Blog Update

Instead of the ongoing silence on my blogs, I wanted to at least post something, to let everyone know I'm still out here and still keeping my eye on Zoo Happenings.

Everyday for near two months, I have sat at the computer, trying to work on the long list (over a dozen, maybe nearing two) of blog posts I have in draft.  Chimp Updates, Visit Notes, Joint Zoo Meeting Reports, Topics of Issue,... So many things, and for some reason I just haven't been able to get any of them done.  

It may seem like an easy task, just write my thoughts and hit publish, but its not that easy for me. Writing these posts takes alot of time and energy.  I like to post in chronological order when I can.  I like to make sure to include photos and links, to support/supplement what I'm writing about.  Most of the time these are issues of extreme irritation and frustration, so I get pretty worked up.  That all said, I'm passionate about the Zoo Friends and it means alot to me to document the things I do.   This is something I will never give up on, because I will never give up on the Animals.  

Please continue to support my efforts by checking in.  I hope to move forward with a spurt of energy, I'm just waiting for it to hit!

Thank you to all who visit my blogs.

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I have been posting the Zoo Friend Birthdays on my Facebook Group :)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/716283861824320/

Yesterday was Sukari's 13th Birthday!

2014 Holidays at the Zoo

Zoo Friends in Rain on Xmas Eve

I visited the Zoo Friends on Christmas Eve Day.  During my visit it began to rain.  Since we have been having usually cold weather, I was more pissed than usual to see so many of the Animals forced out on exhibit.

The Zoo for years has had a sign at the entrance that notes that all Animals have access to the inside.  That has always been a flat out lie.  Many Animals are locked out on exhibit all day.  I investigated this several years ago, when my Precious Tapir Friend Goober, with terminal Health issues was allegedly by Management orders forced to be on exhibit.  I was outraged about this, and one day it came to a head when it was raining and there he stood in the rain staring at his bedroom door.  

As I went around the Zoo in the rain, giving Holiday Greetings to the Friends, I was really upset to see so many out.

 44 year old Elly, staring at her door

 Tucker, sleeping as usual under water, no choice but to

 Lions seek shelter

Indian Rhino Gauhati's door is always closed

Zoo Lights Lite

Busy and/or Sick the last few weeks, I finally got to Zoo Lights tonight, the last night.  Two words, Big Fail.  I hate to pick at things especially at this time in my Zoo passion issues, which are concentrated on the Chimps, Animal safety and proper living environments, but after seeing the Komodo Dragon still in a barren home (see previous post),  I'm once again bothered at the Zoo just seeming to not really give a shit.  Its either that, collaborative inemptness and cross the board laziness.  Either way you look at it, too much is left to Mediocrity.  

The Zoo has done this Event for three years now.  The first year they had some technical difficulties, but the attempt was decent and the part I saw was impressive and we had a great time.  Read my review here: 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/12/inaugural-zoo-lights.html

Last year I had high hopes, as so many Zoo's were putting on really great displays and our Zoo seemed like it was trying.  I thought it fell short in light display, seeing as it is a "light" Event.   I thought the craft vendors and food truck were a great add. 

This year, Friends who had gone early in the Event said they were really disappointed.  After seeing some of the displays up prior, I had a feeling the effort to do a good Event wasn't going to be there.  Sadly I was right.  

I feel bad to hate on these little trees that could, but seriously, these poor little tree's deserved to be pretty.  Where did they get these decorations and who decorated them?   Even the Gulls were outraged, as I got a photo (I can't find) of them screaming at one.

And, I think the Zoo has lost sight of the fact that this is a Light Event, which means, don't go lite on the amount of lights.  Does anyone look at other Zoo (Point Defianace) Displays?   Are they aware that there is a whole TV Show (Great Christmas Light Fight) based on this?    The Show now in its second season has had two Marin based contestants.  The Zoo needs to get their number and get some help if they plan to do this again.  If you are not going to Wow people, dim the lights and get out of the game.

Here are some photos.  Again the Snowflakes on the ground were the best part.  Thankfully I took the photo of the three lit Animals at the Entry going in, because they were out an hour later when I left.   I was told they "shorted out".   Each year there has been electrical issues and parts of the Event blacked out.   If the Zoo can't handle keeping lights on, then don't have an Event that is about lights.

So yeah, not enough lights, and hardly any food.  The food options were pathetic, especially for an Event that takes place during the Dinner hours.   No Food Truck, only the Lemur Cafe had food and not even full Menu they usually have. I'm pretty sure there were less than ten menu items.   We left after an hour to spend money elsewhere on food.

One right thing they did was have Keeper Nancy out at Koalas sharing her knowledge and photos.   As well she was after doing the same at Giraffes, but we had to leave to seek food.  AND of course the Reindeer.  I love seeing them.

In hindsight, I'm not even sure Snow Flurry machine was on that night.  I think I would have noticed.  So, possibly no Snow, no real food options.  If you can't put on full experience as advertised, dont do it.  People are paying to get in as well some paying more than entrance fee to park.

If I was in charge of this Event and only had the amount of lights in use, I would concentrate them into a smaller area.  Having parts of the Zoo open when not many Animals to see ( I knew this and was not expecting more) is a waste of light space, especially when nothing else is going on in those areas.   Condense efforts, by reducing and changing the areas open during the event.  This would make the "light" portion of the event appear to be more.

