Zoo In The News - Today's Chronicle Article 10.11.24

It never fails, when I'm almost ready to publish posts that have been in draft, something else presents itself.  At 3a this morning, someone sent me this new Chronicle article.  I glanced at it behind the paywall before leaving the house today.  Sat down tonight with the intention to reread without the wall and make a few notes for a reaction post.  I started reading and found myself notating for every paragraph.  What you read below are my off the cuff reactions.  Like I said in my last post, I'm sick of them all.  Them all being, anyone who has been tasked with the responsibility of monitoring, managing, whatever role, that the player is in, in regards to making sure things are right in Our Zoo.  Not one person has fulfilled their duty, and I'm disgusted by their sudden care after, at the very least, sixteen years of neglect.  The boo-hooing is shameful, since myself and staff have been shedding tears for Our Zoo for over a decade.

The article is pasted below in bold, but my reactions follow each paragraph and are highlighted.  If you want to read the full article, use the link or skip the highlighted parts.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-report-19827454.php

First, the article title.  It's sensationalism.  I doubt the Zoo is unsafe for Visitors.  At least there is nothing I know of.  I'd like to know the specifics of that claim.  It should have been included in the article.

The only issue I have with safety, is the Barrier issue I've been roaring about for over a decade.  That said, it's more unsafe for our Bears and Black Rhino than for visitors.  Visitors constantly putting the Animals lives in danger by sitting, standing and hanging their kids over or on those Barriers.  They fall in, and come into contact with one of those code red Animals, the Animals lose their life.  I'm sorry, but the visitor safety in this respect are not my concern.  Follow rules, use some sense and stay safe.  ... Now if there's a concern about Animal escape, again it should be included here.  And the only legitimacy to that would seemingly be if it came from Keeper staff.

The San Francisco Zoo is the subject of a scathing draft report from the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission.

San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission is just another entity who has had someone on the Joint Zoo Committee panel at least the fourteen+ years, since I started attending meetings and reading the monthly Meeting Minutes. So, again, just like with Commissioner Mazzola being shocked and Board Member, now Chair Melinda Dunn launching her investigation, these people are jumping on the bandwagon, of the Chronicle's continued article series.  ALL these people, have had a responsibility to the Zoo, and have never given a crap about it.  It's disgusting.  Our Zoo would not be in the shape it is, if the San Francisco Zoological Society Board, SF Recreation and Park Dept, and other Joint Zoo Committee Members had been doing the job they were tasked with, which is monitoring the Zoo.  The biggest part of monitoring the Zoo, aside from actually going there and seeing things for themselves, is monitoring the Queen of Suck that is unfortunately still the Director, Tanya Peterson.  

These people can all feign ignorance, but it's been flat out negligence.  And if anyone of them want to debate me about it, bring it on, I've been keeping track of all you all's bullshit.  

The commission, an advisory body to the city, voted unanimously Thursday night to support the recommendations in the report, which called for an audit of the zoo by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The zoo is owned by the city but run by the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society.

I'd be interested in knowing just what they've been advising on all these years, because it's not Zoo stuff.  

The report came in response to a Chronicle article published in April that outlined serious concerns among staff about animal welfare and employee safety at the zoo. According to the report, many of the zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects, including that they provide “enough room for animals to exhibit normal behavior,” “be pleasant to the eye of the patrons” and be safe for the animals, animal caretakers and the public.

"...zoo’s enclosures “fail to meet” animal welfare standards the commission expects,..."  What the serious F?  I seriously can't with this self-righteousness.  Again if these people went to the Zoo at any point in sixteen years, they would have seen what's going and how Peterson has not made the Animal Residents or their living conditions the priority.  

"Parts of the zoo are best described as dilapidated,” the report said. “It looks like an institution that needs a comprehensive, strategic redesign plan to modernize the habitats.” 

Oh you think?  And who's going to fund those redesigns?  Peterson has cried poor since she started in 2008.  She has done near Zero fundraising, and thus veto's Animal Enclosure upgrades.  Yet somehow finds funds for Gardens, Art Installations and most recently, green lighting over a Million Dollars for unnecessary train bullshit.  There are many Animals that have had their needs neglected.  Again, the Orangutans are the current case and point.

"Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson and board chair Melinda Dunn did not immediately respond to a request for comment."

Haha, no shit.  Tanya Peterson does not think she has to be responsible to anyone.  She thinks she owns the Zoo, and has allegedly said such to staff.  Dunn, is supporting Peterson because like every other Board Chair and Member, has been negligent in responsibility to the Zoo, either because she doesn't care or is lazy like the rest of them. ... Now that Dunn's investigation is over, will she and Peterson be attending the Joint Zoo Meeting to answer Commissioner Mazzola's questions?

Parisa Safarzadeh, a spokeswoman for Mayor London Breed’s office, said that the commission has raised concerns about the zoo before. She added that the expected arrival of a pair of giant pandas from China next year could help fund upgrades to the zoo.

I call bullshit on this too.  The Pandas are going to cost more money than they will generate in excess funds that would be needed to fix the Zoo.  The Mayor is another one who doesn't care about the Zoo, only about her Pandas. Everyone knows that.  Staff joke that the only Animal who will get anything are the Pandas.  I half joke that if we get Pandas, they will be all the Zoo can afford.  So I hope they are popular enough to keep the Zoo afloat, because they might be the only Animals there!  

The mayor agrees the zoo is in need of revitalization, which is why bringing a global attraction such as the pandas would be ideal — to expedite and invest in improvements and enhancements where necessary,” she said in an email."

