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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEPING ORANGUTANS IN CAGED TUBES!!!

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

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

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

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

Related Post:

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

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Zoological Society Retains Confidence In Zoo Director

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Post:

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

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving

Let me just start by adding on to the post title a bit...

Bid Farewell To Akobi - Our Pygmy Hippo Is Leaving ... What the Serious F%%k!!!???

So, per usual when I go off course with my current post list, I constantly rework it for flow, as I always try to get back on track with some order if possible.  That said, once again I didn't even get to pick back up with even one draft post, before something else presented itself.  

I've said before that I usually don't look at the Zoo's Social Media regularly, unless I'm looking to see if they posted something specific.  Same goes for the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes, which are monthly and sometimes I go a few months without checking that.  With both, it's just a thing where there is always something that's going to bother or upset me, and I got enough without going looking for it.

So, now for getting into the title of this post.

I've been sitting on this for a week now. Last Saturday, I remembered the Joint Zoo Meeting was the Thursday before, so I thought I'd take a look.  There it was, 1.0 (meaning one male) Donation to Houston Zoo.  I was shocked.  Even though upsetting, I'm glad I did, otherwise I may never have known about Akobi, and would have went there one day and he would have been gone.  

I feel bad for all of us who love this guy, but most of all for him.  This was his first home away from his Mother, and he seems happy.  

Akobi coming to sat Hi! 

screencap from video linked below

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3jcEl1Elwwqm_eTNfCcqVrVUYHKoRCGslEaqOLYFn6N0tlK-HlizsyP7A&v=nTRMjDTho6w&feature=youtu.be

The Animal Care team did a good job renovating the enclosure for him, even adding to it after his arrival.  As well, modifications were made to the night quarters as Pygmy Hippos have different needs than Nile Hippos.  Will this be the end of Pygmy Hippos occupying this enclosure?  Akobi is popular and not having him (or another Pygmy Hippo) here is big hit to the Zoo.  Hopefully the Zoo doesn't go ahead with a previous plan to demolish this area, because that would be a really bad call to not use this enclosure, and another waste of money, doing one thing, then changing it not long after.  

I waited to write a post about this because I wanted to confirm it verbally with someone there.  I was 99.9% sure this meant Akobi, but just in case, I like to be as sure as possible when I'm documenting something.  There are times, and coincidentially one listed right after this Akobi entry, where transfers for Black Rhinos (or other Animals SFZoo owns that are not part of the onsite collection) are listed and it's just paperwork. I knew this couldn't be the case, because we don't own any Pygmy Hippos in other Zoos.  So, I visited the Zoo on Tuesday, and my inquiry in regards to Akobi leaving was curious.  Usually I can ask a question and get an answer, but literally four people quickly said, "I don't know anything".  When I added that we don't own other Pygmys, one said, "There's your answer".  That's essentially giving me the answer without actually telling me, which leads me to believe, staff has been told not to talk about it, or not to talk about it to me.  The fifth person I mentioned it to, said, "I heard something about that".  

So, while it is sadly indeed true, I do not know when, or why.  I can speculate on why, but don't think I'll be confirming it, since no one is even talking about him leaving.  I was told Akobi is high on the genetically valuable list for breeding, and that is the only thing I can think of that would be a factor.  When he first came here, I was told that at some point a female would be joining him.  Considering that, I am assuming that SF does not want to breed him, so maybe he is going to where a female will join him.  It wouldn't be the first time we lost an Animal because of breeding conflict.  Again I'm just speculating, but it's worth the lead-in to documenting the whole non-breeding issue.

Like with Akobi, who was brought here as permanent resident, I thought when our Tiger Jillian came back to SF to be paired with a male (Teddy eventually transferred here) for breeding, they too would be permanent residents.  Then we lost both Tigers back to San Diego who owned Teddy.  This allegedly happened because San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson allegedly will not breed any Animal that might result in a birth that will require round-the-clock care if it is rejected by the Mother.  You may wonder why, as other Zoo's hand rear infants.  Allegedly Director Peterson will not pay for after hours care.  That point lends to the fact I have continually presented, Our San Francisco Zoo has been mismanged by Director Peterson through-out her sixteen years at the helm.  No money for any Animal related need, but we got gardens galore, and art installations keep on coming.   

Since I got a Panda post in draft as well, it's worth it to note that part of the agreement with China for acquiring Pandas is that they breed.  So, that makes me wonder how that would then come into play?  Would Director Peterson create yet another illusion and lead them to believe she would allow them to breed, or would they get a pass on the alleged no breeding issue?  Or would millions be spent to get them here, only to have them repossessed?

Another example of no breeding is with Gorillas.  In late 2019 female Kimani was transferred to the Zoo to breed with male Oscar Jonesy.  Jonsey bred with two first-time Mothers, resulting in two offspring, both who had to be hand-reared until a surrogate could take over.  Both our resident female Monifa and Kimani have breeding reccomendations with Jonesy.  Kimani was supposed to breed first, as she came from a Gorilla group where she witnessed births and mother raised babies.  It was hoped she would do the same and that would show Monifa how it's done.  It's been almost five years and this still has not happened.  Jonesy will turn 43 this year.  

Also note that the Orangutans have and I think still do, a breeding recommendation.  Nothing yet and last I heard the female was still on birth control.  That all said, while I'd be over-joyed to experience a babie Orangutan, I personally don't think they should bring a babie into the situation that is, that shit show, ancient, enclosure they were thrown into.  It needs a complete overhaul to provide a new life an appropriate home.  They've already damaged the personalities of Ollie and Amoi, hope they don't bring a babie into it.