I think the Event would be better off if it were only open at Entry Village, Playfield, a portion of the Childrens Zoo.  I think the Craft Vendors and Food Trucks (plural) should be a part of it always.   As well that awesome video display from the first year.  What happened to that?   There is much unused space beyond the tent, in front of the Mothers Building.  Even if they can't figure out what they are doing with the MB, they can at least do something with the area instead of closing it off.  I think it should be a Zoo History House with Memorbilia, but I hear that the Zoo threw out alot of the historical photos and video.  Allegedly no one found value it in.  More disgrace.  But I digress.  Keep the lights concentrated to Entry Village and the path to the Playfield.  Vendors and Food by Mothers Building.  I mentioned the CZ.  I think they should open the right side path, open the ARC (which is rarely open now) and allow people to have a chance to see those rarely seen Animals and have a portion of the Farm viewable.  I say viewable because I don't think crowds of people should be in the Farm after hours, but I do think they should take advantage of putting together a Manger scene in the first corral and having some of our wonderful Farm Friends involved.  They also need to build on the festive as there was none.  I don't remember hearing any Christmas music and I'm not even a fan of it.  But, at an Event, I think its a must.  Hire Carollers, something.  Hand out Candy Canes.  Something.  The two costumed Characters were the only interactive festive elements to the Event.

My Friend pointed out that there wasn't even one Security Guard visable.  In fact the place was void of any Zoo Staff.  Why is there never one Zoo Official at any Event other than ZooFest or another cocktail party type event?  Not that I think its a good idea for our Director to be out at Events, but at least it would show a sense of care if she were, as well other higher up Staffers.  She didn't even make an appearace at the Flamingo Day Event (which I stil haven't reviewed) and those Flamingo Chicks shoudl have gotten major recognition since they were the first in four years.  She just doesn't seem to care about anything.  And what about Bob Cooney, head of Visitor Experience?  What's he doing that he can't be out at Events greeting Visitors.  The Zoo often just throws Events together and no one from the "team" is there to be interactive with guests.   

That all said,  I'm also bothered by things in the past that weren't done again this Holiday Season.

Animals Get No Presents 

A Christmas time Event that stopped when the Zoo opted instead for Zoo Lights, was an Event of Gift Giving from one species of Animal to another.  Like the Otters would give to the Lions.  So then the Lions would get Christmas decorated boxes.  Toy Enrichment "presents" filled with treats.  Again everyone knows I'm a big fan of Enrichment, and especially love seeing the Animals get Holiday/Birthday themed toy items.  With the elimination of this, the Zoo is down to only giving the Animals this type of fun during the Halloween Event and even thats gone iffy, OR if a randon Animal rates a Birthday treat.  

Speaking of Birthday treats.  (chk which year 2012 or 2013)  For several years the Polars got Snow, donated by the San Francisco Ice Company.  Understandable if there was no donation, and I have no idea how that comes about.  Just saying that I miss it and the Polars loved it.  Reason I'm bring it up is more because of the Birthday Fail.  The Zoo (outside the Family Farm) rarely, recognizes the Animals on their Birthdays, whether it be a Facebook shout out or a special treat (both should be mandatory).  I can't say never, because there is that rare occasion for whatever reason (usually media attention) one Animal will rate something.   One of those occasions was when they turned the last Snow donation, into an "Event" to pimp out the Polars Birthdays for Media attention and to attract Visitors.  A sign was posted at their homes for a couple weeks wishing them "Happy Birthday".  I hate that the Animals are used in that way, but if it gets them special treats, whatever.  I will say it was the last time they got special attention for their Birthdays and the only other time before that was when my Friend Lee and I made them and the other Bears Birthday Enrichment Toys in 2011.  This year, both Pike whose Birthday was November 25th and Ulu whose Birthday was December 19th got no mention and no special treats.   In fact while I was there on Pike's Birthday, I was bothered to watch Ulu get thrown treats (but happy she did) while Pike got none and it was her Birthday.   Neither got a mention on the Zoo's Facebook Page.

Our Polars are two of my fav Zoo Friends.  I love these Girls!  Happy Birthday to Pike who turned 32 and to Ulu who turned 34!  Both Bears have reached milestone ages, with Ulu being the oldest female in captivity in a North American Zoo.   The Zoo should not only be celebrating the Animals on their special days, but especially our wonderful Seniors who have given so many years of joy to people.   Elly the Black Rhino will turn 44 January 1st!  Sadly she will most likely not get any mention or special treats.

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

This is really outrageous!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOT TOPIC! - Komodo Dragon Lives in Barren Dirt Pit

I had been pissed for months about the state of Falcor the Komodo Dragon's Home.  I was really enraged when I went to Zoo Lights and saw that the outside of the exhibit was fancied up with Christmas Lights, while the Komodo Dragon himself sit in a barren pit.  The gall of the Zoo is shouldn't, but continues to surprise me.  

Just another Disrespect of Animals by Zoo Management.  

As I said, this has really bothered me for months and I was hoping since I brought it up to someone there, that the situation would change, but it hasn't.  At this point its been at least four months (and I'm being generous because I've lost track) that Falcor has had not one bit of greenery in his home.  This is not only Disrespectful, its possibly (I haven't researched it yet) an improper environment.  

When Falcor arrived he was the "favorite son".  He got a fancy new enclosure with tons of greenery.  Hoopla ensued, Komodo Dragon this, Komodo Dragon that.  

First they disrespect him by changing his name, a name that his previous home, the Memphis Zoo where he was born (hatched) told me he responded to.  At near two years old when he arrived at the SFZoo, he was given the name Falcor soon after hatching.  Named after the Dragon in the movie The Neverending Story,  some dumb donor tried to be "native" I guess, using the word Bahasa which means Language, literally the word Language in Indonesian, but then also had to be an ass by adding in Big Daddy.  SO the poor little guy was disrespected with the name Big Daddy Language, and par for the course, Zoo Officials could care less what anyone names an Animal as long as the check clears.  Now the poor guy has been here over a year, and he sits in a home that is barren of any vegetation.   The statue outside has more landscaping than he does.  

Poor Falcor just sits and stares out at green. 

I hear there was a change in Curators (from the one I talked to) for this string of Animals.  I don't know who the new person is, but I can say this, the guy straight off isn't doing his job.  If this new guy can come in and not see that this is a problem that should be a priority to fix, then he isn't qualified for this job.

Falcor is also quickly outgrowing this habitat and plans for his new home that were supposed to be in motion soon after his arrival, to be started for a move-in within two years, have been back burnered because of all the other new additions to the Zoo's collection.

