Great Ape Update - Chimp Introductions Move to Mesh!

Many firsts at the Great Ape Passage this week!   Make sure to read my last post, detailing the initial contact between the male and female Orangutans!

Tuesday (10.1) brought the first day of mesh access for the separated groups of three male and four female Chimpanzees.  Catch-up ... After the successful integration of male Qadeer earlier this year, male Nick arrived in August and was introduced to Cobby and Qadeer.  The three boys were separated from Maggie and Minnie, who were then a few weeks later introduced to Nick's former troop mates, Jamie and Twiggy.  The two groups, boys and girls, remained separated with visuals of eachother across the hall in the bedrooms. 

Tuesday morning all seemed as it had been since the new girls arrived.  Although only Jamie and Minnie were in the Dayroom.  Then all of a sudden hootin' and hollerin' came from the bedrooms, and they ran back there.  No Chimps in sight but the sounds coming from the bedrooms were high energy screaming and banging, that went on for quite awhile.  It was obvious that a new stage in introductions was taking place, and that a pair or all four of the girls were given access to the mesh at the boys bedroom!  At one point Minnie came out and came over to me. She told me all about it, I told her it would all be ok.  Then she sat down and started to lick her finger.  She got injured in the mayhem.  Poor girl.  Slight injuries happen during introductions, but I think after that she wanted no part of the experience.  She is the one who hasn't taken to the new additions as quick as Cobby and Maggie.  A few times, she gave the door to the Yard a tug trying to open it and get away from it all.

The girls were finally let out to the Yard, and after a bit of cleaning, the boys were let into the Dayroom.  Sounds like any other day, but it wasn't.  The door between the Dayroom and the Yard was left open with the mesh exposed.  As soon as the boys were let in the Dayroom, they ran to the mesh and all hell broke loose!  The sounds I heard earlier now came with a visual. It was a Wow! moment to see all seven Chimps at the mesh screaming and jumping!  This went on for some time on and off, but mostly on. Poor Twiggy seemed to be upset by all the energy, and good buddies Cobby and Qadeer seem to be on different pages about how to react to this whole thing, and it was showing in their treatment of each other.  Chimp dynamics are complex.  It can be nerve wracking and exciting to watch, and learn about. 

I should have the video(s) up on my YouTube Channel by the end of the weekend.   Till then, here's a short clip from my cell phone of the second meeting at the mesh, between the Dayroom and the Yard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyfl22jr1OM

After the initial excitement at the mesh, Cobby came over (twice) to sit with me and tell me all about his new friends! ... This cute capture is a screencap from one of my video clips. ... Through all the high energy, Minnie and Cobby seem to get some comfort in sharing their experience with me. I Love My Chimp Friends!  

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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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Chimps Haven't Been Outside in Almost Two Months!

I'm not even sure how to begin this.  A month ago, I had a plan for this blog.  Finish up al my posts in draft, both the couple I have published holding spaces for flow purposes, and the handful of others I've had in draft, one since February 2018.  Contrary to what some think, I actually have come to hate blogging.  Its too emotionally draining.  I ignore posting in timely manner, because of the upset, but then that back-up becomes overwhelming.  ...  Moving forward, out of order, as I can no longer ignore posting about what is going on with our Chimpanzees.

Our Chimps have not gone outside in almost two months! 

By my calculations, June 24th, the day the Great Ape Passage pathway was first opened to the public, was the the last time the Chimps were outside, and in the new yard.  

It is now seven weeks since, and while I know there are extenuating circumstances, this is not acceptable! 

At this point, most of you are asking why?  Before getting into the factual details, as to why, I want to make something very clear.  

This situation with our Chimpanzees and Orangutans, is a direct result of decisions made by Director Tanya Peterson.  She has the final word on what happens at the Zoo.  It all falls on her, because if there was any indication (and there was) that this would happen, she had the opportunity to fix it or stop it. 

