Orangutans - Where Will They Go?

I left off my previous post, from last month, "Orangutans On Their Way" , 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/02/orangutans-on-their-way.html

... with this paragraph:

> As there is an Orangutan on the GAP (Great Ape Passage) sign,  Triple Grotto is the only place they can permanently go, so, I sure hope there is a plan to make Triple Grotto better for the Orangutans, and BEFORE they get here! <

That post was made in relation to a news article out of Erie, PA announcing the departure of the Erie Zoo's nine year old Orangutan Ollie, who is headed for the San Francisco Zoo! ... I was shocked this was happening so soon, since there was no place ready for him or the mate that is intended for him.

Since that post, I have asked a few questions, since the arrival of the male sounded soon, ...

*When are they coming?

*Where are they going?

*What is the renovation plan for Triple Grotto?

No one I had the opportunity to ask even as recent as this past Wednesday, has an answer to any of those questions. In fact most people, including staff, volunteers and members I know, didn't even know there was a plan set for them to come anytime soon and responded by saying, "Where are they going?"  

Information straight from Erie Zoo, has our new SFZoo Male Orangutan Ollie's last day on exhibit this Sunday and him leaving as early as next week.  There are many posts to the Zoo's Facebook, as well as these two news video's about Ollie's departure.

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-last-chance-to-visit-ollie-the-orangutan-this-weekend_20190328165421/1883166449?fbclid=IwAR21rjCFjouObz8pZryb57iVlQPdR-wX4vGs9Asg_C7X4qTl4vaReJGd90s

https://www.yourerie.com/on-our-air/wild-stuff/wild-stuff-ollie-leaving-part-2_20190328170009/1883176812?fbclid=IwAR0N1VtXdfcVTUcLTYu5bdp9Kh_8-EXyMryR4vKYakKwfFZni3p3CONJseI

So, its happening and its happening now!?  ... Some Ollie pix next and keep reading below for more about this curious timing of bring in Orangutans.  

Screencap from Erie Zoo Facebook Page

Visit this link for beautiful photos of adorable Ollie and his beautiful Family, through the years since his birth, at the Erie Zoo.  I hope the San Francisco Zoo will surprise me and not sell off his name to the highest bidder.  

https://www.goerie.com/photogallery/PA/20190328/NEWS/314009996/PH/1

So with all the confirmation on Erie Zoo's side, the question still remains, Where does the San Francisco Zoo plan to put the Orangutans?   

That said, let's consider these facts (as I know them):

*The new Great Ape Passage sign shows an Orangutan.  This Species will be housed in this area, and when all is completed, most likely be rotating with Chimps between surrounding habitat areas (Dayroom, new Yard attached to Pachy Building, and possibly (what I thought) a renovated Triple Grotto).  This will be nice for all involved. 

*As of over a week ago, Chimps no longer had access to Triple Grotto. Doors closed and signs down. A couple months ago, I heard this was imminent, and it made me sad. They had lived there for fifty years and I would think might still feel attached to it.  I would have liked to seen them retain access at least to the North Grotto, and at the very least, until the new yard was completed and full integration with new Chimp.  The issue of the new yard NOT even being finished, is in my opinion a big one. In fact it doesn't even look barely started, even though they have been working on it for many months, although last couple weeks haven't heard much.  You can see in the photo, it only looks like the perimeter is mapped out (left side).  As of last week, they were still putzing about with the second Skytrail, that has only had one pole up for over a week.  SO without Triple Grotto, they appear to have NO outside access, except for the Skytrail, which I haven't even seen, only heard its happened on occasion.

*Triple Grotto is in need of a renovation.  At the very least, something as simple as I've outlined before, which suggested filling moat and glass/fencing off perimeter. Also by doing that, the North and Middle Grottos would provide a huge space, and they could use the South Grotto which is off exhibit, to build new bedrooms. For thirty years, the Chimps literally sat like bumps on a log, upon the structures, staring out at the people.  The islands are small and with structures, leaving basically no topical area.  They need the structures, but also need space.  

*The second Skytrail is being attached to the Triple Grotto night quarters, at the South Grotto side.  This will provide access to the new Yard.  I was told many years ago the the night quarters were in bad shape.  There should have been some work done on the night quarters before that and definitely before the Orangutans would occupy.  I don't recall any upgrade taking place, as the Chimps still used those bedrooms up til less than two weeks ago.  So, this must mean the Orangutans will have to use the old bedrooms?  Forever?  Because seemingly, if new bedrooms aren't built or old ones renovated before they move in, when and how will they be done?

While this is a digression, I feel like this additional information in regard to Triple Grotto is on topic. ... The outdated Triple Grotto was one of the reasons our Chimps became vulnerable to losing their home.  Our group had lost a member, reducing the size to three, with AZA requirements of four or more.  The AZA would not send the Zoo more to live in Triple Grotto unless it was upgraded.  With the 1997 City Bond money that was in part for a new Chimp habitat, mysteriously disappeared, and not one Donor stepping up over the last two decades to fund a new habitat or even upgrade (shameful!) for the Chimps, that opened the door for Director Peterson to try and kick them out.  So, its documented as outdated and not a proper habitat.