I guess everyone is too busy building 2nd and 3rd tree houses for the Red Pandas who continue to be the "favorite sons", literally since only the male Kodari who they renamed (Tenzing) is the only one to get any fanfare.  The male has a sign with his new name, while the female Grace doesn't doesn't have a sign.  I'll also note that Grace, who is over ten years old, had her name ripped from her as well.  Kodari also got a Birthday party, and Grace didn't.   

Falcor is one of my fav Zoo Friends.  I love this guy and feel awful that like too many others, he has been disresepected and slighted.  Its Sad, Disgraceful and downright Embarassing.

San Francisco Zoo, get this poor guy some greenery!  Give him a proper environment and get started on his new home.   Stop bringing in more Animals and take care of the ones you have.

I got no problem with the Zoo prioritizing building homes for Animals in need of Rescuing. My issue is, bringing in more Animals just to grow the Collection and/or try to pull in extra gate sales by doing so, is a Fail unless you take care of the ones you've already committed to giving a home to.

Please view my video taken a couple weeks ago

that shows the whole habitat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBY-YMCqJtQ

Also, one taken shortly after his arrival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPujbG7Yps

Rescuing Research Chimps? Would Be An Awesome Zoo Move!

My brain is always working.  I admit its mostly working on ways for the Zoo to do right by the Animals.  I love Animals and these Zoo Friends are one of the biggest passions in my life.  Especially the Senior Friends, who have given so much to everyone.  Their life has been the Zoo and they deserve everything.  The Chimps and Elly the Black Rhino have been there over 40 years and the Polars over 30.  All have been disrespected.

I heard rumor a few years ago that the Zoo didn't plan to get more Bears and were not doing upgrades because they were waiting, ....   I assume the same of the Chimps.  To me, that is an unexceptable way of looking at something.  Giving them best lives possible without disrupting their current living situation because of their age should be optimal.  

In the first post of this Chimp series, I noted ways to bring upgrades to their current home, much like I did for the Polar Bear Grotto.  In addition to those upgrades, I have an additional thought, that the Zoo should look at "adopting" > literally!

This plan took shape as an more doable version of my own Lotto Win Fantasy.  Because of the Zoo not making any upgrades to the Chimps in near 30 years,  I formed a fantasy idea to build a Chimp Sanctuary for our Chimps and the UCSF Chimps, that I would call Tallulah's place after our passed Lady.  This of course, pending one of the SFZOO Keepers who has taken care of ours, came on board to be with them. The facility would be a two-sided house with night quarters where all could see each other and an outside area that had a partition with a "howdy" fence so the two groups could meet and hopefully be slowly integrated.  

There are 2000+ Chimpanzees in reserach facilities.  Research using Chimpanzees from what I understand has been suspended and these Animals are waiting to start their life of freedom.  Many Chimpanzees have found homes in Sanctuaries.  There aren't enough Sanctuaries to house them all.   The Companies who used them didn't provide fore their retirement , most likely because they thought they would die in the research facility.  

Chimpanzees are an Animal most everyone has a fondness for.  We have grown up seeing them in Zoos, and in Entertainment.  In Zoos they are one of the most popular attractions.  I have seen students more visits than not, observing the Chimps behavior, documenting and sketching.

It would be a wonderful thing if Zoos started giving homes to these Research Chimps.  Rescuing them and giving them forever homes.   The San Francisco Zoo has rescued other Animals, including a large group of Squirrel Monkeys from Stanford.   They should look at rescuing the UCSF Chimpanzees who are waiting for a home and are allegedly currently still living in the research facility in the Zoos own neighborhood.

Not sure why I hadn't thought of this before, but in light of our Chimps getting up there in age and the loss of the Family Matriach Tallulah in 2013, rescuing the UCSF Chimps and at some point possibly intergrating the two groups would be a wonderful thing.  This would give the research Chimps a much needed home and never allow for one of our Senior Chimps to be left alone.

A plan like this would be good for both our own SFZoo Chimps and the UCSF Chimps.  

Several years ago it went to City Ballot whether to change the Zoo into a Rescue Zoo only.  Obviously it didn't pass, and I wasn't in support of that at the time, as I wasn't well informed on all things SFZOO, and I didn't think an across the board mansate should be made imposed.  That said, now, there is something to be said for that in part.  I think the Powers that be, whether the City, Rec and Park, whoever, should put a halt to the Zoo bringing in any new Animals, if they are not rescues, until all the current Animal Residents have adequite homes.  This includes back-burnering all current Master Plans for new Exhibit areas.

Don't know who has to approve the Zoo's Master Plan, or new exhibits, but I'll find out.  I think the Zoo should be forced to scrap the current long in effect plan for North American Region and put into priority action, a plan for a version of the Great Ape Forest that was supposed to be ... That way, our Chimpanzees get a new home, and the UCSF Research Chimps get rescued to a life of freedom.

It would be the height of an Act of Conservation.  Our Zoo needs to do something good in light of the recent past.  Giving the UCSF CHimps a home would be a good tribute to our lost Gorilla Kabibe.  A sort of an Ape for an Ape.

I have read the San Francisco Zoo allegedly has 40+ Million in reserve.  Not sure exactly what that means but sounds like they have money even thought they cry poor too often.  They do seem to find money when they want to build Tiki Huts and such.  

The Zoo should launch a fundraiser for this effort specifically, but since they already misappropriated funds designated years ago, they should not wait or count on those donations, yet use them for the future care ect.  

San Francisco Zoo Steals Money for New Chimpanzee Home

In 1997, the Voters of City of San Francisco Elected  a Monetary Bond,  for upgrades to the San Francisco Zoo.  Part of the Money was designated for the construction of The Great Ape Forest.   Seventeen Years later, no such Exhibit has been built.   Additionally, not one bit of upgrade has been made to the exisiting Chimpanzee Exhibit.  