The Mayor is delusional, and just chasing Pandas, without seriously thinking about all the factors.  Why?  Because she doesn't care, and doesn't know jack about the Zoo.  Breed and Peterson will be gone after Pandas get here and the City will not give a penny to support the Pandas, and then what?  

Safarzadeh also noted that the zoo exceeds standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

These people need to stop hiding behind AZA Accreditation.  The AZA is another sorry entity, who doesn't care about Animals.  They sent Orangutans to SF knowing they had no dedicated enclosure.  They Orangutans lived exclusively in caged tubes for eight months. It was two years before they got access to an enclosure.  That enclosure is inappropriate for them, and was deemed ancient by the AZA who would not send more Chimpanzees to live in that enclosure, yet sent Orangutans??!?!!  Peterson says no money for Orangutans, even though she chased the acquisition.  And the Joint Zoo Committee approved the acquisition.  So, again, none of the people tasked with the responsibility of keeping the Zoo in healthy shape on all counts, has given a shit about the place.  

Commissioner Jane Tobin compiled the main part of the report after taking a tour of the zoo with Dr. Joe Spinelli, a longtime veterinarian and animal welfare consultant, Michael Angelo Torres, chair of the Animal Control and Welfare Commission, and Justin Barker, an animal rights activist and critic of the zoo who created a website called SF Zoo Watch.

Dr Spinelli is useless.  He's been sitting there for at least fourteen years, doing nothing. He made a comment about the Polar Bears once, yet did nothing to help improve their living conditions.  And Barker, that guy up til recently wanted to see the Zoo close.  Ugh.  This whole parade of people all of a sudden "caring", would be comical if it wasn't so disturbing.  

The report said that though the zoo’s safety measures meet requirements set by U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, they “are minimal and even more frightening — unsafe for the animals and visitors.

Again, what are the safety issues, specifically for visitors? ... The USDA guidelines are a joke, and again the AZA is not only questionable, but inconsistent in their Accreditation process.  SFZoo should never have gotten Accreditation renewed, based soley on the Orangutan situation, which they are fully aware of, because I sent them a very detailed account of their life at the Zoo since day one. ... That all said, requirements must be followed, but to go beyond that, you have to have morals rooted in care, and some sense, and Our Zoo has not been managed by those who possess such.

The zoo has passed all recent inspections from the U.S.D.A. and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which oversee the zoo’s licensing and accreditation.

Again blah, blah, blah. Just stop with this nonsense crutch. Means absolutely nothing.  What means something is Caring.  Having Compassion and Empathy for the Beings who live at the Zoo.  Director Peterson lacks all three, and even jokes about it.

In an interview, Tobin said an example of the group’s safety concerns is a report from employees that the zoo plans to house a jaguar in an enclosure that is open on top and outfitted with hot wire and cantilevers, rather than in one that is completely enclosed in mesh, which the Association of Zoos and Aquariums considers the highest standard of safety for the dangerous big cats.

Well, that's because Tanya Peterson says netting costs too much.  That is why the Orangutans are stuck on tiny Islands.  She won't even fund to finish netting over the Flamingos.  They did a third at start, then added some years later, and it's still not covered.   Several Juveniles escaped and still no care.  That all said, I heard the Jaguar will allegedly not be moving to that enclosure.

Considering that a tiger escaped and killed a patron in the zoo in 2008 and then was killed in the aftermath, said Tobin, “To even go second best, with a minimum standard — that is just a dereliction of duty to the animal, and to the public.

That was in 2007, good grief this Tobin woman doesn't even know when the Tiger event was.  That said, those "patrons" tormented Tatiana into a frenzy.  If the Zoo had better protocols, that may not have happened. Security Protocol now is still shit and allows visitors to put our Animals in danger.  I will again note that management as far back as early 80s, has known that the Tigers could scale the walls.  And why is no one talking about the Barriers at Bears and Black Rhino?

The report will be shared with Peterson, Dunn and others in the Joint Zoo Committee, which includes members of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission, as well as Tobin and Spinelli.

When does the public get to see the report?  I'd like to see what they think are issues.  Not including it here is ridiculous.  All this has been is crumbs of bullshit.  

Prompted by the Chronicle’s investigation and a vote of no-confidence in Peterson by the zoo’s union, the S.F. Zoological Society board recently concluded a five-month investigation. Last month, the board issued a statement saying it had “continued confidence” in Peterson’s leadership, but it has not released the results of its investigation, which was conducted by an outside law firm.

This was not surprising.  Keeping Peterson, who allegedly appointed majority of the Board Members, allows the Board to continue having someone they can defer to, instead of actively doing what the role requires of them.

The Animal Control and Welfare Commission’s report was not critical of all enclosures in the zoo. Commissioners praised the zoo’s lemur exhibit as “exemplary,” describing it as “a large swath of land with trees for climbing and enough space for the lemurs to play and explore.

Again, I want to see this report, not read snips!

But it described an exhibit for langurs as a series of “imposing and dreadful” chain-link cages. “The habitat is a jail from a visitor’s perspective.” Overall, it described the zoo as “uninspiring” for visitors. 

The Langur area is ancient and sad.  That said it was worse when they were holding the Fossa in there. The Langurs are being shipped out and Squirrel Monkeys are rumored to be moving in.  In my opinion, when Peterson grabbed the Donors check for the vanity project that is the MADagascar debacle, displacing five Primate Species, part of the deal should have been that the Donor has to also fund new Aviary style enclosures for those species.  Still, the fix could be to flatten the whole Langur area, and the adjacent area going towards Mandrills, and create two aviaries and a new night quarters.  Unfortunately it is too late for the five+ species that we've lost because of the MAD Want over Animal Needs.  Wants over Needs is how Director Peterson rolls.

