Bringing Up Barriers, ... Yet Again.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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"Personal Opinions and Facts presented publicly are Not against the law or any rules. ... Censorship and Retaliation Actions in an attempt at Suppression are frowned upon by Healthy Societies."

For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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HOT TOPIC! - Kids Allowed Beyond Barriers at Chimp Exhibit!

I strongly believe that everything happens the way its supposed to and in reference to the Zoo that I'm positioned to witness certain things, because honestly, it sometimes seems that myself and my friend Lee are the only ones that do.  

A series of events have tied themselves together to form this post.  Words from a Friend.  A Horrifying Event.  Lame new Signs.

Because I'm a fan of story-telling in chronological order when possible, I'll note the gist ahead of time, because my title lends to wanting the information out there.   SO, in short, during yesterdays visit, we witnessed three young Girls at the inside Barrier around the Chimp enclosure.  This misbehavior could have ended with one or all of our Chimps being killed.   Every aspect of this is unacceptable.

The other day a Friend told me that my negativity about the Zoo and the People that work there is hard to handle.  Additionally noting that she believes "They do the best they can."    ... Hard to handle I can understand, but judgmental about it when our experiences with the Zoo and Staff have been very different, is not.   This post isn't about my experiences, so I won't lay them out in detail, but they have been very well documented in another one of my blogs if you don't already know.   

http://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com

Today while spending time with the Chimps, I was taking photos and my Friend Lee said in broken words something about the Barrier.  I looked at her and she pointed in the direction of the middle Chimp Grotto.  There stood three pre-teen Girls leaning up against and slightly over the inner Barrier.  Lee said she was so shocked that she couldn't say anything sooner, which would have been when she saw one of them with their legs actually over the Barrier, which would put her directly in the Exhibit!

Of course I took a photo and then said, "Excuse me, but you're not supposed to be over the Barrier." To which they said, both "We aren't" and  something about paying for it, which I assume meant because they were part of the group that had rented the Party Room.  This Room is adjacent to the Lemur Cafe.  The Room has a small Patio the looks out to the middle Chimp Grotto, which is apparently from where they gained access.

I went looking for someone to tell, and a Staffer was exiting the Cafe.   He said,  "they aren't supposed to...",  thanked me and quickly went over there.     

Knowing I was definitely going to be posting about this,  I wanted to see what the Barrier situation was from the Party Room, which I had never been in.  So, once the Party was over I went in and checked it out.  Two members of the Catering Staff who worked the Party were still in there.  I went to the Patio and saw that there was a fence several feet before the inner Barrier,therefore creating that outer/secondary Barrier,  but it ended to the left, with a wide open area beyond some trees, leaving that part of the Barrier approachable.  One of the Staffers was giving me the "sales info" spiel, so I noted that space where it ends and added that I had seen kids beyond that over at the Barrier.  She said,  "They didn't go over there."   I said, "Yes, they did, I took a photo."   Then the other Staffer said, "I let them go under the bushes to collect Feathers."   At that point I saw the Mama Peahen and her Babie napping in the sun, in a place that should have been their safe haven, yet it wasn't, because People were "allowed" to traipse through there.  ... I had the info I needed so I left.

So, now that I've painted the picture calmly, I will say that seeing those kids at the inner Barrier was horrifying!   In short, if the one Girl who had her legs in the Exhibit, (for example) slipped and fell in, Our Chimps would have been Shot and Killed in an effort to save her.   .. I'm getting pretty tired of hearing stories about Animals getting killed because of Human misbehavior and/or stupidity.  And in reference to our Zoo, no one seems to want to take any serious steps to ensure this doesn't happen.

I have posted about this before, different times I've seen Barriers being breached and my thoughts about the People who perpetrate this Crime.   And, my feelings about how Animals should not lose their lives because of Stupid and/or Evil People.  But, because Society values the lives of Humans more than Animals, even if the Humans are Stupid, Evil, or whatever the characteristic that leads them to misbehave.  Sorry if this is harsh, but its how I feel, and I know alot of other People who feel this way, I'm just vocal about it.

