Some of the Reactions to my Snow Leopard Cub Handling Post

I think its important to share some of the reactions I've gotten to my previous post about the Zoo allowing random people to hold the Snow Leopard Cubs.  ...  I know that often Zoo Management reads my blog and probably thinks my opinions are invalid rantings.  They are not.  I always share my thoughts with people both inside the Zoo and out, and I'm rarely alone in how I feel about things.

"Your description of the events of Wednesday has brought me to more than tears. Close to sobs. That mama is CLEARLY upset over being removed from protecting her cubs. Shame on whomever made this decision! Mgmt I'm sure!"

"I appreciate your writings regarding the snow leopard cub handling.  As some people may honestly bear positive intentions and sentiments regarding the handling of the cubs, your points tend to be very correct and ought to be considered.  I admit that if I were offered an opportunity to pet one of the cubs, I probably would have.  However, your view has been a rather appropriate wake up call, and again, I feel is the proper protocol.   I also think that many would agree with you, either quietly or in silence."

"sounds bad. dont get it. your description of moms distress =  unconscionable!"

"Not only is it upsetting to the mama, it is spreading germs, disease, who knows what to the cubs!! How can they allow this?!?"

"I think that is awful! Lets hope their mama doesnt ignore them with all the strange smells on them. Or are they planning to relocate the mama to other Zoo and this way unbound them. Poor cats this has nothing to do with conservation ... sadly this seems business and money to lure in as many people. Before you know they tell stories mama ill or relocate cant be with babies ... makes me sad the power we humans have over zoo animals and they use it not to benefit the cats but to benefit the companies CEO wallet!"

"Wrong on so many levels!"

"No protection for the babies. These handlers probably have pets at home that could possibly cause germ/disease spread. When I socialized penguins they had me step into a bucket of water before going in with them so I didn't track disease into the enclosure"

"Anything for that GD almighty $$$. It's sickening."

"Is this normal? It doesnt seem right."

 It's Not Right!

My Outtings Synopsis - Saturday December 21, 2013

Synopsis from the blog  http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

> December 20, 2013 -  And her name is ... Kabibe!   Finally the Zoo came up with a way to assure this little one got a decent name.  All three names to be voted on were nice, this was the one I voted for :) , which means "little lady" in Swahili.   The photos at the link below of Little Miss Kabibe and her Grandma are precious.  They had me in tears, because of how wonderful Grandma Bawang is.  A real Gem of a Being.  Raised three babies of her own and now two other infants.  She is an Incredible Lady!

Screencap from this link

http://sfist.com/2013/12/20/sf_zoos_baby_gorilla_runs_this_town.php#photo-1

> December 19, 2013- Happy Birthday Ulu!  Our Precious Polar Bear Ulu turned 33 today!  Wild born, her Birthdate is estimated and may be the date she came to the Zoo, but the year is pretty accurate.  She is presumed to be the oldest Female Polar Bear in a North American Zoo!  I was happy to be able to spend some of her special day with her and sing her the Birthday song :)  

The Zoo of course didn't celebrate her day OR even give it a mention.  Their post today was about buying Memberships.  Always with the money grubbing, instead of valuing the Animals who are the real "bread and butter".  Without these wonderful beings, there would be no Zoo.

Photo taken from All-Bear Birthday Party in 2011 (meant for 2010 Birthdays), that we were able to make happen with the help of our kind Keeper friend Dave.  Party Enrichment Toys made by my friend Lee and I. Pictured is the "Birthday Cake" I made and Mache Party Ball Lee made :)

I plan to write a longer blog post on the non-celebration of the Polar Birthdays, will post the link here when I get to that.  

> December 16, 2013-  Meet Bronevik!   Took my camera back today and got some face time with our new Handsome Boy!  :)

> December 15, 2013 -  What the heck?  I actually thought the Zoo did a decent job on their first attempt at a Zoo Lights event last Holiday Season, so I had high hope this year would be even better.  As well I'm a fan of the Point Defiance Zoo's offering for this type of event. Spectacular!  That said, I haven't gone to any of the previews yet, but will go when its in full swing after the 20th.  BUT again, What the heck?  Was someone drunk when they not only made the decision to put lights on this statue, but also HOW the lights are put on?? I can't imagine it looking any better at night.  So, yea, color me afraid of the rest of the display.  .. Everytime I look at this I just laugh.  