The report comes as the zoo is expecting to house giant pandas from China next year. A section of the report focused on plans for the pandas but was contributed by animal rights activists and did not come directly from the commission, Tobin said.

Activists should not be contributing anything.  They don't know anything about the Zoo and only arrived on the scene five months ago.  Good grief.  Where was my invite to this party?  At least I know shit.  Talk to people who care.  The Keepers are the richest source there, yet their opinions aren't utilized near enough, if at all.  That said, if the Commission cared to learn about the Zoo, they wouldn't need the Activists contributions.  

The wrap-up in regards to just things mentioned here... The Mayor needs to fundraise for the Animals that already live at the Zoo. ...  The Board of Supervisors need to squash the Panda nonsense, until the rest of the Zoo's Needs are met. ... Tanya Peterson needs to resign and go far, far, away from the Zoo. 

Related Post: 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/10/animal-welfare-commission-report-piece.html

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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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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows. 

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety , #SanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #SanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed ,  #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence, #Pandas

HOT TOPIC - The San Francisco Zoological Society Is UnFit and Ill-Equipped To Manage Our Zoo

While I prep for other weekend projects (non-animal upset related), I am making notes for an expanded post on the Society Board's decision to keep Director Tanya Peterson at the helm.  

This decision is a complete disrespect to the Animal Residents and the Staff.  

The Zoo is doomed, and it's very sad.

Not sure when I will allow my emotional, mental and physical state to be fully affected by reliving all the upset sixteen years of Peterson has caused the Zoo and it's Animal Residents, enough to write a more complete post about how disgusting and disturbing, allowing Peterson to keep sucking payroll while destroying Our Zoo will be, but I didn't want weeks to pass without anything more than what I posted yesterday.  So, here's a sneak peek at what my current outline is for the expanded post.  

Along with notating the negligence of Officials to properly oversee Peterson's management, my main points will focus on listing some of the stand-out fails during Director Peterson's reign, that the Zoological Society Board evidently SUPPORTS:

KEEPING ORANGUTANS IN CAGED TUBES!!!

You had to know this cruelty would be at the top of my list.

As well as other Animal Welfare Offenses, Lack of Fundraising, Society Member Locked Donations, and Ground/Maintenance Needs, such as letting the outside of the Zoo remain in shambles for at least the last twenty years.

These listed topics are not the categorical extent of Peterson's mismanagement, just the ones that have so far come to mind, without letting myself get too hyped up with heavy thoughts.  

If anyone has specific issues they want included, use the comment option to either add them yourself, or as a contact for me to add to my post (note not a comment).  Remember, Anonymous is always an option.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/zoological-society-retains-confidence.html

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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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Zoological Society Retains Confidence In Zoo Director

I've said this before, I should never look for Zoo stuff at the end of the day.  In an effort to control my inner Peace, I already don't view email after 7p.  Will do likewise on future Twitter searches.  

9p and I decided to see by chance if there was any recognition for our Ollie Orangutan's Birthday today.  Admittedly, it's been a busy week and I forgot to look at my Calendar for September Birthdays.  I was reminded by a friend who sent me the Orangutan SSP's post.  The Zoo has been lax in Birthday wishes, and even if there's a celebration, allegedly Director Peterson has veto'd any posting about such to Social Media. .. So, there was nothing, at least not from the Zoo about Ollie. 

Unfortunately, for me at this hour, when I planned to settle in and start a movie, there was this...

https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/zoo-ceo-19592394.php

You all know there was an onslaught of all the Zoo Bullshit swirling in my mind.  Along with the disgust of the whole situation.  That said, I can't spend eight hours writing all my thoughts and full feelings about this.   Maybe not even in the coming days.  I got other things to do.  That said, *here is my initial offering, which I immediately posted to Twitter, @ the Chronicle, Zoo and RecPark.

*No Surprise!!! The Zoological Society, along with the SF Recreation and Park Dept, has been negligent in their responsibilities in every way to the management of the Zoo, to the Detriment of the Animal Residents (Ask the Orangutans), and the Zoo thriving optimally. All the claims by Officials & Director Peterson are delusional. I have well documented Tanya Peterson's mismanagement & fails, that have left our San Francisco Zoo in a dire position.  

I knew nothing would come of this.  You know my main concern is for the Animals, but I also know the struggle so many on Staff go through, having to deal with Director Peterson, and how her mismanagement affects every aspect of their jobs.  I know alot of the Staff was hoping the new Board Chair, Melinda Dunn, might be some sort of savior.  To that I said, I don't think she will.  Dunn has been on the Board for years, and like the rest, she took no interest in overseeing how Peterson was managing the Zoo.  The Society Board has no interest in the Zoo unless there's a cocktail party attached to it.  Even then it's seemingly straight to the party, by-passing all the issues that line the yellow brick road to the bar.  It's sad.

So yeah, the investigation was a joke.  I knew it would be. More importantly, a seemingly huge waste of money.  Five Months of Lawyers fees.  Did that come out of the Animal Care fund?

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-san-francisco-zoological-society-is.html

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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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Bringing Up Barriers, ... Yet Again.

So yea, bringing up unsecure barriers yet again, because doing so seventy times in eleven years just isn't enough to call attention to the necessity of additional precautions and deterrents.  I guess Zoo Director Tanya Peterson is ok with spinning the roulette wheel with the safety of our Black Rhino, Bears and Hippo.

