Concerns For Our Lone Lion - How Long Will Jasiri Be Left Without A Companion?

I had a few other posts in draft to put before this one, but after another visit to the Zoo yesterday, this can't wait.  I need to document this situation now.   It's unfortunate because the other posts were Animal Updates, but energy with not right Zoo stuff is near zero and has been for many years, that's why I still haven't gotten to the Madagascar bullshit after five years.  I need to wrap up all these posts that document and illustrate the management fail by Director Tanya Peterson.  Hopefully someone who cares will see them and the Zoo will see brighter days under a new Director.   

I apologize for not being able to make those Animal Update posts, right now, this is most pressing and obviously there can't be any truly smooth times at the Zoo for that to happen.  

Two of the things I was going to write about was the passing of my sweet friend Sukari (female Lion) and how thankful I was to be a part of her life & a pleasant visit I recently had.  Three weeks ago, after hearing about Sukari, I went to the Zoo to talk to her spirit.  I am a believer that the spirits are always around, and it's important for me to have a moment after their passing to tell them how important they are to me.  I still talk to many of our passed friends when I'm at their former homes.   

It was a nice morning and not many visitors, so I had some time alone with Sukari's spirit and her son Jasiri.  As I stood there, watching Jasiri sleeping, so many questions swirled my mind.   The main one being, when will Jasiri get a companion.

I always worry about the survivors, especially when one is left alone.   The thought to bring in a companion, is not to replace Sukari, which could never be done, but because Lions are social beings, who need to live with other Lions.  Seeing him alone has sent me on a course of major upset.  

Last October, there was a notation in the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting minutes that the Zoo was seeking approval to acquire two females from the Oregon Zoo.  Reading this and knowing it was in preparation for the future of course made me uncomfortable, but also comforted that Jasiri's future needs would be taken care of.  I don't read the minutes every month for the same reason I don't closely follow the Zoo's social media.  There's always something that's going to irritate me.  So, I didn't see this until the end of December.  I immediately checked the Oregon Zoo socials to try and learn who the Lions were, but they seemed to have several females, so I emailed them.   I asked which two females were being transferred.  Their reply was none.  This was curious.

On my visit the following week, I saw Animal Staff and Maintenance in the newly finished Cat Yard.  It seemed they were doing a safety inspection, so I thought maybe the girls were already here in quarantine.   I later found out they had not yet arrived.   I was happy to hear new girls were still coming, so when the time came Jasiri would not be alone.  

Here's a video I made a few months ago of the finished Cat Yard expansions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aC6yWTq2sI&t=71s

I don't like to think of losses at all, but once an Animal reaches a certain age, while we hope and pray they continue to thrive and push the limits of life expectancy, in the case of a social being like Lions, thoughts to the future have to take place.

Over the next couple weeks, each time I've gone to check on Jasiri and see how he's doing, he's been sleeping.   The new yard remains empty.  Allegedly there are no new Lions on the way.  I'm now very concerned with how long Jasiri will remain alone.

The work on the new yard began last June, around the time that Sukari celebrated her 20th Birthday.   Twenty is a huge milestone for Cats, and I would have hoped a search for additional Lions would have started then, if not sooner.  Early last year when the first cat yard expansion started (finish time was approx six months), the Zoo knew they would have a new yard for additional Lions in the next year.  Acquisitions should have been secured.  Yes, that is here nor there now, just noting that the Zoo could have been proactive earlier.  

So here we are closing in on a month after losing his Mother and Jasiri is still alone, with no companion allegedly even identified.   It's beyond sad.

Here are my questions:

*Is the Zoo actively looking for companions? ...  They have to have known since before Sukari's passing that those two from Oregon weren't coming.

*Does the Lion SSP (Species Survival Plan) help? ...  I thought they did, as they manage the Lion population in North American Zoos. 

*Will the Zoo be passive and just leave Jasiri alone? ...  I heard a couple years ago, after the Zoo lost it's two Tigers to San Diego, that allegedly Director Tanya Peterson did not plan to ever bring in new Tigers or Lions.  Is that about to happen?

There have been too many instances of mismanagement by the Director, and this is just another in the long list throughout her fifteen year reign.   I hope that Jasiri will not end up another Animal who's needs suffer because of her uncaring attitude toward the non-human lives that live at our San Francisco Zoo. 

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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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Happy Birthday Sukari! - Past Party Pix

You might see I have three posts in draft. I started them last weekend and never finished.  As I've written often, writing about the Zoo is energy sucking, so I do alot of putting it off.

I jump ahead today, as I have been thinking about this Beautiful Lady's Birthday all week.  During the week I asked if she would get a Party, but no one knew.   I hope she got some special treats today.

Happy Birthday Sukari! 

I Love You Lady!

I Love Celebrating all the Animals Birthdays!  I have Loved Suki since the moment I saw her, and she has always held a special place in my heart. Most of you know, in 2010 my friend Lee and I made Enrichments for the Big Cats almost every weekend for ten months, and on occasion for the Bears.  One of the most satisfying Enrichment Events we did was for Sukari's 8th Birthday.

I tweeted a photo of it earlier today and then started to tell this story to my Facebook Friends.  A bit through, I decided to make it a post, because it meant so much to me.

Our Enrichment for her 8th Birthday in 2010 was instrumental in helping her come out of her shyness. Brought to the Zoo in 2009, Suki was still hiding in the quarantine and cave areas, eight months after arriving.  We barely saw her!  The Keeper (Barb) wasn't sure she would even come out to participate in the fun, as until then, all the Enrichment Toys we had made, she had quickly snatched and brought to quarantine room, or not touched til after hours.  I said, no worries, we can just try.  

My idea for Suki's Ice Cream Social developed.  A Grotto-wide celebration for all the Big Cats!  I made Lion sized Ice Cream Cones, and Party Bags for all the Cats.  Lee made Suki's Birthday Cake and Mache Balls for Skylar/Leanne, Ming Wah and Rigel (Snow Leopards).