That all said, I want to also be very clear, that I do not hold the Primate Staff responsible for the situation, as I believe, they are doing the best they can, with what they've been given.  The simple facts of the situation are,  we have two spaces and we have two species.   The Orangutans should have never come here until Triple Grotto was ready for them.  That is the bottom line. 

Director Peterson and the Zoological Society/Donors have been pushing to acquire Orangutans for years.  Their wants were the main catalyst for Peterson trying to kick out the Chimps (2015) and replace them with Orangutans.  So no surprise they are here, the surprise and sadness is the timing.  There was and is no proper habitat to exclusively house them in.  ... See previous posts by searching "Orangutans"

Director Peterson knew in 2014, as she put her plan to kick out the Chimps in motion, that she wanted to bring in Orangutans.  

Once it was confirmed, the Chimps would be staying, three things needed to happen.  

*A new living space for the Chimps had to be built. 

*Additional Chimps needed to be brought in.

*Triple Grotto needed to be renovated

Two of those things have been achieved.  The last is still a mystery to everyone.

Since 2015, not one of the Zoo's annual fundraisers, ZooFest has focused on raising funds for the Chimps new space, or subsequently, the renovation of Triple Grotto for the acquisition of Orangutans in the future.  As well, it appears that no Donors have come forward to contribute to the Triple Grotto cause, as they hadn't wanted to for the Chimps for the twenty years prior. 

As soon as the Chimps staying was confirmed, renovation plans for Triple Grotto should have been drawn up, and after sorting funding for the Chimp Expansion, funding for Triple Grotto should have started.  ... The Zoo was seeking Orangutan individuals as early as Fall 2018.  As soon as the Chimps moved out of Triple Grotto in March 2019, renovations of Triple Grotto should have started.  Again, Orangutans should never have been brought here until Triple Grotto was ready.

So let's reiterate, we have two spaces and two species.  One space is indoors. Do the math. 

Now, from the beginning, the Expansion, was supposed to be new bedrooms, a dayroom and a yard, for the Chimps.  No one expected Orangutans to be brought in before Triple Grotto was renovated.  When they were, word was the two species would be rotated.   The Great Ape Passage sign, shows both species, so rotating them sounded like a fine idea when Triple Grotto was part of the idea.  Now that it isn't, we have a huge problem. 

The huge problem, is that not having two outdoor yards, leaves one species inside.  That species has so far been the Chimps.  This is unacceptable.  The Chimps were supposed to be the priority.  They waited decades for this and are now apparently being slighted again.  Its not right.  They are old, they may not have ten, fifteen more years to wait for the Zoo to get its act together.  

Again, I think the Primate Staff is doing the best they can, but something needs to give soon.  The Chimps can't be cooped up in the Dayroom forever, yet what can be done?  There is no other place to put the Orangutans.  The situation has been and is as follows.  The Chimps got access to the new yard May 30, for several days following that, and a few more sprinkled through til their last time in there June 24.  June 25th and forward to date, the female Orangutan has had access.  Her access was limited shortly after her first outing, as the male basically barricaded himself against the trail door leading to the yard, since he doesn't have access the door was closed. That left the new yard with neither Chimps or Orangutans using it for at least two weeks.  New yard, warm weather, and it sat empty.  Note the male Orangutan doesn't have access to the yard because of recall issues.  If he goes out and refuses to come in, that's a problem.  Once the male Orangutan was moved to the long trail, the female could have access.  Since then, I have not seen her spend any extended time in the yard, just in and out.  I estimate her time in yard during an eight hour day is less than an hour.  So with both trails and yard being used for Orangs, the Chimps are shit out of luck for fresh air and sunshine. ... This needs to change NOW! 

The Chimps are obviously not going to get to go to the yard anytime soon.  It also seems like there will be no rotating, so they at least need access to the long trail.  This in no way is meant to be mean to the Orangutans.  I love them, and are very much enjoying them, but them being a priority at the detriment to the Chimps is not acceptable.  ... They have all seen eachother through the windows, there is no drama, so the Chimps need access to the trail.  The Orangs can have access to the trail that leads to the yard.  They can figure out if they are going to let them both have access to the yard or keep them both with only access to the trail and bedrooms.  But again THE CHIMPS NEED TO GO OUTSIDE!  ... The only sad thing about this is the Chimps will see the Orangs using the yard that they can't.  Such a messed up situation, that could have been avoided.