Director Peterson and the Zoological Society have allegedly been pushing to acquire Orangutans for years.  Their wants were the main catalyst for Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps and replace them with Orangutans.  So it is not a surprise they are coming, the timing is what is so surprising to everyone.  No one thought it would be this soon, as in, before there was a proper habitat for them.  

The SFZoo seems to be in the habit of acquiring new Animals with no appropriate place to house them at the time of their arrival, so wondering what's going on isn't far fetched.  The order of construction projects is curious.  The Chimp project is not finished, and they start demolishing the Primate Center for the Madagascar project.  Snow Leopard Expansion area is cleared out and ready.  Now Triple Grotto?  That is four projects.  It seems logical that the Chimp Yard should have been finished first, even more so now that the Orangutans will seemingly need access to it immediately.  The Triple Grotto next, although that still begs the question where will their night quarters then be?  Then, the Snow Leopards (which frankly should have been done before we acquired a breeding pair, knowing within a year any Cubs would be adult size and need more room).  Other needs should then fall into order, including habitats for displaced Monkeys, Condor habitat, Bird Aviaries, Secure Barriers, and THEN the Primate Building should have come down, and THEN Madagascar.

To the nay-sayers who think I don't know what I'm talking about, let's then talk about these facts...

*The Chimps.  Yes for me it always goes back to the Chimps.  Disrespected and back-burnered for decades, left to just sit there year after year in the same old enclosure while new ones popped up around them for newly acquired Animals.  As I said, no one associated with donating funds or fundraising gave a shit about these poor Beings, only donating for their personal shiny new toys.  And again, I'm sorry for regular readers, but to those who say that's not true (because I've heard this repeatedly) they have a new Dayroom and are getting a new Yard.  Yes, that's because I crusaded on their behalf.  Left to the Zoo Director, they's be in Florida or dead, by some peoples opinions.  What they are getting now, is not because of something the Zoo wanted to do for them, its because the Zoo ended up with its back against the wall after my crusade created public outrage. 

*Moving along in order, Squirrel Monkeys.  They came with locked money for a new habitat.  Still haven't gotten it.  In fact a small group are living in a room and have had no outdoor access for at least three years.

*Komodo Dragon.  Promised a new habitat within a year of arrival.  The original "terrarium" was supposed to be temporary.  It became his home for over five years, until he was so big he could barely turn around in it.  Contrary to what the Zoo told people, his health had nothing to do with the original timeline for a proper habitat.

*Condors.  The female who used to live at the Puente, was only supposed to be here temporarily while her home Zoo built her a new habitat. Allegedly some covert change of hands happened and SFZoo became her permanent home, and her previous home Zoo was shit out of luck for a Condor when it was ready to open its new exhibit.  SF was sent a male to breed with her, even though there was no proper habitat for them.  She moved off exhibit to be introduced.  Over two years later, they have still never been in with eachother. They are still off exhibit, as the habitat that is still assumed for them on the east side of the Tropical Aviary, has still not been built.  What's taking so long?

*Fossa.  These poor Animals make me want to cry.  When they arrived almost three years ago, everyone's thought was, Why (at this time)?  There was no place for them.  Rumor was they would be built a habitat in the Primate Center, right away, but after almost two years of them living in quarantine and off exhibit caging, they still had nothing in the works.  The area where their habitat was supposed to be, THEN became the Madagascar project.  So, they must now wait til that's done. So, five years after arriving they may finally get a home.  Again, we all ask, Why? What was the rush in acquiring them before having a home for them?  They are fine now, they finally got moved to the FCC (Feline Conservation Center) with the other Animals without homes. They should have went there directly after quarantine. The short string cages they were in for near a year were awful.  Those cages and the Squirrel Monkeys in the room, are heartbreaking.

So yea, I think I've illustrated why bringing Orangutans, or any other Animals to the Zoo at this time is just not right.

I can only think of two scenarios, either they are going to just dump this poor guy and his intended missus into Triple Grotto as is, or leave him/them languish in quarantine til they do upgrades, if that is even in the plan.  Unfortunately that seems like the only logical and logistical scenarios.  If there were housing for them in the Pachy Building (which I have never heard there was), I could see them doing this and then when new Yard is done, rotate with Chimps in Dayroom, while Triple Grotto gets renovation, but they still need someplace to sleep, unless they use Triple Grotto night house or Dayroom, but using Triple Grotto night quarters would seem to mean those bedrooms never get upgraded?  I don't know, just going through possibilities that could work best for these new Residents, as it seems like things aren't going to be optimum for them.  At least not for some time.  I hope I'm wrong.

It is apparent by the info put forth by the Erie Zoo, that it is time for Ollie to find a new home, where he can mature naturally and eventually start his own Family.  BUT they have also noted in a comment, that this "time", could be within the next year.  SO, I must ask, What is the rush?  Why is he being moved out of his current home, right now?  To a place that has no appropriate housing for him?  Maybe I'm missing something, but I doubt it.  It seems someone, the AZA/SSP?, our SFZoo Director?, someone is rushing this, and for what reason I can't figure.  A move right now is NOT in the best interest of this Animal.  Shame on whoever has had a voice in Ollie's transfer at this time.  Its wrong.  His move should wait at the very least until the new Yard is done and new bedrooms built at Triple Grotto.