> December 15, 2013 - Spur of the moment Zoo Visit and yay!  New Male Amur (Siberian) Tigers first day out in the yard!  I've been anxiously waiting for him to get out of quarantine, so lucky me!  Welcome Bronevik!  He is handsome!  I didn't have my camera, but will post photos as soon as I do!   Til then I share with you some of my research about him :)

Screen cap of him from this link:

http://www.visitsaltlake.com/media-gallery/view/tiger-at-hogle-zoo/#.Uq6Y5NJDuKY

Born at Hogle Zoo, this is their announcement page that includes photos of him as a cub, with his two Brothers and Mama :)

http://www.hoglezoo.org/news-new-babies/baby-amur-tigers/

My Zoo Outtings - Weekly Synopsis 10.11.13

> October 9, 2013 -  The World Rhino Day organization posted this awesome Video compiling many great Events that happened at Cities and Zoos around the World in support of this Animal Awareness Day.  No surprise the lack of fanfare the SFZoo created with their effort was not included.  ...  I LOVED it!  So much passion from all those involved.  The hair dos, paper mache horns, the congo line, and the cool bracelets stood out.  I've watched it several times and still notice new stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0RYfuvjohw

> October 8, 2013 - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, which is home to our Lioness Sukari's two Daughters (M'Fisha and Ahadi), and now Grandbabies!  as well our Amanzi's Brother Big who is the Cubs Father :)  has published a book about the Cubs!   Screencap from their FB pg.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151881007035851&set=pb.8816425850.-2207520000.1381426042.&type=3&theater

> October 7, 2013 - Tis' true, I can't visit the Zoo without witnessing someone breaching Barriers. Today was one of the worst, as it could have gotten our Precious Chimps killed.  Read my post from my other blog:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/10/kids-allowed-beyond-barriers-at-chimp.html

> October 6, 2013 - I haven't made any Zoo Friend accessories in awhile, but made these for me and two friends who LOVE Falcor!  I always joke we are his old lady fan club lol!

> October 4, 2013 - Gandolf the Alapca was Beating the Heat at the Zoo!

My Zoo Outtings - A Weekly Synopsis

Since I started my "short" item blog, http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/  a couple followers have noted that its hard to comment on that blog because of how lengthy the Running Commentary post is.  I would like to figure this out so people can comment.  That said, the style of that blog being a running one post, was meant to be easy access to everything by just landing at the main page.  I have posted here once before a Topic list, but that doesn't lend to a comment forum, unless you go back and forth.  So, I'm going to try this.  Once a week posting here, what was posted on that supplement blog.  

> September 26, 2013 - I really should start tallying up all the things the Zoo does that I blog about. Just saying.  ... I post here in July 7 entry suggesting a Food Truck event and tonight's event Noc'tails, will include Food Trucks.  Actually looks like a good event.  Since the Lion House is open during it, would have been cool if they gave the Big Cats some fun themed Enrichment Toys!  Here's a photo of a Coconut Cup Tropical Cocktail "Toy" I made for our Tiki Luau themed day :)  

Skylar/Leanne enjoying her "Drink aka Toy (filled with meat)  :)

> September 25, 2013 - The Zoo finally took my suggestion and came up with a creative way to Name an Animal (thankfully, as a newborn, this one didn't already have a Name!).   Noted in my August 23 post.   These "ballot" boxes are located in Entry Village.

> September 25, 2013 - Finally!  After visiting Willow a handful of times and not seeing her with any food or with it only hanging outside her enclosure, today, she had food inside the fence!  Maybe alittle racket helped?!  http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/meet-willow-new-giraffe-lady.html

Four food options INSIDE the fence!  