The wheels were turning about how to get Sukari to enjoy her Party with Tunya!  That night I thought the best plan might be to place her her Cake in front of one of the cave doors.  Since she would be sitting in the cave while Barb set-up, when Barb opened the door to let her in, she would most likely flee to the other side.  So, my idea was to open the door opposite of the one where the Cake was, so that when she fled to the other cave she would see the Cake in the doorway!  The plan worked exactly how I imagined!  Putting her Cake there was just the thing to intrigue her curiosity so much she couldn't resist! Shy Girl stuck her head in the doorway, just enough to grab her Cake, and bring it into the cave with her!  She wrangled the whole thing through the doorway!  Tunya was behind her and they both disappeared into the cave.  I ran out and round to the yard, and by that time they each had half the Cake!  She sat with him and they both had big fun together!  It was so wonderful to watch!   After a bit, Suki noticed the top tier had fallen off.  She went over and got it, proudly strutting away carrying it across the yard in her mouth!  She was so Happy and so was I, to see her like this!  It was amazing to see her so comfortable.  This was the first time we were really able to see her being herself and it was a beautiful thing!  It was a turning point for her and I was happy to be a part of it.

Here's the photo I tweeted, a screen-cap of some of the photos from the sequence I just described.

Too view the whole series of Sukari and Tunya and the Birthday Cake, visit this link
Sukari's Birthday Bash!
https://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/2610

Links to Pix of other Cats enjoying Enrichment Toys for Sukari's Birthday!
Suki's Ice Cream Social
https://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/2499
More Suki's Ice Cream Social
http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com/2010/08/mix-it-up.html

Link to my Enrichment Blog
http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com

Jillian Gets a Mate! - Meet the Zoo's New Sumatran Tiger Teddy!

Sadly a couple weeks ago our precious big handsome guy Bronevik (Amur Tiger) has left the Zoo.  I love this guy and sad he's not here.  I sure will miss him!  Very sad when I learned he was leaving.  Thankfully the Universe was good to me and the best case scenario happened, he has moved to the Omaha Zoo, which is one of my friends home Zoo!  So, I will get updates on him, and how he and his new lady like each other.  Babie Bronies are in the future!

Last year after Jillian (Sumatran Tiger) came back home to SFZoo, I had some thoughts.  Thinking to the future of our Sumatran Tigers, as well our Lions,  the logical thing for them to do was to keep Jillian and Jasiri (3 yr old Lion) here.  Both sets of Parents are considered Seniors,  Tigers - Skylar/Leanne (16 in July  ) and Taymor/Larry  (*13 in November)  Lions - Sukari (17 in June) and  Jahari (16 this month)   Keeping their offspring at this point, and bringing in mates for them in the future seemed like a probable plan.  There wasn't enough space for all that right now, and then the sad news about Bronevik leaving came.  

In the early days of Jillian's return, I asked about this idea, in reference to her, and only got, I don't knows.  Well, half of my thought has come to fruition and the Zoo recently acquired a male Sumatran for Jillian.  

Jillian's new boyfriend's name is Teddy.  He sure is handsome!  

Screencap from San Diego Zoo

Teddy was born April 22, 2004 at Fort Wayne Zoo.  At almost 15 years old, I feel bad that as what is considered senior age, he was transferred out of San Diego.  SDZoo should have been his retirement home.  Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to getting to know him, but I just don't think Seniors should be a part of the breeding program, which make them eligible for alleged mandatory transfer, if the AZA/SSP recommends it.  SFZoo better be his forever home. 

That said, I had hoped with this development (a mate for Jillian) the AZA/SSP would stop allegedly (what I last heard, almost a yr ago) forcing the SFZoo to breed Jillian's Parents, Skylar and Taymor.  For one, as noted above, Sky is almost 16, and although at *12 yrs old, Taymor is still borderline to be considered senior, he has had previous health issues and keeping him here and happy should be the priority.   These two both warm my heart and have broken it.  When they were mating before Jillian was conceived, they really seemed to enjoy each other.  Then, Skylar got pregnant and they were separated.  Pregnancy time, plus the four years Jillian remained here with Mama, equaled near five years that Skylar and Taymor remained apart.  When Jillian left to Sacramento Zoo, they were put back together and have been together the two years since.  These two really enjoy each other, and shouldn't be separated ever again.

Here is a recent video I took of them, I call it the Courting Dance.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=60n71QxcnBY

Unfortunately, as I understand it, the AZA/SSP guidelines dictate housing specifics.  In the case of Sumatran Tigers, they are housed separately unless they are an active breeding pair.  So if the Zoo decided to not breed them, and let them continue to live together outside of that breeding recommendation, I don't know what that would mean for either of them or the Zoo.  Would the AZA/SSP allow them to stay here and be housed together?  Or would the AZA/SSP then transfer them to other Zoos?  Do they threaten revoking accreditation if the doesn't want to comply?  

I certainly hope Skylar and Taymor can exit the breeding program, and be allowed to retire here together.   They should put Skylar on birth control if possible, to ensure this.  Separating these two again at this stage of their life would be cruel. 

In my opinion, as Zoo goers we are force fed what Animal behavior in the wild is.  And while it is great to learn about the Animals natural instincts, these Animals are not in the wild and their housing should not be dictated by a "parent" organizations generalized guidelines, but by the individual Animals behaviors and needs.  The priority should be what works best for them. 

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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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HOT TOPIC! - Snow Leopard Cub Petting at the San Francisco Zoo - WTH?

Is that what they do now at our Zoo?  They let random people Pet and Hold exotic and endangered babie animals! Yes, they do.

Last weekend I heard Zoo Volunteers were being allowed to handle the nine week old Snow Leopard Cubs for photo ops.  I was livid.  Then I saw the photos, and was so sick I cried.  It looked like the Pay to Pet situations.

I have talked to many people about this, and not one thinks this is okay.  "Horrible" ... "Wrong on so many levels" ... "Awful"  ... "Not Right" ... and many sad reactions. 