My video about the situation  https://youtu.be/n65rxmqGHD8

I will note here as I have previously.  If Triple Grotto was ready when Orangs got here, the male Orangutan would possibly not have the stubborn recall issues he is exhibiting.  He was taken from his Family for the first time, brought to a new place, with new people, he was most likely scared.  Add in the loud major construction going on right outside, because the new yard wasn't finished either, no wonder he isn't being cooperative.  Bringing him here prematurely made the situation worse.

Let's talk about the detriment to the Chimps that I mentioned. For the past three weeks I have been noticing a change in the Chimps behavior.  The have increasingly pulled back their activity, culminating in them just laying around all day.   These new areas, were supposed to be enriching and exciting for them.  If you look at my early videos, it was.  They were happy, they were exhibiting behaviors and interactions that showed that.  They were up and active, and now they look like their spirits have been broken.  They looked happier, were outside in the sun and had more room (and their twigging mound) in Triple Grotto.  This is not how it was supposed to be for them!

Last week on my last day out of the house, I got home and started my evening routine, the whole time, thinking about my visits that week with the Chimps. By the time I was ready to sit down, I was so upset that I was in tears.  The tears continued this past week as nothing had changed.  The only ambition to be active that I saw in them was Wednesday, when there was activity outside in preparation for the arrival of new Chimps.  The only good thing about the timing of them coming, is that the Chips will have reason to be up and about.  There is no way they will be just laying around with the excitement of new Friends in the house.So, yeah, for those who don't know, we were scheduled to receive three new Chimps by the end of the week. 

So, if you're keeping track, that would be 7 Chimps, and two Orangutans, to manage in two areas.  

The situation just keeps getting worse.  Will 7 Chimps be cooped up in the Dayroom?  How will introductions be done with only six bedrooms and the dayroom?   If we were going to have Orangutans by this time, we needed Triple Grotto done.  ... Now regarding that.  I have heard that the plan remains a mystery because there is no funding! What?!  Its obvious that we need Triple Grotto for the Orangutans, yet no funding for it?  Well, Director Peterson needs to start crying to the Donors, because this is a necessity.  I also heard because of lack of funds, that maybe only one Grotto will be done.  Uh, no, that is not an acceptable sized space for two adult Orangutans and future offspring.  Both the North and Middle Grotto need renovation.  Geez, anyone with compassion can see that.

I also want to note that I understand that there are many factors that both the incoming and outgoing Zoos need to work with to make transfers happen.  I understand that certain Animals need to be moved from their current homes to new homes, even at times not ideal.  But I have to wonder, at what expense?  If there is no proper housing?  No proper area for proper management?  

I've also been thinking about this rotating situation.  Why hasn't it been done?  I early on wondered about whether it would be a sanitation issue.  I then just assumed, since it was mentioned that it wouldn't be, because they were both Apes, and I knew there had been mixed species Ape and Monkey enclosures at other Zoos.  ... This week thinking about it more, I did some research, and come to find out, yes it is an issue.  Before being able to rotate these two species, the areas would need to be sanitized before and after, use by each species.  How this was ever a considered option is beyond me.  I can not see there being enough staff or time for this to happen on a regular basis.  

That said, its seeming like the Chimps would then be kept inside most of their life.  This is wrong, and again, it comes directly back to Director Peterson, not making sure Triple Grotto was renovated before acquiring Orangutans.  

The way these poor Animals are and will be living, is a result directly dictated by how Director Peterson has managed the priority of projects at the Zoo.  

The damage has been done.  The Chimps need to go outside NOW.  Triple Grotto renovation needs to happen NOW.  Director Peterson, what is your plan?

