So yesterday (well Saturday, now that it's after midnight), the Standard posted an article about the Mayor and Pandas.
This post was originally titled, Why Has The Mayor Seemingly Refused To Comment Regarding Pandas. It now seems after I literally let the Cat out of the bag, with my post about Our Zoo evicting Our Lions, both the Zoo and the Mayor have made statements, even though neither as expected.
It has been rumored that the Mayor was allegedly seeking Panda donors. So, considering he has talked about Pandas, counting on them to strengthen ties with China and increase Tourism, it seemed maybe he was invested more. A plausible assumption, since the Zoo is broke, and one would think, if they can raise funds, it should logically and morally be for the Animals that already live there.
Well, in another twist in the Lion/Panda saga, it appears that more than likely, that may not be accurate.
The Standard article contains quotes from both Mayor Daniel Lurie and Zoo CEO Cassandra Costello, as well a Letter requested by "the Zoo", from Lurie "to show Donors and the Chinese Government that City Hall still supports the project."
The contents of this letter, to me translates, that as a leader of the City that owns the Zoo, he's behind this effort, but not directly involved. He makes it clear he is supporting the Zoo's fundraising effort, but not with financial help, at least not from the City. I think we learned with former Mayor Breed, that City Funds would not be involved, but does this mean he is also not courting independent donors?
If the Mayor is completely distancing from any financial efforts, this would mean fundraising is exclusively in the hands of the Zoo (CEO Costello/Zoological Society).
That would then mean, Zoo Donors (whether Society or external), would rather put up $25 mil for just the first years expenses, than put $25 mil into upgrading the Cats, and rebuilding Triple Grotto.
The thought of that is extremely Disturbing.
If the Zoo would be responsible for raising all the funds, it would really be shameful that they would seek to secure $25 mil for Pandas, while the rest of the Zoo crumbles and we lose beloved Animals because of it. If this is true, I literally can't understand it.
Investing $25 mil in Our Zoo, is more than the return on Pandas would probably be.
One of the hundreds of comments I've read this weekend, echoed my "Taking Care At (Of) Home" mantra...
"Losing the lions for potential pandas is about as sensible as planning a trip to Mars when the Earth needs our attention."
Think of what the Zoo, without the Panda expense and chaos, could do if Donors directed the reported $25 million to Upgrades and other Needs?
I have.
Upgrade Cat Yards for Lions/Tiger
Rebuild for Chimps (Triple Grotto)
Rebuild for Otters or Monkeys
A question open to those who know Our Zoo. Without building brand new enclosures for new Animals, with the exception of bringing back species lost, What are three things you would like to see done for the betterment of Our Zoo and it's future?
Come on, all you Anonymous readers, drop your list in the comments!
Zoo CEO Costello was quoted, “We appreciate the city’s continued engagement as we explore the possibility of bringing giant pandas to San Francisco,” “This project is an exciting priority, and we are working on the necessary steps to make it a reality.”
Is there not something wrong with putting Priority on a Possibility, when there are Needs Now?
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> Related Posts: The last six, from May 21-31
> Comments:
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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 , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees , #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison , #Gorillas , #Lemurs , #Lions