Yes, in this case these were Kids, but does that make them less responsible?   They weren't five, they should know better.  Who's watching these Kids?  Why wasn't the Catering Staff who gave them permission to go beyond Barriers supervising them?  Do these Catering Staffers even have the authority to give that kind of permission?   AND Why does that fencing just stop?  There shouldn't be an incomplete Barrier that area.  There should also be a sign there that says, STOP No Access Beyond This Point.   In fact THAT is what all the signs should say.  A Plain and simple LARGE sign should be at every exhibit, not just ones the Zoo picks and chooses at curious random.  That one with the Park Code, ect.  THAT should be posted on a Large sign in Entry Village and at the Gate House.

There is just too much Barrier breaching going on at the Zoo.  Every single time I'm there its something.  So, it must be happening all the time.  Accidents just waiting to happen and the Zoo can seemingly care less.  I can say that as apparently certain, because I have been posting about this for along time.  I've provided photos.  I've made suggestions.  I've basically begged them for more signage and other deterrents.    There is never Security on the grounds.  I didn't see Security until I was in the parking lot.  That's no fault of theirs, they patrol where they are told to.  Most days the Zoo only hires two at one given time.

So, to all Readers, including my Friend,  I must ask, Is this the best they can do?  Hell No!  Its not even close to the best.  THIS incident today should have NEVER happened.  Those Kids should have never been given permission by a Staffer to go beyond an obvious Barrier area and certainly not unsupervised.  Whether or not the Zoo actually allows this, it is unacceptable to put those Chimps (or any other Animals) in a vulnerable situation if an accident occurred and they reacted naturally.

The Zoo continues to FAIL in trying to provide a safe environment for the Animals that live there.  I know you can't fix Stupid, but you can try to deter it and they don't even seem to want to do that.  My only guess is they don't want to offend anyone and lose business.  I guess that's more important than an Animal losing its life because of Human misbehavior or a Human losing theirs because of their own actions.  I certainly hope that neither ever happens (again).  SFZoo, let this once again be notice to you. I have a pretty decent size documentation on your lack of safety and will only continue to document what I see, so you might want to get a better grip on the Barrier situation.

I recently posted about seeing people hanging over the Barrier at the Hippo.  Its happened before where after I post something I'll see some fix-it suggestion materialize on the grounds.  So, now there's a new sign about Barrier breaching.  

Size compare reference

Size reference

This sign was at the Indian One-Horned Rhino.  I find this curious.  For one, there was already a sign there, while for years there were none at any other Exhibits. A few months ago,  a couple tiny ones turned up at Black Rhinos after I posted about a breaching there.  Two, this is not even one of the repeated breach spots.  Three, the sign is the size of a TV Guide, much like the two they put up at Black Rhinos.  Four, the Sign only notes about "Entering" an enclosure, nothing about standing, sitting, or dangling over the Barriers.  Did the Zoo miss my post on what happened earlier this year at the Pittsburgh Zoo?   

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/11/toddler-killed-at-pittsburg-zoo-by.html

In any case,  there is still no such sign at the Hippo.  Or the Mandrills, or the Anteater, both which are other consistent hot spots for dangling over Barriers.  ... This same (tiny new) sign also appears near the middle of the new Polar Bear exhibit.   Curious that one small sign is all that is at Bears, when it there is a stretch of five Bear Grottos.  

 Visitors either ignoring the
tiny new sign at  Polar Bears,

or more likely, they didn't even see it.

Either way, MISBEHAVING!

AND, What's the deal with the signs being so small for something so important, yet the signs to keep unauthorized People out of restricted areas is about six times the size?  I would think the message about not entering a Wild Animal Enclosure would be more important than an employee only area, but hey that's just silly ol' me.  Silly me, I also think more Security and Staff actually watching people would be helpful.  Silly me, I also think there are other ways to let Visitors know and learn about proper behavior.   Maybe its also too negative of me to notice when someone dangles their baby over the Rhino and says "Here Rhino."   I guess I also shouldn't take notice when a grown adult tries to sit on one of the babie Goats or feed Goats Lollipops?    How about when People let their Kids chase the Peacocks and try to pull out their Feathers for a photo op?   Should I not notice that too?  

Bottom line.  I'm not a fan of Humans and I don't pretend to be.  I prefer Animals, that I why I'm hypersensitive to everything and everyone at the Zoo.  And you know what, someone has to be, because it sure ain't the people that work there.   