Before I get into what prompted this post, I want to add in a thought I missed documenting in my previous post.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/wolves-interacting-with-domestic-dogs.html

I noted that there was still the red (stay back) line from Covid safety and that was ignored.  My thought for this area is that a rope barrier should be added along that red line (which needs repainting).  Granted, a rope barrier would not have helped in this situation unless the Dog(s) were kept at a distance.  That said, considering not many pay attention to signage, which doesn't mean there shouldn't be ample, and the sign noting to "admire them (Wolves) from a distance, a rope barrier (I personally would choose red rope) would at least act as physical reminder for people to stay behind it and away from close contact with windows.

So, yesterday was the seventh anniversary of Harambe's death.  I was outraged when it happened and still outraged.  In my experience at our SFZoo and from media reports about other Zoos, neither Visitors or Zoos have learned from what happened to Harambe.  

I'll start by saying I hate media rehash of Animal tragedies.  There's always some words of opinion that rubs me the wrong way.  With this one about Harambe, it's the "imprisonment" notation, as well the hashtag "OpenTheCages".  These " Close Zoo" mantras are ignorant of reality.  Sure we would all love to not see captive Animals, but the reality is not only is the wild not the safest place for too many species, but the cycle of keeping captive Animals in Zoos can not just be halted.  Close Zoo Zealots do not think about what will happen to these Animals.  Most are captive bred, you can't just turn them loose to survive on their own.  Too many say, send them to Sanctuaries.  Obviously none of those people have ever taken a look at how a Sanctuary operates.  Sanctuaries are non-profit, meaning they rely on donations.  It's a huge cost to provide shelter, food and healthcare to each Animal they take on, something the Zealots forget that Zoos do.  And the biggest hurdle of releasing Zoo Animals to Sanctuary is space.  There isn't enough space in Sanctuaries for every Animal that is already in Need, let alone for Zoo Animals who are already being cared for.  

Sorry, I went off on a tangent that was not planned as part of this post, but someone replied to my comment on the Harambe post with this nonsense and I can't let it go without some words.  I wish these Zealots would just shut the hell up, and instead of spouting dangerous words, get off their asses and try to make a difference in their corner of the world.  Set their sights on their local Zoo and try to make a difference there.

The tragedy that happened with Harambe hit home with me.  I have probably spent more time at our SFZoo, than any one person not on staff, in the past fifteen years.  I have personally witnessed so many offences by visitors it's sickening.  The list is long, I'll spare you.  There is no way to stop humans from doing evil things, but there are ways to deter the stupid and self-entitled.  That is why I've been stuck on this unsecure barrier issue for over a decade.  It's the number one offense, and needs to be addressed, especially at Code Red (Dangerous) Animals.  

I went to the Zoo two days after the Harambe tragedy and people at Black Rhino and Hippo acting the fool, hanging their kids over barriers.  I'm sorry but people who do this are either dumb as shit, or so self-entitled they don't think an accident can happen.  Google Pittsburgh Zoo, Wild Dog.  

One Cincinnati resident commented that "The parent was soley responsible for their child's action, yet faced no charges."   You can not argue with that.  It's disturbing and disgusting, but what usually happens.

Unfortunately, I would guess there is no situation where a parent/caregiver of any child would be held responsible for their own negligence in a Zoo situation such as this.  In every Animal/Human conflict situation, the Human, no matter whether irresponsible, stupid, self-entitled, or evil, will always take priority.  Their actions will be protected, as will their lives. The Animals always lose.  It's just the way it is.  Even if a Human trespasses into an enclosure of their own free will, and there's contact, the Animal gets a bullet to the head.  

Would people care more, or be more responsible if they knew their actions put the Animals lives at risk?  Why don't Zoo's have signs that say,  Keep Our Animals Alive and Safe.  Stay Off and Behind Barriers.???

You can't sinister proof every Code Red Animal exhibit, but you can "accident" deter them.  So why not take every precaution to prevent that? 

I've gotten a bit off on my goal here, which is to again document that The San Francisco Zoo needs to add deterrents to the barriers at Black Rhino, Hippo (pool), Black Bears, and Grizzly Bears (grotto).  The railing just isn't enough.  

I complained countless times about the lack of barrier at the male Anteater's home, as did staff, but it wasn't until right before their accreditation inspection did anything get done.  What they did was simple, and effective, and should be (have been) done at the four Code Red Animals I have noted.  Why it hasn't is beyond me, and probably many staffers.  It's negligent and mismanagement.

The only alterations I'd like to see are less really short poles as there are still some who sit their kids on them, but the jagged poles do seem to deter.  As well the sign.  All the signs that indicate to stay behind barrier only, do nothing to deter sitting on, which is the biggest issue, and the one that can lead to accidental fall-in.  ... The signs should read "Off and Behind".  

As for the "charges" that commenter noted, unfortunately I don't recall hearing of any Zoo situation where charges have been made.  Good grief, not even the asshole who trespassed into the SFZoo, broke into an Animal enclosure, stole a Lemur, caused it mental, emotional and physical endangerment, received any repercussion.  He was let go and told not to go to the Zoo again.  What the serious F***!?  

In fact, WTF with it all?  Our San Francisco Zoo needs to fix these barrier situations I've mentioned, so none of our Animals gets killed because of human misbehavior.

 

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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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SFZoo ReNames Pygmy Hippo - Akobi Becomes Udo

It's just after 3am, and after a good stretch of sleep, I'm wide awake and irritated.