I hadn't planned to write about what I had heard, just like I hadn't planned to write about anything during my long weekend in, but here I sit having to.  I am so upset, that I must document my feelings and this situation. 

As I went to the Zoo Monday, I tried to put it out of my mind as there is not much I can do about it other than be disgusted and sad.  Seeing the Cubs helped with that, but also reminded me.  Precious little vulnerable babies, being passed around in my option is really tragic.  

I love these Babies!  Here's my video from Monday, their fifth day out.  They are really starting to motor around the enclosure great!  The Physical Therapist was there to assess the little girl, her back legs are a bit splayed.   From day one, it didn't seem to slow her down at all, and by yesterday, I didn't even notice it much. I think getting the outdoor exercise is helping alot.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPmSBC59MtE

I anticipated Tuesday, as I was told they would be out for the first time with their Mama.  If you read my previous post on their debut, you will know that I was disgusted that the Zoo made a media event out of the first time they were outside, instead of going by the original plan from Animal Staff which was to monitor the Cubs in sessions before the Zoo opened, until they were ready to be out with Mom.  

The gates to den opened, Mama came out, circled the enclosure and then went back to the den and her Babies walked out beside her!  It was beautiful.  It was perfect.  The way it should have been.  ... This should have been the first public day and media event.  No reason they couldn't have waited a week for their debut to be natural.  ... See the Family together in my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNQLyDzSVyQ

Yesterday (Wednesday) was very different.  I left there holding back tears.  I'm holding back tears now writing about it.

From what I heard, the Zoo posted to social media last week, that the Cubs would have access to yard everyday at noon, no guarantees.  The gate would be open, if they wanted to come out.  Everyday, crowds have started to form at the exhibit, up to a half hour before.

Yesterday, Keepers came out and put a bone on the platform, then opened the gate at noon.  Mama came out, and the gate closed behind her.  She walked around the whole exhibit a couple times, then got on the platform and stared at everyone, almost locking in on each person.  She continued to stay on the platform, now staring intently with her mouth open at the gate to the den.  This lasted for quite awhile.  Never touching the bone, she got down and circled more.  She came to the fencing in a crouched position and stared at the people.  Unfortunately the Zoo cut down all the trees that lined the fence and served as a privacy barrier for the enclosure.  Previously people could view through the trees, and in my opinion it created a security for them, leaving only the window as the area fully open.  Now that extra security was gone. 

When I saw the trees on Monday, I thought it was awful.  Why would they do this?  Just so people can gawk at the Cubs?  I hate anything that seems to force the Animals on display.  In my opinion, they should just do what they do and if we can see them great.  I feel its a privilege to have the chance to see them and any of the Animals. ... I couldn't believe it when my friend witnessed a member of media last week actually broke off branches so she could get a better view for photos.  

After Mama came by the exposed fencing, crouching there for a minute, her circling now included going by the gate to the den, pacing and staring in.  More circling and then she stopped and started pawing at the fencing.  It had been 20 minutes and she wanted her babies.  Poor Mama.

The crowd was getting anxious and bothered that the Cubs didn't have access as had been advertised.  Two Docents behind me were telling people there was a VIP Tour inside with the Cubs.  My ears started pulsating.  I knew those poor Cubs were probably being held and my heart broke for them and their Mama, who could see strangers with her babies and she couldn't get to them.  The Mama's instinct is to protect her Babies and this scenario prevents her from doing that, from taking care of her babies naturally.  The Zoo allowing this to happen is beyond Cruel.  

Two women standing next to me with their kids, watched Mama Snow Leopard visibly upset, one said, "As Mother's this is hard to watch.  I feel bad.  My heart breaks for her."  You can hear on my video one of them say, "Its killing me, poor Mom", after seeing Mama paw at the gate, trying to get to her babies.  They too were disgusted and rightfully so.  

After it had been over 25 minutes,  with Mama pressing her face against it, the gate opened and she went in.  She was half inside when one of the babies came out and the other peeked out. She and both babies immediately went back in.  Both babies continued to peek out, but it seemed like she was keeping them in.  I saw her licking the Cubs several times, which I assume was an attempt to wash the Human off them after seeing people holding them.  Heartbreaking.

My video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7qhZ2o0NIs

The Mother should not be separated from the Cubs unless the Cubs need to be examined by Animal Staff and/or Vets.  AND those are the ONLY people who should be handling the Cubs.  

I can't believe this is acceptable in this day and in an accredited Zoo.  I'm inquiring whether there is a protocol for such a thing.  Hard to believe there wouldn't be.  Regardless people should know better.  If given the opportunity I would never hold a Cub.  I morally couldn't do it.   If you love Animals, of course it is something anyone would love to do, but most of us know its not right.  There was a time in the past, when I didn't know better, and would have, but now I do.  And if I didn't I would hope someone would educate me.  Zoo Staff should be educating people why this isn't right, not allowing people to do it.  Seeing a Cub up-close should be enough, handling it it unacceptable.  And even going behind the scenes and seeing the Cubs is unnecessary as the viewing window will get you just as close.  Years ago I had the privileged to go behind the scenes and view, sometimes feed the Animals.  These were adult Animals, and depending on species, there was obviously no touching.  

There is a whole thing about Pay to Pet experiences.  I shouldn't even have to write about it.  Anytime you see a place that offers these "experiences"  know that this is not good for the Animals well-being.   With adult Big Cats, they are probably exclusively drugged, so that people can take photos with them.  With Cubs, these babies are taken from their Mama and hand raised, so that people can hold them for photos.   Those circumstances may not apply to the Zoo situation, but allowing anyone who is not on Animal or Vet Staff to hold the Cubs reminds me of these types of "experiences".   I don't know if this tour involved VIPs who paid for the experience, but regardless of the VIP Tour, its all wrong.  The Zoo should be ashamed. 