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Black Rhino Re-Named After 49er Ballplayer - What's Wrong With This You Ask?

OR maybe you aren't asking that at all.  Doesn't mean you shouldn't.

In January the San Francisco Zoo announced it would name its new Black Rhino after San Francisco 49er Alex Boone.  THIS move is a particular sore spot for me and of course I noted my opinion and reasoning in this blog post:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/01/sfzoo-does-it-again-renames-black-rhino.html

Last Friday, the Zoo hosted a naming ceremony.  As (they) expected it got them much Media attention.  I grabbed this quote from one news article.  

> “There are very few black rhinos left on this planet, so to have one named after me is truly an honor,” Boone said in a news release. “It’s awesome to share a close connection with a black rhino, but it’s even better that we can raise awareness for these endangered species through the Alex Boone Animal Education Project.” <

If Alex Boone actually cared about Animals, he would have, A- Asked if this Animal had a Name already and/or B- Opted to have this Animal keeps its given name out of respect for it.   Its ironic that he's an "offensive" player because I'm offended by this. I think Alex Boone should re-name one of his kids Belozi which is Rhino "Boone"s given name.  

I also know that I'm going to be in the minority in my feeling about this, because most people idolize celebrity and local ballplayers are considered gods in this town. That said, while it absolutely sickens me when Animals are renamed and I absolutely hate when its after a ballplayer, if its at birth, at least there is no real disrespect, which is my issue.  Naming the Newborn Langur Romo was a definite play for Media attention, but at least it was its true given name and like the re-naming of Tucker the Hippo, it wasn't the full name (Giants player Sergio Romo).

The Zoo does this renaming crap for the Money and Media attention it grabs.  No other reason.  And it works.  You can Google SFZoo Rhino Boone and read all sorts of fluff about how great it is to name an Animal after a ballplayer.  I doubt Belozi would agree.  And that my readers is the sad truth.  In fact here's a list of Animals who are sure to be very confused if they are ever transferred to another Zoo as they won't even remember their given names after being disrespected by the SFZoo.

Belozi  ( 5 yrs old)   Black Rhino now dubbed "Boone"

Tucker (10 yrs old)  Hippo now dubbed "Brian Wilson"

Shastyuh (12 yrs old)  Amur Tiger now dubbed "Martha"

Taymor  (6 yrs old)  Sumatran Tiger now dubbed "Larry"

On the 49ers website there is a link to donate to the Alex Boone Animal Education Project.  Don't get me wrong, I have no greif with the alleged Mission of this Project, in regards to providing the opportunity for Kids to come to the Zoo who might not otherwise be able to.  My issue is, the whole thing is presented and worded in a hypocritcal way, but that is no surprise as the text on the website seems like the same mumbo jumbo that comes out of the Zoo in their own press releases.  Either the Zoo wrote this or all PR is just a bunch of play on words with no real substance.

This paragraph is taken from the above mentioned link:

https://sf49ers.ejoinme.org/?tabid=435422

> Your contribution will go to the Alex Boone Animal Education Project, an initiative that brings local youth to the San Francisco Zoo to learn leadership and respect through the theme of animal wellness. It is the mission of the San Francisco Zoo to connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action. <

What a crock.  Sorry to those who buy this, but frankly how can anyone teach another respect when they can't even respect an Animal by letting it keep the only name its ever known?  

Disgusting, the whole lot of them.  SFZoo and SF 49ers.

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Easter at the San Francisco Zoo - Will there be Easter Enrichment?

Did the Easter Bunny visit the Animals who live at the Zoo?  OR Will yet another Holiday pass where they don't get fun treats?   Admittedly I think I saw what looked like sunken in mache eggs outside the Lion House but I'm not sure.   I hope I'm right, but even if there is a few, it still didn't appear to be enough for all the Cats and then what about the other Animals?  So the point of this post is still relevant.  That point would once again be, that the San Francisco Zoo provides no fun "toy" type Enrichments for the Animals for Holidays, Birthdays, or any days. If they do its on the rarest of occasion and minimal.   The most along those lines I've seen in the past couple years, is some painted boxes (if they are lucky to have that additional stimulation) otherwise most of it is grocery bags and boxes supplies come in.  