This is posted on the Erie Zoo Website in regards to Ollie's move.  It makes me sad.  They are under the delusion that there is a wonderful new habitat here waiting for him.  There currently is not. Yes he will have access to the Dayroom.  This can't happen until the new Yard is done, otherwise Chimps will be in lock-down in bedrooms.  Yes he will have access to the new Yard. Who knows when that will be done.  So, right now,  unless the Zoo works some magic quick, there is no other thought I can have than to assume he will be living and sleeping in old Triple Grotto as is. 

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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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San Francisco Zoo Management = Humans Priority over Animals

I wrote a blog post on this issue (again) that has sat in draft form for quite some time.  You can find it below the dotted line.

Today the issue is as such.   The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission will vote this Thursday, whether to grant the Zoo the go-ahead for this project.   This information comes today as part of an Examiner article you can view here:   

http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2012/11/next-zoo-habitat-kids-san-francisco-zoo

It is my opinion that this plan is a slap in the face to the Animals that live at the Zoo and once again shows that the SFZoo does not put the Animals first.   So much for their new "Wellness Initiative"  which claims to put the Animals first.  

I do not have time to write in detail all the reasons this is wrong, but I have blogged about it before, I will next include in part my letter emailed to the Commission this morning (that includes the points I think in short are  most valid), as well below are photos and text that made up my post in draft.

If you value the Zoo as the Animal Park it is supposed to be, and visit because you love Animals, I have to assume you to share my feelings on this.  I try to present information in my blog that is of my opinion and such the readers can form their own based on that, but I have to say, if you think that a new playground for Humans is more important than providing optimum living spaces for the Animals, that is sad.

If you are moved to do so, please email the Commission at:    recpark.commission@sfgov.org

My letter:

Dear San Francico Recreation And Park Commissioners, Mark Buell, Tom Harrison, Paige Arata, Gloria Bonilla, Meagan Levitan, Larry Martin, and Commissioner Low,

I understand that this Thursday there will be a vote regarding the proposed new Playground at the San Francisco Zoo.  

The Zoo is a place where Animals live.  If you care about the well being of any Animal, I urge you to vote against this.

As a lifetime Visitor and current Member of the San Francisco Zoo, I visit the Zoo at least twice a week.  Admittedly I have alot of issues with the decisions current Management makes adn this is a very big one.

My heart and passion is for Animals.  I have strong attachments to the ones that live at the Zoo.  

As you know, the Zoo is over 80 years old and many areas are in need of upgrades, primarily many of the Animal enclosures.  These are enclosures to us, but homes to them.  

It hurts my heart when the Zoo proposes "New", when "Old" isn't helped.  

Earlier this year our beloved Andean Bear Wishbone died from injuries related to living his life on concrete.  The Management may tell you different, but that would not be the truth.

The Polar Bears continue to live 50% of their life on concrete.  The Chimps have a third living space that was closed down for maintenance issues over two years ago and never worked on.  These are just two examples of dire needs for these Animals.  

In addition to the new Playground the Zoo has a whole new region in the plan, while the Bears, Chimps and other Animals languish in their old homes that need serious upgrading.  These two Animals I have mentioned are Senior Residents, so complete new areas for them would not be advisable, for upset and displacement reasons, but that doesn't mean there isn't upgrades that can be made to improve their lives.  Frankly the Zoo Management team appears to be just waiting out their lives before they plan on anything for them, and that is not right.   The Andean Bear had known leg, bone, joint issues for many years and was put down while still having all it all mentally, but just never recovered from the last in a long list of injuries to his mobility issues from living on concrete.

Are Animals living in these conditions less important than Humans having a new play area?

Please remember when you vote that the Zoo is a place where Animals live.  They give their lives so Humans can view them and learn about them.  This is a place the should support the Animals first.  It is not an Amusement Park.

The Zoo has recently rolled out their new slogan of "Wellness" for the Animals.  Claiming that the Animals will finally become a priority.  Building a new area for Humans is not putting the Animals first.  Kids should come there knowing they are there to see Animals, playing is secondary.  There is no need for a new Playground.  If they want to do something, there are many ways to bring new things to the current Playground, that are not of such a cost both monetary and at the slight fo the Animals.   

I understand that these funds were raised or donated for this use, but with that I will also add that is because the Zoo team only seeks funds for "New", never proposing to donors the serious needs.

If this project gets the go ahead, your message will be that Humans having a better play space is more important than the Animals having  better living conditions.  Building a "naturalistic" playground while Bears walk on concrete is unacceptable and disgusting.

Thank You

Kim ...

San Francisco

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Does the San Francisco Zoo really need new 

AND elaborate playgrounds?

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2012/03/do-we-really-need-new-playground-no.html

The following "models" were on display near the Carousel for the recent ZooFest. 

 It appears that soon Humans will have 

better play areas than 

the Animals have living spaces.

 In addition to four, count 'em 4 new playgrounds in the Playfield area,

there is a "playground" in the plans for the new Squirrel Monkey enclosure.

