Well, it happened, the Zoo finally announced late yesterday afternoon confirming their plan to move Our Lions out of Our Zoo.
My goal with the last three posts, was to get CEO Costello to make a statement about Our Lions and/or Mayor Lurie to do the same about his alleged fundraising efforts for Pandas. So, either my efforts worked, or this was coincidence. I don't believe in the later.
After writing yesterday's post, I was running late and had a lot to do, so I didn't get to networking that post to any Officials. I still will, in addition to this one, because I still think those posts contain valid information.
I have a problem with most of the statements in this article. So, I'm about to shoot some holes in their announcement.
So, yes, I do not believe their reason given for moving Our Lions. Of course, this is only my opinion, and if I'm ever wrong about something, I'll admit it. I don't know everything, but I know a lot, and I have never heard one word that there was a concern about the Cat Yards being an issue as the Lions age.
Big Cats, both Lions and Tigers have been aging in these same yards for ninety-three years, without being moved out. Jasiri's Father and Grandfather both had the mobility predisposition, and lived out their lives in these yards. Fences were put up to prevent entry to the moats for at least one Lion and two Tigers, that I can remember. At the time these two current Cat yards were four, so they are a much larger area to fence, but it's doable. They could possibly even build a tall fence in place of where old finger walls used to be, to reduce yard size, to create a smaller fence line along moat cliff. The question is do they want to?
That answer is given and it's no. Yet a premature no, as these upgrades aren't even currently needed, and may not be for years to come. The Zoo could realistically close for good before the Lions exhibit any age related issues that would require upgrades. So uprooting Our Lions is being done on a hypothetical, being sold as a need.
I believe this is purely Panda agenda driven. I believe if they didn't have a plan to use the Lion House for Pandas, Our Lions would not be moving. If they weren't holding the Lion House for Pandas, this discussion would not even be happening. It reads like a diversion from Panda invasion, to make the public feel better about their choice to evict Our Lions. No Pandas and Our Lions stay in their home.
I'm sorry, but I wouldn't buy this reasoning for ten cents. That said, I don't need to be the know it all, so, let's for a few questions, go with this being 100% true. If this is not attached to needing to clear the Lion House for Pandas, then...
Why does the long tradition of having Big Cats have to end?
Why can't the Lions stay where they are until, if ever, they actually show the signs of aging being put forth?
If at that time the Zoo can't afford to make the necessary upgrades, then revisit relocation. If this is truly not Panda related, then let the above play out.
If this is a reason and move they plan to stick by, then,...
Why doesn't the Zoo acquire another pair of Lions, and a Tiger for the other Cat Yard?
This would allow for the Zoo find a more comfortable home for Our Lions, while still housing fan favorites. New Lions would not be my Lions, the ones I'm attached, but keeping Big Cats at Our Zoo would go a long way with public satisfaction, and support. Isn't that's what's desperately needed right now?
It would seemingly make sense if this move was truly not Panda related, but we know it is.
So of course the above is my realistic hypothetical. A very logical reaction. What does having to move one pair of Lions, have to do with the ending of a ninety-three year historic tradition?
The answer is nothing. The Zoo needs to keep Our Lions Home, and acquire a Tiger for the neighboring enclosure that has been empty for too many years.
The Zoo is allegedly barely hanging on, rumored to be at constant risk for closing. The financial situation is dire. They are literally banking on Pandas Saving Our Zoo. Yet there has been no word on where the fundraising for that stands. News reported recently Pandas were coming early 2028, yet this article notes, they might not even come. Let's say 2028 is accurate, that's two years away. Two years of waiting on a maybe. The Zoo needs to concentrate on fixing things now, not holding vigil for something that may never happen. Two empty Cat yards, added to all the other vacancies, and the upcoming Triple Grotto closure, the Zoo can not afford the kind of backlash this decision will bring.
The future is not looking bright for Our Zoo. No Big Cats at Our Zoo could be the nail in the coffin for Our Zoo.
What is the doable and logical solution. In my opinion, there are a few things, but none they will probably do.
Adopt my Taking Care At Home slogan, and start doing just that. Stop sending away fan favorites, try harder to keep them because it pisses people off. Fill empty enclosures, they can't keep raising prices or expect people to buy Memberships when the Animal collection is dwindling. Elevate presentation, there are too many things that are in need of care, that cost little or nothing.
Additionally, in my opinion, the Zoo needs to come clean and publicly say the reality is, the Zoo could close at any time. They need to say they are holding onto the hope that increased revenue from Pandas save them. They need to plead with the Zoo-going public to visit and support, while assuring that their support is not going to Pandas. That last bit is important because many are not in support of Pandas.
The last two highlighted areas make absolutely no sense to me. Using "feasible" in reference to there being no other areas for the Lions, is misleading in my opinion. Why doesn't the Zoo just say, they can not financially afford to build a new enclosure for the Lions, because they have no money.
If there was even funds raised for Pandas, those are probably locked donations, meaning Donors aren't willing to give to Needs, only Wants. I learned this as it has been a downfall with some Zoo Board Donors over the years.
The Lions don't need anything financially related now. They don't have any health related issues that prevent them from staying put. They just need to be left alone and left in their home. They are being treated like the invasive species. The Zoo needs to figure it out and stop fantasizing about Pandas moving into the Lion's Home. They need to steer away from a plan that is not logical and now, not morally acceptable.
Maybe none of what I think is doable is a remedy or bandaid at best, but the reality is, the Zoo is broke and they are seemingly going to hold their breath for the next two years, on the fantasy that Pandas might come and save them. A lot could be done in two years to change the situation.
If the Zoo did a "reevaluation" and decided to Keep Our Lions, I have two ideas I will give them, that will definitely raise funds, for their future needs if that time comes.
They need to stop the insanity of holding the Lion House captive for Pandas. The Mayor allegedly is talking with big company Donors. Big companies in this town are obscenely wealthy, get them to kick in a few extra million, and take the Panda Party to the huge space next to Grizzlies.
The bottom line is they are moving Our Lions to further their Panda agenda. Otherwise Our Lions would not be leaving, as they have no current mobility health concerns, and it could be years, if ever, before they did.
This is pure Bullshit, and everyone can smell it.
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