Honestly when I first heard the Cubs were being held my random people, it reminded me of when our Lion Cub was born.  I heard the Director allegedly wanted to let VIPs come in and hold the Cub. I never wrote about that, but I (along with many others I talked to) was outraged that a Director would think that this was acceptable.  I heard it was stopped by someone on the Animal Staff.  That said, then WHY is this happening to the Snow Leopard Cubs?  

Back to yesterday. When Mama stopped licking the Human touch off her babies, she let them come out a bit. But, as soon as they went more than a couple feet, she picked them up and took them back in.  This happened repeatedly.  Completely different than the day before. It reflective of what had gone on.  To me it was obvious she didn't want them outside with more people around them.  Sad.  

When the babies finally stayed put in the den, Mama came out alone and began racing around the enclosure at such a high speed, like I had never seen before.  The crowd thinned while waiting too long for the Cubs, so I was standing at the window for the first time.  By the time I got my camera on to film her zooming about, I caught her right as she leaped up about ten feet turning and kicking the top of the window in front of people with her back feet.  When she landed she stood in place for a bit, breathing really heavy.  Then she ran inside.  To me, this was a clear statement about how she felt about the situation and people seeing her Cubs.  To me, this is her giving the Zoo the middle finger to what they are doing.  In my opinion, they are ruining this Family.  She is a first time Mom and taking great care of her babies.  Leave them the hell alone!  Why mess them up?    Tuesday Mama and Cubs were relaxed and enjoying themselves.  Yesterday Mama was stressed and didn't even want her babies outside.  Have some Empathy and Compassion for this new Mom and her babies.  Is letting people hold the Cubs really worth upsetting her?   SFZoo, What are you getting out of do this to them?

In case you can't tell, I'm really upset by all of this.  I'm disappointed that the Zoo continues to make choices that are not in the Animals best interest.  This seems to be on going.  I won't reach back into the archives, but in more recent years the disrespect has affected the Chimps, Komodo Dragon, Foosa, and every Animal that the new Madagascar project (see upcoming post) will displace.  Now this new Snow Leopard Family.  I guess as long as the current management team remains in place, all any of us who have compassion for the Animals can do is cry and complain. 

If you're inclined, you can be a Voice for the Animals by emailing the Zoo Director, tanyap@sfzoo.org

HOT TOPIC! - Snow Leopard Cubs Debut - the Amazing and the Upsetting

Seeing these babies was highly anticipated for me, how it was done was very upsetting.  The babies are amazing and beautiful.  I love these precious little gifts.  I wish their debut had been different.  Not just for me, but for them.

Ever since the announcement that we would have Snow Leopard babies, I was beyond excited at getting the opportunity to see Cubs and watch them grow up.  In the 90s I was lucky to have seen Ming Wahs babies, when the Feline Conservation Center area was still open.  I didn't get to spend as much time at the Zoo pre-2008, so I missed a lot, including watching so many babies grow-up.  Over the last ten years I've had so many incredible experiences with these wonderful Zoo Friends and have been blessed to have been able to see so many babies and watch them grow from their first days out.

Soon after Anna ("Dawa") gave birth on June 7 it was said that it would be two months before the cubs would be out, which brought it to this past week.  More recently I heard that hopefully at the end of this week Keepers would start taking them out before the Zoo opened up, to get them used to the yard.  I heard the little girl had a bit of a mobility issue, so I assume Keepers probably wanted to monitor them maneuvering the exhibit before going out with Mama, in a situation where Keepers could not intervene if necessary.

You will notice I write "today",... I actually wrote most of this post that same day, but didn't get to posting til now. For the purpose of a few things I write, I want to leave it in that day.  

Today (Thursday) was my last visit for the week so when I got there at opening, I ran up to the exhibit hoping that I might get an early Birthday Present and catch a glimpse of them out for just a few minutes before they went in.  

Well, turns out Zoo Management decided on making their first time out, public, including having Media present.  At the same time I was happy that I was definitely going to see them, I was pissed and sad at this latest bad decision by Zoo Management.  I have no idea who's idea this was, but I'll go with the Director since she allegedly has to okay things like this and it has selfish written all over it.  

Before this all even took place, I was outraged. So, what's my grief about it?  Well I can tell you that it's not just my grief, like most everything, I've ever complained about, I'm not the only one who thinks this was awful, I'm just the only one who's vocal about it.  And for the record, having an opinion is not a crime.

The first time these babies went outside the den and without their Mama, should have been low key, no pressure, and no audience.  For the comfort of the Babies, their Mama, and the Keepers.

There was no reason to rush these babies out for public view. There was no reason to rush this to be a Media Event. Their debut could have waited til they could be out with their Mama, or at the very least had a few days to get comfortable in new surroundings.  Their debut could have waited til next week, giving them a few times to go out with their Keepers first.  Their debut could have waited til tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, giving them two morning sessions with their Keepers. Their debut today (Thursday) could have been after they had the initial opportunity to be out with their Keepers in the morning.  Why wasn't that allowed?  Any of these scenarios would have shown more empathy and compassion for not only these babies, but for their Mama watching from inside.

As much joy that I had getting to see the babies, I had disgust for the situation.  I do not blame anyone in Animal Staff, they most likely had no choice in how this played out.  I felt bad for the Cubbies and their Mama.  The babies had to be lured out and when they didn't come out far enough they were carried out.  Several times away from the sight of their Mama.  Just for media to get photos. Not cool. Luring them out isn't the real problem, its that they were lured out repeatedly for media.  Sadly, when they were carried down to the window the first time, one of the babies looked at the window and looked scared, running to the Keeper.  For one, if this was the Time it Had to be done, there should have been no viewing at the window, at least give them that privacy and security,  instead of having them see that window for the first time and see a wall of people.   It was heartbreaking.  