In addition to these play areas, the Zoo also has multiple Statues which Kids play on more than they do the actual Playground.  As well there is a huge grass area (while some Animals have no grass or soft surface at all in their homes) for playing.  People can bring their own play gear, or the Zoo can rent a bouncy house or other such rotating kid entertainment items.  There is no need to spend money while Animals live on concrete and have little other Enrichment in their lives.

Taken of current playground area during 

the Zoo's Hawaiian Hertitage Event.

Note the abundance of children making use of the playground.  AND this is during an Event.  I again ask, why is the Zoo spending money on building playgrounds for humans when the Animals who live there need upgraded homes and other Enrichments?

Sunday September 16, 2012 - Visit

I hadn't gone to the Main Zoo (just the Farm and Primates) since the loss of my precious Goober (Bairds Tapir).  Even though it was emotionally hard, my friend Lee and I put some Sunflowers at Goobies home today, so already being out there and crying, I forged on and visited all the Friends who I hadn't seen in three weeks.

After losing Goob I wasn't going to blog anymore (another post with more on that coming soon), but the Zoo never fails me, providing many things that provoke a head shake.

From Goobs place we went to Bears.

Here is a photo of the Polar Bears meadow.  The pertinent part of the photo is the signage.  The bigger sign is identical? Its just curious to me and makes it seem like they are trying to yell out a message, for lack of doing.

                                     New bigger, same as original sign ^

The original smaller sign

Note this is the only grass available to the Polar's and so they both still live 50% of their lives on concrete.

I've written about the smaller sign before:

> Contrary to the belief of the Zoo, providing a natural living environment (grass not concrete) is not Enrichment, its humane.  Oh, and concrete does not equal "a rocky ground".  Concrete = asphalt, not a natural surface.  I guess I never looked close enough to this sign, because the whole "rocky ground" thing, that must be a joke right?   Next thing you will be putting up a sign saying its also part of your Wellness program.  Good Grief! <

You can read more about the Bear enclosures here:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-to-do-at-bears-not-question-but.html

When we got to Elly (Black Rhino) I was bothered by the new fencing.  There are several reasons why I felt this way, mainly I have long felt that Elly has been disrespected and this proves it once again.

I have written several posts about the condition of Elly's skin (not being oiled regularly), and since her companion Mishaki/Gene's passing, that she continually looks for him.  I will note and you can read more in the link provided, that once I started posting abotu Elly's skin, as well I contacted the Joint Zoo Committee Animal Welfare Chair, it seems Elly's skin is being taken care of on a regular basis.  BUT the issue of her continually staring into Gene's (adjoining) area has never been addressed.

NOW to see a (temporary) fence put up at this time, when I posted suggestions to this effect, really upsets me.  In my opinion, a fencing could have been put up after Mishaki's passing when it was evident that she was constantly looking for him.  Only now that the Zoo is receiving a new male Black Rhino (Elly and Mishaki's grandson Belozi) have they put one up.  All I can deduce from this is that, they could care less about it when it might have suited Elly's needs, but now it suits their needs, as I'm sure he will have to quarantine on exhibit.  More disrespect.

 Elly staring at the wood

Backside of wood, you can see it was attached TO fencing, so its temporary.  A screen or bamboo option could have been doneafter Mishaki's passing, to ease Elly's mourning.

And speaking of disrespect, I certainly hope once Belozi gets here they don't leave him in a crate for twelve additional hours because they are too lazy to uncrate him before going home at night, like they did to poor Tucker (Hippo) when he arrived.

I will also add that I hope Elly is not put in the back exhibit like she was for many, many months without rotation, when Mishaki was still here.  She did not thrive in the back and that was where her skin condition deteriorated when Staff allegedly said it wasn't "feasible" to oil her in that location.  ... This exhibit renovation is awful.  Why it is divided front to back instead of side by side is beyond me.  It makes not sense.  Side by side both Animals would be "on exhibit" (which is a Zoo priority), not having one languish in the back.  Unfortunately I fear that the Zoo will want the new Rhino in front and poor Elly will be stuck in back again.  I sure hope they prove me wrong and stop being lazy and rotate them.

Across the path we got some love from the Cats!  Everyone gave a hello glance :)

Sukari, Amanzi and Jahari :)

Shastyuh :)

Taymor :)

Saw a Coopers Hawk in the Garden :)

It was a rare sighting of a Colobus Monkey.  They may be more visable but I don't go and see them that often.  Why?  I feel awful for them.  They are literally in a cage.  There is no greenery in their home, a cage that sits next to this wide open space of lush landscaping.   They look out at natural surroundings, yet live in steel and concrete.  Its awful. The landscaped area should be enclosed and they should live there.

Stopping at the Savannah landing near the Giraffe Barn, two things were blog worthy.  First, poor Lily.  I have recently also wrote about her being once again separated from her mate Erik.  I can only assume that this is due to her being pregnant, although I have no official word on that.  Regardless, if they don't want her on the Savannah in that condition, why don't they put Erik in with her?  It appears that even though they have lived as a family unit with their two babies, that now the Zoo is only using them as a couple for breeding purposes.  Awful.  There is no empathy for any of the Animals.

Hi Lily!  She is precious and always comes over to greet :)

Near the bench posted is this comical sign.  The Zoo is notorious for misuse of water, overuse in some spots and under used in others.  Then there's this sign next to plants they have let dry out and die.  Another SFZoo Classic.