I digressed a bit about the no breeding issue, but let's get back to the lack of transparency issue, specifically about Animal transfers.  Since the Zoo is owned by the City, it is responcible for certain transparencies.  Even though Acquistions and Dispositions need to be documented publicly in the Joint Zoo Minutes,  that often doesn't happen until after the the transfer, and the Zoo does not let the public know anything via their Social Media platforms.  Which in my opinion is a huge disservice to Visitors who are endeared to the Animals.  Before I expand on that, I want to make a notation that will support a future post about how the the Zoo management system works and the Pyramid of Power.  All Acquistions are supposed to be approved by the Joint Zoo Committee.  In my opinion, that is all paper pushing, as no managing entity really cares about what goes on at the Zoo.  The whole Orangutan situation has singularly made that clear.  And in relation to the Joint Zoo approval, the female Orangutan arrived at the Zoo, before her acquistion item was even introduced to the Joint Zoo Committee.

So, transparency.  Let's start with another Hippo, our Nile Hippo Tucker.  The Zoo knew about his transfer over a year before him actually leaving.  At no point did they alert the public.  It wasn't until he was gone and Cinncinati anounced his arrival did they post a sign at his enclosure.  In my opinion, that was a COMPLETE mismanagement of his departure.  Tucker was extremely popular. He had a huge fan club among visitors.  Many Zoo's will post about their Animals moving to another Zoo, giving their fans a chance to come and see them before they leave.  Some have even have going away parties.  When Tucker left Topeka, they had a party.  Not San Francisco Zoo.  You become endeared to an Animal, and you go there and one day they are gone.  I've mentioned the lack of Community for our Zoo, meaning there has never been an effort to build a community that cares.  Having a community that cares, lends to people being invested in our Animals.  Creating an enviroment that endears people to our animals, gives them the opportunity to learn more, feel more, care more.  It also leads to more Visitors, more Members and productive fundraising.  A win for everyone.  Our Zoo has none of that.  The individuals that are invested and endeared, have had to seek out information to feed their interest.

So, like with Tucker, there have been many residents before him that just disappeared, who have had their fans upset.  A big one for me, was the departure of Slider the Cow.  I have a stand-alone post about that in draft.  Before him, my little Turaco Friend Zabebu, was sent away.  Usually I get wind of these things, but with both of them, I didn't know.  I have a friend who's a Member, who five years later is still upset that Hasani the Gorilla is no longer here, but at least I knew and she was able to visit him before he left.  The Zoo didn't announce it at all and that was a huge mistake.  He was born here, and hand-reared, so he was in the News, and had alot of fans.  Going back a bit further, when Director Peterson was going to kick out our senior Chimpanzees, she was trying to do so without anyone knowing.  The Zoo's longest residents, having lived here near fifty years, and she was just going to ship them out in the dead of the night, without telling anyone.  It's Disgraceful, and very rude to every Visitor and Member, to not alert and allow for people to know what's happening, especially if its an Animal they'd like to see before it leaves.  My guess would be she doesn't feel like she has to, but a good and decent "manager" would want to.  The disappearances are not even all transfers to other Zoos, but taken off public view and never to be seen again.  There have been many.  I've been attached to three Snow Leopards, Ming Wah, Rigel, and Niya who were taken off view and retired to the off exhibit area FCC, never to be seen again.  Most recently the Great Hornbill Hercules, who has been my first stop of the visit for over a decade, was taken off view.  I can hear him talking from FCC behind Black Rhinos, but who knows if I will ever see him again.  These are all just a few of my personal accounts,  I'm sure everyone who visits regularly has their own sad stories.

So, the goal of this post was to alert everyone to Akobi's upcoming departure.  If you're endeared to him, be sure to visit as who knows when he will disappear. 

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Former VP of HR is Now Deputy Director? - A New Level Of WTF?

This is a big effin' Good Grief!

I'm sorry, but I seriously got to hate on this, because of who it is AND  because it shows continued mismangement on the part of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  

So I learned last week that Director Peterson has promoted Vitus Leung, the VP of Human Resources to Deputy Director. ... Where do I start? 

I've had an issue with this guy for over three years, since he called one of our Animal Residents Ugly!!!  

I will go on, but in my opinion, NO ONE that works in an Animal Care Facility should be calling the Animals names.  So, I hope some of you can understand why I am outraged that this guy is now Deputy Director.  Someone who doesn't respect the Animals, who has been sucking $190,000+ salary out of the Zoo's payroll as VP of HR, is now being rewarded with a promotion.  Unreal. But hey, we have a Director that that called a 50 year old male Owl a drag queen, and kept Orangutans in a caged tube for eight months.

In a post dated March 8, 2020, I relayed an interaction I witnessed as part of a multi-issue post.

I can not express enough, how wrong I think this is.  

I have to assume there are many on staff that feel the same way.  If calling the Animals derogatory names, isn't enough, this guy isn't even qualified.  He's about as qualified as Director Peterson, who became Director with no Animal Care and allegedly no management experience.  I'm more qualified than the both of them!  At least I care, which is a character quality evident that neither one of them possess.  I seriously can't believe this.  There is a highly qualified staffer, who would have been an obvious choice, and probably others more qualified than Vitus, so his appointment seems to be motivated by personal favoritism, and this allegedly isn't the first time.  

When the previous Deputy Director retired, I thought that was the end of that title.  Why?  He was the first and only to hold that position.  It was an alleged promotion after claims of inappropriate behavior toward him by two high level staffers.  So, to see someone unqualified elevated to this position, is curious.  It seems to scream, personal agenda, part of which includes this is just another yes mam person to pick-up Director Peterson's slack.  She can't even dial into the monthly Joint Zoo Meeting.  I seriously don't know what this woman does to earn $320,000 a year plus bonuses, because it's not managing the Zoo with it's best interest in mind.  

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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The Zoo's New Summer Events ... Wonder Where They Got This Idea?

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated June 30th.

I wrote a post on May 29, 2023,  For The Lack Of A Better Title,... Our Failing Director.  Prompted by the Oakland Zoo posting about their Summer hours.  It reminded me of ideas I've had that fall into that category.  I expanded on that a bit, and how the lack of ideas, related to a major past of San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson's failure and extreme mismanagement.  This paragraph was included in that post:

On June 22, this announcement was included in the Zoo's email Newsletter: 

Curiously (or is it?) coincidental on the timing, but hey, however it gets done, is a bonus for the Zoo.  I did not put forth my complete event ideas, so I'm glad someone had the smarts to include vendors.  They have been missing out on that front the last couple Christmas holiday events.  I wrote about this fail in detail before the pandemic.

