News Flash! Ndume Explores New Home With Friends For First Time! - Non-SFZoo

News recently posted to the Cincinnati Zoo Facebook Page.

I read this and started sobbing! I am so Happy for Ndume!   If you have followed this blog or know me, you know I did everything I could to help him, blogged, tweeted, emailed, petitioned, contacted media, anything I could think of, all to get Ndume a better life, to get him away from Penny Patterson and The Gorilla Foundation.  Ndume deserved to live the life of a Gorilla, one he was denied for Twenty-Seven of his Thirty-Eight Years of Life.  

So seeing this video, ... THIS is so wonderful!  Last year at this time it was hard to imagine Cincinnati Zoo coming through for him.  They left him there for decades.  They checked on him a handful of times, if that.  They ignored all pleas to help him.

So, finally, Ndume is living the life of a Gorilla.  In a proper and beautiful home, with Gorilla companions.  

All photos are Screencaps taken from the Cincinnati Zoo Facebook page and video.  You can view the video there at this link. 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157541037250479&id=61800120478

For those still wearing rose colored glasses and pro Ndume staying at the illusion that is The Gorilla Foundation,  THIS is the life Penny Patterson tried to rob him of, by not honoring her agreement to return him to Cincinnati Zoo.

I'm grateful to the Cincinnati Zoo, but I'm compulsive to remind people of the facts, just as I do with the plight of my San Francisco Zoo Chimpanzee Friends. Ndume had to wait far too long for this to happen.  He should have had better decades ago.  Cincinnati Zoo has stepped up in a huge way for him now, but they and the AZA/SSP failed him for 27 years.

Enjoy your new life Ndume!  You deserve it sweet boy!  Looking forward to experiencing this journey with you!

AZA President Admits Ndume Left at TGF, Knowing Not In His Best Interest - (Non-SFZoo)

Great read from AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) President, Dan Ashe.  He admits what I've been saying all along, that the Cincinnati Zoo ( the AZA, and the Gorilla SSP) left Ndume at The Gorilla Foundation for reasons that were best for Koko, NOT Ndume!  This has always hurt my heart for Ndume. Just sick that this was allowed to knowingly happen to him and lasted near three decades. Its almost worse hearing the admittance. They knew it wasn't best for him. They KNEW it was not in HIS best interest.  As a senior himself, Ndume could have died there at The Gorilla Foundation before Koko and never had the life he should have.  They robbed Ndume of a Gorilla Family of his own for 28 years of his life, so Koko could possibly catch a glimpse of another Gorilla from time to time. Unconscionable!  A moral crime.  I applaud them for going the distance and doing the right thing now, but they are damn lucky he survived her and is here for them to able to give him the life he has always deserved. Shame on them all for the past.  They better jump through hoops for him from here on out! 

screencap from article:

https://www.aza.org/from-the-desk-of-dan-ashe/posts/cincinnati-zoo-ndume-the-gorilla-and-walking-the-talk?fbclid=IwAR0G4XKY4n9VBXuNoue7WAOy7tFigCXEnXxnmC6e_WInsxkJcKD4bhwB7G8

I also liked this.  Means something to those of us who have Courage in our Character.

Ndume the Gorilla Finally Returns to Cincinnati Zoo! - (Non-SFZoo)

Ndume is finally free of The Gorilla Foundation!  Hallelujah!  

Its been an emotional 24 hours.  I laid in bed all day, reading Ndume reports, while cuddling my kitten and recovering from the fatigue of our extreme heat wave.  I didn't start my day til late this afternoon and this is the only thing I plan to do today.  It's a great day for Ndume and all who love him!

This is Non-SFZoo related, but important to me.  I have written other posts about the plight of Ndume the Gorilla, Koko and The Gorilla Foundation (TGF). I haven't posted about Ndume, since February, when after TGF refused to release Ndume into their care, the Cincinnati Zoo had to take them to court.  There were bumps in that road, as Penny Patterson/TGF, repeatedly battled The Cincinnati Zoo, who own Ndume, for custody. Finally last week, the Judge ordered a set date for transfer.

Since the story of his transfer overnight, has had much media coverage, I'm going to just write a bit to wrap-up this year long wait to see this happen for Ndume and add a couple news links that I thought were the best coverage.

I followed this case closely, having crusaded for Ndume's transfer since Koko's passing last June.  Knowing the move date was June 13th, yesterday, I had hoped someone from Cincinnati would film Ndume's journey, so the many of us who have rallied for him to have a better life, could be a part of that.

As soon as I got home last night, before I could do anything, I was stopped by a news video of Ndume being loaded into a van and on his way to the airport!  All I could do was stand there sobbing.  Tears of joy streaming that this was finally happening for him, for his new life adventure and praying for safe travel.

screencap from:

https://bit.ly/2wRU0Ad

This morning, brought many news articles, and many more tears!  One that thankfully mentioned a live stream press conference from the Cincinnati Zoo, that was about to happen at the moment I was reading it.  

https://www.fox19.com/2019/06/14/cincinnati-zoo-mum-timing-gorilla-arrival/?fbclid=IwAR17Xk3G6Ds7Z9_XfIgCGhMFk_Ra9JuOnuUk_l02d3f5pR3C_DO6GSl5Bdk

I thought everything about this was wonderful!  I never imagined we would get this share of information.  Grateful!  It was an excellent Q & A with Ron Evans, the Cincinnati Zoo Primate Curator.  I've been a bit critical of Evans, as well as the Gorilla SSP's Kristen Lukas, reasons for which I will reiterate later.  But, I have to give him props now, because he gave all of us who love Ndume, what we needed with this dialog!  I couldn't ask for more.  I hope the Zoo continues to make progress reports much like this one.  

Knowing that Ndume didn't have to be sedated, didn't resist the crate and from additional non-media information I heard, he seemed to have been the perfect traveler!  And now hearing he was already exploring his new surroundings, confirms, this was the right thing for him, and he was ready to leave that life of isolation. 