About twenty minutes before they finally got to go in and back to their Mama.  I  heard a staffer say at one point that the Mama was getting stressed and they might go in.  I was relieved, but then that's when all the really uncomfortable things started happening.  Picking them up, bringing them to pose for media photos, repeatedly in at least a half dozen different ways, and having the Zoo volunteer photographer go in the exhibit!  It was an inappropriate time to be doing all of this.  It was just too much.  And the babies kept trying to go back in so may times, but were lured and forced to stay out so media could get photos.  At one point they were put in the empty pond to contain them while the Zoo photographer got photos of them trapped in there.  I really hated that, but maybe the Keepers thought that would finally get the pix and get this circus over with.  There was no reason to do all of this at this time, and keep them separated from their Mama for an hour and ten minutes, while she watched them from inside.

I assume the idea behind this was to capture their amazement of the outdoor world for the first time, but that is just selfish.  There was no need to share that unless it was an ideal situation.  No Reason.  Ideal would have been to see them with their Mama for the first time out, sharing that wonderment with her, naturally.  Their acclimation to the yard should have been before the Zoo opened, until they were ready to go out with their Mama.  There was nothing natural about forcing them out and forcing them to repeatedly pose.  I ask SFZoo, what was the rush?  Why did you put these Babies through this?  Their new big experience should have been a quiet, calm, unrushed, and unpressured situation for the Cubs, their Mama and their Keepers.  They are babies for criminey sakes, they should have been allowed to take babie steps in this experience, not be forced out to entertain media and the public.  I have been told the Zoo was moving in a direction that allowed for the Animals to dictate what they wanted to do.  This whole situation went against that completely.  When those babies came out for the first time and went along the fencing where Mama could see them, and then ran back in to her, THAT should have been it for a bit.  Maybe even it for their first session out.  Everything that happened in the hour after that, was unnecessary and cruel.  

I highly doubt anyone on the Animal Staff thought this was a good idea.  I'm increasingly bothered by the lack of consideration for the feelings and well-being of the Animals, from Management that is made up of people who are not Animal Professionals and who don't listen to the people on staff who are and work directly with the Animals.  This should have never happened.  There should have been a meeting about this, that included Keepers and Curators weighing in on the pros and cons of doing this, and another more caring way should have been the outcome.  The public could have waited until the FAMILY was ready to debut together.  There is no reason that couldn't happen.  No reason it didn't happen.   This was just Sad. 

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This is a link to my video clips from the day.  I separated them into six videos.  This link is to a compilation of all the videos for the purpose of blog posting.  Watching them separate is better viewing, you decide.  From this link you can choose to view my channel for the video listing, if you want to view them in parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eegkev82brs

I want to note that while I was happy to get to see them, I almost wish I hadn't in this setting.  Watching back through the videos was very upsetting.  I felt it at the time, but it was also diluted with watching adorableness.  Reliving it, made me cry.  While these babies are beyond cute, some of the upsetting things you will see, include:  *A scared cub, crouching down, ears low and seeking shelter and comfort from the Keeper.  *Their mama watching as she not only sees her Cubs moved out of her sight, but can hear a crowd of people.  She doesn't know what's going on.  *Zoo staff holding the Cubs for media.  Then when put down they tried to walk away, but were either held in place for a second, or brought back.  They should not have been repeatedly made to pose for photos. *The Cubs trying to go back inside many times.  And brought back out.  All while Mama was watching. ... I don't blame the Keepers, I would bet they are doing this on direction from Zoo Management.  

There is no reason the Cubs were not photographed naturally with their Mama when that time came.  Forcing this was not in the best interest of the Cubs or their Mother.  I just don't understand why the rush.  Have some compassion SFZoo!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Anyway, glad I was there to see these precious babies, as well to be able to document this unnecessary hoopla.  If I weren't you might have to believe the fantasy put forth by Chronicle reporter Lauren Hernandez who wrote three times in her article about the debut, that their Mama was out with them!  Wow.

Screencaps from the article below.  You can read full article

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SF-Zoo-s-snow-leopard-cubs-step-out-of-their-13145163.php

 

HOT TOPIC! - Heater in Lion House Out For Six Months!

This is really outrageous!

I walked into the Lion House last month and it was freezing!  This was at the tail end of the real cold snap we were having, so it wasn't even as cold as it probably has been.  

I asked the Security Guard if he knew what tempature the LH is supposed to be.  I knew he probably didn't know, but because I couldn't get a clear photo, I was trying to find out if he could check the thermostat for me.  He didn't have authorization to get to that area, but did say its been freezing in there since he started working there.  I asked how long that was and he said six months.  

I had only been inside the LH a few times over the past several months, and because it wasn't during the cold snap, I guess I didn't notice the low temp.  In hindsight, the Lion House had always been pretty warm, in fact sometimes, steaming up my glasses.  

I happened to see a non-zoo maintance worker, so I questioned him a bit and found out that he was there to install a new furnace.  SO, it wasn't that the temperature was just low, apparently/allegedly there has been NO Heat in the Lion House for 6 Months!   Are you kidding me?!

My concerns not only are that the Cats are in there freezing at night, but that when the "bedrooms" are washed down each day, they aren't drying and the Cats are then sleeping on wet floors.

AND the Zoo aquired Animals for the Tropical Building, even though at the time they aquired them the renovation on that building was over a year away.  They built a small exhibit to house them in the LH.  I have an issue with the size of this "home" but thats another story.  My concern is, these are Tropical Animals, which means they need a certain temperature.  The Zoo knows this and they don't fix a building heater for half a year?   Out-fucking-rageous!   

So, the Toucan was there in the freezing cold.  There was a mess of extention cords on the side, so I assume there is some heat going into the Anaconda's water?  Yet, the heat lamps above her were unplugged?  The Sloth was not in there, having been moved to the Hospital to keep it warm.  

I seriously am losing words to express the things the San Francisco Zoo does/doesn't do, that aren't just a string of swear words.  I'm so frustrated at the lack of attention to the Animals.  But hey, the City Officials thinks everyone is doing a bang up job there. Animals get killed (and not just Kabibe the Infant Gorilla).  There is no Heat and for some Animals not even proper shelter during the Winter.  Animal homes go without Landscaping.  Enrichment is near non-existant for many of the Animals.  All this and the City Officials don't question anything or anyone.  There is a list of Staff who should be under the microscope in regard to whether they are qualified and are doing the job they are being paid to do.