I used to go on Easter, I went last year, but there were no "toys" for the Animals.  I sat here on St Patricks Day and a stream of photos from Zoo's I follow on Facebook were posted of Animals getting Holiday themed Enrichment.  Yet another year has started and no Holiday fun has been given to the Animals at the San Francisco Zoo.  Nothing on Valentines Day, nothing on St Patricks Day, nothing for International Polar Bear Day, nothing for Mardi Gras, NOTHING!  Oh wait, Belozi (Male Black Rhino) got some Football themed Enrichment, but that is only because the SFZoo likes to get in on anything Sports related that might land them in the News.  They will pick an Animal and pimp it out for Media attention.   That is why we have many Animals who have been renamed a 49er  (poor Belozi is now Boone) or a Giants player.   

I'm not sure why they can't give the animals something, other than they just don't care or are plain lazy.  There are Staffers whose job it is to organize such things.  When such Staffers didn't like that my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys (both because they personally didn't like us, which was more important than the Animals enjoyment AND because we were doing something they were supposed to be doing as part of their job) we were pushed out.  The Carnivore Curator said to me, "Give us a chance."  Well I've been waiting  Two and a half years now and I still don't see any Enrichment Toys on a regular basis let alone Holidays.  Interestingly enough, the word "Enrichment" used to be there "glory" word, but since they can't produce that, they have been touting "Wellness" the past year.  Its all bullocks as no other Zoo uses the word Wellness, but every one uses Enrichment.  Its apparent that they and their Dr Do-Little Maples made that up so they had something to pat themselves on the back about. In my opinion Wellness should be a given and should have been for years.

The zoo spotlights the Humans on Holidays instead of spotlighting the Animals for the Humans.  The Zoo is supposed to be a place to Learn about and View Animals, yet nothing is done to highlight them as part of their Events.  Its just sad.  These animals live in captivity and need something fun to do for at least a short portion of their day.  When we did Toy Day every Saturday for months, the Cats were up and active for at least three hours.  While the Keeper got the Toys ready, while they watched her bring the Toys out for each Big Cat, and then when it was their own turn.  Now the Cats are never active.  The poor Chimps, the get so excited to get stuff, yet they always get the same old stuff too.  They have been getting the same Halloween buckets for the past two Halloweens.  I was so happy when this Halloween finally came around so they were in theme.  Do we think this year maybe they will get Easter baskets?  Target has them for less than three bucks.  Do we think there will be a Birthday for the Girls on April 25 (their estimated Birthdays as listed in the Chimpanzee Studbook)?  No.  Miss Tallulah passed away without one and she was the oldest living Female in a Zoo.  Cobby (the Male) hasn't had one since 2009 when Lee and I basically shamed them into doing one because we said we were bringing him a Birthday Card.

http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com/search?q=chimp+girls

Anyway you get what i'm saying, the SFZoo does not provide much fun for the Animals.  The staff in charge of Enrichment there rarely makes things that are fun.  I don't get it.  AND if they were doing it we'd see it.  

Instead the Enrichment Photo Gallery continues to have only two photos in it, since all the others they used were stolen from Lee and myself and used without permission, to which we told them to take them down.  The one of Jahari (Lion) that is the thumbnail may very well be one of Lee's but she can't find the original file, yet it goes uncredited as well is not a part of the gallery when you open it.  AND the two photos in the gallery don't show any Enrichment Toys that were made and hasn't for over a year.  

They note in this link they make paper mache' creatures when the only ones ever made were by Lee and I.

http://www.sfzoo.org/animals-enrich

While you have the flip-side put forth by the Houston Zoo who has a Facebook page called

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-Zoo-Animal-Enrichment/161035040673080?fref=ts

The Zoo does alot of what I call "promotional allure".   The other day they posted (on Facebook) a photo of Sea Lion Henry with a Egg shaped Jolly Ball.   Which alludes you to think that the Animals do and will get themed treats.  When in reality this is one of his regular toys.  On St Patricks Day there was another such post to which I asked in so many words, What kind of fun Holiday themed treats did the Animals get?  They obviously gave them none, so they took down not only my comment but their whole St Patricks Day post.

I've asked about Easter lets see what happens.  