When the Zoo opened the new Playground in Fall 2013,  the hypocritical Zoo Officials put out a TV Commecial, stating what has long been overlooked by the same Zoo Officials when making any descisions.  Boasting its "Our Zoo", meaning the Zoo belongs to the City and Citizens of San Francisco.   A truth that is non-existent.  What else is non-existent is that the Zoo should also belong to the Animals that live there, with them being a priority.  Instead the Zoo has become a  "pet project" of a mob of  Society folk.

In the wake of the KGO-TV Safety investigation, I think its time that some kind of investigation into what happend to the money for the Great Ape Forest take place.  Where did the Money go?  Who was responcible for the misappropriation?  Isn't this some legal issue regarding misuse of these funds?  Was it a Director at the time descision?  Was the Society involved?  Was the Rec and Park involved?   How and Why did the City of San Francisco let this happen?  These questions can start to be answered by asking long time Finacical Manager Wayne Reading.  When I first met him, he introduced himself as "The Money Man",  SO,  Mr Money Man,  you hold the check book,  WHERE?  is the money that the Citizens of San Francisco voted to be allocated for a new home for the Chimpanzees?  

I guarentee you, when the money was donated for the new Playground, not a penny went elsewhere.  In fact, additional funds needed to be raised.

Ten Years later, at the end of 2007, this news article was published.

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/S-F-Zoo-s-history-of-mismanagement-morale-down-3299116.php

Snips of relevance:

>"Meanwhile, plans were quietly killed for the Great Ape Forest exhibit, highlighted in a $48 million city bond measure approved by voters in 1997 to upgrade the zoo. And four would-be inhabitants - aging wild-born chimpanzees- are still living in a concrete grotto while their handler continues her lonely quest to make sure their rare and invaluable genes are passed on through breeding.

The chimps' longtime zookeeper, Lisa Hamburger, has occasionally appeared at monthly meetings of the Joint Zoo Committee, a city panel that oversees the zoo, to plead her case. As she prepared to speak one afternoon, Mollinedo got up and walked out of the room." <

Sadly Lisa left the Zoo and has since passed.  Her obituary noting her love and mentioning her Friends, Tallulah, Cobby, Maggie and Minnie, among her survivors.

Since Lisa, the Chimps have had no one champioining for them.  Not one of the Curators or Keepers since have cared enough to be their voice.

In the spring of 2008, this article was published:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Critics-blast-S-F-zoo-s-use-of-bond-funds-3220164.php#photo-2362866

Snips of relevance:

>"Flyers distributed to voters showed pictures of the primates' exhibits, which bond backers called "awful cement islands." Officials promised that two-thirds of the aging facility would be rebuilt, moving the zoo "from concrete to grass." Included in the list of projects was a new Great Ape Forest, a "natural habitat with climbing vines, trees, a stream and high nesting areas for these magnificent, intelligent animals." 

Eleven years later, the orangutans are gone, the chimpanzees are still living on those awful cement islands - albeit with a bit more shrubbery - and the lions and rhinos haven't yet been given their new digs. While the zoo has added new exhibits, including the African Savanna, critics charge that the zoo has placed more emphasis on visitor amenities than animal welfare. They also argue that the zoo has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on inadequate new exhibits."<

While the Rhinos did get a new home, even if with an odd layout and not much of a landscape upgrade to what the location was previous to the renovation.  The lions are still in the same place, but their homes are not of issue in my opinion.

What is of issue is the continued slight the Chimps have gotten.  Literally less than D-listed, they aren't even on a list of priority and apparently they haven't been for 17 years.  

The question is WHY?   

SFZoo Chimpanzees Need Some Love!

I mentioned this in a post about the Gorilla Death, but since this subject has been in the making for over a year, the following are the posts as I've intended.

In relation to the Gorillas, the Terry Maples rehire, and what I'm about to write about the Chimps and other Animals in need, please take a look at this post from 2012.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/07/exhibit-visionist-thoughts-continued.html

The Chimpanzees are the one Animal at the Zoo I remember most from my Childhood.  When I started learning about the Animals as individuals in 2008,  I learned they were the same ones I have visited my whole life.   I think learning this was initial to strengthening my connection to our Chimps, and since then, our Chimpanzee Family has had my Heart. 

I've previously wrote about the Chimps, but over the past near year, I didn't get to important issues about the Chimps.  It takes alot of thought and emotion to write posts of passion, and while gearing up these posts, something else came up and I delayed further.  I held off because of a Filmmakers dream to make a documentary on our Male Chimp Cobby.   Since Zoo Officials act weird about so many things, I didn't want to shine the light too bright and ruin anything for that Project.  In hindsight, I wish I had done things differently.  I really feel like I've let the Chimps down by not posting a continuous focus on how the Zoo Fails them.  They are the oldest Animals there, they deserve to be a Priority.

I have two main issues in regards to the Chimps.   The continued disregard of attention to the Environment of their Home and to the lack of Enrichment they get.

Over the past two years, the Zoo has been bringing in new Animals, either building new exhibits, or renovating old ones, as well building "party" areas for Humans.   With each one, my heart breaks for the Chimps just a bit more.

The Triple Grotto where the Chimps live was built in the 60s.  Prior to that the previous Zoo Chimps lived in the metal cages across from them, that now house Birds.  Cobby came to the Zoo at age 10 in 1968 and Maggie and Minnie as infants in 1970.   

The Triple Grottos originally housed the Orangutans in Grotto 1, the Chimps in 2, and I believe Mandrils in 3.   The Mandrils moved to the Primate Center and the last Orangutan, a Female named Lipz, was transferred to another Zoo.  She is still there and...    The last upgrade to those Grottos was in the mid 80s when climbing structures and landscaping were added to the barren cement islands.

In 1997 a City Bond was voted in that designated funds for the Zoo, with one project being The Great Ape Forest.  Please read the following post for more details and News Article links in regard to this.