I saw the Director the same day I was there takinig in the disgrace of the Lion House and she was coming out of the Gift Shop with a coffee in hand and laughing it up with people.  I'm sure the Sloth wasn't laughing it up as it was freezing.  

Furthermore,  in my opinion, again,  when an Animals Safety or Health is of issue, what is the Animal Staff Management doing?   The Carnivore (Cats +) Curator Corinne MacDonald and Dominic, the Curator for the Tropical Animals, and the Curator above them, who I believe is still David Bocian,  should be the driving force to have made sure there was heat for these Animals.  

I repeat, the lack of Empathy and Compassion, that goes on at the Zoo really saddens me.  The Zoo is Home to Wondeful Beings and could be a great place if it weren't for all these people bringing it down, with laziness, bad descisions, and personal agendas.

Last Few Blurbs on My Other Blog

Going to see how using my two blogs as supplements to each other works out.

If you haven't seen my other (current) Zoo Blog (that I use mostly for shorter Items), its at: http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

The last few post topics were:

Norfolk (Virginia) Mermaid Parade, fundraising idea.

SFZoo Gorilla Babie Naming Contest

Dangerous Item left on ledge of Lemurs

Gorilla Babie Cam is Up!

Happy World Orangutan Day!

Happy World Lion Day!

Tiger Cub Finally Gets a Name

News articles surfaced last night noting that Literary Agent Jillian Manus paid $47,000 for the naming rights and chose to name the Cub after herself.  So, we now have a Sumatran Tiger Cub named Jillian.   

I know most reading this will say, she paid 47k she can do what she wants, and yes that is true.  Money does buy that kind of an attitude.  Opinions on the other hand are free.

In my opinion, this is pretty pompous and self-indulgent.   High bidders should take this honor to choose a name that has meaning for the particular Animal.  I wonder if she has also named all her children and pets after herself?

Happy Birthday Rigel! - Snow Leopard Birthday

Rigel celebrated his 19th Birthday on Tuesday (the 16th)!

Happy Birthday Rigel!

I came by and saw you, but you were in a trace staring at your reflection :(   I wish they would fix that for you.  Would be a nice Birthday Present. ... Hope you got a special treat on your special day my Friend!  I Love You!

Photographing the Tiger Cub - More Zoo Fails

I was very bothered by actions while viewing the Tiger Cub yesterday.   

At the upper level viewing area, the Zoo's volunteer pet photographer Marianne Hale was once again poised in the Bamboo planting that has been placed in front of the fencing portion.  I understand that as she is basically their "house" photographer and is documenting the Cub.

My issue is, when she left, these two guys then took her place.  The one guy only moved after I said something to him.

I initially heard that no one is supposed to be beyond the barrier, and certainly not in this area, at this grotto, for what I assumed was the protection of the Cub.  Is that not what the plants were put there for?  Maybe I'm wrong in thinking that protecting the Cub is the priority?  

I asked a Docent and she said, "Marianne told them they could."    So, the curiousness and irresponsibility of THIS statement stands alone, I need not say more.  

I asked them if they were Media and they said, "No."   So I told them they shouldn't be there and the planting was there for a reason.   The one guy moved, the other ignored me.   The one who ignored me was whistling and making other noises at the Cub to try and get it to look.

Upon further investigation, both asking and overhearing, apparently the Zoo allows "photographers" to allegedly do as they want, and doesn't bother them.  That said. what are their guidelines for this?  Who enforces these guidelines if they are any to begin with?   Bottom line this is crap and with no one up there monitoring, it will become a literal Monkey See, Monkey Do.

Call to action San Francisco Zoo, put some signs up there pronto, saying that is an unauthorized viewing area.  No photography through fencing unless authorized.   Otherwise people will constantly be in the bushes and at the fencing, and putting the plants there will have been for nothing.

Also they have many "Meet the Cub" signs posted, with information and a few viewing guidelines.  The guideline portion of the signs are per usual for the Zoo and so small that they are probably missed by most.  Why is the Zoo so afraid to tell Visitors how to behave? 

The Zoo's sign with the Guideline info in smaller print than you are probably reading this post at.  Looks like point 9 font.

(photo to come)

This is what the sign should look like.  With large font noting quiet zone in addition to not bang on the glass.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoncapturer/8355157954/in/photostream/

"Cubbie" Proofing - Tiger Yard Adjustments Made

I've been meaning to post progress updates on this and never got to it.  It might be moot at this point but since I documented it and its relevant to both learning how adjustments can be made adn how they worked out, I'm posting it.

As the weeks moved on from the Cubs birth, I have kept an eye on the Yard at Grotto A, what will be the Cub and her Mama's outside home.   In my first post after the Cubs birth I noted concerns I had about this Grotto and scratched my head at what the Zoo would do to "Cubbie proof" it.

The main concern I noted was the ledge at the window viewing area, where the heated rock is.  The other perimeter edge at least has a gutter lip, the rock is a straight drop.

Soon after my blog post I noticed the Zoo placed a good amount of hay down the concrete below it and along the ground.

As the weeks continued and we were reaching the point of time when Leanne started bringing her previous Cubs out, I wondered what the plan was.  Then last Friday I saw them building a platform to act as a stair.

 It looked fine in theory, but I wondered if some wires and such bolted into the rock was enough to hold an adult Tiger, who may or may not use it while in leap force.

 Watching Leanne use it yesterday at least nine times, I can see that it does indeed hold her and she did not use it to leap down or as a way back up.  Only to bring the Cub down.  I will note that it did seem a bit fluid and moved while she was on it.  That made me a bit nervous, so hopefully this route doesn't need to be used too often.