Hope to keep seeing decent ideas (yes there are some head shakers!) come to fruition.  The Zoo has been desperate for them for the whole fifteen years of Peterson's reign.

Mentioned Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/for-lack-of-better-title-our-failing.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Zoos R Animal Prisons Graffiti Update and Disgrace

This post has been in draft for near three weeks, dated Jun 30th.  

On Sunday June 23rd, I tweeted my original blog post (same date) about this issue directly to the Zoo.    

The next day, I started my week, by cruising by the Zoo while out on errands, to check if this graffiti was still there.  Almost a week after I first saw it, it was.  This is really shameful.

I alerted someone at the Zoo, as this should not be still there.  That said, if I had not called attention to it, How long would it have stayed there?

I could have done the experiment, and let it just ride, but unlike too many people, I actually care about the Zoo.  I walk in, I walk around, I eyeball everything, inside and out. I basically do what people there, including Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, are paid to do.   

I know there are people who check the fence for Coyote dig holes, at least there used to be a couple years ago.  So, whoever dropped the ball on noticing this, shame on you, and frankly you don't deserve to work there.  Having something like that remain on the outside of the Zoo is unacceptable.

I'm tired of lazy people, sucking funds from the payroll, and that includes Director Peterson and each of the top earners there.  A member of the public should not be doing other people's jobs. 

I'm sure the top non-animal staff will be like, it's not my job.  If you're reading this and you think that way, you're a big part of the problem with the management structure at the Zoo, again starting at the top with Director Peterson.  I ask each one of you, why are you getting monetary bonues on top of your already outrageous pay, for the little that you do?  Each one of you should be making sure all needs at the Zoo are tended to and have some pride in the Zoo.  

This awful graffiti remained on the front of the Zoo, for a week, while Zoo Director Peterson pulled in a $6,000+ paycheck for the week.  Does this seem right?  

Anyway, when I went by Tuesday, the wording had been removed, yet there is still the red stain.  As well, no other graffiti has been removed. 

I ask again, Why is the Zoo holding onto to this old, crumbling fence?   This fence should have been torn down a decade ago.

Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-fence-graffiti-zoos-r-animal.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt Three - Pygmy Hippo Edition

Where to start...  I wrote the draft for this post after publishing Pt One and Part Two (see end of post for links) in July.  I had intended it to follow those in a decent time frame, obviously that didn't happen.  I got involved in a passion project, rescuing and finding a new home for two Animals in need.  Everything has turned out beyond wonderful for my two friends, who are now living their best lives out of the wild and in a Sanctuary.

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If you've been following my blog, you know that I've been more inconsistent than ever with posts over the past year. So, this post might be alot of back-story information.  I have noted some things along the way, since much of the back-story info has been a source of irritation.  Some of that has been resolved, some is still unknown.  So as I edit the original, and try to make it also reflect current, there are still valid curiosities to note, so I'm going to include them. 

I started this post many months before Akobi (Pygmy Hippo) arrived.  My lead-in was this...  "If there was one thing I could do right now, it would be to stop the insanity, that is the Pygmy Hippo situation.  I just hope someone comes to their senses before they arrive, and the right thing is done."

You might be wondering, What right thing is she talking about?   Plain and simple.   Renovate the existing Hippo enclosure to accommodate Pygmy Hippos.  

Now that Akobi is here, we know that the existing Hippo enclosure has been renovated.  For those who haven't been to the Zoo, I was out there a couple weeks after his arrival and took this video.  seen an overview and review of the enclosure, you can view it here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DxXNqGfe0go

You might be wondering, What I meant by the previous, wonder of, Where else would they put the Pygmy Hippo?  Surely by now, you all know, anything is possible under the orders of our San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  While not the only fail during her reign, you only have to examine the Orangutan fiasco to know that.  So, in the case of the Pygmy Hippo, while not part of the original plan for the Madagascar exhibit, the plan I first heard a year ago, was that they would now be building an enclosure for the Hippo there.  Poof, mind blown!  Seriously, I can't even with this.

Now, who knows if that is still the plan.  The complete outrageousness of the Zoo acquiring Pygmy Hippo(s) and not planning for them to permanently inhabit the existing Hippo enclosure is mind-boggling at the very least. It's another curious decision for our Zoo, that in my opinion is a fail that will disrupt the landscape of the Zoo. 

When I first heard about this, I immediately thought three things...  Ummm, Hippos aren't going in the Hippo enclosure? ... First of all, Pygmy Hippo's aren't from Madagascar. ... And if Pygmy Hippos are going in Madagascar, it's very valid to question, What happened to what was originally going there?  You know, THE reason for displacing five Primate species, and having a huge pit just sitting there for four years.  Oh, and spending money to rent a fence around that area for a good portion of those four years.  All the later will be detailed in my MAD about Madagascar post, next up after this.  So, let's concentrate on the existing Hippo enclosure and where Pygmy Hippos are actually from. 

In early 2020, when I first heard about Tucker (River Hippo) leaving, that came with the crazy notion of getting rid of the Hippo enclosure.  I was pissed at this.  Again, I have no idea what the current plan is.  That exhibit area has always been a Hippo enclosure, at least for the last fifty years.  The longtime Hippos residents, Cuddles and Puddle, came to the Zoo in 1963 and 1964 respectively.  I'm not exactly sure what year this enclosure was built, but I think it was a decent time frame post their arrival. While it's been mandated that our Hippo poll is too small for another River Hippo, it's not for a Pygmy Hippo and putting it anywhere else seemed nonsensical.  