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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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Chimpanzee Introductions! Cobby and Qadeer Sharing the Same Space!

Another piece in the new and enriching journey of our Chimps!

Last week, I happened upon the first day of introductions between Cobby and Qadeer!  So exciting!  I had no idea they were at this stage yet, as last I knew they were still at the distance stage, first of three, that included subsequent stages of separation by glass and then fencing.  So I was shocked when I shadowed the path viewing glass and saw Qadeer, then Cobby!

I had noticed that our three long-time residents had not had access to the Triple Grotto the visits I made the week before.  Someone said they heard that they were no longer going to be able to have access, as the Zoo was going to start renovating that for Orangutans.  I will post about this separately.   ... I only note it here as I have to wonder if introductions weren't fast-tracked because of the loss of access to the Triple Grotto and having the Dayroom as the Chimps only? enclosure area at this time?  Which would mean if they weren't introduced asap, then either Cobby, Maggie and Minnie would be locked in the Bedrooms, or Qadeer would.  You don't see the steam coming from my ears, but since the new yard is still no where near finished, if this is the actual scenario, that would mean the Chimps have no outside access.  The thought of this is very upsetting. 

I knew the plan was to introduce Cobby and Qadeer first (the two males), and then the girls.  You can view my video of short clips taken on my cell phone, as I was out of battery power on my camera, after spending the morning watching our Park Owls new babies!  You can view videos of the Owlets on my Youtube if interested.  

https://youtu.be/NBdYkqZOrVI

Ok, I digressed. I was so happy to be able to see this process in the early stages.  I didn't think it would be public, but lucky to have the experience.  I haven't talked about my interpretation with anyone, but as you can see, it seemed to be going very well.  I hope I'm right!

When I walked up, Cobby was in the top left corner, and Qadeer on the bottom.  For the most part Qadeer had range of the lower area and Cobby the top.  I watched for an hour and a half and while they stayed stationary in certain areas at times, there was initiation of play on Cobbys part, with what looked like him gesturing to Qadeer to join in the play.  While that didn't seem to put Qadeer off, he didn't accept the invite and retreated to the Keeper fence, where Curator Joe Knobbe gave him a mirror.  The mirror seemed to keep him comfortable.  ... The video opens with a smiling Cobby.  He was on top when I walked up and about twenty minutes later as he made his way around the room, he came over to the window, as he does when he sees me, and was smiling huge and gesturing about his new Friend!  I was happy that he wanted to share this with me, but also apprehensive to respond to him because I didn't want to interfere with what was going on, knowing Chimps behavior can easily change. I stepped back a bit and then he remembered the daily boot check, and stood up to see my boots.  So cute, he does this every visit!  Never gets old.  Then he sat back down, still smiling.  I didn't want him to think I didn't love him by not responding, so I smiled back and shook my head a bit to acknowledge and said, That's your new friend!  That's when I took the clip and he was still smiling, then went off.

I'm so happy that this appeared to be going smooth.  I was worried about us getting another male as Cobby hasn't been around another male for near fifty years.  Maggie and Minnie have never been with other Chimpanzees, except Cobby and our beloved Tallulah.  I Love our Chimpers, they have been great in behavior toward Qadeer.  Qadeer had it rough in his previous social group, so this needs to be good for all of them. 

The next day, was the same between them.  No close interaction, but I witnessed another initiation of play from Cobby.  Will add the link when I post it, and definitely to the first day video.

https://youtu.be/UgKkFD48ozY

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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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HOT TOPIC - What February 24 Means to Me.

This was the easiest post to write.  Alot of it I've said before.  It's a subject that will always touch my soul, and be something I'm proud to have accomplished for my Chimpers.  I was born in 1963.  Cobby came to the Zoo in 1968.  Maggie and Minnie in 1970.  As a Richmond District native and lifelong resident, the Zoo has been a part of my life, my whole life.  These three Chimps have been there as long as I can remember.