That money was misappropriated and the Great Ape Forest never built.  Not one Director since then has made upgrading the Chimpanzee home/enclosure a priority.  

I'm asking every one of them WHY?!

Why has money been spent for other Animals, including new, non-rescue Animals being brought in?   

I have enjoyed seeing new Animals, but I would have more enjoyed seeing the Chimps and other Animals in the current collection who are in need, get upgrades.  I have no problem with bumping some things to provide a home for Animals facing euthanasia, therefore in need of rescuing.  But, the shift back to the current Resident Animals need as a priority should happen.

In addition to new Animal exhibits, I should not walk around the Zoo and see things like a Tiki Hut being built so the Director and other mucky mucks can have Cocktail Parties and such.  I should not see a Safari Style Camp Site being built, so Humans can come and stay over night there on occasion.

This attention to Human need came to an all time high when construction started ont he new Playground.  While its been shoved down our throats that money was donated specifically for this, the issue is, WHY?  Doesn't the Director let Donors know what NEEDS there are?  WHY?  When over 3 million was donated for this playground, didn't the Director say, Wow thats generous, but we can make a nice playgound for half that, would you consider us using the other half for Animal upgrades?  NO!  That doesn't and would never happen!  Why?  Because I honestly do not believe the thought of the Animals ever enters Director Tanya Petersons mind. She let poor Wishbone (oh YES I will bring how they killed him up every chance I get!)  pound his bones to a literal death, living on concrete his whole life.  They, the Director, the Board, the Rec and Park, two Donors specifically, they all knew this for over a year before his death.  How do I know this?  I personally sent them post letters in regard to this.  Please read my blog for more info .. link

I can go on about several Animals in need, but I will make a separate post as I know this one is already getting lengthy and I appreciate the time readers take to hear my voice for the Animals.

SO, what we do know at this point is since 1997 the Zoo has not made any plan to build a new Home for the Chimpanzees.  They have not even made a plan to upgrade the Chimpanzees Home.   

Their current home includes a main building with peeling paint.  A structure (Grotto 2) that is rusting with peeling paint.  A rusting twigging box (used to "fish" out molasses and honey.  Regarless of any other upgrades, these points are a disgrace.  

Since I mentioned "plans", let me digress for a bit and question to anyone out there, were there ever drawn plans for the Great Ape Forest?  If so, please let me know and if they can be obtained.

Continuing on.  I have not kept an eye on any other Administration, so yes, I will focus on the current one.  As I mentioned Director Tanya Peterson has failed to highlight any of the current Animals in need.  Instead, focusing on raising funds for new Animals.

Not one ZooFest since Director Peterson's reign stared in 2008 have been to raise funds for the Chimpanzees.   Nor have they been on any recent Master Plan.

SO, let's talk about the Chimps.  My precious Zoo Friends, Cobby, Maggie, and Minnie.   These incredible beings have lived at the Zoo for over 40 years.  

Don't the Chimps deserve to be a priority?

Over the past seven years, I have had so many ideas run through my mind at how their home can be made better.  Over the past couple years, I've tweaked that a bit based on their age and how sensitive Cobby is.  I once witnessed construction on one of the Bird cages across from the Chimps and Cobby was so upset by the sound of the saw on metal, that I thought not too much can be done, at least not for an extended amount of time, but that doesn't mean there aren't things that could be done.

It isn't all awful, but they need stuff done for them.    There is no room for them to run and play.  they go out and up to the structure where they sit all day.  There is no big grassy area.  It can be made to resemble other grotto style exhibits.  Its just no one has put the Chimps at the front of the line.  Sadly, I don't even think they are in the line.  

Leave the first grotto as their familar, public foraging and lounging area.  change the second and third grottos into a large grassy area, that they can move about in, instead of the small island that they go out to, climb rusty bars with peeling paint and sit.  They've been sitting there for 30 years.  Its time for a change.  

A few years ago, one of the structures in the far Grotto (I call 3) had to be taken down for safety reasons.  For along time they didn't even have access to that area and even now I don't know that its available to them all the time, although after a huge tree trunk was added, I have seen them on occasion in there.  A new structure was not built, but in not doing that it does provide them with some extra movement space, which the other two Grottos having structures do not because they take up most of the island ground space.  This I like.

When I saw the construction of the Bobcat and Anteaters new homes, with man-made tree and feeder mounds, I wondered WHY? Something like this has never been done for the Chimps?  I'm sure the Chimps would love some natural feeling trees to climb on instead of the rusted metal jungle gym they have now.  I'm sure they would love to have a fabricated structure for Twigging, rather than the old rusted metal box they have now.  I'm sure the Chimps would love ANYTHING!

anteater forage mound

(misplaced photo of bobcat tree structures, will post later. but these of the playground banyan trees are comparable)

The new Favorite "sons" the Red Pandas keep getting additions to their home.  I'm adding this in as only in the past few weeks have I noticed that they now have three tree houses.  I'm sure the Chimps would love even one.

Like wise when I saw the construction of the Playground, again with the man-made trees with the addition of rope made swings, I pictured Cobby sitting in one of those swing seats and it made me smile.  WHY? hasn't something similar been made for the Chimps?  The (noisey?) construction for the base of those trees could be done off exhibit and securely added and then built up around that with not much noise.   These are upgrades that could be done Grotto by Grotto.  

Making upgrades revitalizes an old area and the Animals life.  To me that should be a priority.  Why hasn't it been?   It wouldn't be the cost of a new exhibit, but would at least bring something new and enriching into their lives.

I noted the noise issue because of what I previously stated, yet it illustrates that the Zoo continually lets Visitors upset Cobby, which makes me think the distrubance while my consideration is not the root of the issue here.  I think the current Management just doens't put the Chimps at priority status.  Its really sad because they haven't been a priority there since the 80s evidentially.  These are Animals who are most closely related to Humans, with thoughts linear to ours.   WHY? Can't they have more?  