The criticism I mentioned and I have written in previous posts, was because I felt and still do, that the right thing was not done for Ndume for decades.  Whether that was because, as Evans has stated, he felt he couldn't take Ndume away from Koko, or as evidenced by the alleged lack attention given by Evans, Lukas, et al, to Ndume's life at The Gorilla Foundation.  First and foremost, TGF is not an AZA accredited facility, Ndume is in the AZA system so therefore should have never been sent there to begin with.  TGF allegedly does not in any way follow AZA guidelines for housing, diet or medical care.  By all accounts by former caregivers,  no one from the Cincinnati Zoo or the Gorilla SSP (as reps of the AZA) regularly, or even annually, visited the TGF to check on Ndume's care regimen.  Ndume was left there and ignored for decades, by the organization that he was bred into.  I in no way would want to take anything away from Koko, Penny Patterson's first victim, but Koko by all accounts did not want to be around other Gorillas, She had already been ruined and humanized. My heart breaks for her every time I think about her.  She and Ndume did not really co-habitate.  So leaving him there, because it wouldn't be fair to her, in essence put her above him.  What if Ndume had passed away before Koko?  His life without a Gorilla Family at The Gorilla Foundation would have been all he had known for near three decades.  That's just wrong and sad. 

That all said, and its not to bash anyone, but it's the truth and needs to always be remembered as to how Ndume ended up in this situation for 28 years. That said, thankfully Cincinnati Zoo did the right thing and I give them kudos for not taking the easy way out, and signing him over to Penny.  When things got tough, they fought for Ndume all the way to the end.  So a big Thank you, to Ron Evans and the Cincinnati Zoo team for making this happen for Ndume.  You did right by him. I look forward to following his journey.  

The other good media piece was by a Cincinnati local news station. They captured the footage of him being loaded into the van, and in another piece, interviewed John Safkow the former caregiver (2009-2012)  who started his crusade for Ndume several years ago.

screencap from:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=67qIWo4tlg0

This had me shedding tears again!  A great report, with the best being the quotes from Ndume's best friend John Safkow!  The first one (pictured above) was awesome and resonated with me.  I'm so glad we met.  He is a like minded crusader.  Neither of us started out knowing we would have to save our respective Ape Friends, but when the situations presented themselves, our souls knew we had to try!  Bravo my friend!  Congratulations for keeping your promise to Ndume!  I know it feels good!  One of the most important things I've done in my life, was helping my SFZoo Chimp Friends. When I was approached by a former Keeper who told me the Director's plan to kick them out, he followed it by saying, "What are you going to do?".  He came to me when no one at the Zoo, not even those who cared for our Chimps would be their voice.  Not even anonymously.  He knew I would be their Voice.  So, I know how it feels to save the lives of these precious Beings we are endeared to.  Thank you John for being the only person with the guts to show their face and speak the truth about what life really was like for the Gorilla's, at The Gorilla Foundation.  What life was like for Ndume.  

NEWS FLASH! Ndume is Going Back to Cincinnati!

My internet was down for 40 minutes.  Before it went out, I briefly saw a news article come into my email via alert, Judge, Gorilla, ...  When my internet finally connected, I quickly posted my blog posts.  Then went back to read this article, 

Judge: Companion of late gorilla Koko must go back to zoo

https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/state/california/article225449545.html

Whoot!  Thankfully, Ndume doesn't have to live a life of isolation much longer.  

The only thing left to say about this is, I certainly hope Cincinnati Zoo gets a team on the ground to The Gorilla Foundation (TGF) as soon as possible. There have been many concerns for Ndume's safety there if this outcome did not go Penny Patterson's  (TGF) way.  I will not breathe relief until Cincinnati Zoo has eye's on Ndume, who hasn't been seen in months on TGF Social Media and he is out of there.

Penny Patterson, Ron Cohn, Gary Stanley, and all at The Gorilla Foundation.  The World is watching,  play nice, do what's best for Ndume, and make this move easy for him.

Additional information.  ... Courts Summary of Judgement
https://cbssanfran.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/ndume-judgment.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0G6mfJvf6h-gHc1fPKr2MkSrZtdvSxSsqVpDnR2U5h36ryOXEz4fZshMk

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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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Gorilla Ndume Update

For those who have been following Ndume's story, whether here or in the news, know that a Court Hearing was set for Jan 24, 2019, as a result of TGF defaulting on an agreement to comply with transferring Ndume back to Cincinnati Zoo, his birthplace.  The Judge heard both sides that day, and is currently deliberating.  

Not much more can be said about the circumstances of Ndume's history and life at The Gorilla Foundation (TGF), than I've already written (search this blog using keyword "Ndume"), and can be found on the Facebook Page Ndume the Gorilla Deserves Better, that I've linked in past posts.

Penny Patterson ruined the lives of four Gorillas, Koko, Bebe, Michael and Ndume.  All lived lives no Gorilla, no Great Ape should.  Koko, became more Human than Gorilla.  Bebe who was not subjected to a life of isolation, and no Gorilla Family, but that is only because she never made it to TGF. After Penny paid an Animal Trafficer to procure two infants from the wild, Bebe died in transit.  Michael paid the price for both of them.  Ndume, sadly still sits in isolation at TGF, a victim of one woman's lifelong selfishness. 

Once this custody battle went to court, there was no way that all the scandalous details of life for Gorillas at TGF would come out.  In the past week alone there have been several news articles that make reference to some, and I know more to come.  I feel bad for Koko.  She was the first victim of Penny Patterson's selfishness.  I don't want to see her memory tainted.  None of what happened to her or others was her fault.  The whole situation is very sad.