Allegedly the thought (plan?) was to re-route the path by the Snow Leopard expansion, because they wanted to expand Black Rhino east (into Hippo), to accommodate a female and future breeding.  To me this would be a fail.  For one, the existing Hippo pool was renovated twelve years ago and is fine to use for another smaller water species, like Pygmy Hippos, or Tapirs.   Thinking of future adds to the Animal Collection, When could we ever build another enclosure like this?  Another reason why I hated that they cemented in the Sea Lion Pool.  Anyway, I digress.  With  Director Peterson crying poor for everything that is not in her or the Zoological Society Members WANTS,  the answer is most likely never.

Second, in regards to the alleged Black Rhino plan, there is a huge area where the previous female Black Rhino lived, and there is plenty of space going west that is not used by Bongo's and the space where the Bongo's are currently that could be used for such a plan.  Bongo's could easily be moved into a space in the closed off south gate area, where several species of Hoofstock used to live.  And then they could add a couple other Hoofstock species to rejuvenate that area with collection Animals.  That is what would be best, but we also have to consider other craziness that I've heard and documented, in relation to that.  That being, the alleged fantasy that they will build a brand new Big Cat enclosure where Bongo's are.  Good Grief, it's not only ridiculous, where is that money coming from?  We must remember the whole Orangutan no money for anything, crying poor song, that has been on loop for many Animal needs for years.  

So, who knows what whack plans are rattling around in Director Peterson's head.  Moving on to my curiosity about the housing of the Pygmy Hippo, knowing that if he was eventually going to Madagascar, I wondered what temporary set-up he would get.  Remember, the Orangutans were kept in caged tubes for the most part of eight months.  So, that proves, anything is possible.

Soon after Tucker left, I noticed and noted that I had seen plywood boards going up, and presumed they were for quarantine purposes.  Nothing seemingly changed for almost a year, so I assumed the plywood was it.  That was all the budget was allowing for.  Thankfully, it was not.  I was imagining the poor little guy, leaving his Mama for the first time, and having only plywood to stare at.

Then about a month before his arrival, I saw what the plan was with plexiglass and thought it was great.  Only thing was there were only two panels of plexi and on opposite sides.  I couldn't figure out this thought process and made a video about it, but never got to uploading.  In it I questioned why there weren't additional panels connected to create a wall of clear for him to look out.  

As you've seen, that has all been sorted.  Someone there must have mind melded with me, because the exact two that are now plexi, were two of the ones I noted should be plexi.  

As noted in the video shared at the top of this post, I'm extremely happy with the outcome of this enclosure.  Even if it's temporary, at least it's decent.  Only thing I am curious about is the pool.  Wondering whether it could be cemented up to make it permanently more shallow, or even if that would be something that would enhance the habitat for him.

So, back to the alleged craziness of building a Pygmy Hippo enclosure within the MAD project.  My initial reaction to that was What?!!!  Pygmy Hippos aren't even from Madagascar!  I allegedly heard that some staff was told that they were and this was displaying a species on the brink of extinction there.  Seriously, if this is true, what kind of illusion is being spun with this?  Madagascar did have native Hippos, but they were not the Pygmy Hippos of today.  They were Dwarf Hippos, also called Malagasy Hippo, even Malagasy Pygmy Hippo.  They looked more like miniature River Hippos and have been extinct for some time now.  I read varying reports, that spanned up to 1000 yrs. 

The modern day Pygmy Hippopotamuses that are part of the current Zoo populations, are endemic to West Africa. They only occur in four countries: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  Over 4000 miles from Madagascar.  So trying to say they come from Madagascar is outrageous.  

I'm all for providing the best homes for the Animals. My comments and thoughts are in no way about denying the Pygmy Hippo the best home possible.  I think if we hadn't lost the majority of our Monkey species, for the Madagascar project, and if the original project plan included Pygmy Hippos, and if the project didn't create such an eye sore and disruption for four years, my reaction might have been different about the Pygmy Hippo being part of Madagascar, but it all just seems so random, illogical, and desperate (to fill that pit) that I just don't know.  If the Pygmy Hippo does eventually go there, the existing Hippo enclosure needs to be saved and occupied.  By Tapirs I hope.  Demolishing it would be a huge fail.

Early on, not knowing what effort would take place, based on funds allocated for a Hippo renovation, my original post had me ranting a bit once again on the lack of fundraising from our Zoo. ... If the Zoo had created excitement about the Pygmy Hippo when they first knew about the acquisition a year ago, and started a fundraiser that would have helped with these renovations, that would have brought in necessary funds, and allowing the use of the funds that were used to be used for other needs, like my broken record of finishing the Flamingo netting, and installing netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs.

Several months ago I came across this effort by the John Ball Zoo.  Coincidentially it is for Pygmy Hippos.  Not only did they have a sandwich board effort at exhibit area, they have webpages about the Campaign and tons of media awareness.  That said, for something like this to be fully optimized, there needs to be a Community that cares.  Unfortunately Inhave seen no evidence of effort in fifteen yrs, to build one for our Zoo.  So lacking that and no creativity or ambition to fundraise, SFZoo fails to help itself and most importantly, the Animals that live there.

There was alot of work done pre and post AZA inspections.  It is a sore point to see this catch-up every five years when accreditation comes around.  If there was constant fundraising, these necessities could be done as needed.  That said, they sure found funds to get these things done, yet, and yes I go back to the Orangutan situation because that has been really upsetting.  Additionally, they have spent thousands of dollars to build gardens everywhere.  I have long had an issue with this use of funds. This has nothing to do with the talent of their creator, but soley with the outrageous expense, when Director Peterson crying poor for Animal needs for near fifteen years.  I'm especially bothered by the garden built to distract from how awful the Orangutan home is, and that there's an elaborate build at a side entrance allegedly only for use by specific people.  Those funds could have been used for the Orangutans, and the Hippo area.  Not to mention finally building the home the Andean Condors were supposed to have years ago.  

I understand Gardens is part of the Zoo name, but it seems Director Peterson has forgotten that the Zoo is an Animal Care Facility.   

Related Posts...