Additional thoughts on upgrading the existing exhibit.  While thinking over the past few years about how to upgrade the current enclosure, because of noise factor my original thoughts have changed a bit.   My main thought was they needed to make a larger movement area, that could only be accomplished by demolishing the islands in two of the three grottos or filling in the moats.  Any demolision would be too noisey at this point in their lives.   The later is not only the least noisey, but would also provide a viewing area for Visitors.  The only things it would require are A- Take down the existing structure in Grotto 2.  B- Build a "bridge" for the middle and far Grottos (2 and 3) to become a connected flat surface area.  C- Fill the moat.  Possibly extending the surface area, if possible to create different barrier.  D-Landscape the surface.  E- If possible, build up the surrounding walls using both probably using both concrete, but mostly glass, and possibly some fencing?  I'm not a professional, so I don't know what kind of non-moat barrier would be needed.  This would not take much construction, could be done in shifts to lessen disturbance.  After the trees, swings, and twigging mounds could be added.   Obviously I'm just throwing ideas out there, but at least I'm thinking about the Chimps, which is less than Zoo Officials have done in near two decades.

 two views of Grotto 2 and 3.  Much unused space 

could be connected to form large grass area

The Zoo needs to stop being lazy and disinterested in the Chimps.  More Visitors than there are ones who harass them, Love them.   For many, like me, they have been there my whole life.  They are the one Animal at the Zoo that almost every visit I see students observing.  Because of their use in Entertainment, Chimpanzees are probably one of the most Personalized Animals in Zoos.  And while there is a whole other message in that last sentence, the point is, Chimps are well loved Animals, and the San Francisco Zoo Needs to Show our wonderful Chimps Some Love!

There is no reason these types of upgrades can't be made.  There is no reason they can't be kept inside most of the day on weekdays while this gets done.  They can be kept busy watching movies, painting,whatever other inside activities and entertainment they are provided. 

The Enrichment issue Zoo-wide has been a passion point for me for years.   When I learned what Enrichment was and I was able to participate in making "enrichment" Toys for the Big Cats and Bears,  it became one of the things I focus on.  I have a post in draft about Enrichment specifically, so for now I'll just note that while there is several different aspects to Enrichment, I can obviously only write about what I can see and that is the Enrichment that is put out while the Animals are "on exhibit".  That said, exhibit hours make up most of the time the Keepers are there, which is basically the same time frame, so in my opinion, what we see is probably mostly, what they get. 

In regard to the Chimps specifically, the Keepers routine is to clean Grotto 1 and put their Enrichment Items out.  To me, the offerings are most often not so much.  They only get fun and different stuff for the Halloween Event and if the Zoo can use them for a Media pimp.   Each Holiday goes by and they get nothing new, even though stores like Target and Michaels have inexpensive themed items that could be given to them.   I know this because I fantasize about them having these things, everytime I'm in a store.   What they do get is the same Halloween buckets from a few years ago, weekly year-round.  They get disgarded glove and Keeper food boxes and grocery bags.  I wouldn't complain about these items, as they do provide a container for treats, but this has been the consistent extent of the effort for years.   I don't see them get Ice Treats very often anymore, and that puts a smile on their face everytime.   In my opinion, they get very little fun and a whole lot of bored.

Anytime there is something different than their normal daily "food" forage, (which I don't even list as Enrichment unless its presented in a different or challenging way), they are so happy!  They go crazy for fun stuff and they hardly get it.  When preparation is on for Halloween Event, the go insane with anticipation.  It is a joy to watch how happy they are.  WHY? Don't they have this more often?  They don't even get Birthday celebrations, which ironically have been noted by the Chimpanzee SSP Facebook page, which they do for al the Chimps in North American Zoos, often saying "I know your Keepers wil give you special treats.."  Well, not at the San Francisco Zoo they won't.  The last Birthday celebration was in 2009 when Cobby had a Party only because I shamed them into it when my Friend and I wanted to make a Card for Cobby.  

Chimps whose brains are very close to humans, and in my experience,surpass that of many humans.  They should be provided with daily mental stimulation and yet they aren't.  In my opinion it shows a lack of compassion and care, in addition to severe laziness on the part of the Animal Management Staff, specifically Primate Curator Corinne MacDonald.  In my opinion any fails in the Animal Dept.  falls on the Curators.  They dictate to the Keepers what can and can not be done for the Animals.  So, if a Keeper isn't doing something, its because of the Curator's word or from laziness.  If laziness, then again that falls on the Curator, who then doesn't manage their Team properly. 

Gorilla Tragedy Wrap-Up - Why No One Apparently Cares

So, now that all is said and done one the subject of the Gorilla Tragedy, I think its a good idea to evaluate further why this happened.

The Zoo Staff is made up with too many people who just don't care.  Who think its just a job.  This is a job where almost every decision made is connected to the Animals that live there.   Their life, their safety, their environment, and the respect they deserve.  I have written endlessly about all, so will try to keep on the topic of this post.

The off site "Officials" who are or should be watching over (checks and balances) what the in house Officials are doing, include the San Francisco Zoological Society and the San Francisco Recreation and Park.

I meant to post these when I first saw them as I was appalled.  Maybe a greater power held me off from posting them directly after the 2014 ZooFest.  Maybe they will make a bigger statement in the wake of this Tragedy and my maintain that the Zoological Society Members and Zoo Donors have no real care about Animals.

I have written that there is no checks and balance s from the “governing board” of the Zoo, the Zoological Society.  I have written that the make-up of these people are not those that are true Animal people.  I would wager that none of these people are even regular Zoo Visitors or even go to the Zoo once a year if that, other than when theres a cocktail party.

One of my main issues is Animal name changing and Donors just write checks without questioning about the Animals as individuals, therefore giving money to change their given names, instead of just contributing to their care.   There was also one Donor who I believe is also a Society Member, who donated a Million Dollars at a ZooFest years back, allegedly with no stipulation on how it was to be used.  I just wish that those who have the luxury of helping these Animals, took a better look and participation when donating.