The Cub doesn't seem to go near it or the other edges on its own.  It was funny, every attempt Leanne made to bring the Cub down, as soon as she got her to the moat, she ran to the stairs and went back up!  It was very cute!  ...  It did appear the Leanne was teaching her to go down the stairs.  She must have decided that is the way she wants her to go down.  She was almost forcing her at one point to learn.  You could see her vocalizing to the babie in a coaching manner.

I think the proofing done will be fine and safe.  The only other thing I can say is I hope they add some additional hay to the rest of the rock siding and area below.  The Cub is a feisty one and was very wiggly.  One time Leanne picked her up the Cub wiggled free while at the ledge and fell.  I couldn't see, but from what I could it appeared that Leanne picked her up about half down the rocks.  Staff was watching so they saw and i hope they will get some extra hay in there.

Much to photographers dismay, the Zoo added trees to block the fencing part of the upper viewing area.  I actually give them kudo's for this because I think the fencing is dangerous.  I have blogged endlessly about Visitor misbehavior.  I want all the Animals safely enclosed.  Recently while at Snow Leopards I thought there needs to be plexiglass over the fencing, not only at them but everywhere it can be. So to avoid people "bothering" the Cub I think this is a great idea.  I would even suggest the plexiglass add.

Tiger Cub Cuteness Continues!

 With each day there is a new blog post that swirls in my mind.  Anyone looking at the blog in full, will see there are more than a few posts that promote a "coming soon" teaser.  That said, there are different reasons for getting behind, but for now those in draft will have to wait, as I want to share all the joy that is this little cubbie :)

Gotta say, I am a lucky girl!  As a Native, I have been a Zoo Member my whole adult life, but the start of my passion for the Zoo Animals began when Leanne gave birth to her last litter in 2008.   I was lucky to have had the time flexibility to be able to visit them almost everyday for the first year of their life.  Watching Tiger Cubs grow was one of the top experiences in my life.  I look forward to the same with "Little Padang" (as I've been calling the Cub), "LP" for short :)

Since LP's birth I have been anxiously waiting for this time to come, the start of the adventure :)  I wrote two earlier posts about seeing her inside the Lion House.  Of all the available days (the first couple with no sighting), I was lucky to be there the first time the public saw her.  ...   Made a pin to wear that documented my first glimpse : )

Today marked the first time Mama and Daughter had access to the outside during visiting hours.  I was once again lucky and was there among the first to see her outside, playing in the yard with her Mama.

Check out how they both

have the same back footie up :)

You can view my video here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi246QNVDEQ

Note:  In the video you will hear me comment about "karma" in response to the gal next to me saying she should sell her photos to them (Media).  The story with that is when Visitors (myself included among the first) showed up to see the Cub, as advertised "Outdoors Friday", the Zoo was holding a Media Event on the upper viewing area, and since I was the first there, I was asked to go to the lower level window area til the Media was done.  The viewing is fine from the window area, so not the issue I had.  I actually shouldn't use the word issue, because the joy of getting to see her was not dampened, but for the lack of a better word...  The "issue" is that the Zoo is notorious for their Media Event timing, among other curiosities.  In this case, if there wasn't the option of the window viewing, the public would have had to wait, like with other Media Events (first viewing of Tucker/Hippo), making their public view advert another untruth.  Anyway, as luck would be with me, the viewing from the window, was much better than the upper level!  So the view I got was better than that of the Media :)  Sweet!

Yay! Gotta Glimpse of the Tiger Cub!

As of yesterday the Lion House has been open four days for the Public to have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Tiger Cub.  Waiting the full two hour opportunity three of those days, paid off and the sweet little thing came out yesterday for the first time to see her fans :)  Well, she didn't actually look out, but she didn't have a fun romp and play with her Mama for about two minutes, and then back to the security of her nest she went!

View my video of the experience 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clYVMWVsdew

Until this moment, no one from the General Public has seen her, so I was very lucky and grateful to her for coming out :)  Look forward to seeing more of you little cutie!  AND watching you grow up like I was lucky to do with your big Brothers!

A Different Kind of Barrier Breaching - Foreign Objects in Animal Enclosures

I have written several posts on Humans breaching barriers.  I've showed photos of Humans standing on and hanging over barriers.  The only thing to change at the San Francisco Zoo in relation to that is a few 5x8 signs telling people not to do either, posted at the Black Rhino.  

I have also posted that in this time in society, sadly a different approach to how (and why) barriers secure Animal enclosures should be taken.   My suggestions in past posts note that I'd like to see all the Animals behind glass barriers.  

My above suggestion is probably not the popular option, especially in a time when Zoo's and other Animal facilities are trying to make the enclosures Animals live in while in captivity as close to a natural habitat as possible.  That said, as noted above "this time in society", is such that the Human population  sadly can't behave themselves for Animals to be safe in open air enclosures.

I was the first person who missed the open air at Grotto's when the Human taunting of Tiger Tatiana got her killed and forced the Zoo to enclose the open air viewing with glass and mesh.  BUT it had to be done.  Public perception is this is to keep the Animals in.  Personally, I feel like its to keep the Humans out.

Sadly, five years after the Tiger attack, I have still seem Visitors taunt the Big Cats, with verbal heckling, banging on the glass, and even throwing stuff thru the mess and over the glass.  These actions aren't isolated to just the Big Cats.  This type of behavior and more happens at every Animal's home.

That said, even mesh is not a good barrier.   I have noted in posts over a couple years that I have seen foreign objects in Animal enclosures.  Countless times there has been different types of plastic bags in the Lemurs, small toys in the Puente, and other assorted choke size items.  

Last year alone, Henry the Seal and Niya the Snow Leopard both had surgery to remove foreign objects from their intestines.  ... Two weeks ago, food items were thrown into both the Gorillas and the Mandrills.  Last week, another food item went into the Gorillas and the following day when I was there,  Zura one of the female Gorillas was chewing on a pacifier!  After her Nneka took it and broke it to pieces and then Hasani the four year old took the smaller pieces and chewed on them.  