What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt One - Big Cat Grottos ... 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/07/whats-happening-at-to-our-zoo-pt-one.html

What's Happening At (To?) Our Zoo - Pt Two - Detailing All The Construction ... 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/07/whats-happening-at-to-our-zoo-pt-two.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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SFZoo ReNames Pygmy Hippo - Akobi Becomes Udo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous Post:

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

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Lack Of Help For Zoo From Rec & Park and Other Related Irritations (Bison Paddock and Fundraising)

I still have five final posts, in simultaneous draft.  The energy in my ambition to reach each goal for finishing and publishing continues to get pushed.  During that time other things enter my realm and I have to decide if those things are necessary to post about at this time.  While wanting to stay current, I also need to stick to the theme of those five posts.  Mostly because at this time in my life, I really do need to wrap-up documenting Zoo stuff.  

I wondered if this irritation should be documented now or wait for the last post in my series that details the Pyramid of Power that has caused the downward spiral of our Zoo.  While I maintain that direction dive is solely been perpetrated and perpetuated by Director Peterson, there is a cast of enablers, both inside and outside the Zoo, that have allowed her mismanagement.  

The Zoo is part of the Recreation and Parks Dept. As I understand it, that department is supposed to have taken a management position in regards to the Zoo, as outlined in the Lease Agreement. The relationship is supposed to provide a sort of checks and balances, along with the Zoological Society.  Neither of which has hapoened in far too long, if ever.  More will be outlined in that final post.

For the purpose of this post, my irritation is focused once again on fundraising, and mismanagement on that level by all three entities.  San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, San Francisco Zoological Society, and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Dept.  None of which has contributed in anyway to actively continuing to create ideas for and implement fundraising ideas outside of the Zoo's annual fundraiser ZooFest.

A few days ago, I opened an email newsletter from the Golden Gate National Recreation.  Note that I gave up reading newsletters from the Rec and Park as they were filled with reporting all the ways they spend money to beautify the Parks in their system.  They do not consider the Zoo part of their "system".  I realized this when I contacted them during their fence building project to see if there was something that could be done within that (financed) project to fix the exterior appearance of the Zoo.  The perimeter fence in the main part leading to the Zoo is literally crumbling, yet in the fourteen years of Director Peterson's reign nothing had been done to fix it.  At this point with allegedly no money for Animal Needs, I wouldn't want limited funds diverted that way, so I inquired if the Rec and Park could include that portion of the Zoo fence in their project.  The Rec and Park said No.   

I'll note here while on the Rec and Park, that I continue to take issue with them in regard to keeping the Bison Paddock meadow in Golden Gate Park hydrated.  It is my understanding that the grounds are the responsibility of the Rec and Park.  The Bison are grazing Animals, yet their meadow is always dried up. I don't see that in any other part of the park.  Everywhere else the grass is lush and green, except in the one area where it is a diet supplement to the Animals living there.  Why are the sprinklers never turned on?  I saw them on once, two years ago.  They can not claim water reducing as they continual have the sprinklers on everywhere else.  Last week I saw a sprinkler flooding the road at Stow Lake.

This post from three years ago contains more information about the fence and Bison issues.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/blog-status-future-post-subjects-rec.html

The Oakland Zoo recently did a Facebook live about their Bison.  In it the Keeper noted, "They have over fifteen acres of habitat to naturally graze on.  So when you look out you'll see there's lot of grass out here and that's really important because they are natural grazers.  So, they'd spend about nine hrs of their day out in the wild foraging and grazing, so we wanted to replicate that here at the Oakland Zoo and that's why you see so much grass and so much land, cause they do actually need all that."

FYI this was the Bison meadow last week...

Back to the Golden Gate National Recreation newsletter, the main reason for this post.  Apologies for the digression.  Their newsletter contains updates for our Park areas that are on Government land versus the Rec and Park which is City owned land.   In this email, there was a link to an extensive update on the new Presidio Tunnel Tops project.

https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/presidio-tunnel-tops?utm_source=pev&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pev-june-2022

The linked site noted that their campaign raised $98 million.  I thought Wow, if only the Zoo could raise a quarter of that, the things it could do (with the right management of course).  I was curious, Who is raising these funds?  I expanded the link to view the names of the Campaign Committee.

Surprise, surprise, none other than the SF Rec and Park Manager Mark Buell is the Co-Chair.  All I could feel was disappointment and disgust.  Good grief, the Zoo is in the Rec and Park Dept and seriously, What has Mark Buell ever done for the Zoo?  He must know their struggles.  If he has some magic as far as raising funds, Why hasn't he lent a hand to the Zoo?

Oh yea, because the Rec and Park does not consider the Zoo part of its responsibility.

Fundraising irritation side note...

This was recently posted to the Zoo's social media.

So, in addition to the usual irritation if renaming Animals, that arrive at the Zoo with an established name, there's this...

While I think these trips are a great thing to offer, I do not think it's something necessary (and certainly not a Need), especially at a time when the Zoo is so desperate for funds for Animal Needs.  It is my understanding that donors have previously underwritten these trips.  I have never seen the Zoo do outreach to fund for travel expenses.  

I'm completely offended that there are actual Animal Needs that have never been fundraised for, and that the Zoo is choosing to use the word NEED in this way.  

Unfortunately, our Zoo excels in skewed priorities

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Zoo Lifts Mask Requirement at Covid Vulnerable Species Enclosures

I've been working on three posts at the same time, since last weekend, I just haven't felt like I've had it in me to put all the elements together to finish them.  I did just finish watching The Rise of Skywalker, and while what I really want to do is get lost in more non-reality and re-watch the entire Star Wars saga from beginning (I hadn't seen the original since opening day in 1977), I'm going to try to finish the three posts this weekend.  

I wanted this next post to be a follow-up on the Accreditation curiosity, but this masking situation came my way first (on Monday April 18).  It was followed a few days later by the result of the the Accreditation status.  I thought I would have posted about it last weekend, but didn't.  The Zoo has finally made note of it in their recent Newsletter out yesterday, so most of you already know.  Our San Francisco Zoo was re-Accredited by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), for another five years.  My post will be about why I think this is a disappointing and disturbing outcome.