That all said, and I’m sure there’s more but my brain is about to burst on the subject of non-caring that goes on at the Zoo,  check out these screen caps I saved from the News Article about last years annual ZooFest Fundraiser. ... Who wears Fur to a Zoo Fundraiser?  These people do!  WTF?  And these are just the ones who got in photos.  Disgusting.  There is no disputing these are not Animal Compassionate people.  Yes, I admit it, I'm profiling.  I just don't think this is a group who wears faux.  

Additionally I want to note that it is not surprising that the Rec and Park doesn't care enough to check or question anything the Zoo does further than surface things at the Joint Zoo Committee Meetings, for which they take Director Tanya Peterson and other in house Zoo Officials at their word.

I am active in the issues surrounding my Park Friends as well and have corresponded with the Park Manager, so I know there is a lack of care in regards to safety issues for the Animals who call the Park home.   ... Not as direct a threat to Waterfowl and Wildlife Safety as other issues I have approached the Park about, but trash is a big deal in certain areas.  I have seen the same pile of trash sometimes for weeks, even though I've alerted them a need for pick-up.   It amazes me the lack of care that comes down from General Manager Phil Ginsburg because allegedly the man makes a call if the Gardening Staff doesn't keep his morning run route clean.

With such non-caring people as our Director, the Zoological Society Members, Recreation and Park Officials, how is the San Francisco Zoo ever going to be run right and be all that it can be?

Gorilla Tragedy - News Article 11.26.14 & 11.27.14

Written 11.27.14  

In reference to 11.26.14 News Article:

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/S-F-Zoo-will-alter-doors-after-death-of-baby-5920410.php

and the one the following day.  I can't find the link, but I have a screen photo I took for reference.

After reading both post investigation reports, the whole thing just makes my head spin.  As the title suggests, I have to say, No Shit the doors will be altered.  This was bigger news than the April 2014 Safety investigation.  Whether or not much else will be changed, I guess is a wait and see.  Public probably won’t hear about any pitfalls until another Animal or Human, loses their life.

This article is laden with he said, she said, and contradictions.  There is so much double talk that comes out of the Zoo, no wonder most people have a hard time keeping up.  They may just be how the Zoo Officials get away with so much.

I have read that Keepers maintain that this Tragedy happened because Zoo Officials and Management failed to listen to them about the faulty doors and shifting issues.  That said, the most important statement to highlight is:

>”Maple said in his report, “Keepers agreed that mechanical failure was not the cause” of the accident that killed Kabibe.”<

In this they are agreeing that faulty doors were not the issue.  That leaves the obvious, that the Keeper could not see the Gorillas while operating the door and original reports of hands and eyes not on the door are accurate.  This without doubt lays blame, accidental or not on the Director, Curators and Keepers.  All committing a negligence.

For one, again, Maples states something he should have noted during his first tenure as an “expert in residence”.  … 

But the panel is behind a metal screen and a plastic wall, and the operator’s view is “partially obstructed by metal poles, which makes it difficult to monitor all of the gorillas simultaneously,” Maple said in his report.

>”The zoo will also require that two keepers be present while the apes are moved from their daytime exhibit into their night quarters. Management put the policy, known as a buddy system, into place the day after Kabibe was crushed.”<

This was allegedly supposed to be a protocol in place even prior to the accident.  SO Who’s fault is it that it was not in action?  The Director?  The Curators?

Also mentioned is the AZA.  This is not the first time an Animal in an AZA facility has been injured or died from door safety.  This issue dates backs years and the AZA should have made mandatory guideline changes at that time.  It disgusts me that governing groups such as the AZA and SFZOO don’t make changes unless there’s a Tragedy or they are forced to. 

Zoo Security - Animal Safety

Written 11.23.14

It was mentioned in a comment portion to one of my Survey questions that the San Francisco Zoo now employs Armed Security Guards.   I'm making it a stand alone post as I had it in draft to be a post, and I just hadn't gotten to it and its something that I have concerns about and therefore I think should be documented.

I know for a fact that Security Guards in most circumstances do not carry any weapons.  I went through Security training (this was before I ended up being public enemy number one there) as I thought the Guards at the Zoo sucked and since I was reporting so many offenders that maybe I would do a better job at protecting them.  The Zoo eventually got a new Security company so I never followed through with that.  Additionally, that time frame coincided with the Zoo Director slandering me as Public Enemy Number One, so I would not have been hired anyway.

The lack of attention to Visitors behavior at the Zoo has always puzzled me.  Starting with my first hard core look at the situation, the Tiger event of 2007.  After that I was hyper-sensitive to everyone around me at the Zoo.  When you really care to pay attention for the sake of the Animals safety, you see all kinds of wrong.  I can't even count the amount of times I have reported Visitors breaching barriers, in addition to blowing cigarette smoke at Animals, throwing rocks into habitats, chasing the free roaming Peacocks, trying to pull their feathers out, riding the farm Animals, yanking on the goats horns, giving them suckers, just all kinds of awful stuff.  I think reports from myself and a friend when we saw Visitors with a gun and knife respectively, were the only times it was reported.  More Staffers need to be aware of what goes on, because if I'm seeing all this shit, I can only imagine what's happening when I'm not there.

Thats just back-story of this issue.  My immediate concern (as was noted in the Survey comment) when I heard that the Zoo had hired Armed Guards, was, so what happens when some idiot drops their kid into an Animal enclosure as a result of barrier breaching, OR someone volunterialy enters an enclosure?  In short, if someone ends up at risk with an Animal out of stupidity or evil intention (not by Animal escape), wil the Animal lose its life?  The answer to that is YES!  The first day I saw these armed guards I asked someone, "Do the Guards have the authority to shoot to kill?"   The answer is YES!   WTF?