It's been a busy time, but I planned to try and finish my Pygmy Hippo post (about the enclosure) this weekend, then someone alerted me to the Zoo's announcement of THEIR name for him.  Which is NOT his original name.  That, like with every Animal who moves to SFZoo, has been stolen from him.  

Unfortunately, I knew it was coming, but as it always does, the disrespect of ReNaming a Being that already has a name, an identity, still hurts my soul.

In my previous post (link at bottom), I noted WHO this new Friend IS.  His name is Akobi.  He was given this name soon after birth, at the San Diego Zoo.  It's the only name he's known.  

Why does the San Francisco Zoo have to erase every Animal's Identity by changing their name?  It's a sad and sick compulsion.

ABC7 news did a piece, that contains some cute video footage of Akobi.

https://abc7news.com/pygmy-hippo-sf-zoo-hippos-endangered-species/12329832/

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/09/meet-sfzoos-new-pygmy-hippo.html

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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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Meet The SFZoo's New Pygmy Hippo!

This post is going a bit out of order, as it was supposed to be a part two.  The first part was started in September last year (2021) just after Tucker left for Cincinnati Zoo.  It's been almost done for months. 

The last seven months have been a devastating time for me.  I have struggled through them best I can, barely holding on a majority of the time.  I've managed to write some posts, that have noted this tough time.   One week ago, my emotional state changed drastically, and is now in a beautiful place.

The past week has been busy and full.  Exhausting at times, but the best exhaustion.  I've been feeling like I might have to energy to bat out the few posts I have left, and wrap up past issues I've needed to document.  Had planned the two parts this weekend, but in light of the Zoo's announcement today, I'm fast tracking this one.  You know me, I like a good scoop!  And while I didn't get this done a month and a half ago when I first identified the young male who was transferring here, this is still a scoop!

I have been excited for the new arrival since first hearing about this acquisition, just after Tucker (Hippo) left.  The lead-in to my part one post, was noting that I think the Zoo really missed an opportunity to create excitement within the Zoo going public (aka community), at a time when so many were bummed about Tucker's departure.  A real head-shaker, that didn't happen.  No matter how long (thirteen years) and how much I've written about the importance of creating a community, the Zoo just doesn't seem to get it, or they just don't care.

Today, the new installment of the Zoo's email newsletter came, not only do they FINALLY mention the acquisition of a Pygmy Hippo, but that he is here and out!  I knew it was happening soon, just not when.  

So, who is our new Hippo?  You know I got the details, and that is the purpose of this post, at this time.  The Zoo failed to mention where he came from, or his name.  In my opinion so people can't learn more about him, specifically his name, which will unfortunately, most likely be changed. 

According to my research, our new male Pygmy Hippo is named Akobi!  He was born at San Diego Zoo, April 9, 2020 to first-time Mama Mabel.  His name means "firstborn", in the native language of West Africa, where Pygmy Hippos live.

Photo from a Twitter user of Akobi and his Mama Mabel.  

Link to video of Akobi's first Birthday from San Diego Zoo Facebook, followed by a screencap from video.

https://tinyurl.com/2v5dcdmn

His arrival is very exciting!  It brings life back to the area of the Zoo that has been empty for too long.  I do wish I didn't have enclosure woes (which will be covered in my pt one), and hope this little guy will be happy here.  I remember our previous Pygmy Hippos, years ago, and look forward to meeting this cutie soon!

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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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Sad News. Columbus Zoo Tiger Dies From Covid

Sadly (for this poor Soul), everyone thinks Covid is over.  The Government has led people to believe that the vaccine is immunity.  They have continued lead communities into the surge yo-yo.  Government has bowed to the self-entitled who boo-hoo about mask fatigue.  They have never been strong in enforcement, and now have reduced even further with the obvious position that they don't care if anyone gets sick or dies, just don't clog the hospitals.  And then there are the masses of asses who never thought Covid was a valid thing, so never followed good hygiene precautions, never wore masks, and rebelled against any requests to adhere to requested protocols.

Masking mandates for inside stores, especially those with food, should have never been removed.  Now we have even more people not only up our asses heavy breathing next us with no mask, but coughing all over without covering their mouth.  The free coughers have multiplied in the wake of mask removal.  No one covers their mouth.  They got used to not having to?  and that has carried over.  Think twice about how to handle your fresh produce people!  Even with masks during the start of pandemic, there was never any respect to distancing by others, you had to just make sure you kept your distance.  Everything was on us to keep ourselves safe.  There was never, as the tagline was touted, "We are in this together".  No, we have always been left to fend for ourselves. 

Unfortunately captive Animals are at the mercy of the establishments they live in and their caregivers. 

Unfortunately Zoo's have decided to follow State and Local Health Department guidelines, not only for visitors but for staff.  I have written much about SFZoo policies in regard to masking during the past two years.  I gave up because they too follow Government guidelines.   I'm not going to change their position, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be vocal that I think this is a big mistake and a negligent one. 

I have thought this since the change over a month ago, it could have been longer.  I may not have written about it, but reading this news I think it's important to document, that safety for those in captive care is still important.  Regardless of what Government guidelines are, protocols for those working with Animals, and for those visiting the enclosures of Covid Vulnerable Species, should not have changed at all.  Government Guidelines are for Humans and the areas they move about in.  That does not include areas where vulnerable species live.   Zoo's can dictate their own safety guidelines.  That is, if they want to.  If they care to keep the non-humans in their care safe.