Broken record on repeat:

*Why are there no big signs telling people what not to do?  

*Why hasn't my suggestion of having a video of how to behave in the Zoo not been taken to fruition?

*Why doesn't Zoo Staff/Docents/Security stand at the Gate House and give a speech to Visitors about behaving?  They do this now for school groups, but the worst perpetrators are adults.  

*Why aren't there Docents assisting the Security in patroling the grounds AND watching what the Visitors are doing.

AND lastly, if the Zoo is so bent on patting themselves on the back for providing "Wellness" why aren't they being proactive in protecting the Animals?   When they hired their "Wellness" Guru, he suggested (which I did already) that a glass barrier go up at Gorillas, so people couldn't (hang over) and look down at them.  Curiously, only three of five viewing platforms is glassed in.   Half-assed I say.  I mean really,  It makes no sense.  BUT then again the barriers at Bears that were put in after an alleged escape attempt by one of the Polar Bears are downright ridiculous in their own right.  Two of three grottos have the barrier.  Again???

Yes it would be costly to glass in all the enclosures, but if the Zoo can spend 3.4 Million Dollars on a new playground, they can surely ask donors to help keep the Animals safe, considering the donors are supposed to "care" about the Zoo, which should equal caring about the Animals safety.  In addition it would cut down the constant flow of misbehavior.  Including fools who try to enter the enclosures and put the Animals lives at risk.

Yes, it would be cause for complaints from the public who want to see Animals open air, but those complaining would only be the ones who misbehave.  Those who actually care about Animals would get it.  Sure I don't like taking photos behind glass, but I care more about the Animals safety.

Additionally, there needs to be some at-a-glance (BIG lettered) signage at the Family Farm entrance, telling people not to bring in food, not to feed the animals anything but food they sell there, not to bring in any plastic bags to hold the food in or have hanging out of pockets/purses, not to sit on the animals, not to pull on their horns, not to chase the animals.  Good Grief I have recently and constantly seen people do all these things, which included an adult try to sit on a Dwarf Goat, put a Lollipop w/stick in a Goats mouth, and watch a Sheep throw up a plastic baggie.

Come on SFZoo get your Graphics Dept doing their job and making some decent sized signs displaying behavior rules bluntly.  Then work on enclosing the exhibits to protect the Animals.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank You for taking the time to read

about things that matter to me.

Happy One Month Birthday! - Tiger Cub is Four Weeks Old

As time passes by, my friends and I anxiously await the time when we will get to see Leanne and Taymor's Cub!  I saw her first litter at six weeks old, so hopefully soon!  More about the Cubs birth, its Parents and a link to photos from Leanne's first litter:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/02/welcome-cubbie-tiger-gives-birth.html

Until then, we keep and eye on the Grotto and watch the Cub (who we call little Padang) grow via photos the Zoo posts to their Facebook page.  Visitors who don't view Facebook, see this and other "flyers" posted to the Grotto windows.

We also wish there Zoo would catch up with times and do some webcam broadcasting on their website OR even live at the Zoo.  When Hasani (Gorilla) was a baby, they had a big screen monitor set-up outside the Gorillas where you could view behind the scenes of him before he was out on exhibit.   From the webcam screen captures the Zoo has been posting of the Tiger Cub, we know there is a camera focused on them in the nest box.  So, why can't there be the same set-up outside the Lion House?

African Lion Grand Babies!

Congratulations to our Female African Lion Sukari who became a grandmother last week when her daughter Mfisha gave birth to five Cubs at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha Nebraska!   Mfisha lives at HDZ with her sister Ahadi, who is also Sukari's daughter and may also be pregnant :)  They are sole survivors from separate litters.

Yay Suki! :)

Below is the article from this link

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/05/nebraska-zoo-lion-cubs_n_2415816.html

Jan 5 (Reuters) - Five African lion cubs were born last week in a Nebraska zoo, the latest success in a national effort to raise the population of the vulnerable species.

Two males and three females were born Dec. 29 at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, considered a global leader in wild animal conservation and genetics.

Four are on display in the zoo, while one female cub, born weak and underweight, is gaining strength under intensive care in the zoo hospital, where she is being bottle fed and is expected to rejoin her mother when she gains more weight, according to a zoo statement.

The zoo also has four adult African lions, one male and three females.

The births of the lions, which are of the subspecies krugeri, are part of a push by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to breed lions of known lineage.

In addition to the Omaha cubs, 11 more African lions have been born in AZA accredited zoos in North America, according to the zoo.

The father, Mr. Big, is 14 years old and weighs 560 pounds, and the mother, Mfisha, is six years old and weighs 335 pounds. This was their first litter. The last African lion cubs to be born at the Omaha zoo arrived in 1994.

Labeled a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, African lions, which live in sub-Sahara Africa, have seen their populations decline by up to 50 percent worldwide in the last two decades. (Reporting By Karen Brooks; Editing by Vicki Allen)

A drowsy looking female lion cub sports a milk mustache after being bottle fed at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb., Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. he cub, part of a litter of 5 born on Dec. 29, 2012, was smaller than the others and did not compete well for food, so zoo staff began caring for it until it becomes strong enough to join it's siblings. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

You can also view photos of the Cubbies on exhibit on my friend,

 PhotonCapturer's Flickr Photostream!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photoncapturer

Bit of info I discovered when Sukari came to the San Francisco Zoo from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2009.  I love doing the Family Trees of the Zoo Friends, and via the African Lion Studbook I learned that Sukari and our Amanzi share the same Mother, Angie who still lives at Cheyenne Mountian.  By researching Amanzi and Sukari's Daughters, I learned that the male, Mr Big at Henry Doorly shares the same father as Amanzi.   Mr Big is the father to Sukari's Grand Cubbies :)

ADDED :  link has another photo, plus video :)  the cubbie has a little spot on its nose like our Jahari :)

 http://www.omaha.com/article/20130104/NEWS/701059999/1685