This all said, I leave you with a post I made from Easter Day 2010.   It was a rainy day and I went solo to visit my Big Cat Friends and their Keeper Barb whose no longer there :(  provided each and every one of them with something to celebrate the Holiday and most important to celebrate THEM!

http://thebigcatnip.blogspot.com/2010/08/easter-in-lion-house.html

And a link to Easter fun this year at the London Zoo where Jae-Jae, one of  "Leanne's" (Skylar) boys from her previous litter now lives.  He and his girlfriend Melati got paper-mache eggs!

https://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/news/tigers-enjoy-the-easter-bunny,1068,NS.html

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

Check back as I reply to all comments.

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank You for taking the time to read

about things that matter to me.

Breaching Barriers Continues - Ski Week Stupidity

Much like the Zoo's Lunar Event, and the Day following it, the Zoo does not hire enough Security to patrol the grounds not only on a daily basis, but on days they know will be extra busy.  Sadly, some Staff have even said to my friend Lee and I, that they count us as Security.  The day after the Lunar Event it was packed and not only was there not enough Security ( allegedly two total, of whom are directed to mostly patrol the parking lot and entrance, unless they are called elsewhere), but the Chimps didn't have the extra barriers in front of them like what is put out on free day.  Again, these Chimps, are particular targets for Visitor Abuse and with their aging, they need the extra protection.

A common occurrence (seen here @Chmps) kids chasing the free roaming Peacocks.  Sadly most of the time they are encouraged to do so by the Parents who think its funny to document this terrorizing in photos.   Often times they also try to pull out their feathers.  Aren't Humans wonderful?   The chasing also happens with the Gulls, Pigeons and Squirrels.  Some of which most would think who cares, but note that they all have souls and the old saying goes, "Do unto others as you would want done unto you."   Remember people, Act with Empathy.

The Zoo has still failed to put up proper signage at ALL exhibits, in regards to how to behave at Animal Enclosures (their Homes), including the most dire (for the Animals, who will lose their lives if they do a natural attack on an intruder) keeping the hell off the barriers!  Good Grief people, What's Wrong With you?  This is directed at both the Zoo Management, who should have more signs (and not ones the size of an index card like at Rhinos) and the jerks who continue to think its ok behavior to hang over and stand on barriers.  They are barriers, do you know what that means?  Keep the hell off them! 

 @Sea Lions

 @Mandrills

this was only moments after another family 

had their kids legs completely daggling over.

 @Mandrills

Would the photo be worth it if she fell in

and the Mandrill attacked her?

Not to mention the Animals don't need to see 

Humans faces hanging into their homes.

 @Black Rhinos

Not one but two!  That's nice, lose your 

whole family by accidentally dropping both kids in.
Think it can't happen, tell that to the
gal in Pittsburgh who did just that.

This happening a foot from the tiny sign that

the Zoo put up after I blogged about this the last time.

 Both these pix @Anteater

Poor Angelo's home continues to 

be breached on a daily basis
and the Zoo Management doesn't care.

Stupid behavior comes with Stupid comments.  I hear them every Visit, but these were the prizes last week during Ski/Snow Week (no school for fools!)

@Polars Bears -  "I didn't know they had Polar Bears in Canada, cool!"  ... Seriously, what planet are people on?

@Family Farm - "I bet that Sheep wishes he had Horns in the back of his head for when Lions sneak up." ... Yea for all those Sheep on the Savannah lol!

@Train - Mother hearing the Sea Lions says to her kid:  "What's that?  Is that an Elephant?"

All you got to do is listen, there are some doozys out there and these people are serious!

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As with all posts,

please expand comments

for additional insight and information.

 

Check back as I reply to all comments.

 

Contact the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

if you want your voice heard.

tanyap@sfzoo.org

 

Thank You for taking the time to read

about things that matter to me.

Veteran's Day - SFZoo Visit 11.12.12

As usual I'm behind on my posts, but no matter when I post my experience's and thought's, they will always be necessary, since my mission is always that of being the voice of the Animals.  There is no other reason I do this.

So, last Monday.  Until I walked up to the gate and saw the line for ticket sales into the parking lot, I didn't realize it was a Holiday.  I usually spend part of the Winter Holidays with the Zoo friends, but sometimes I try to avoid other Holidays and Free Day because it seems to bring out the worst kinds of Visitors and an abundance of them.  This Veteran's Day was no different.