Penny Patterson, is one of the great Illusionists, as well as a true Carny.  She took her self need to possess an infant Gorilla for a study that could have been conducted on the grounds of the SFZoo, while Koko remained with her Family, and forged a whole fantasy lasting several decades, based on Animal Cruelty, under the guise of science and conservation, to make a buck.  Millions of bucks.  She fooled the World.  Everyone would have continued to buy what she was selling, if she only knew when to quit.   The secrets of TGF would never have come to light, and the legacy kept intact, if she would have abided by the agreement, simply had a heart and allowed Ndume to leave.  Instead she is holding him hostage, and for what?  Is she truly delusional that she is doing the best thing for him keeping him in isolation?  Or, does she know without him, the jig is up and the donation ATM closes for good?  

If she had actually created a Gorilla Sanctuary, that means a place where there is a healthy combination of social structure, medical care, diet, and proper accommodations, Ndume would not have to make a move at this point in his life.  By all accounts, she failed to that.  So Ndume must be transferred to Cincinnati Zoo.  There is no other option for him.  He can not live in isolation for the rest of his life. 

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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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News Flash! The Gorilla Foundation Launches Effort to Save Ndume!

I'm a bit behind on this being breaking news, but since in the actual News, I used the News Flash! lead-in.  

So yeah, The Gorilla Foundation has responded to the Lawsuit against them by the Cincinnati Zoo, who wants to recall Ndume back to his place of birth.  Cincinnati Zoo has retained ownership of Ndume his while life. 

The Press Release, only posted to The Gorilla Foundation website (curiously not any of their Social Media platforms), can be read here: http://www.koko.org/gorilla-foundation-launches-humanitarian-effort-save-life-gorilla-ndume

 Screencaps from koko.org

I included a link to the court documents in the last post.  A longer version, including exhibits, has been brought to my attention. You can view that here, link within this news article: https://local12.com/news/get-it-now-links/53-page-legal-document-concerning-custody-battle-over-gorilla?fbclid=IwAR2Sf6P5u-po39S4LI85R6ym5jssug6FViYgPsqN5h5eO5Ws2TTJ8bFPA70 

When I read this, I just thought about poor Ndume having to sit there while these two shitty teams of so called animal professionals duke it out.  From the moment the lawsuit was announced, I have been disgusted by both parties.  I am not alone in my feelings that The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and The Gorilla SSP (Species Survival Plan, by proxy of the AZA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums) are not without huge blame in this mess. From my first blog post about Ndume, I have continually maintained the disservice they have done to him. I'm sorry, I know they are helping now, but when I hear Cincinnati Zoo's Ron Evan's pompous statements about isolation, I want to vomit. He and Gorilla SSP head Kristen Lukas should have accepted some of the blame for this.  They had to know the situation there, at least the isolation part.  I do not believe that they thought Ndume and Koko were co-habitating or had visual contact for a majority of time each day. Twenty-seven years is along time to be abandoned, just sitting there with no Family. I think about everything that's happened in the last 27 years of my life, its not just a number its a frigging long time!  

I'm torn by what I've been told by former Gorilla Foundation Caregivers about what has gone on there for decades, my feelings about the The Cincinnati Zoo and SSP's part in this, that I'm not sure who holds the most blame.  Blame is in hindsight, and we must look to the future and hope for the best for Ndume, but its hard not to feel sad, and disappointed at all those who failed him to this point.  Its just sad all the way around for Ndume.  

Penny connived and appealed to the SFZoo officials greed to sell Koko to her,  kidnapping infant Koko from her Mother and Gorilla Family and subsequently procuring additional Gorillas from the wild.  I will always look at her as evil for the cruelty done to Koko, Michael and BB.   There was never any hope for Koko or Michael, Penny owned them, but the real FAIL in my opinion is on the part of the AZA/SSP for sending Ndume to a non-AZA facility, AND leaving him there in isolation, which they were well aware of, for near three decades. Penny's actions have been self-serving,  but the AZA/SSP out of sight, out of mind, position with Ndume, have been negligent and cruel.  They have employed "educated" professionals throughout the years so in my opinion, their actions are the ones most responsible for this mess. They left him there, people got attached, he got rooted, of course his removal wasn't going to be smooth.  Their minimal defense is that they left Ndume there so Koko wouldn't be alone.  What about Ndume?  Why weren't his needs met?  I completely understand the compassion behind maintaining Koko's needs, and its admirable, but they should have then at least sent another Gorilla there to live in the same enclosure as Ndume.  He needed a Gorilla Family.  If the SSP truly felt there was no issue of mis-care there, then why was this not something that happened?  Then upon Koko's death both Ndume and the additional Gorillas could have been transferred back to Cincinnati or wherever together.  Bottom line, there was a disservice to Ndume and his needs, by the Gorilla SSP.

Now, in regard to Penny's counter to Cincinnati Zoo, I have to admit, if I were someone who didn't have the ear of former Gorilla Foundation Staff, I would be on her side.  I can hear the gasps now!  Let me explain, when I heard the San Francisco Zoo Director was going to kick out our Senior Chimps and ship them cross country I was outraged.  That outrage was fueled by several issue points, the main one being our Chimps, had lived at the SFZoo for near Fifty years, essentially all their lives.  It was the only home they had ever really known.  They were Seniors, and there was no way they should be uprooted and sent someplace unfamiliar, with unfamiliar people.  This was also the survival factor. This part of Penny's defense I completely get.  There are other issues in defense of why Ndume needs to be moved, but the main issue that is a constant factor is, that he is living in isolation from other Gorillas and you just can not keep a Great Ape from having the social interaction a Gorilla, or at very least that another Primate can provide. 

Now, IF and this is hindsight and fantasy, and unfortunately Penny and the Gorilla Foundation don't realize the truth and reality.  IF The Gorilla Foundation, employed Animal Care professionals, including Veterinarians (as most accounts note that  allegedly none of the Gorillas have had regular medical care for years), upgraded its facility, specifically the enclosures (night quarters and yards), basically be an actual Sanctuary, which would have allowed for a relationship that provided them the placement of additional Gorillas, then sure, there would be no reason for Ndume to have to leave. Sadly none of this is reality.  