I have seen a mash-up in regards to safety for vulnerable species at our SFZoo.  There is absolutely NO mask requirement for visitors at enclosure areas.  I have seen Animal Care Staff passing by those areas without a mask as well.  I have seen Keepers wearing a mask when interacting with the Animals, in areas visible to the public.  I do not know what the overall current protocol is, as early in the change, I did hear it was allegedly the Keepers choice.   That all said, I was very disappointed to learn Keepers who have been potentially exposed to Covid have been allowed to come to work.

In addition to masking flexibility, there should also be a concern for hygiene protocol.  While Keeper's (not specifically SFZoo) personal hygiene protocol may be lax, it can not be when touching food or other items used by the Animals.   All the captive Animals who have lost their lives to Covid, contracted it from somewhere.  All reports noted that Keepers follow safety protocol.  Again, they got it from somewhere.  There was and still is a factor that is causing infection. Whether that is lack of extreme hygiene protocol, lack of mask wearing by care staff, or by public, Covid is not over.  Animals can not wear masks.  Zoo's need to take every precaution to prevent innocents from losing their lives.  

Someone I shared the news of this loss with, put it simply...

"Very sad and preventable".

RIP Jupiter, Bless Your Soul.   I'm sorry.

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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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Would An Exit By 49er Jimmy G, Effect Our Snow Leopard's Name?

The two posts I published yesterday, brought me into the home stretch of wrapping up my long overdue drafts.  Those two, in addition to a couple on the Madagascar project, have weighed heavy for two or more years.  I probably got four left, and it feels great to have those weights lifted.  I can hear George Michael singing it now... Freedom!

Obviously this was not a planned post.  I'm no Football fan, but I get my News on Twitter and not long after the score from yesterday's NFL Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams posted, Twitter was abuzz with many saying Jimmy Garoppolo is on his way out of the organization. 

Now you wonder what is this have to do with the Zoo or our Snow Leopard?

When Snow Leopard Raj arrived at the San Francisco Zoo in 2017, it wasn't long before he fell victim to the usual disrespect of having his identity stolen from him.

Named Raj by the Community of the Assiniboine Zoo, where he was born, that name, like too many others, was stripped and he was renamed Jimmy G.

The SFZoo has a bad habit of renaming almost every Animal that transfers in, whether or not there's money attached to it or they just do it themselves.  The Zoo is big on saddling innocent Beings with the names of local ball players, just so they can get some media attention every now and then. 

Anyone who knows me or has read this blog for any length of time, knows the renaming thing is one of my biggest issues.  I can't express how much I hate it.  

My first experience with renaming was with Hippo Tucker.  I had followed Tucker in his previous home at the Topeka Zoo.  When he got to SFZoo the former Asst Curator of Hoofstock, flat out lied and said he didn't have a name.  That wasn't the last time she would either.  I've asked certain people questions I already know the answer to, just to catch them in lies. You would think, knowing me, I'd be the last person these people want to lie to, but maybe lying is just their nature?  If you're gonna rename an Animal, just say so. Say they had a name at their previous home but they'll have a new name here.  It's better than lying!  

Before Raj, in addition to Tucker, there has been so many ball player names.  Some were names given at birth, but it still sucks in my opinion.  One Langur babie was named after Sergio Romo.  Romo came to the Zoo to meet the babie and was quoted in an Examiner news article saying, "Not quite my favorite Animal".  What a jerk thing to say.  People are jerks and no Animal should ever be named after one.  One rename that was not a ball player, but a Zoo Staffer.  Our handsome Goat Blaise had the misfortune of being renamed after the Zoo's VP of HR.  I overheard this guy, say Blaise was ugly.   In addition to being outraged, my heart hurt.  For one, Blaise is not only not ugly, but any Animal is better looking than a Human, and two, for someone who is lucky enough to have a job at the Zoo and one that pays him over $200,000 a year, he needs to keep his mouth shut, unless that is, if he has a fundraising idea! ... I immediately made and Tweeted this photo, while standing at the Zoo and using their WiFi to do it.

The Zoo lost seven of nine Monkey species because of the Madagascar Vanity Debacle.  The latest victims are the Howler Monkeys, who have all been transferred to the Brevard Zoo.  The one good thing about it is that Mama Baya has reclaimed her identity!  She was named by SFZoo Animal Staff to reflect something related to Thanksgiving, the day she was born and the Howler Monkey's native South America.  Baya means Berry in Spanish.  The Zoo renamed her after a male ball player.  Lincecum (Tim) is a disgraceful name for a beautiful little girl.

Another ball player rename that really bothers me, is that of Black Rhino Balozi.  Named Balozi at his birth place San Diego Animal Park, Balozi means Ambassador in Swahli.  There is probably no Animal more perfectly named, and the Zoo goes and renames him Boone, after a 49er.   Good Grief.

Back to Tucker.  After being called Buddy by the former Hoofstock Curator, Tucker was renamed Brian Wilson, an SF Giants player. Note I also hate first and last names and initial names.  When Wilson left the team, something even more disrespectful happened, Tucker was renamed again!  So, the Zoo renames him after the Giants manager Bruce Bochy!  People were like, where's Brian Wilson?  I was like WTF #%$!  Shameful and Embarrassing.

So, I guess we have to ask the San Francisco Zoo, if Jimmy Garoppolo leaves the 49ers, does Raj get to reclaim his identity? 

Or are you just gonna rename him after the next quarterback, another player, or team staffer, so you can continue to pimp him out for media attention?

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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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Cincinnati Zoo Has A New Hippo, and His NAME is TUCKER!!!

As I was finally getting my Tucker post done and published yesterday, apparently, Tucker was enroute to his new home in Cincinnati!  