That said,  the Zoo continues to not hire extra Security on these high traffic days and there is no Staff presence.  If they think that a handful of Docents is going to be their eyes and ears on the property they are mistaken.  I saw Docents, but I didn't (and rarely do) see any interact with any Visitors and def not the ones who misbehave.

If you start out Visiting the Barnyard Friends, usually not much can dampen your day.  How could it when you have faces like Paddy's greeting you?!!   ...  Unless you see a grown woman try to sit on a Dwarf Goat :(

 Paddy says, "Good Morning!"

Moving on, as we went through the Primate Center to see little Romo (Langur babie), on our way to check on Lily (Duiker) babie watch, we ran into Keeper Percy (?).   As I have often done recently, I asked her if Lily had her babie and she said, "I don't know, I'm not working over there today".   Plausible but unlikely as word of a birth would have spread.   Completely unlikely since she was walking ahead of us on our way to the Giraffe Barn (where Lily has been  corralled) and went into the Barn, not a foot from Lily!   Would have been better for her to ignore my question rather than lie about it, but hey, nothing up in that place should surprise me at this point lol!

Moving on we arrived at the Black Rhinos.  There is a sign there with the universal "shoosh" as well some words about being quiet.  I have posted similar photos, and again this is just to say, Why can't these type of signs be at every exhibit?  There is too much excessive human noise around the Animals.  This is their home, it should be a place of peace, people need to observe them in quiet.

In light of the tragedy at the Pittsburgh Zoo earlier that week, I decided to take photos of some of our exhibits breach-able barriers.   Below is the barrier to the Black Rhinos.  These Animals can come right to the barrier almost, making them very vulnerable to people's misbehavior.

In my post about the PZoo incident, I noted our Anteater's exhibit.  I know the Zoo peeps read my blog, one would think they would pay special attention to these breach-able areas, and not only prepare to upgrade them so the Animals aren't vulnerable, but post signs not to breach the barriers in anyway.  But alas, as usual the Zoo does not make the Animals safety and Well Being a priority.

Not only did I see at least a handful of people physically breaching the barrier at the Anteater, but people also use this barrier to lay all their crap on, purses, maps, food, drinks, whatever.  It would be very easy for something to fall into the exhibit and for Angelo (Anteater) to get it.  

Guy leaning over barrier INTO the exhibit.  Is this photo going to be that much closer because of this?  The real question is, why would someone think this is acceptable behavior?   Is the photo more important than the Animals security level?   Would this guy want someone leaning into his window to take a photo?   

Same rules apply as above.  Hello, Animal comfort levels.  If your kid isn't tall enough, lift them up but in no way is it acceptable to sprawl across a barrier and dangle your legs into it.

And finally, I guess this parent didn't hear the news this past week.  The kid who fell into the exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo was being held this exact way.  Granted I don't think an Anteater would cause the same harm as the Wild Dogs, but regardless, this is unacceptable behavior.  

While at the Big Cats, ironically specific the Siberian Tiger exhibit (shown below) I saw a kid standing at the fencing area, then walk over to the landscaped area and pick out specific items, sticks and large rock sized bark, and walk back over the barrier to the fencing.  I knew exactly what was going to happen next.  I said, "Don't you throw that stuff at the Tiger!"   Without facing me he dropped the items and then turned and walked away.   WHAT is wrong with people?   I don't care if this was a kid, kids should be taught that this behavior is not acceptable.   Good grief, how hard is it for people (since the Zoo isn't going to educate people who enter) to tell their kids to Respect the Animals before they come in.  Oh yeah,  its usually the Adults who are worse.

When will the San Francisco Zoo start protecting its Animals and become a Zero Tolerance Facility?  They need to make barriers not vulnerable and start educating people as they enter and have tons of signs everywhere reminding people what not to do.  

I'd like to see people throw stuff at the Tigers again without a barrier.  See how brave they are then.  This behavior boils down to Bullying.   Karma is a Bitch as they say and in this type of instance, that kid just might get bullied at school and have sticks and rocks thrown at him. 

Tiger/Big Cats barrier upgrade after the Tiger attack in 2007.   One would think this was enough to keep people from harassing the Animals, but its not.  Unfortunately I think all Zoo's need to have complete glass barriers between the Humans and the Animals, in order for the Animals to stay safe.