The only way for Ndume to stay there would be for The Gorilla Foundation to relinquish rights to the AZA and for the AZA to create an actual Sanctuary there.  A place for surplus Gorillas, additional Bachelor Groups, etc.  Again fantasy.  ... I wish my idea of giving Ndume a home at the San Francisco Zoo had been taken seriously.  It would have benefited him.  Close travel, a Keeper who has previously worked with him,  the familiar faces of former Gorilla Foundation Staff and Caregivers who could visit him ... 

Who knows how this will play out. I only pray Ndume stays safe and the judge rules in his best interest.  The world is watching Cincinnati Zoo and The Gorilla Foundation, both parties are under the microscope to do what's best for Ndume, hopefully a resolution will be found soon.  

Last post: https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/10/news-flash-cincinnati-zoo-sues-gorilla.html

Use Search for keyword "Ndume" for all related posts. 

For more details and opinions, by many who are former Gorilla Foundation caregivers, you can visit the Facebook Page (owned by a former caregiver)  https://www.facebook.com/TeamNdume/

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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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*Expand Comments for Additional Insight and Information.  ... All Comments are moderated and will be published within 24 hours.  Comment form or about.me link can be used to contact me. 

*You can be a Voice for the SFZoo Animals by Contacting the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at tanyap@sfzoo.org 

News Flash! Cincinnati Zoo Sues Gorilla Foundation For Custody of Gorilla Ndume

I woke up today to this news.  It has hit many media sources, this is the article I read first.  

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-zoo-in-custody-fight-for-silverback-gorilla-ndume/24261933?fbclid=IwAR1zWaUg8sQRWBJM529AqfHdd1q_E6v48XxvAOIYOnIRzre6XDC0xtcMNJQ

It contains the Court Document, so make sure to click on that link in the article.

This is upsetting.  Most of us who have followed Ndume's plight (I've posted about it several times), have known this might be a probable situation.  The people who I discuss this with most are a handful of former Gorilla Foundation caregivers.  I grew up following Koko's story, and loving her. Over the past decade since I've become more involved with the SFZoo Animals, I have been uncomfortable with Koko's life and living situation.  A few years ago I read about the other Gorilla there, Ndume.  Like Koko's, a sad life there for a Great Ape.  When Koko passed, I joined and took an active role in the crusade to get Ndume moved out of there. 

There's alot to be angry about with the situation that has resulted in this lawsuit.   Obviously the main issue of The Gorilla Foundation (TGF) not abiding by the agreement.  For me the main issue is still the isolation, which Cincinnati Zoo (CZ) references throughout the court document.  CZ and AZA/SSP (Association of Zoos and Aquariums/Species Survival Plan) have known for decades that Ndume did not live in same enclosure with Koko and they chose to leave him there.  Now they are using that basically as the basis of their argument, with Ron Evans from CZ quoting Gorillas need for "social interaction". I'm not trying to be against them, because of course I believe he should be transferred back there, but I have to state the obvious, CZ and AZA/SSP have basically dug themselves this hole and by proxy the innocent Ndume, by abandoning him there for at minimum 20 yrs more than necessary per the original reason for sending him there, which was to breed with Koko.  He has been left there for 27 years.  Not two years, not seven years, not fifteen, not twenty, 27 years!  Alone. They are the ones who have set this scene.  

How many times other than the one a few years ago with the photo op with Koko,  did either CZ and/or the AZA/SSP visit TGF to check on Ndume?  My sources can only reference the one time in all those years.  Even if more, I highly doubt it was the twice a year stated in those documents.  I assume neither CZ or AZA/SSP are unaware as they are supposed to be made up of the highly regarded professionals in their fields, so they also had to know that TGF's whole project had become fantasy in recent years if not earlier.  The argument that Koko needed companionship, in my opinion is not valid.  As I understand it, Koko was never allowed to co-habitate with other Gorillas.  Random encounters over the years, but no consistent daily interaction.  Koko was raised as a Human and had no need for Gorilla companionship.  This is allegedly and likely why she wasn't interested in breeding or being with other Gorillas.  Penny ruined Koko's life by denying her a Gorilla Family.  There is no way "professionals" from CZ and AZA/SSP didn't get that, at least in the past decade plus. Bottom line CZ and AZA/SSP abandoned Ndume and because of that TGF feels entitled to keep him.  If it was not for the facts, That Penny and Ron are seemingly and allegedly unfit to care for any Gorilla, That there are no other Gorillas for companionship, and That by all accounts the enclosures are in need of updates, considering the length of time Ndume has lived there (more than half his life) and his age, I would support leaving him there, BUT those key issues are the reason he should be transferred.  He needs to be with other Gorillas.  

This is a mess, and make no mistake poor Ndume is the casualty of all parties, CZ, AZA/SSP and TGF's negligence in providing him the proper compassion and attention for 27 years.   In my opinion all parties did what was self-serving, CZ and AZA/SSP had no use for him in their system, so ignored him for decades and TGF needed a faux companion for their fantasy spin on Koko's life to continue garnering donations.  Ndume has paid the price and will continue to.  

I hope this is sorted out soon, without any further drama.  I pray Ndume will remain safe though this battle, as I have heard from two sources that they would fear for Ndume's life in a custody battle and here we now are. 

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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

Is Ndume Gorilla In A Tug Of War Between The Cincinnati Zoo and The Gorilla Foundation?

Darn, I didn't see having to write another blog post about Ndume's situation, until his new journey began, and certainly not right now when I'm trying to work on some other things, but this new development has got to be documented.  

Well my original post (7.14.18) entitled, Will Ndume (Gorilla) Become The Gorilla Foundation's New Cash Cow? , unfortunately seems to be accurate.  ... You can read that post here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/will-ndume-gorilla-become-gorilla_14.html

On August 29, The Cincinnati Zoo posted a press release to their Facebook that stated, Ndume would be moving back there, from The Gorilla Foundation.  Born at the Cincinnati Zoo, Ndume has been living in isolation at TGF for 27 years. 