Last but not least, the new glass at Gorillas.  I have posted much about being pro glass at all enclosures for the protection of the Animals, so I actually love this, but two things are curious.  If the Zoo is doing this for the "wellness" of the Animals, It seems counter-productive to the goal to put glass at some viewing areas and not at others.  Also, Why can't the Zoo use anti-reflective glass?  

Jonesy looks like he is rolling his eyes 

at the whole she-bang!  Gotta Love Him!

This sign is at Gorillas.  Much like the one at Sea Lions WHY?  are these types of cautionary signs ONLY up at certain Animals?  They, along with other signs boasting "words of respect" should be at all exhibits.  Notably, signs that say not to kick, knock, tap, rap, whatever on the glass of the Animals homes.   UG.

Oh gosh I thought I was done. I've been a victim of having food snatched so I can laugh at this.  I love Gulls Gone Wild!  and there has sure been alot of it lately.  Not sure why all the table umbrellas have come down, but its silly that there's not even a netting above the tabled area.   These Gulls scored some  Chicken Tenders, but the best in photo op, was the week before's score of beak dipped Mac and Cheese!

You can read more about the Disrespect of Lily and Elly, as well the water waste in a couple other posts:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/tuesday-may-29-2012-visit.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/saturday-may-26-2012-visit.html

HOT TOPIC! - "Exhibit Visionist" Thoughts Continued...

After writing the previous post, my mind was still circling with thoughts about it.  Too many thoughts, that I haven't been able to lay them out.  I'll attempt to now, because I have had a few comments posted that I haven't yet replied to and need to.  I appreciate everyone who leaves a comment and in that appreciation, I want to respond to each.  I think I want to write this post before doing that.

Overall my feeling is that hiring this new guy is great for only one reason, no one currently on Staff seems to be capable of this kind of thinking as yet.  BUT that doesn't mean it is the right way to go.  That said, its probably the only way to go as of now.  Spending money for an additional "mind" is borderline ridiculous, because there is a whole Staff off people already on the Payroll, that should already be minds there with the "sense" of what is the right thing to do for these Animals.  "Should be" is the operative term,  so apparently, what else can they do?

I think what makes me shake my head and turns my stomach is that to me so many things seem obvious.  I've written an endless stream of comments, suggestions, observances, ideas, ect.  for almost every aspect of the Zoo.  Some are taken at value and I've seen acted on.  Others specifically where Animal enclosures are concerned, like with Wishbone's habitat condition, are ignored.  The information and ideas are out there, both from me, from the position of someone who is there all the time, as well as endless research available online in regards to other Zoo's and natural habitat guidelines.  This one specifically (  http://zookeepersjournal.com/wiki/index.php?title=Spectacled_Bear ) was forwarded to me by my friend Hazel, another longtime San Francisco Zoo Visitor and Friend to the Animals.  I never got to making this post on my site to bring a natural surface to Andean Bear Wishbone's home ( http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/ ), but the information is out there.  

Bottom line, the Zoo needs to employ thinkers and doers and get rid of those who don't fall into those categories.  There is too much not being done and its holding the Zoo back from being the best that it can be.      This slack starts at the top with the Director.  There needs to be a Director who cares about Animals, and is therefore Animal minded.  I'm not even talking about someone with an Animal Care educated background, just someone who thinks with the Animal in mind.  I often have a vision of Director Peterson at a Guardian Member Reception showing photos of the drawings for the new Squirrel Monkey exhibit, an awful exhibit full of what looked to be white laminated faux trees.  She kept saying, "Think modern."   Clearly someone who doesn't get that modern is not a word that is used for natural spaces.  Nature is natural. 

I'm going to continue my thoughts by pointing out things about this article in reference (see previous post).  

The quote by Director Peterson "As we build new exhibits, we're putting the animals' wellness first and the visitor experience and other things secondary,... It's kind of a new look at exhibit design."  ...  Does this even make sense?  To me no.   For one, any new exhibit being built, upgraded, renovated, ect,  in the last twenty years should be following this.   Additions to existing exhibits should be following this.  I'm not quite sure why there is a whole Staff of people there, including her that don't know this on an compassionate and empathetic level.  Its common sense.  I surely hope that those plans for the Squirrel Monkey exhibit are being redone to exclude the modern white trees AND since the Animals are being considered first, I assume the children's play area adjacent to it will not be a part of the end product.

Now as for putting the Animals first.  I was told a couple years ago by a couple Keepers that Management never puts the Animals first.  There were some things where that was apparent but as time went on it became absolute, and now here we have it, right from the Director's mouth.  How is it that at an Animal Park, the Animals don't come first?

<The zoo has come under fire in recent years for its old and rundown exhibits and charges that animal welfare has not been a priority.> ... If this has been going on for years, why have they only now decided its time to make changes?  Why (and yes I'm forever going to refer to this) was Wishbone's left to break down on concrete til he died?  There is more to it.  The timing is curious in the wake of too many recent deaths, including Wishbone's.