On the subject of Bullying.   Why is it Humans take pleasure in verbally assaulting the Animals with insults?  I hear this all the time.  I heard it today at the Anteater and although what people say has no barring on my life, it hurts my heart to hear such things about innocent Animals.  Its disgusting and again, Humans sure don't like it when their behavior is turned on them.   Even when its a verbal insult.   I hear it and comment on it often.

I'm sorry but i just don't understand how society got littered with so much Human Trash.   

Thankfully the Animals always make me smile.  As we headed out, we saw precious Tallulah daydreaming.  She is also lounging on a blanket that my friend Lee had given to Padang (passed Tiger) on her 21st Birthday.  I'm glad Miss T is getting use and comfort from it.

Another heart warming moment as I left the Zoo, there was a family at the sign on Sloat.  The Father was taking a photo of his two kids posing with stuffed animals they bought in the gift shop.  One was an Anteater, the other a Tiger.

Boo (Hoo) at the San Francisco Zoo - Halloween Event

The Zoo's Halloween Event, Boo at the Zoo is an event that has been a favorite of mine for many years.   My love for Animals and Pumpkins fused together!   Over the years, seeing the Animals not only have fun with Pumpkins, but with other fun Halloween themed Enrichment, was a fun time both for me and especially for the Animals.  

In the past the Animals would get both un-carved Pumpkins to play with and carved Pumpkins with food treats in them.  The "fun" part of the events has dwindled through the years, down to this past year.   I went to the Event yesterday and in my opinion the "fun" was none (for the Animals) except the Chimps.   I will say that I didn't see all the Animals who were scheduled to receive treats, but I saw four of the big attraction Animals and two were a complete letdown.  The Animals may not know, but I know for them.

I went to Chimps first and their area was decorated and had carved Pumpkins with treats in them.  Keepers Amy and Dana did a great job!   Special mention to Cobby who quite enjoyed tossing a Pumpkin lid outside the enclosure!  He didn't seem upset and sat there peacefully after seemingly pleased with his fun :)  ... Next I saw Asian Rhino Gauhati.   When Gauhati saw his Pumpkin he ran!   Only to get there and be disappointed by it being, just a Pumpkin.  Sure a Pumpkin is something different and he could and probably would play with it (eventually), BUT I have seen his Halloween Enrichment before and he has had a few Pumpkins and some were carved with his Celery and other treats put thru holes and sticking out of the Pumpkin.  THAT is how to do a fun Enrichment.  I'm not sure whose responsibility it is to think up the Enrichments, so I won't point any fingers, but I do know the Keepers work with what they get, and there is at least one Staffer whose job is Enrichment.  So, in my opinion, this boils down to plain laziness on someone's part.  That said, poor Gauhati had little Holiday fun, and enjoyed his shower more.  I never saw him touch the Pumpkin.  (update monday 10.29 - big thank you to Keeper Ingrid who gave him a carved one with treats in it yesterday!)  ...  Then I went to Big Cats.  The only thing they had was a carved Pumpkin.  They did have treats in them, so I'm not faulting this effort, although you can see by photos, past efforts were "more".  Laying out a theme on hay (scented hay even better) would have made it special for them.  ... Last I went to see Tucker the Hippo.  In the past I remember one of the best sights was watching them chomp on whole Pumpkins and I'm pretty sure Tucker had a Pumpkin last year.  This year,  Tucker got a couple Apples and what looked like a Bell Pepper.  Seriously??  Three pieces of produce that he probably gets everyday anyway?   Awful.  

I had planned to go again today, but honestly, aside from being able to eat a dozen pieces of candy and see hundreds of kids in costumes, it was barely more than just another day at the Zoo.

 Tallulah reaching for treats

The girls "undecorating"

Cobby post Pumpkin toss 

Gauhati says 

"Is this it?"

Kita 2002

Jahari 2007

Tunya 2008

 Tiger Cubs 2008

In 2010 my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys from Feb-Oct.  Some of the last things we did on a regular basis were Halloween themed.  We made them for the weekends prior to the Zoo's annual event, as we didn't want to interfere with what they had going on.   ....  Horrifically, what they had going on, turned out to be a mess that included giving one of the Lions a box with huge staples and cellophane tape.   More information about Enrichment Toys here:  http://sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com/2012/05/san-francisco-zoo-you-sure-have-got.html

Here are some photos of the Toys we made.  ...