Screencap Cincinnati Zoo FB

On September 3, The Gorilla SSP posted a link to their Facebook of a News article about the move.  This long overdue move has made it to many national news outlets.

Screencap Gorilla SSP FB

The Gorilla Foundation has curiously remained silent.   Those who have been close to TGF in the past have suspected something was brewing over there.  

I emailed both Ron Evans, Cincinnati Zoo Curator of Primates and Kristen Lukas, Gorilla SSP Coordinator for updates and got no reply from either. 

Last week I sent Cincinnati Zoo a message via Facebook.  I asked if a date had been set for when Ndume would be moving to the Zoo from The Gorilla Foundation.  ... "No date had been set." ... I asked what the plans were for housing him since they already had two Groups with adult males.  ... "Details have not been decided."  ... Huh.  Seems like no plan is not indicative of any immediate move.

I messaged the Gorilla SSP after.  They had recommended to CinciZoo an asap move, so I asked if a date had been set, noting that CinciZoo had no plans for housing even.  ...  The FB person said they were not privvy to that information, but stated, "I’m assuming that at the upcoming gorilla workshop, if plans aren’t already in the works, it’ll be heavily discussed."

Yesterday I read there was a post mail letter sent from the Gorilla Foundation, received by some individuals, last week.  The #TeamNdume Facebook page asked if anyone had received one.  This was posted by a page visitor. 

Screencaps from #TeamNdume FB

The goal of this letter from TGF Founder Penny Patterson, is clear.  The Gorilla Foundation is at this moment in time, soliciting donations for three projects, one being the acquisition of additional Gorillas to create a Family for Ndume. 

Personally I think this is Outrageous.  Aside from the Ndume money grab, which may even be fraudulent if he indeed is going back to Cincinnati Zoo,  none of the other things are relevant or legitimate at this moment in time.  Penny and her gang have had 46 years to get to Maui and all this other stuff.  It seems like a last ditch effort to continuing funding a certain lifestyle on the sympathy of those who loved Koko and for some reason still believe in the fantasy.  

So, all things considered, this latest has myself and many others wondering, what the hell is going on?  Is Ndume staying or moving?

The only two conclusions at this point are, He is staying at The Gorilla Foundation and the Cincinnati Zoo and the Gorilla SSP are making up this whole move to appease this public outrage that he is still living at TGF in isolation, Or he really is moving and Penny and the gang at TGF are delusional and in denial, and therefore soliciting donations fraudulently.

I made a call to The Gorilla Foundation today.  I spoke with Sofia.  

Me: I have a question about the letter that was sent out last week, asking for donations to get more Gorillas to make a Family for Ndume.  

Sofia: Yes that is our goal (or what we'd like to do, something like that.

Me: Well, it was announced that he was going back to the Cinncinnati Zoo, so I'm confused.

Sofia: We are working with them.

Me: Working with them in what way?  Is he staying or going?  

Sofia: We are working with them.

Me: Yes, but in the letter you are asking for donations, based on him staying, if he isn't then what are the donations for? 

Sofia: I can't comment any further.  You can call back and dial ext 14. 

I asked for her name, the name of who was at ex 14, and said Thank you.  

Joy at ext 14, is reachable at the same number by dialing an extension.  So essentially, when I called back Sofia wouldn't answer and I'd get the option to choose the extension (that is for press inquiries), which I did and of course I got voicemail.  I say of course because I imagine Joy had been told I'm calling back and what my question was. ...  I left a message and am currently waiting for a call back.  If I get a call back I will post what the outcome was.  

NEWS FLASH! - Ndume to Go Home to Cincinnati Zoo!

Yesterday afternoon, the Cincinnati Zoo released a statement, Ndume is going home!

“Since Koko’s unfortunate passing earlier this summer, we’ve been considering the best options for Ndume,” said Dr. Kristen Lukas, Chair of the Gorilla SSP. “The SSP is confident that the Cincinnati Zoo will provide Ndume with outstanding care, access to modern, flexible, and specialized gorilla living areas, and a myriad of socialization options as he makes this transition. We’re all looking forward to seeing Ndume thrive in the company of other gorillas.”

“We completed upgrades to Gorilla World last year and have doubled the size of our gorilla habitats and specialized care spaces,” said Ron Evans (Cincinnati Zoo Curator of Primates).  “We can provide Ndume with a flexible, accommodating home and excellent opportunities to be near and cohabitate with other gorillas, a critical foundation need for this highly social species.”

“Assuring Ndume is in the best possible social and welfare situation is everyone’s top priority,” said Dr. Candice Dorsey, AZA’s Senior Vice President of Conservation, Management and Welfare Sciences. “The Gorilla SSP and Cincinnati Zoo are taking the appropriate steps to assure Ndume has the best possible future.”

Full press release here:

http://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/silverback-gorilla-ndume-will-return-to-his-first-home-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/

This is great news!  Getting him out of there asap yay!  Should have been years ago.  This move is a surprise since the Cincinnati Zoo just left him there for 27 yrs.  I sure hope all they are promising happens for Ndume.  He deserves it.  I'm hoping that in the 27 yrs since he was sentenced to The Gorilla Foundation,  they have got some wonderful and compassionate Keepers who will adore Ndume and want to do everything that is right for him.  Cincinnati Zoo, The World is watching!  Make-up for the years you left him to languish. ... Hope he's celebrating his Birthday in October with Gorilla Friends!  We will all look forward to the party.   

I must also say that the quotes by Kristen Lukas, Ron Evans, and Candice Dorsey had that rosy PR glow.   Words that don't go unnoticed.  They should make you wonder, Why these feelings didn't help Ndume the last two plus decades while he sat in isolation?  I heard they never wanted to move Ndume because it might upset Koko.  So all their care for his welfare came secondary to Koko's?  They would have left him there to die, if Koko had outlived him.  Shame on all of them.  Especially Ron Evans who is quoted as knowing Ndume since he was two years old.  