So, these Guards who are ex-military, not trained in Animal situations, are now allowed to make judgement calls in whether an Animal lives or dies.  They alledgedly have the go-ahead to shoot any Animal when a Human is at risk.   This is outrageous.  I have noted in the past I am no humanitarian, but I am especially on the Animals side if they are the innocents in the situation.  I sure as hell still feel absolute in the fact that Tatiana lost her life in an effort to save those Criminals.

So, Zoo Officials upon hiring Armed Guards have allegedly done away with the Target Team.  The Team was comprised of Animal Care Staff, trained to use tranquilizer guns on the Animals.   Just another descision made by Zoo Officials that doesn't have the Animals who live there as a priority.  More non-Animal people making life or deaths descisions.   

I will also note in regard to Security that Director Peterson had a metal detector installed at the Joint Zoo Committee Meetings when they were held at the Zoo.  This came a month after she lied and slandered myself and my Friend, for the Zoo's faulty ER Safety Protocol, which resulted in her revoking our Memberships.  I had contacted many City and outside Zoo Officials in relation to the matter and its was noted by her that the metal detector was reflective of  "persons contacting ...."  Smells of paranoia and self preservation while she apparently could care less about the safety of her Staff and the Animals.  

Gorilla Tragedy - Survey Comments

UPDATE 1.31.15

I finally have internet at home again, starting right now.  First thing I wanted to do was note here that I haven't forgotten this and appreciate all the comments that were left on the survey.  Right now, the situation with the Chimps is primary for me because its time sensitive.  As soon as I have all up that I want to do for the Chimps i will get back to this.  Thank you.

Written 11.23.14

While at a Friends house, I glanced at how my Survey about the Gorilla Tragedy was doing.   I had some great comments posted, that I thought should be shared.  Like with the Survey, I have noted in the past to please expand the comments on interested posts, as there is often additional information provided by readers.

I'm going to post the Survey questions along with the comments, as well what my comments would be, as the Survey doesn't provide for any follow up to comments. 

(Hopefully today, but since I have so many posts that I feel I've not done in a time sensitive manner, I'm going to put the cut and paste that this one requires on hold for the moment.  Check back!)

https://www.surveymonkey.com/summary/1mmw1cBBmJ5Ag5dOgNckZApZapC_2F_2Bjg_2F_2Br3EvJSfjTM_3D

Gorilla Tragedy - News Article/Video 11.21.14

Written 11.22.14 in reference to this article: ... make sure to click on the link for the video.

http://sfist.com/2014/11/21/zookeepers_and_zoo_director_shiftin.php

I visited a friend last night who I haven't had time to catch up with since Kabibe's Death.  She asked if I'd seen the video of the Zoo Director (Tanya Peterson) on KGO's site.  The video link was included in an article on sfist.  I veiwed the video and wow, she was a mess.  She could not form complete sentences, had facts wrong and was now saying that she had no knowledge of the 2010 injuries to Hasani or the ones that Monifa suffered after that.  

I also want to know why Animal injury reports are not presented at the Monthy Joint Zoo Committee Meetings?  ... That said, these meetings need a re-vamp.  The panel listens to Director Peterson, as well as other Zoo Officials and takes their word as truth.  They are rarely questioned and if they are the panel takes that as Word.  There is no checks and balances, something I noted in a 2011 letter to then San Francisco Zoological Board Chairman David Stanton, himself the President of his own very successful company.  I noted that he must have a checks and balances system in place there, why is there none at the Zoo?  The Zoo has put forth untruths about Animal Deaths and is never questioned.  There is no one to know that they aren't putting forth actual truths, because no one on the Joint Zoo Committe Panel, the San Francisco Zoological Soceity, the San Francisco Recreation and Park, (no one) monitors them.  None of those People ever go to the Zoo.  They don't know what goes on there.  They don't know the Animals.  They don't know anything.  So the nest of idiots and liars the make up Zoo Management, just do whatever they want, negligent or not and no one says anything.  Its truly disgusting how a City owned facility has been flayling in mediocrity and held together by one cover-up after another, has even gotten by for this current seven year reign.  AND its looking like it may be allowed to continue.

Bottom line, none of the People who make up the Committee Panel, Zoological Society, Recreation and Park, really care about what goes on, or they would monitor the Management Staff and what they do.  The Rec and Park doesn't care about the Animals in Golden Gate Park (but thats a whole other blog!), why would they care about the Animals at the Zoo?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but the Rec and Park needs to clean house at the Zoo.  As far as I understand, the Zoo answers to the Rec and Park as the City "office" in charge of them.  So that office it seems, has the power to make changes.  Director Peterson needs to go.  A new Director needs to be appointed that has no ties to her current Management Team.   I posted before in support of two People on the Animal Staff who I felt would be worthy to take on the role of Director.   One of those was former Penguin Keeper Anthony Brown.  His recent departure from the Zoo was a more than curious surprise and a real loss to the Zoo.  After giving 20 + years to the Zoo, its a place I know he loves and would do right by.  He not only knows the Zoo and its Animals, but has shown leadership skills before.  Something else that might be beneifical to the future of how the Zoo is run, especially if Driector Peterson is allowed to continue on, maybe there needs to be a collaborative Directorship, so, no one person can turn the job of Director into Dictator.

There are many useless people holding jobs at the Zoo.  My concern are the ones making descisions about Animal Care.  In addition to Director Peterson and her right hand man Robert Icard, who as VP certainly was aware of the safety documents.   I also take aim at Animal Care Staffer David Bocian and Primate Curator Corinne MacDonald.  Both of these Staffers hold Management positions that require them to make sure their Team of Keepers knows and follows Protocol, in addition to making sure the protocol itself is safe.  Everyone working in Animal Care has a moral obligation to making sure the Animals are safe.

They only other curious thing noted in this article is the mention of door number 4 being the door that injured Hasani in 2010 and the killed Kabibe.   As I posted in the previous post, I had read someplace that the faulty door was not the same in both instances or in that of when Monifa was injured.  Will try to research this and post definite information.  If anyone has a link to this information please post it int he comments.