Terry Maple is quoted, "He hopes to have a similar impact on the gorilla exhibit here."  .. WHAT!?  The Gorillas already have a nice space.  Keeping people from hovering over them is the most that should be done there in the near future.  If this is where the new guy wants to start then money is being wasted.  Giving priority attention to areas that are decent is wrong.  The Polar Bears live in excess of 50% of their lives on concrete and this guy wants to put his efforts of Welfare with the Gorillas?  Outrageous.  

Also note that nowhere in that article are the Polars mentioned.  Or the Chimps for that matter.  Their third Grotto could use some help so they have access to it again, expanding their living space.  I truly think the Zoo is waiting for the senior Chimps and Polars to die before they will put anything into those areas.  Wishbone is proof of that long thought theory.

Disgusting.

"Just having a lion sleeping in the corner isn't exciting for you or the lion," Maple said.  ....  No shit!  At least when the Big Cats were getting weekly Enrichment Toys, they were up and active for a nice period of time.  They get nothing now but the same old Plastic Toys put in different areas, with a bone in them.   

Also note, nowhere in this article does it mention how bored the Chimps are.  It only mentions about an Animal who by nature sleeps twenty hours a day.  What about an Animal who by nature is closest to a Human and needs constant stimulation but doesn't get it?

<The zoo has raised about half of its $10 million goal to fund a new squirrel monkey exhibit, updates to the South American Tropical Forest building, and additional renovations to its North American region. No funding has been found yet to retrofit the gorilla exhibit.>  ... So, the Squirrel Monkeys have a decent home, at least the Zoo must think its decent enough to keep the other Monkeys in, YET they are fundraising for a new exhibit.  Now, I heard money for this was already in place and as such designate by a specific donation.  If that were true, why is there continued fundraising?  If they have 5 million dollars, that could go along way to upgrade existing exhibits.  5 million sure could have bought Wishbone alot of grass.  GRASSHOLES!   The way money is spent makes me sick.  "Renovations" for the North American Region?  From the Master Plans I saw this was to be a whole new area bringing in new Animals.  This whole thing should be put on the very back burner until existing Animals have updated and landscaped areas to live in.  PERIOD.  And funding anything more than a better barrier situation at Gorilla's is criminal.   ... Bottom line, fundraising should have been in place for upgrades for Bears and Chimps way before anything else.  But, it has been noted in many places that fundraisers are not happening for those or any other thing that needs actual attention, but more for new stuff, like the No. American Region and those stupid plentiful playgrounds.  Are donors ever presented with stuff that needs attention?

Vice President of Animal Care David Bocian is quoted, "We can achieve better, and we have achieved better in just these past few years,"  noting that a new lemur exhibit features the high trees and spacious environment that Maple endorses.  ... Are you kidding me?  The Lemur exhibit was a decade and two Directors ago, natural Animal habitats are not a new thing.  Actually do it at the San Francisco Zoo is a new thing.  OR will be.  What happens with the Polars and Chimps will be the true test.

It appears the Zoo is once again patting itself on the back and trying to pull the wool over the public's eye.  To the occasional Visitor/Member, heck even to some of the Docents/Volunteers that may work, but to someone who actually cares and takes an interest in what goes one, most of what comes out of the Zoo doesn't fly.   They sure got alot of Media attention on this one, I certainly hope this guy comes through and does more than play with hedgehogs and have fantastical dreams for the Gorillas.  There are Animals there who really need help.

One thing mentioned several times in this article is Welfare and Wellness.  Their whole new "Wellness" thing is curious as well.  I will be writing a post about that next.  Welfare and Wellness should be a given.  I wasn't aware keeping and Animal healthy was a new thing.

I know there are people on Staff there who have the sense for what the right thing to do is.  I know there has been people there, previous Director's included who have had the right sense.  Unfortunately there are too many people wearing the hat of authority and from what I hear it changes at whim and sometimes the Director is who can make the call, sometimes the Zoological Society is where the buck stops and sometimes the City Park and Rec holds the reigns.  I know for a fact, there was a plan in place to make changes at Bears many years ago, that never materialized because too many hat wearers didn't have the sense to let those who knew the right thing to do, do it.  

I've been trying to call attention to the curiosities for over a year now.  I have alerted all the appropriate players in regards to different issues, City Officials, Park and Rec, Board Members, AZA, USDA, no one seems to care.  I can only assume they either think the current Management team is doing a bang up job and just let them have free reign, even when its obvious they have no clue (and hiring someone with supposed clue, cements that theory).   All i can do is further assume that all the appropriate players don't care or dont have the time or energy to care.  The city needs a Zoo and as long as its getting by without calling too much attention to bad stuff they let it ride. 

*I apologize temporarily if there are any flow issues.  Evidently I'm more pissed about this than i thought.  I have a headache now after this and didn't proof read it.  Will check it later.

** Again not sure what is going on and why certain parts get highlighted.  Sorry but I don't have the time or energy to figure it out and fix it.

HOT TOPIC! - Zoo Hires Exhibit Visionist - Alittle Too Late For Wishbone

Last Night an article was posted to sfgate.com

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-Zoo-turns-to-consultant-for-habitat-vision-3677807.php

Copied and Pasted:

Terry Maple could sense that Jasper the hedgehog, whom he cradled in his arm while posing for a photo, was uncomfortable with his surroundings.

"I think his stomach is making noises - this could be trouble," he said.