> September 24, 2013 - I haven't posted in sometime about the Idiots who roam free at the Zoo.  That doesn't mean they don't still exist.  I see them every visit and document as many as possible, because the Zoo refuses to take a stand on deterring this misbehavior.  Last week in the African Aviary a guy reached into the exhibit and bounced a tree branch trying to get the Bird sitting on it to move for a photo.  WTF?  People are out of control.  Sure that's minor to Visitors hanging over barriers and possibly falling in, but still its major Bullshit and I'm tired of seeing it.  This is their home, WTF is wrong with people?  In the case of the later, if that happened, one of our Animals would be killed.  

Idiots is too kind. Considering that this is invasive to an Animal in its home AND this action could lead to an Animals death.  So, Evil, Demon, Ahole is more what I'd call it, but many don't embrace my extreme bluntness in choice of words.  Being ignorant is no longer a valid excuse.  ... Note this same Family was dangled of the Black Rhinos minutes before.  These Parents must not only be stupid as get all, but must really hate their Children.

> September 23, 2013 -  New idea for sharing photos.  I take alot of Zoo friend photos, but only edit and share a few on Flickr.  Editing is time consuming and they all have to be resized even if I don't have to adjust exposure.  So, I picked a bunch from the past week and put them in a Video.  Will try to do this weekly :)  Enjoy!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c4JoLnBASU

> September 21, 2013 -  While watching Willow the other day, I captured a Sweet interaction between her and Amani :)  While the other Giraffes came by and looked, only Amani interacted with her.  Amani came up and sniffed her and then started giving her Kisses!  Too precious :) I almost teared up it was so sweet.  Amani seems to be a very kissey, lovey girl, as I captured her also kissing the Babie :)   I love these two beautiful new Girls!   Welcome to you both, I look forward to watching you for many years to come!

> September 19, 2013 - Put together some screen caps from the Monitor outside Gorillas.  I took pix of the ones of the babie that I haven't seen posted online anywhere.  There have only been a few, these will probably be new to those who haven't been in person.  

> September 18, 2013 - Had a wonderful interaction with precious Gauhati (One-Horned Rhino)  you can view the video of him greeting me and wanting me to play Ball with him :)   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z039cQMJWSY

Another Name Change on the Way - New Giraffe Lady Doesn't Have a Name? BS!

Yes, its true, true to San Francisco Zoo style, this lovely Lady, according to them is nameless.  So, I'm only to assume she is receiving the same Disrespect that Tucker the Hippo got when he moved to SF.

http://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2011/05/name-changing.html

Yesterday I visited the Zoo and got to meet the new Female Giraffe that apparently arrived Wednesday night under a blanket of secrecy as even some Staff didn't know a new Giraffe was being added.   A sign noted she came from the San Diego Zoo, and I heard she is Five years old.

Knowing that the Zoo can't stop their compulsion for renaming Animals, I figured they would change her name.  That didn't stop me from trying to find out what her given name was.  I usually don't get that information from anyone at the Zoo, but since a Keeper arrived on the scene I figured I'd have go at it, perfectly knowing how it would go.  

Me: What's the New Girls Name?

Keeper Megan:  She doesn't have one.

Me:  What was her Name before she came here?

Keeper Megan:  I don't know.

Typical.  The Zoo Staff must really think people are stupid.  Maybe they are, but I'm not.  A full grown Animal most definitely has a Name and the Keeper Staff know full well what that Name is.  The whole exchange with Keeper Megan was embarrassing.   Maybe she's following orders, which I can respect, what I can't respect is choosing to Lie.  Shameful and yes, embarrassing.  There is nothing wrong with being Honest and simply saying, "We can't say until she gets her new name."

Unfortunately the Zoo is laden with Secrets, Lies, and more.  People wonder why I don't trust the Zoo Staff (those who I do know who they are). This is a prime example.  Instead of just being Honest, they find it so easy to Lie.   That's just how they roll there. 

If I can't find out her original Name, my friends and I will rename her ourselves, something appropriate, which a Donor will never do. 