RIP Gorilla Foundation.  Thankfully.  Hopefully someday all the their followers will know the truth.  They will know that the selfishness and greed of Penny Patterson, kept Koko, Michael and Ndume from living their natural lives.  It kept them from having Gorilla Families.  All for what?  Money? Past the initial experiments, there was never "great work" to be done.  There was never a move to Maui past fantasy.  There was never babies in Koko's future.  There was living in trailers, non-species diets, no medical care, pimping for donations, and isolation.  Koko and Michael had no choice, Penny owned them. Good riddance to The Gorilla Foundation for the lives of four Gorillas they wronged.  The fourth was an infant female named Bebe who came with Michael after being stolen from the wild.  She died shortly after arriving.  

Thankfully Ndume belonged the Zoo system and has finally been recalled home.  His saving grace and they finally did right by him.  He should never have been sent there, never left there for near three decades.  Hopefully he will have many more years of a good life and forget all the years he was forced to live a life no Great Ape should. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in helping Ndume.  Those who wrote letters, and signed the Petition.  This move may have been in the works before we started crusading for him, but I believe our Voices for Ndume were heard and helped.  Don't ever stop being a Voice for those who can't speak for themselves. 

HOT TOPIC! - Free Ndume From The Gorilla Foundation - Letter Writing Campaign - UPDATED 7.29.18

UPDATED 7.29.18 ... I updated the contact information for the AZA/SSP contact list at the end of this post.

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First I want to thank all my readers who usually follow this blog for San Francisco Zoo content.  I know I've written exclusively about Ndume for the last few posts.  Since The Gorilla Foundation is local, I've known about Koko almost my whole life, and since her passing all I can think about is the Gorilla she left behind.  I need to use this forum as a way to bring attention to the plight of Ndume.  Thank you for reading my posts, and hopefully sharing information about him.  Together hopefully we can all change his situation and get him a wonderful home for the rest of his life. 

The post before last, I noted several people (and their contact information) within the AZA/SSP organization that deals with Gorillas.  I will post that info again at the end of this post.  

What is the goal?  The end goal is to get the AZA/SSP to find Ndume a home suitable for a Gorilla, not continue to leave him in isolation.  Ndume has been without a Gorilla Family for 27 years.  Right now, this first round of letters, my goal is to get answers.  For the AZA/SSP to be transparent about their intentions with Ndume.  

The AZA/SSP has been aware of Ndume's situation for years.  Contrary to what they have been fed by The Gorilla Foundation, it has been documented for many years, by many who have left TGF, that Ndume, like Michael before him and always for Koko, have lived isolated from each other.  They may have seen each other for short periods of time, but allegedly TGF spin machine makes it seem like more, like they co-habitat.  That is simply not the truth.  Now that Koko is gone, there is not even the chance that Ndume will see another Gorilla.  How can authoritative cogs in the machine even morally continue to allow this to be a Great Apes life?  

Anyone who reads this, please take a moment to be a Voice for Ndume.  If you need to educate yourself more before getting involved please visit the Facebook Page,  https://www.facebook.com/TeamNdume  The person who started it , worked at The Gorilla Foundation and many of  the comments are posted by other former staff members.  All Caregivers to Ndume and Koko.  All who know first hand what really went on there and the need to get Ndume out of there.  Please help and let's not let Ndume spend the rest of his life alone.  To quote Jodi Carrigan, Asst Primate Curator from Zoo Atlanta, “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."   

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AZA Animal Program Leaders (Gorilla)  ... Email Contacts listed below.

Ape TAG Chair:

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International  ... info@gorillafund.org  

ATTN: Tara Stoinski in subject line

Ape TAG Vice Chair:

>Tracy Fenn, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens ... FennT@jacksonvillezoo.org

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Coordinator: 

>Kristen Lukas, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo ... kel@clevelandmetroparks.com

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Vice Coordinator:

>Rachel Daneault, Disney's Animal Kingdom  ... guest.services@disneyworld.com 

Attn: Rachel Daneault in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla Studbook Keeper: 

>Roby Elsner, Audubon Zoo ... No longer at Audubon Zoo. Now at Bronx Zoo.  guestrelations@wcs.org ... ATTN Roby Elsner in subject line

Ape TAG Education Advisors:

>Connie Kassner, Cameron Park Zoo ... conniek@wacotx.gov

>Sandi Linn, SaveNature.Org ... No longer associated with AZA or TAG

>Nadine Kocanjer, Disney's Animal Kingdom ... guest.services@disneyworld.com 

Attn: Nadine Kocanjer in subject line.

Western Lowland Gorilla SSP Conservation Advisors:

> Rich Bergl, North Carolina Zoological Park  ... richard.bergl@nczoo.org

>Tara Stoinski, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International ... see above contact info.

Additional Contacts. 

>Maureen Leahy,  Lincoln Park Zoo

... ealtimari@lpzoo.org  ...  ATTN Maureen Leahy in Subject line

>Hugh Bailey,  Woodland Park Zoo 

zooinfo@zoo.org ... ATTN Hugh Bailey in subject line

>Beth Schaeffer,  Los Angeles Zoo 

info@lazoo.org  ... ATTN Beth Schaeffer in subject line

>Dusty Lombardi,Columbus Zoo 

 info@columbuszoo.org ... ATTN Dusty Lombardi in subject line

I deliberately did not contact the following two people because Ndume has already been housed at both these Zoos unfavorably. 

Craig Demitros, Brookfield Zoo

Ron Evans, Cincinnati Zoo

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

This is the letter I sent off to everyone on this list. 

Hello ... ,

I am writing to you as your name appears on the AZA website as a Program Leader for Gorillas.

I am inquiring about the future of Gorilla Ndume currently residing at The Gorilla Foundation.