Sure enough, the spiny creature urinated on his crisp blue dress shirt hardly a minute later.

It is Maple's knowledge of the environments animals need to thrive that led the San Francisco Zoo to hire him as its first professor-in-residence. Maple, a former zoo director on the East Coast with a doctorate degree in psychobiology, will advise the zoo on how to put its animals before people when redesigning some of the outdated animal habitats.

"As we build new exhibits, we're putting the animals' wellness first and the visitor experience and other things secondary," said zoo Director Tanya Peterson. "It's kind of a new look at exhibit design."

The zoo has come under fire in recent years for its old and rundown exhibits and charges that animal welfare has not been a priority. Voters approved a $48 million bond in 1997 to rebuild most of the zoo, but critics allege that the money was used to improve the experience for visitors instead of animals.

Bringing in an academic tasked solely to think about how new exhibits might affect animal welfare is an approach no other zoos are taking, according to Maple.

In 1984, Atlanta's mayor asked Maple to take over the city's zoo, which had just been named one of the 10 worst zoos in America after several animal deaths and was described by the Associated Press as an "animal concentration camp."

"The zoo in Atlanta was an embarrassment to the city," said Maple, who served as director in Atlanta for 17 years. "The gorilla was in a terrible cage of bars, steel and cement. He looked like he was in prison, and he was."

Redesigning the exhibit to more closely resemble the wild by adding four habitats for the gorillas to roam proved wildly successful for breeding, and Zoo Atlanta's gorilla collection is now the largest in the nation.

He hopes to have a similar impact on the gorilla exhibit here.

"The gorillas are good, but they're not fully exercising the opportunities that we would give them if we could retrofit that exhibit to make it more natural," Maple said of the more than 30-year-old pit that allows visitors to look down at the five gorillas from a 360-degree perimeter. "That's considered to be just too much looming on the gorilla."

Maple's goal is to make the gorillas and the rest of the animals more active. When talking with architects, he's looking for exhibits that encourage the animals to reach, stretch and jump.

"Just having a lion sleeping in the corner isn't exciting for you or the lion," Maple said.

Building or reconfiguring new exhibits is not cheap. The zoo has raised about half of its $10 million goal to fund a new squirrel monkey exhibit, updates to the South American Tropical Forest building, and additional renovations to its North American region. No funding has been found yet to retrofit the gorilla exhibit.

While serving as a professor in residence, Maple will continue living in Florida, where he is an affiliate professor of psychology at Florida Atlantic University, and come to the zoo for about a full week each month. He will consult for the zoo for six months, with consideration for another six months, Peterson said. She declined to say how much the zoo will pay Maple because his tenure is being supported by an anonymous donor.

It's been almost five years since the zoo's reputation and financial status were imperiled by a fatal animal attack on Christmas Day, when Tatiana the Siberian tiger leaped out of her enclosure and mauled a 17-year-old San Jose man, killing him and injuring his two friends. There is evidence, however, that the zoo may finally be emerging from the tragedy's shadow. Peterson said attendance this year just surpassed 800,000, a number not seen in five years, and that the budget is operating on a "slight surplus."

Local animal activist and zoo critic Deniz Bolbol, who said in an online statement shortly after the tiger incident that "animal welfare problems are at the heart of the San Francisco Zoo's troubles," is not convinced that Maple's hiring will help. In 2008, she was unsuccessful in her efforts to make the zoo a rescue facility.

"They're not interested in changing things at the zoo, they are just interested in keeping the status quo," she said.

Vice President of Animal Care David Bocian, who worked as a keeper at the zoo in the 1980s and was the first to approach Maple in August at a conference on zoo welfare, said animal wellness "is a higher priority than it used to be."

"We can achieve better, and we have achieved better in just these past few years," he said, noting that a new lemur exhibit features the high trees and spacious environment that Maple endorses.

<End of article>

Of course I commented, even though I try not to get too involved with sfgate commenting anymore.

>I'm not sure what to think about this. Of course its a good thing, but why didn't the Zoo management seek help sooner? I was on a crusade to get the Andean Bear some grass in his home for over a year before they let him die on concrete. Its awful that the management team there over the past two decades has not recognized the needs of some of the Animals living spaces, instead paying architects to draw up plpans for new areas when existing areas are suffering and the Animals like Wishbone (Andean Bear) along with them. They have been starting to do some much needed things, like finally get Inti the Bobcat out of the cages he'd been living in for ten years. I just hope they are now putting building any new exhibits to bring in new Animals on the back burner until upgrades are made for the existing Anmals.<

My comment says exactly how I feel in short.  I could go on and on, but readers of my blog know how I feel.  I will add that it does seem curious (I was going to do a post about this)  that all of a sudden I see the Zoo fixing things up.  It is also curious that this comes after they let poor Wishbone pound his bones to a literal death in that concrete killer grotto.  AND only after Wishy passed did they finally get Inti out of the cages they had him living in for ten years.

The Zoo patted themselves on the back once again for that move and sure got alot of press out of their new home for Inti.  Yes it looks great, but its years overdue.  Poor thing was living in a series of cages for a decade.  They don't put that in the press release.  I think it was about time they gave him a proper space to live in.