This photo was taken on my cell phone, as I didn't have my camera with me.  Look forward to more photos of her soon!

Author Add:  Through the comments, the Studbook source came up and I realized that by not sharing an Animals original name, the Zoo deny's us the joy of learning more about the Animals as individuals. There is no way to research their history. Not a very good way to foster Caring, which is part of their Mission Statement

Komodo Alley - The Dragon's Home

Yesterday was the first time I was able to see the inside of the new Komodo Dragon exhibit.  My previous opinion from looking outside in, still stands and I think its too small.   I talked to some Staffers who did say this was only temporary and that a bigger enclosure would eventually be built.  Of course this would have to be a given as Falcor is only a few feet long right now and will eventually grow to be at minimum seven/eight feet.

The outside of the exhibit.  In my opinion there is much wasted space and the inside portion of the enclosure could have been extended outward, double-wide.  The tree in photo left was there but all the plants and container wall were not. 

Calling it an Alley was accurate in that inside, it is long and narrow.  The glass in photo left is the enclosure, right to the outside exhibit.  Having this inside walk-way is a waste of space.   I would have preferred to see the enclosure living space extend double-wide to that outside window.  Looking into the living space, it is approximately the width of the walk-way, which appeared to also be the length of the Animal, if he was to lay head to tail. front to back.  That said, knowing that eventually there would need to be another larger area built, this one should have been built to last at least a couple years, which at even the size he is now it seems cramped.   Its long, but narrow.

I'm not a building professional, but as I noted eliminating the walk-way in favor of having the living space twice the size seems doable.  Either by having it be as it is with an indoor walk-way or having the living space window face out with no indoor walk-way.  Either way, there was plenty of space to make this larger.  I know it needs to be climate controlled, so maybe there is an issue with the living space facing out and because of that there does need to be that indoor temperature buffer space?  That said, there was enough room to make it wider, adding in the size of the walk-way area, extending the walk-way out, or if possible eliminating it altogether, having a short awning of sorts if necessary. I heard they allegedly "wanted to get this done in a hurry" so maybe that factored into it.   I just wish he had more room.  He was very active, pawing at the window and roaming around the whole area, from front to back especially.  I would also have like to see it designed to let in outdoor light. Having the window without the walk-way would have provided that.

Aside from my opinions on the size of the living space,  I have to really complain about the glass.  I don't understand why the Zoo continues to use glass that glares.  It 2013, anti-reflective glass is available.  It is almost impossible to view him without glare.  The photo above is taken (a bit to the side) looking directly at the glass of the enclosure.  Its awful.  I know there is anti-reflective film out there, another Keeper once told me about it as she asked for it so that the Snow Leopard Rigel would stop looking at his reflection, which upset him the whole time on exhibit.  That request was denied/delayed, whatever not sure if it ever happened because he still is obsessed with staring out. Poor Rigel.  I digress.  They need to get some and put it across the lower part of the glass of this enclosure, so we can see Falcor better.   While they are at it, they need to get some for Rigel too, so at nineteen years old, he can have some peace while out on exhibit and not think another Male Snow Leopard is stalking him.

Additionally, there needs to be no knocking on glass signs.   

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

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

The Future of this Blog and the SFZoo

I have been haunted by the passing of my Precious Friend Wakoda (male Navajo Churro Sheep).  I still can not bring myself to write a memorial post, but when I do, I'm feeling like that may be it for a long while, if not ever.  

The Zoo exhausts me, and it seems like there will forever be issues, because not many within the walls want to rise above mediocrity or for that matter put the Animals first.  Management will continue to make decisions without the Animals best interest a priority.  The Director will continue to make uneducated, hurtful and disrespectful statements,  Untruths will continue to be put forth to not only their own Staff, but to the public in order to serve the needs of the Zoo in any way they see fit.  Staff will continue to run the place like its a school yard, letting personal issues rise above professional.  The Visitors will continue to run wild and do whatever they want including breaching barriers, because the Zoo doesn't want to do whatever they can to ensure the safety of the Animals.  Its a mess and not many seem to care, certainly not those with the authority to do anything.  The Management Staff are the worst offenders and the Zoological Society Members don't care much past their menial duties and writing checks.  Its sad and disgusting.