Like most, I have known about Koko most of my life.  I am a San Francisco native and through my interest in Great Apes, I have come in contact with many who have known and worked with Koko, as well Michael and Ndume.  Sadly, I have been privvy to unfortunate truths about The Gorilla Foundation.  That said, I have concerns about Ndume.

In your position, you must know the simple fact,  Ndume has been living in isolation for 27 years.  How or why he was sent there to live a life without contact with other Gorillas, I don't know.  That is the past, what is his future?

With the passing of Koko, has there been any discussion in the AZA/SSP community to remove Ndume from The Gorilla Foundation, and find a more suitable, frankly more humane environment for him to live out his life in?  

The Gorilla Foundation has put forth via social media that they intend to ".. continue their mission" and "seek a Gorilla Family for Ndume" .  This is considered outrageous by many.  Project Penny, or rather Koko should not have lasted as long as it did in the first place, but Penny owned Koko so nothing could be done.  Ndume is in the AZA system and should never have been allowed to live without a Gorilla Family for 27 years.  Its unconscionable. 

From all research I have done, it is obvious Cincinnati Zoo who owns Ndume does not want him.  It is curious, that after the Harambe tragedy, when a vacant space for a Silverback was created, that he was not recalled.  Can you tell me why that is?  I understand Ndume is genetically not desirable in the breeding program at this time, but I was told the females in Harambe's group were non-breeding.  

Regardless of all, why has Ndume never been removed from the isolation at The Gorilla Foundation and placed with non-breeding females, or in a Bachelor group?

As a San Francisco Zoo visitor, I have presented in a blog post (linked at the end) some ideas for moving him there, it is geographically ideal, there is a Keeper on staff who has worked with Ndume in the past, and his Sister Bawang lives there. I have also noted another facility, Zoo Atlanta who helped Gorilla Ivan who came from an isolated situation as well.  

To quote Zoo Atlanta Asst Primate Curator Jodi Carrigan, “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."   

Ndume needs Friends and the AZA/SSP has the authority to make that happen.  

Thank you.  Look forward to your reply.

Kim

blog link

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/could-should-and-would-san-francisco.html

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

Related posts

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-crime-of-selling-koko.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/will-ndume-gorilla-become-gorilla_14.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/could-should-and-would-san-francisco.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/ndumes-sister-lives-at-sfzoo-blog.html

Ndume's Sister Lives at SFZoo! + Blog Comment Supporting SFZoo Idea

"NOT rolling my eyes! These are good ideas and presented realistically. I am sure some of the triple grotto could be used; years ago brothers Barney and Shango were placed temporarily in one of those enclosures before they were moved to another zoo."  - Joanne Tanner

I received this comment to my previous blog post, where I presented ideas as to how the San Francisco Zoo could help Ndume.  This comment came from Dr Joanne Tanner.  Highly regarded, Joanne has observed the San Francisco Zoo Gorilla Family for many years, starting in the late 1980s. She has also worked with Koko and Michael at The Gorilla Foundation.

Please view her site for wonderful documentation on her observations and links to her published works on the subject.

http://www.gorillagestures.info

I thank her for this information.  It not only confirms that my ideas can be done, because they have,  but it also confirms my memory of seeing Gorillas in the South Grotto!  No one else I've talked to ever remembers this.  Before Gorilla World, the Gorillas lived in the exhibit where Mandrills currently are, but I knew I had seen them at triple grotto!

I also want to include this, as I forgot to in my previous post. 

This is Bawang.  

She has lived at the San Francisco Zoo since 1981, when she was 18 months old.  She was born at the Cincinnati Zoo.  Ndume is her half-brother.  He was just two months old when she was transferred to SFZoo, but they were living as Family.   Ndume is Bawang's Family.

Bawang was also Kubie's life mate.  They had three babies.  Barney, Shango, and Nneka.  Kubie was Koko's brother.  If Koko had not been kidnapped and sold, she would have grown up with her brother and his Family. 

I've made a video to support the crusade to get Ndume a new home.  Please Share. 

Free Koko the Gorilla's Friend - Ndume Needs A New Home.

https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=a9JALHx2b3M

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

Related posts

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-crime-of-selling-koko.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/will-ndume-gorilla-become-gorilla_14.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/could-should-and-would-san-francisco.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/free-ndume-from-gorilla-foundation.html

HOT TOPIC! - Could, Should, and Would The San Francisco Zoo Give Ndume a Home?

Could, with alot of work, yes. Would, probably not.  Should, I think they should try to.  In my opinion, the San Francisco Zoo even if we are reaching back almost 45+ years, were instrumental in what has become The Gorilla Foundation, when they took an infant Gorilla named Koko from her Mother and Family, and sold her to Penny Patterson.  That action had Koko living her whole life being treated as a Human, and never having the chance to be a Gorilla.  They owe it to Koko and her Family to help the last Being, being held in captive isolation by TGF.  It would be good Karma.

It would also be good Karma is for The Gorilla Foundation to donate whatever funds they have received from their Koko's Legacy campaign to any facility who takes Ndume.  Living at TGF for 27 yrs isolated from a life with other Gorillas will probably mean he will need go through some socialization training so he can, and  hopefully he can, be reintroduced into a Gorilla group.  There will most definitely be additional costs for housing him through that stage.  Most Zoos aren't prepared with a space to house a large animal and one with strength like a Great Ape, in an unusual situation like this, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.  The AZA/SSP need to figure out who's going to do it and soon.

The San Francisco Zoo is currently renovating part of their Pachyderm to expand the Chimpanzee space and accommodate for the addition to that group.  Once that is completed it will open up two additional recreation areas and a six bedroom night quarters. The current Chimp area consists of a three island moated area built in the late 60s that also housed Orangutans at one time.  The triple grotto will under go a renovation in the future not only because it needs it, but because the Zoo aspires to have Orangutans again.  I have only seen an old design of the proposed renovation.  I have written about this before, and frankly with the lack of space to hold the Chimps for the duration of a huge project like that, and the lack of funds I imagine this project will yield, the Zoo is better off working with what they got by filling in the moat and glassing it in to make a larger yard.  Using the three grottos, and an adjacent south area, it would be ideal to make it into two yards, that could be used either as one huge area or two independent areas at different times.