Next up will be Wishbones areas.  I'd bet they will only being doing something with it so they can bring in a new animal to house there, when the focus should be something similar to what I suggested in a previous post so that Pike and Ulu the Polar Bears can live on a natural surface 100% of the time, not less that 50%, which is what they get now rotating between a meadow and a concrete space.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-to-do-at-bears-not-question-but.html

What to do at Bears ... Not a Question but a Suggestion

I wrote this post in part over a month ago, but after seeing this sign last week at Wishbones former home, I am finally finishing it and posting it.   It hurts my heart that the Zoo didn't respect Wishbone enough to give him a natural place to live and for that matter die, so this coming into play now is painful.  That said, in order to move forward it must be done.  Question is what is their plan?  I can guess, but I won't do it here.  What I will do is post some suggestions.

A friend recently took a photo of the Detroit Bear Grotto's.  It appears that their Bear area was built at the same time as ours.  It has the same structure design and layout, concrete depression-era WPA (Works Progress Administration) style.  The Detroit Zoo has taken an upgrade much like what our former Bear Keeper Deb Cano had accomplished with the meadow grotto shared by the Polar Bears, expanded on it and made it wonderful.  

Detroit Zoo Bear Grotto 

Photo courtesy of Valerie Abbott

View her wonderful Animal Photos 

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

You can see by the photo that they have knocked down a wall (from what I've been told) to create a double wide landscaped space.  They used the exisiting structure and created a natural living space for these Animals.

I have never heard that there is anything wrong with the exisiting Bear area structure, so there shouldn't be an issue working with what they have.  Whether this idea would work or not, there are options to making the Bear Grotto's better without total demolition and rebuild.  

I'm going to borrow this paragraph from my previous post as its relevant and I like each post to read as a stand alone piece.

There are Zoo purists (I've come across on ZooChat.com specifically)  that think Zoo's (SFZoo has been among the named), should demolish all these old buildings and build new state of the art exhibits.  Sure ideally all captive animals would live in sanctuary type settings, but realistically because of financial constraints and Animal residents, that really isn't a logical approach.  In my opinion as a Visitor,  upgrading and "sprucing" things up is.  I have voiced my opinion on upgrades while on my crusade to get Wishbone Grass (that's right, I will never stop mentioning this disrespect).  For the "sprucing" up and generally making older areas look better, I think the Zoo has made a good start with what they have done with the Anteater and Bobcat exhibits, now they need to work on the bigger blocks of concrete.  

What the SFZoo has is four grotto's that need upgrading.  One has an exisiting meadow, so basically three need the like.  They should (need to) figure out a way to utilize the meadow and Pike's grotto (and during the day the Grizzly Grotto) as the two living spaces for she and Ulu,  (they may need a better (upgraded) rotating system behind the scenes to make that happen).  Then knock down Ulu's exising wall with that of Wishbone's former home and make that one big landscaped grotto.  When that is done, they should (need to) move Pike and Ulu to that area and do the same, knock down the wall between the meadow and Pike and create a second double wide landscaped area.  Having two huge landscaped ares, instead of one small one limited to the neighboring occupants and three concrete ones is hands down a better living situation for these Animals.  And is doable in their lifetimes.

OR figure out a way to give the Polars access to the Grizzly Grotto and Gulch on a rotating basis.  That Grizzly Grotto that had grass goes unused from 11a-4p everyday.  Disgusting while two Polars are on concrete.   One Keeper wanted to make it happen in the lifetime of the female Andean Bear Annie and female Polar Andy, but that didn't happen.  Now Wishbone is gone.  Is your plan to let them all die having spent most of their lives on concrete, before you make changes?

First- Rig a new system so rotating all Bears between all Grotto's is doable.
Second- Crack that concrete and landscape!

From the stand point of visitor empathy and this photo, it would seem like a doable way to bring a natural home to these Bears and make for better public appearance.  Something should not be done just for the public, but when it can enhance the life of the Animal, especcially a captive one, it should be done.  I never hear anyone complain about the Big Cat area, and that area was once barren concrete like the Bears.  It was lanscaped at least Twenty years ago.  I wrote and posted photos about this here:

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/andean-bear-grotto-letter-to-vips.html

Contrary to the belief of the Zoo, providing a natural living environment (grass not concrete) is not Enrichment, its humane.  Oh, and concrete does not equal "a rocky ground".  Concrete = asphalt, not a natural surface.  I guess I never looked close enough to this sign, because the whole "rocky ground" thing, that must be a joke right?   Next thing you will be putting up a sign saying its also part of your Wellness program.  Good Grief!

I'd also like to see those stupid fences taken down at Ulu and Pikes place.  They were put up after the Tatiana event to deter escaping.  Laughable since they are only on the concrete grotto's.  If they were going to escape wouldn't they do so via the meadow as well?   I'd rather see glass like at Big Cats, so there isn't a constant stream of idiots invading the Bears space, both vocally and by gesturing and sometimes dangling over the barriers.  But this might be alot to ask for, so I'd settle for signs saying not to do this, at least for now.

Currently this sign is only at the Asian Rhino exhibit.  Why?

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-signs.html

related posts

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/06/old-buildings.html

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/project-get-wishbone-grass.html