So, Monday April 18,  a friend was at the Zoo and let me know there were no longer any Mask Required signs at the two Covid Vulnerable Animal enclosure areas (Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards).   In my opinion this is completely Irresponsible.  It’s just another fail, in a long line of what I consider to be Animal Welfare issues at our Zoo.  

This move by the Zoo, coincided with California downgrading their mask mandate for schools, and the end to the airline mask mandate, by a Florida Judge that same day.

Let’s be clear, the Zoo can ask anything of it’s visitors, and should, especially if it’s something that is considered a health risk.  If they care.  I have illustrated the lack of care in regard to protecting the Chimpanzees from the first day the Zoo re-opened from the first shutdown and subsequently the Snow Leopards, once it became news that Big Cats, were contracting Covid, and as Snow Leopards in Zoos were dying from the virus.  It took over a year to get decent signage at Chimpanzees, and only recently has there been more attention to monitoring the enclosures areas for adherence to the mask requirement.  So, why stop now?

Did I miss something?  Is the Pandemic over?  Are there no longer Covid cases being reported?  Good grief, just because government officials are once again playing yo-yo with mask mandates, it does not mean the virus isn’t out there.  Officials also have given the public a false sense of security and alluding that the vaccine is immunity.  Anyone with half a brain who wants to stay safe will continue to mask up, regardless of whether someone says you don’t have to.  It’s up to each person to do what they feel is safe for them.  Through these last two years, no one is going to protect you, except you.  That said, Who’s protecting the Animals? 

Captive Animals depend on their caregivers to protect them.  In a Zoo setting, the Zoo Director is the policy maker.  So I ask our SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson, Why did you lift the mask requirement at these two Covid Vulnerable Species enclosures?  

Considering what I’ve witnessed in the past, it is my opinion, that the Zoo powers were anxiously waiting to have something mandated (read, an excuse) to back up a decision like this.  I would bet they couldn’t wait to not have to monitor people in those areas.  In my opinion, it comes down to laziness. Outside of Keepers and some other concerned Staffers, no one else seemed to take the vulnerability seriously.  It always seemed like it was a hassle to even bother with it.   

I had not planned to visit the Zoo that week of April 18, but I needed to see and document the no signage situation myself.  The day I went out there, visitors were leaning over barriers, within feet of the enclosure fencing at both Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards.  That is to be expected, considering there are no rules in place.

What I didn’t expect was to see two Keepers with no masks walk into and through the Chimpanzee area.  One Keeper who works with the Big Cats, and another who is newer and since I haven’t been going much, I don’t know what department he works in.  He walked through the Chimp path and was close to the fencing, when he coughed, not even covering his mouth.  The Cat Keeper, works with Covid Vulnerable Species, he really should no better.   I was shocked and disturbed at the disregard for the health of the Chimpanzees.   They should both be ashamed, but the Cat Keeper even more so.   I have to wonder now what the policy is for Keepers?  Are they still required to wear masks while working with those Animals?  I noticed the Ape Staff still wearing N95s, but in light of the disregard for the Chimps, what is going on at Cats?

My words of warning in previous posts remain in effect.  The San Francisco Zoo had better hope no Animals contract Covid.

Not posting in a timely manner, sometimes works out ok, as new information comes my way.  Sometimes I use it for separate posts, sometimes it really lends to what I'm currently working on, like with this subject.  Seems almost everyday the past two weeks, I've heard something that supports my thoughts about this.

When I’m in the car, I listen to news/talk radio.  I usually catch the KCBS has a segment called Ask An Expert, a few times a week.  Throughout the last couple years, they have exclusively had on medical professionals to speak and answer questions related to Covid.  There were two separate segments the week of the 18th that I want to quote from, as in light of the masking situation at our Covid Vulnerable Animals, I was saying Yes! to these Dr's words.

The expert on April 19 was Dr Panagis Galiatsatos, John Hopkins School of Medicine.  The host noted that because of the increase in home testing, where results aren't reported and the decrease in PCR testing, the case numbers can't be trusted as they are not accurate.  In response, Dr Galiatsatos said, "... a key piece of data has been robbed of us... Just pretend the whole world has COVID-19 again, and do your best to not catch it... This means still wearing a face mask out in public. Even if the public health requirements don't take this into account, individuals should...  We still need to be more vigilant, ...it doesn't need to be a disruption, we can have minor inconveniences to know we are protecting everyone during this pandemic."

The expert on April 20 was Dr Robert Siegel, Dept of Microbiology and Immunology at Stanford.  The host lead-in was, "Mask Mandates are going out the window across the Country, but should you still wear one?" ... Dr Siegel responded, "Despite the Mask Mandate, nothing has changed in terms of the actual Virus. For me I plan to continue wearing a mask."  He continued,  "I don't think that the overturning of the mask mandate was based on public health considerations, I think it was considerations of whether or not they should be forcing people to wear masks. ... (Regarding the rise in cases...) "...people have changed their behavior and are now doing alot of things they weren't previously, so the risk is going up... they are letting their guard down, or to be more metaphoric, they are letting their masks down." ... (Regarding outdoor exposure...) "The thing that is transmitting the virus is when you are breathing the air of infected individuals... so if you want to stay safe you need to avoid being in the airspace of people whose status you don't know.  If you are in the air space of someone infected, you can STILL get infected outside"

On Tuesday this past week, Dr Fauci was quoted saying . "We are certainly, in this country, out of the pandemic phase".   I was like is he crazy?  Which is not the first time I've thought Fauci had steered Americans wrong.  He must have gotten blow-back from that nonsense, as the next day he said, "We are in a different moment,... By no means does that mean the pandemic is over".   Good grief.  

This weeks local News Article Titles:

April 26 Bay Area infections up 110% in one month

April 26 Vice President Kamala Harris contracted Covid.  She was vaccinated and double boosted.  