I just finished watching the Oscars.  Half way through I thought about four years ago.  Right before the show in 2015, KGO-TV Reporter Dan Noyes, messaged me.  The teaser for our news story on the Chimps would premiere after the Oscars. ... I fell asleep and woke up in the morning to a familiar voice coming from the TV.  Mine. ... That teaser ran more than every hour for the next two days, when the story aired, February 24. 

The story of how the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, wanted to kick-out our precious Senior Chimp Family literally was, in, my opinion, one of the worst SFZoo crimes, and a level of cruelty I found hard to believe could happen. 

Thank you to everyone who helped me be their Voice, whether you signed my Petition, contacted the Zoo, or were part of the News team who got their story to the masses, we are the ones who are responsible for the enriching life the Chimps now have.  For them staying in the only home they have ever known.  For them never having to see the inside of those shipping crates that were being built for them.

On Thanksgiving Day, almost four years later, the new Dayroom opened. I easily spend several hours a week with our Chimpanzees.  Experiencing their new life adventures with them, is a joy.  Seeing the looks on their faces, their body language, the way their new world is enriching their lives, will never get old.

 Minnie!

 Cobby!

Maggie!

 Qadeer!

People are not just loving this Exhibit, they are loving this Exhibit FOR Our Chimps.  The people who have visited Cobby, Minnie, Maggie, and Tallulah (RIP), over the years in Triple Grotto and have wanted more for them, are touched.  I was standing next to a Member the other day who had been visiting the Chimps for over twenty-five years.  She was touched seeing them get something new after so long.  

I hear the words of Visitors,  as they stream into the new Dayroom, and stare with smiles into at our Chimp Friends, "Beautiful" ,"Amazing", "Wonderful", "Awesome", "Incredible", "Neat", ... 

So, four years ago, San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, wanted to get rid of the Zoo's longest and oldest Residents.  She had no idea how much they were Loved.  Or maybe she did and didn't care. They ARE Loved.  Seeing them in the Dayroom has become the Zoo's most popular exhibit.  ... You're Welcome.

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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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New > Chimps Meet Their New Friend Qadeer!

After the sadness of losing two dear Zoo Friends, I skipped a week of going to the Zoo.  I almost skipped last week, but felt the need to go.  I'm glad that I did, it gave me a bit of peace, as well allowed me to be a part of our Chimps continuing new adventures.

The Chimps had already eaten breakfast in the Triple Grotto, so when the Dayroom opened, I expected Qadeer would be in there.   Then the skytrail door was open.  Very curious.  What happened next I did not expect!  

The Chimps came from Triple Grotto, through the skytrail door, Maggie first, then Minnie and finally Cobby.  Maggie came straight down, making a beeline for the front.  She will usually check the window first, which she did, but never stopped like she usually does, without missing a beat, continued toward the Keeper door.  I was talking to someone, and side watching, assuming that she would stop at Keeper door, but then she was gone?!   In the split second that I realized that, she had gone through the door to the new bedrooms and I heard screaming!  In that same moment, Minnie heard her scream, and with a huge smile, she started to scream and ran from the middle platform towards the door after her, Cobby then made a hurried dash from the top, as if he didn't want to miss what was going on!   It happened so fast, and I was so surprised, that I didn't get video of them going in, except for the tail end.

They were all three back there screaming, you could hear them from the other side of the wall.  Such a joyful sound, they were so happy!  After about 7-10 minutes, the Girls ran out, still screaming with the hugest smiles!   They were all over the place with their excitement!  Two Staffers were at the outside viewing window and walking away as they both ran over and sat there, looking like they were telling people they saw their new friend.  So heartwarming.  Cobby came out and came right up to me and pursed his lips, either giving kisses or soft hoots. He surprised me.  I was worried he would be so upset when meeting a new Chimp, especially a male, but wow, he was as calm as can be.  His hair wasn't on end, he wasn't stomping and rocking, just calm.  I'm crying as I write this, because these babies are amazing.  I feel this is going to work out wonderfully and I will witness a new Family group forming.  