The above all said, in its current and upcoming state with the new Pachy area opening, it could quite possibly present a temporary area to house Ndume, if areas could be partitioned.  For example, in the current triple grotto, a bedroom and use of the south grotto yard.  In the Pachy, use of a bedroom and the new yard currently under construction.  Of course for a time this would reduce a small area for the Chimps, but they are also gaining areas.  I championed for the Chimps to get new areas and friends, so I would never suggest anything to deny them that.  I just think there is a way to help an Animal in need.  The SFZoo is in an ideal situation, if even a temporary one.  It is geographically located to The Gorilla Foundation, for short transport and in case there was a need for their assistance, and there is already someone on staff at the SFZoo who knows and has worked with Ndume before.  Additionally, there are so many people over the last 27 years that worked at TGF who were forced to leave because they morally couldn't stay there any longer.  They love and miss Ndume, as they did Koko and Michael before him.  I'm sure they would love to be able to see Ndume again and see that he is in a better place.

Could SFZoo be a forever home for Ndume?  If he could be socialized to be with other Gorillas, no.  He should be placed in a Bachelor group.  SFZoo already has a Silverback and intact Family group.  If he couldn't be with other Gorillas, and funds became available (there are many ideas for this to happen) to build an enclosure for him, yes, the SFZoo could provide him a home as well as any other Zoo could.  I could see a new yard that would house him and small Primates built close to the the current Gorilla World.  There is an area to the west, as well areas that has been cleared south of the perimeter of the GW exhibit, particularly an area of good size, that could extend to the front of the GW viewing area.  It could even attach to GW via skytrail to where he could be housed in the GW night quarters with the others, if that's even possible to have two Silverbacks contained in the same area.  Again, not my area of knowledge.

I know that the people at the Zoo will read this and be like she's just a crazy person with these ideas but the reality is that no matter what Zoo he goes to there's the chance that he'll need his own enclosure.  Most likely in any Zoo that will mean an enclosure that is newly built.  So thinking how it could work with what I know, in my corner of the world which happens to be the same corner that Ndume is in, isn't that far-fetched.  Now the San Francisco Zoo is currently as I noted under construction with the Chimp renovation and then they have this huge self indulgent project that they shouldn't even be doing at this time scheduled to start within the next few months, so I'm sure they'll be like, oh we're not taking on anything else, in addition to thinking about funding because the way the San Francisco Zoo works is if donors don't want it it doesn't get done.  That's why the Chimps had to wait three decades for new stuff, because shamefully, none of the Zoological Society donors wanted to help them.  There's a lot coming out about the Gorilla Foundation in different forums in the wake of Koko's passing, not just by me, and for a lot of people, this is the first time anyone is hearing about it.  So it's not going to be a surprise that people will want Ndume moved and whoever does take him in, will be looked at as Heroes because they'll be rescuing him from an awful situation.

So yea, my mind works quickly to problem solve.  Most, will roll their eyes at my ideas,  but at least I'm trying to come up with solutions using the information I have access to.  The AZA/SSP and Zoo community sure don't seem to being doing anything.  So maybe my ideas are far-fetched, not on any radar, and probably a fantasy, but at least I care enough to think about Ndume and his future and regardless of whether my top of the head ideas would work, maybe it will poke the AZA/SSP and their accredited Zoos, who need to put on their thinking caps and figure out who is going to help give this poor Soul a home and soon.  He was dumped at TGF 27 years ago, and forgotten about.  Left to languish in isolation.  The AZA/SSP needs to find him a home.  There are over two dozen Bachelor Groups in their Zoos, someone has got to have a place for him.

As I noted, what I've learned about Ndume, he will most likely need socialization training.  What that will entail and how long that will take, is not my area of knowledge.  What I do know is he needs to get out of isolation. He need to be a place where he can be with others even if they aren't Gorillas.  In the past the Detroit Zoo housed Koko's half-brother Sunshine with Diana Monkeys and Mandrills.  If it is determined that Ndume can't be introduced in a decent time frame or ever into a Gorilla group, maybe housing him with smaller Primate companions is an option.

 Sunshine Gorilla and Friends

Photos Courtesy of
Jerry J. Sieja (thank you!)

Ndume's birthplace is the Cincinnati Zoo,  who shipped him off to Brookfield Zoo and has seemingly washed their hands of him.  It is documented in Dawn Forsythe's blog post that he was disrespectfully name called at Brookfield, something I feel is verbal abuse. (Previous sentence has been extended and clarified since original post, text and screencap below added.)

screencap of Chimp Trainer's Daughter blog

At The Gorilla Foundation he has lived in isolation and been ignored for 27 years.  At 36 years old, this guy needs to live out his life in a place where people will treat him with respect and give him the chance at companionship, either with other Gorillas or Primates.

Another great option would be Zoo Atlanta.  They took in another Gorilla who lived in even more severe isolation, gave him a home and a Family.  Ivan the Gorilla passed away in 2012.  He lived in a shopping mall as a roadside amusement, in isolation for 27 years, just like Ndume.  He was rescued by Zoo Atlanta and died knowing Love and Family, 15 years later.  I want the same for Ndume.

Zoo Atlanta Assistant Primate Curator Jodi Carrigan who worked with Ivan is quoted,  “Just like you have your Friends, Gorillas need Gorilla Friends."

Who is going to help Ndume and when?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Related posts

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-crime-of-selling-koko.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/will-ndume-gorilla-become-gorilla_14.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/ndumes-sister-lives-at-sfzoo-blog.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/07/free-ndume-from-gorilla-foundation.html