I was just about to start finishing the part two of my post from yesterday, and a friend from out of state messaged this to me.

Now, I'm sitting here crying.  Tears of Joy have been flowing for almost an hour.  I am filled with happiness that the Cincinnati Zoo is using Tucker's real name!  He is already being respected there.  

You can read their press release at this link.  

http://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/cincinnati-zoo-welcomes-new-male-hippo/?fbclid=IwAR0YbYWVL8M2z-56871qjUE785vEQa0Oj2Jdj5H70wTwHzNYsiF5P22haTA

Thankfully his new home will be all that I hoped it would be.  He is there to live with Bibi and Fiona as a Family.  The life they have planned for him already sounds wonderful and enriching.

I can't wait to follow his journey.  I hope those two ladies appreciate how lucky they are to have this sweet boy!

As much as I'm going to miss him and his cute freckled footies, I can't be more happy for him.  Still smiling and crying!  Love You Tuck!

Crossing my Fingers for some Tucker, Bibi, and Fiona Merchandise!

Previous Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/09/bon-voyage-tucker-hippo-moving-to_6.html

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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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Less and Less Space For The Orangutans - Another Triple Grotto Update

Not only is there less and less space, I have still not seen one thing that is FOR the Orangutans.

As with my previous post titled,  Disgust At The Triple Grotto Renovation - Our Poor Orangutans, I was not going to do another Orangutan/Triple Grotto update until this joke of an enclosure opened, but I missed something in that post that really needs to be pointed out.  

The situation is getting worse, and I'm not exaggerating when I say this makes me physically sick.  It's hard to even go by there, just looking at (or thinking about) it makes me want to cry.  Tears are welling as I type this, with visions of this sick plan and the life Ollie and Amoi will be stuck with in this disturbing offering of a home.

So, the only new thing for this week, is the prison wiring went up, to keep the Orangutans from accessing the roof of the night quarters building. ... Hard to see in this photo, but it looked like a few rows of probably hot wire, around the roof of the building.

Additionally, what is worse is something I never even considered was permanent, when I saw it last week.  The huge box that holds and I assume acts as a stopper for the skyscraper bridge, is there to stay.  It's obvious that it is permanent, but like I said, never crossed my mind last week, as I'm pretty sure I was distracted by the whole bridge and platform monstrosity. 

The box, which is in both grottos, looks to be about 3.5 ft square cube.  Not only are they an additional ugly-ass eyesore, that is alot of space being taken up when you think about how small the topical part of the island is to begin with.

To get an idea of how these boxes, even further shrink the topical area. ... The islands are outlined.  They are approximately the same size as one quarter of the Chimp yard, as shown.  The red boxes on the islands show actual size, as the one that has two includes the twigging mound that is similar in size.  

It's hard to believe that this falls into any current aka modern guideline the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has for housing Orangutans, or any other Animal.  But it's also hard to believe that the AZA and their SSP (Species Survival Plan) breeding program would send the Orangutans here without a dedicated enclosure.   But, they did. 

Two years later and I would still like to know what transpired between the AZA/SSP and our Zoo Director to make that happen.  It's truly shameful, yet neither party seems to think so. 

That all said, I personally don't have any faith in the AZA doing the right thing in many circumstances, so I'm not entirely surprised.  I started a post in early December 2019 titled, Is The AZA a Questionable Leader In Zoo Animal Welfare?  It was born out of a specific situation, but that was just a culmination of too many questionable instances put forth by the AZA/SSP that I've either known about at our SFZoo or read about in other Zoos.  

My draft list had gotten too lengthy for me to ever have the energy or the time to get to, so I narrowed it down to what I felt most needed to be documented, and that AZA post didn't make the cut.   That said, there are some very relevant points that come to mind that I'm going to include in this post. 

The first time I approached the AZA with a concern, I was told to send it to the Accreditation department.  Note that anytime you contact them, they usually do not respond.  You put forth your concern and it either gets attention or doesn't, and you never know what, if any action was taken.  

After years of ignoring my shares via Twitter to them about the breachable barriers that put Animals lives at risk, they contacted me and asked for more information.  Yet, of course when I sent it, there was no response.  There was also no action, as those breachable barriers are exactly the same years later.

Barrier issues is just one issue point.  Other's include, transferring and/or housing of Animals, when in my opinion it's not been in their best interest.  This includes, like with the Orangutans, acquiring Animals that have no place to live or have been hoarded away to inferior housing.  

One example that was disgusting, is the Zoo housed Squirrel Monkeys in a concrete room, with no outdoor access for more than four years.  Either the AZA didn't know about it, or didn't care, but what is curious is that the Santa Ana Zoo got it's accreditation yanked for the way they housed small Monkey species, that actually had an outdoor area.  There just seems to be something not quite right with the things that are allowed to happen at SFZoo.

An article about the Santa Ana Zoo accreditation issue.  Noted in the article is the reasoning.  Here's a screencap. 

https://www.ocregister.com/2017/06/09/outdated-monkey-exhibits-lead-to-loss-of-accreditation-for-santa-ana-zoo-but-officials-have-appealed/

Yet, the AZA has no issue with sending Orangutans, to live at a Zoo that has no dedicated enclosure for them.  It will be interesting to see what they think when they see Triple Grotto!  Still outdated, and now surrounded in concrete. It surely is NOT modern!

So, I don't know what they consider good or bad. It seems to be fluid, depending on what Zoo you are.  We certainly seem to get passes in situations that seem disgraceful and in the current (yet, not only), case of the Orangutans, cruel.