There is Staff that I know agree with me, then there is Staff that doesn't.  To them I can only say, how can you sleep at night?  Many think I look for issues, or even make stuff up.  If anyone actually reads what I write its clear that I write about what I myself witness.   I pick-up on things that are valid flaws/fails, obvious, curious and questionable.  I rarely post any hearsay  because that is not who I am.  I'm honest and have no need to lie or make anything up.  I post about what moves me.  I have passion and I'm not afraid to say what I think.  If you don't like me for that, that's not my problem.  I care about Animals before Humans and that is what drives me.   It actually surprises me that that some Keeper's choose to support cover-ups and gag orders rather than use the anonymous whistle-blower phone number option that is provided to Staff.  It disgusts me that's its not used more, for the good of the Animals.

For all this, I'm feeling like I want to just finish the posts I've had in the works.  My need to post is not only to make things public and have the things I feel strongly about documented, but writing about them is a way to vent.  I have a small group of friends who feel the same way as I do.  I have blog followers who may be like minded but remain silent.  And then there's the thirty thousand plus that follow the Zoo on their Facebook page, who have no clue other than the fluff the Zoo sells via their own press, both in house and thru the Media. 

I start these posts on this day, Cinco De Mayo.  A "day" many view as a celebration.  The Chimp Sanctuary Northwest's  Facebook post today reminded me of how the Zoo misses the opportunity to do fun things for the Animals.  Before I say anything more on that, I want to link the Sanctuary Cinco De Mayo festivities you might find fun to see :)  ... These Chimps love a good party and get one almost daily.  I have been lucky to have provided Enrichment Toys for one of their celebrations! 

http://www.chimpsanctuarynw.org/blog/2013/05/cincodemayo/

Anyway, its safe to say that the Zoo did nothing for the Animals on this festive Day (or they would have patted themselves on the back and posted about it), as they don't do anything for Birthdays or even International Awareness Days for specific animals.    Currently their Facebook page boasts about all the Mother Animals (for upcoming Mother's Day), one being 42 year old (can't believe they got her age right) Elly the Black Rhino.   This is an Animal who gave the Zoo fourteen babies, which at a fifteen month gestation equals  over seventeen years of her life she was pregnant.  Whoever let this happen committed a crime in my book, but what's done is done, you think they give her a Birthday celebration for that alone?  Regardless of the fact that she is one of, if not the oldest Rhino in a North American Zoo.  That would be a big fat NO to any celebration. ...  Make sure to check  back for a blog post in the next few days for more on the disrespect of Elly.

So, if you have read even a handful of my posts you will see a certain never-ending trend of topics.  I'm Sad, I'm Tired and even though I know some of what I've posted here has accomplished some good, there is the situation of the Zoo actually paying people to do the right thing and they don't.  I'm not sure I have it in me to keep policing all the crimes they commit against the Animals who live there.  So, I'm just not sure how the future of this blog will play out once I'm finished with those in the works and my Sweet Wakoda's memorial.

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

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

Happy Birthday Edna! - Chinese White Goose Birthday

Edna celebrates her 22nd Birthday today, April 6!

Happy Birthday Edna!

I love knowing when the Zoo Friends Birthdays are, so I can wish them for their Special Day :)   Barnyard Keeper Amber puts the Birthdays up every couple months in the Barn.  

I was happy to be able to go by yesterday and sing to my Sweet Friend Edna :)  A little girl took interest.  She called over her mother to tell her that it was Edna's Birthday :)  So I sang again along with the girl and her mom AND Edna!  Check out the video and hear the lovely vocals of Miss Edna :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-5Exd9XBAY

Love You Edna!  You are the Queen of the Barnyard!  .... You can see Edna keeping things in order at the Family Farm :)