo following the previous male's arrival, was ever reality, at this point I think it was known that SF was a transitional home, as allegedly the set-up while fine for a single occupant, is not appropriate for a breeding pair.  The later being said, any Rhino expansion is most likely and rightfully so, long off, and that Hippo area needs to be used.  It seems it could be used as a transitional home for another Pygmy Hippo, or for Capybara.  I have missed Capy's at Our Zoo.  I think they would do well with the Tapir in the Puente exhibit where they previously resided, but the Hippo area might be a possibility, until they move on their Black Rhino plan or continue to bring in single or non-breeding Pygmy Hippos.

#4  Pending funds, in my opinion, two of the first new builds should be for the return of Otters, and for additional Monkeys.  Again, two Animals that visitors and members constantly ask for.  I have ideas for both, that I'll share in a following post.

My other ideas for the farther future include new build for current Black Bears, revisiting expansion for Snow Leopards, new build for definitely bringing back Nile Hippos, and if possible Polar Bears.  I'd also like to see an enclosure built to house rescued wild Mountain Lions in need of a captive home. Something I think is an unfortunate, growing necessity.   

My ideas are just that, thoughts of what I'd like to see for Our Zoo.  Ideas I think our Zooing public would enjoy and embrace.  Whether they are realistically doable, or align with the Zoos thoughts or plans, that's unknown.

No Pandas!  At least not in the near or extended future.

Related Post: 

What I Think Our Zoo Needs - Part Two

(upcoming)

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