San Francisco Zoo accreditation is this year.  Will the AZA think this shit-show at Triple Grotto is an acceptable housing situation for Great Apes in the the year 2021?

Related post and video

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/03/disgust-at-triple-grotto-renovation-our.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ykFLabiXrs

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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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ReOpening Update - Home For The Orangutans Finally Happening

I've written many posts about the plight of the Orangutans since their arrival at the Zoo in April 2019. ... Most recently right before the Zoo ReOpened.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-will-2021-be-year-that-orangutans.html

In addition to hoping to see change in protection at the Great Ape Passage Yard (see previous post), I was anxious to see if there was anything new happening at Triple Grotto for the Orangutans.  

Like with my previous update, I had planned this soon after reopening, and just now getting to it.  Initially, there was just wood "fencing" around the perimeter.  That was taken down a week later to reveal a heightened wall.   That change in barrier goes with what the architect told me about the renovation basically being a project that brings the space up to code. 

Over the last couple weeks there has been an addition, that I couldn't quite figure out.  I was able to ask one of the workers and was told it will be a bridge to link the two grottos.  This still didn't look clear as of last week.   So, it's a wait and see.  I was also told there would be some structure additions, and that it should all be done in three weeks.

Looking forward to the finished project, though I'm not holding my breath for anything great.  I still believe the optimum use of space would have been to fill in the moats and net it over.  I felt that way even before the Great Ape Passage formed at the Pachyderm Building, but now even more after seeing how much Amoi the female Orangutan loves climbing the netting.  It's almost the only thing she does when she's in the yard. Open air with moat might have been an ok quick, inexpensive fix, if the topical space was larger to begin with. Hopefully one day with proper attention to fundraising something better can be done, with a net, wall, glass combo around the perimeter.  

As well I want that enclosure to look visually as modern as possible and flow with the two other new areas.  Unfortunately, it seems the Orangutans may be spending the next Thirty years on the same size topical area as the Chimps did.  Expanding the topical area should have been a priority. 

Google Maps Satellite view of Triple Grotto.  My Aqua outline is of the two grottos that are being renovated.  The outter ring is the perimeter barrier that has been raised.  The center ring is the topical area.  The space between the two rings is the moat.  The X is the are where the bridge is being built.

That all said, the priority at this point is to get the Orangutans into an enclosure dedicated to them as soon as possible. A place they have access to all the time, not just a couple hours a day, a few times a week.  Hopefully they will like it. I know I'll be happy to not see them sitting in the tubes, frowning while looking down at the Chimps in the yard.

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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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ReOpening Update - Great Ape Passage Yard Vulnerability

One of the main things I was hoping to see addressed when the Zoo ReOpened on January 28, was the vulnerability of the yard that the Chimpanzees and Orangutans share access to.  ... There was none.

I have posted my concerns and suggestions about this in previous posts. ... These are just two of them.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/11/safety-update-why-was-covid-safety-sign.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/01/new-san-diego-zoo-gorillas-contract.html

My concern about this was heightened even more when a few weeks earlier it was reported that the Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo had contracted Covid. 

I was disappointed that the path around the yard was open to Visitors, when the Zoo reopened, after the SDZ situation.  There was still no signage about Ape Vulnerability and mandatory Mask wearing in that area. 

I had planned this update the weekend the Zoo reopened, but that didn't happen.  It's been almost four weeks, and just last week something changed.

I arrived on Monday and saw this sign.  

All I have to say is Finally!  About F-ing time.  Sorry, but that's how I feel.  The Zoo has been open near six months (five after first shutdown, and this past one).  Why did it take so long, to post something that protects the Chimpanzees and Orangutans?  Shameful. 

As noted in previous posts, I suggested this signage week three after seeing too many people removing their masks at this enclosure.  A week later, still nothing.  Then Keepers made their own, and it was taken down within a week.  Seriously, what is going on, that the Animals can't be protected in their homes?

In addition to Why did it take so long, there are also these questions...  Why did I have to suggest it?  Why did the Keepers have to make their own?  Why was theirs taken down?  Why is the path even open?

The last question is obvious, as noting that the Chimpanzees and the Orangutans are vulnerable, and in a sign that size, the Zoo is showing they are aware there is a vulnerability issue.  So, in light of the San Diego Zoo situation, now more than ever, that path should be closed. 

Everyone who knows me, or has read this blog, knows I love my Chimpers.  I more than anyone, want to be able to visit them as close as possible, but their health is priority.  I would be just as happy viewing them from farther back, knowing they were the safest they can be.  

There is no reason barriers can't be put at a distance from the yard fencing.  You can see in these photos, there is plenty of viewing available at a distance from the entrance side.  There would just have to be very limited viewing parties at a time.  Unfortunately no one Social Distances anywhere in this town, and the Zoo is no different.  Path width shouldn't be a factor or excuse.  

Approaching path to yard.

pointing to dayroom window

on left

pointing to where barriers 

could be set

view from that point

On the exit side, the metal barriers could be moved up the path closer to the enclosure.

Additionally, there were two of these signs, and one was at the yard path.  If there's only going to be the two, one needs to be at the Exit side, as people use that as an entrance all the time.

The second thing I addressed in previous posts, was about the distance vulnerability, between the Apes and the Visitors.

I suggested a barrier of clear plastic, which wasn't done, in favor of curiously using mesh.  I note this as the first day back, I noticed clear plastic was used at the Train, to apparently shield Visitors in line from those exiting.  

So, clear plastic can be used to protect Humans, but not to protect the Animals in their care? 

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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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