Ming Wah 2010

Leanne 2010

Halloween Toy Bonanza!

You can see the Big Cats 

having fun on 

"Heads in the Grass" Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8gvTobDv-w

All the photos shown here, both the Zoo's previous efforts and the ones Lee and I produced, are what this and all Holiday Events should reflect.  An event should be a celebration.  Enrichment items given should be different  than something they would get any day.   Something they could have fun with.   Toys and Pumpkin WITH treats, THAT = a Halloween Enrichment presentation.

Outrageous! but Not Surprising :(

The good news just keeps rolling in in regards to the direction the Zoo is taking.  

You can view the article here:

http://blogs.sfweekly.com/exhibitionist/2012/09/zoo_abstract_revelry_henry_jackson.php

Recent Acquisitions: Abstract Revelry at the Zoo

By Alexis Coe Fri., Sep. 21 2012 at 7:30 AM

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Categories: Recent Acquisitions

Cultural institutions in San Francisco continually search for new acquisitions. Alexis Coe brings you the most important, often wondrous, sometimes bizarre, and occasionally downright vexing finds each week.

At the San Francisco Zoo, a building that has not been used in over 40 years has just opened to the public, but what's inside has no precedent at all. 

The first of its kind at the zoo, Kingdom Animalia: An Abstract Revelry is an 8-minute film by San Francisco based artist Henry Jackson. Through vivid impressions set to a receptive score, the film seamlessly moves through the changing seasons. The zoo is physically located near the beach, far away from extreme changes in weather, which shields us from observing how the animals instinctively adapt to snow on the ground or sweltering heat.

Jackson spent over two years at the zoo, watching the animals from a distance as they went about their business, considering how they spent their days. He consulted with staff members, including zookeepers and curators, who generously shared their time and expertise. The resulting film is mesmerizing, full of tension and wonder, felt perhaps most as the dreamlike peacock flutters away until finally, and fully, extending its feathers triumphantly.

"Painting is a solitary endeavor," Jackson explained, "Film is a collaborative process with a lot of moving parts. My vision was to fuse the two together resulting in a metaphysical fantasy of animal behavior and their ever changing environments."

Truth be told, if it were not for the smell, one might forget they were at the zoo at all: Jackson's video and sound art installation would not seem out of place at SFMOMA.

Jackson, who was an artist-in-residence at the de Young, has exhibited his oil paintings around the world, but had previously appreciated film from a distance. He credits the support of executive director Tanya M. Peterson and the Bernard Osher Foundation for enabling him to explore computer and video technology in the zoo. Jackson embraced the new medium while incorporating his known style as a painter, full of expression and abstract figuration. 

Of course, there was the issue of where to put the installation once it was finished. The zoo lacked an infrastructure to place it in, so Peterson and Jackson lit out on foot, exploring unused buildings on the property. On one such walk, Jackson spotted the Pachyderm building. Closed to the public, it was in dire need of "beautification," a sentiment that was included in Jackson's proposal for funding.

Kingdom Animalia is now on view in the newly renovated Pachyderm building. This is just the beginning of an exciting time at the zoo, as it seeks to repurpose underutilized areas with an eye towards engaging the local arts community, ultimately fostering new relationships and audiences. Jackson's film marks the first Artist in Residency Project commissioned by the zoo, a sign of great things to come.  <<<

I had seen work being done on the Pachyderm building in the past few months.  I thought they were just painting it (and blogged about the awful choices in color they chose).  Its far worse than that.  While I support the idea of renovating buildings and other areas, I support it in regard to updating the homes of the Animals.    This is outrageous!

Once again, something being done at the Zoo that doesn't have anything to with helping the Animals and everything to do with catering to Humans.    This particular venture is not surprising in anyway, as it leads to the "socialite cocktail party mentality" of the Zoo Director, as well her style of fundraising which promotes "new" instead of helping better the existing.     This is why Wishbone never got grass.  

Hope Gauhati  (Asian Rhino who lives in the Pachyderm Building) enjoys the movie.