April 28 Ruby Princess cruise ship reports 37 Coronavirus cases after docking in San Francisco

April 30 SF Giants confirm Covid outbreak, five players sidelined.  All Vaccinated and double boosted.

I heard a quote on Thursday by a BART Spokesperson, in relation to reinstating a mask mandate.  "It's a small thing to ask our riders to do,..."   So I say, Why can't the Zoo do the same?  It IS a small thing to ask the visitors (and apparently some staffers) to do, to keep our animals healthy and safe. ... Again, IF they care.

The Vaccine is not Immunity.  The Virus can still be contracted.  The Virus can still be transmitted.  Even Outside!!!

So, I repeat the question to San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, Why did you lift the Mask Requirement at these two Covid Vulnerable Species enclosures?  

In my opinion the removal of this Zoo Mandate, continues to put the Chimpanzees and Snow Leopards at risk.

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Naples Zoo Tiger Shot To Save? Human Trespasser

 RIP Eko.  Bless Your Soul.

Another innocent Animal life lost, because of Human Behavior.  The outcome of this is not only heartbreaking, but sickening.  Sadly, it will not be the last time this happens.

I have so many thoughts about this, as I always have when hearing about these tragic Animal events.  I don't know what my thoughts would have been prior to our own Tiger tragedy, but with all that I've learned since then, my biggest take-away is, when will Humans be held responcible for their actions.  Apparently never when it comes to actions against Animals.

I had not heard about this tragedy, when a friend messaged me a few hours ago.  "Just heard about another Tiger being killed because of a stupid human".

I've since read several of the news reports.  This is the most comprehensive.  There are several videos, I only watched the one with the Warning.  So, I warn you, it shows the Police bodycam footage shows the Tiger being shot.  I actually didn't realize I'd see that until shortly before.  I wish I hadn't.  I have never seen an Animal actually being murdered.  It's soul crushing.

https://www.winknews.com/2021/12/30/investigation-underway-after-a-man-is-bit-by-a-tiger-at-the-naples-zoo/

I'll preface my personal opinion by saying this, as I have before, I am no fan of Humans.  Never really have been, but even more so now that I'm old, just too many years of experiencing bullshit, not to mention, this pandemic has really highlighted just how shitty a huge majority of humans are with their self-entitled behavior.  

I have no sympathy for Humans who prepetrate  actions that put Animals in vulnerable positions, either because they think they can do what they want, or because they are just plan dumb and can't function responcibly.  The Animal victims actions are natural instinct.  They should not be punished for that.  Yet they are, because we live in a society that loves it humans, even the jerks and senseless.  

So, it is purely my opinion, that in this case, this Tiger should not have lost its life.  There was a fence between them.

bodycam screencap

It seems at most this human would have lost his arm.  Didn't seem to be life threatening, at least not for the human.  Fatally shooting the Tiger just to break the hold, to me is unacceptable.  It seems like this could have been a situation solved by using a Tranquilizer, yet apparently one was not available.  The first responders allegedly tried to kick the fencing.  How many attempts were made? I only saw one. I think considering this was not life threatening, more of an attempt could have and should have been made.  Being in that situation, who knows, but again, with the fencing, not life threatening

My feeling will most likely not be the popular one, but too bad if the guy lost his arm.  Lesson Learned.  The Tiger lost his life for no fault of his own.

Will others learn from this?  Will humans be more respectful when visiting wild Animals in their captive homes and respect barriers are there for a reason?  Answer is No.  No one learned after Gorilla Harambe and shot and killed at Cinncinati Zoo, after parent negligence ended with their kid in the Gorilla enclosure.   With my long standing issue with the breachable barriers at our SFZoo,  I went to one of those barriers two days later.  I stood there for an extended time, watching the regular stream of offenders as they sat their kids over and/or stood their kids on the barrier of the Hippo.  No care that if they accidently lost grip, our Hippo would have got a bullet to the head. 

AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) statement about this tragedy.

I have tried every option available to me, to get the barriers at the San Francisco Zoo upgraded.  I have blogged more times than I should have had to about this.  I posted photos, videos, and made a Petition.  I noted it in my letter to the AZA prior to the Zoo's 2015 Accreditation inspection.  No one cared.  Then I started tweeting photos in real time to the SFZoo and the AZA.  Nothing changed so I gave up for a bit.  After restarting the tweets, the AZA contacted me and asked for more information.  I humored them and sent an email, while also noting I had sent once before.  Yet the barriers remain the same.  No one cares.  

The barrier issue at SFZoo could be easily fixed.  This blog post I wrote four years ago, shows what could be done to deter at the very least accidential enclosure breaching.  It's an informative read, but if you don't have time, the fix is basically adding a jagged fencing like this one at Anteater, to the exisiting railing at Black Rhino, Hippo, and Bears.  I would have done it at One Horned Rhino instead of the curious craziness they did.  Additionally the text on Zoo signage is always a fail for me.  It needs to say, Do Not Stand, Sit or Cross Barrier.  That's it.  Use of the word Behind does not translate to the brains of the masses.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/12/barrier-abuse-at-bear-cubs-continues.html

Oh and this sign with no text, just the graphic, is ridiculous.  It looks more like don't piss in the enclosure than, don't enter it, which doesn't even cover the main issue of people standing and sitting in barriers.  

Another post about barriers and the Zoos useless signage.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2016/06/are-san-francisco-zoo-code-red-animal.html

Like I've said, I've had to make more posts than I should about signage at our SFZoo.  I recently posted this in a 'This and That' post...

Another has been put up at Flamingos.  I was going to add it in another 'This and That' post, but it is directly relevant to the barrier issue.

As I noted, in my opinion these signs and other quick fixes, are going up to appease the AZA Inspection team and distract from other failures.  In my other posts, I note the size, and often wording, of the "deterrent" signage.  This sign and the one for a Fall themed game that was attached to the Black Rhino barrier are both larger than any sign regarding barrier breaching. The choices made regarding signage are always a head-shaker, but in regard to the barrier issue, have always been and continue to be, disturbing, useless and therefore negligent.

As I have for over a decade, but even more so when a tragedy like what happened to Eko is in the news, I pray all the Animals at our San Francisco Zoo stay safe. 

I want all Zoo Animals to stay safe.  These Animals are held in captivity by humans and everything possible should be done to keep them safe.

In my opinion there are things that can be done to prevent accidential barrier breaching.  Stopping those who purposely breach is another issue.  

I know I digressed from a voluntary barrier breaching event to my own upset over possible accidental events, but they are relatable, as both most certainly end with the loss of an innocent life.

Related Posts

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/follow-up-thoughts-to-naples-zoo-tiger.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2022/01/will-anyone-have-balls-to-seek-justice.html

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Blogger's Statement

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

For Full Statement see this post:

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

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Animal Go-Round ... Why Isn't The Public Notified Before An Animal is Transferred Out?

In my last post, the narrative was my feelings about the lack of recognition to the Animal Residents that pass away.  The inconsistency of degree or even complete lack of, I find disrespectful and it hurts my soul.  

This post is about Animal transfers, and the ocassions when Animals are taken off exhibit, and the lack of awareness given to those who are endeared to those Animals. 

I do not remember a time over the last thirteen years, when an Animal has been transfered out, that the Zoo has alerted the public before it happened.  Or after for that matter.  The upcoming departure of Tucker the Hippo is a first.  Why that is, I don't know.  This is for all the others past and future, that will disappear without anyone knowing.

Over the years, luckily for the most part I have gotten a heads-up on Animals leaving.  The times when I didn't left me feeling sad and at a loss. The first time I can remember was when Snow Leopard Rigel, who I was endeared to, moved off exhibit to the closed former FCC area.  He lived there a couple years, until his passing.  I never saw him again.  Snow Leopard Niya, and Andean Condor Claudia, both moved to FCC without warning as well.   I have a post to finish about them, as well the others moved to FCC.  The point is, notice could have been given to the public that these Zoo Friends would be moving off exhibit.

As well, notice can be given when there is a planned transfer of an Animal to another Zoo.  These transfers are not made last minute, so there is plenty of time for fans to visit these Animals that they have come to care about.  I mentioned notice being given regarding Tucker's upcoming departure.  If I had finished this post even a few weeks ago, the Zoo would still have not yet made a public announcement, even though they have known about it for two years.  That said, when both Tucker and Ollie the Orangutan left their previous homes, Topeka and Erie respectively, those Zoo's well publicized their upcoming departures, and from the comments I read on their Facebook posts, fans of these Friends were happy to have been able to see them one last time.  

Not being transparent about transfers, really says the Zoo doesn't care about the people who visit who are endeared to the Animals.  Unfortunately it is no surprise, as our Zoo has never cared about creating a community among members and visitors, something I suggested twelve years ago to the Director, as a much needed tool to thriving.

In more recent times, the one transfer I didn't know about was for one of my besties, Black Swan Sydney.  I had a conection with her, and she would always come over and talk to me when I greeted her.  One day soon after the Zoo re-opened after its second shutdown, I went to the Puente and didn't see her.  Or her sign.  My heart sank.  I thought she had passed away.  I cried and spoke to her Spirit, as I do with all the Friends that pass.  I was so sad that she was gone, and that I had found out like that.  When I had a chance to ask someone, I thankfully learned that she had been transferred to another Zoo.   Still sad that I won't see her again, but thankful she is alive.   A sign at her home saying she had moved to a new home at Alexandria Zoo would have been a simple, respectful and courteous thing to do. 

Sydney (Cusco behind her) 

coming over to say Hi and 

ask why it's still nightime?!

Gorilla Hasani moved to the Los Angeles Zoo in the fall of 2019.   Born at SFZoo in 2008, Hasani had many fans who had followed his early life, through being raised by surrogate, to his first time on exhibit.  The Zoo didn't say a word publicly that he was moving, until after he was gone.  Thankfully I knew, and had a great visit with him a few days before, and was also able to alert Members I knew who love him, so they could see him before he left.

A couple months ago, a transfer that had been in the works for at least the eight months I have known about it, took place.  Again without warning.  Our Sumatran Tigers, Jillian and Teddy, were transferred to San Diego Zoo Safari  Park.  Jillian an instant fan favorite when she was born here in 2013.  She was sent to Sacramento Zoo without warning in 2017.  She didn't do well there and was brought back a year later. Genetically valuable, she got a breeding recommendation with highly valuable Teddy owned by SDZoo.  He came here in 2019.  SF failed to even introduce them, so allegedly San Diego recalled Teddy and because of the breeding recommendation, took Jillian with him.  It's a bummer, that we weren't able to see Cubs born here again, but I'm actually ok with this move, like with Tucker I think their lives will be enriched in their new homes.  The point of all this is, these Animals have fans, and like with all the rest, they show up to visit one day and find them gone.

Possibly the biggest shock to fans, would have been showing up one day back in 2015 to see Triple Grotto empty and our three senior Chimpanzees gone, after almost fifty years of living there.  That could have very well happened if Director Peterson had got her way, and snuck them out in the dead of the night as the saying goes, which is what would have happened, because allegedly not many, including some Staff and Zoological Society Members even knew about it.  As well, it was never brought up at any Joint Zoo Meetings, so that panel, which includes the Rec and Park Commission, probably had no clue either. Thankfully two Staff Members alerted me in time, and my efforts to stop that move were successful. 

For those who have visited recently, and seen the home of our sweet little senior Squirrel Monkey Atlas empty, rest assured, he is fine!  He was recently moved to Squirrel Monkey Haven, where he will be able to meet some new same species Friends!  Sure do miss this precious little guy!  Here's a clip of him having some Yums!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mJTUZ3-pK_k

So yeah, there you have it.  Another fail.  In my opinion, the Zoo needs to be more empathetic to those who love the Residents and let people know they are leaving and where they are going so they can follow them in their new homes.  

Previous/Related Post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2021/08/acknowledging-eight-zoo-friends-who.html

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