I was able to get a few video clips of the excitement.  This pic is a screencap from one.

Can't Contain Chimp Excitement!

Minnie and Maggie after 

seeing Qadeer for the First time!

See the whole Video:

https://youtu.be/V48nnd_6bSw

The Chimps of course went back in, and there was more hootin' and hollerin' over the next couple hours.  The following day, the same thing.  Minnie and Cobby had more interest in food after the initial visit.  Then it was just Cobby in the Dayroom, relaxed and having his greens.  Very good sign that he was still so calm and that he had no problem with the Girls staying in and visiting with Qadeer without him.

I've seen Qadeer several times.  

Here is a video of clips from those visits.

https://youtu.be/_deC83buCAM

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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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I Got Lucky and Met Qadeer! - First Sighting!

Qadeer (pronouced Kah-dear) has finally been given access to the playroom, which I guess I should start calling the Dayroom as that's what the Zoo calls it.  When I got there on a Monday morning a couple weeks ago, a couple staffers told me he had access over the weekend.  I was surprised and jealous that I had not been able to see his first time out, but anxious and excited that I might get lucky that day!  

  

Well, lucky I got!  After swinging by the second time, I headed towards the Farm, stopping at Flamingos to chat with a couple people.  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see our three one by one, heading back over to Triple Grotto and then I saw the skytrail door closing.  I knew what that meant and I went back to the Dayroom, entering just as Qadeer did!  

Very happy to finally get to see him!  He seems a bit shy, not sure if being up-close to people is something he's used to.  He never came to the window, but did sit a couple times for a few minutes to eat something.  Mostly, I watched him gather food, and stop to look out the windows for new friends, before quickly taking his haul back to his bedroom!  He did this over a handful of times, each time exactly the same thing.  I have many photos of him standing bipedal, stretching his neck out trying to see them.  It was very cute, how interested and curious he was.  I know he and Maggie caught quick glimpses of eachother through the window, while she was in the skytrail, but kept missing eachother for a direct sighting.  At one point Maggie went to the skytrail door, which is frosted, and he could see her silhouette.  Then one time much later, Cobby went to the door and his fur was on end making his silhouette almost take up all the door, as opposed to Maggie's which was about a third. Qadeer looked up and got a bit of a surprised look on his face, like whoa what is that? lol!   

I hung out there about an hour, hoping to catch he and Maggie seeing each other for what would have been the first time, but no luck.  They always just missed each other.  I would have waited but didn't have the time that day.  I do wonder what Maggie was thinking.  Her glimpses of him were probably not as clear as his, since the view from inside out doesn't have the window reflection that there is from outside in.  I would guess that in her wildest imagination, that after fifty years, another Chimpanzee is not what she would think was in there! Our Precious Chimpers are in for another amazing adventure that will enrich their lives, and Sweet Qadeer's!

I ran out of battery power and only had my cell phone, but thankfully was able to catch all this cuteness using it.  Sometimes technology makes me cranky, but in this case, being able to document a first, I was very grateful to have it. 

Enjoy these first videos of Qadeer!  

San Francisco Zoo New Chimpanzee Qadeer - First Sighting!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8a5vBW2Zy0

San Francisco Zoo New Chimpanzee Qadeer - Looking For Friends Pt One!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vABrSNjyzN8

San Francisco Zoo New Chimpanzee Qadeer - Looking For Friends Pt Two!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0TW5AWZsJU

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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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Chimpanzee Expansion - Another Update!

I started this two weeks ago, but actually glad I didn't get the energy for it til now.  This Month's Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Document in regard to Acquisitions, notates information on our new Male Chimpanzee!  So together with the two Females noted in my previous post about the Chimps, we now have information on our three new Chimps! 

Week before last, I also made this video.  Shows a bit of the SkyTrail progress, but what I love is the chat I had with Minne and Cobby.  They probably can't hear me, and who knows if the could or would even know what I'm talking about, but I love talking to the Zoo Friends.  Here I'm telling them all about the exciting times ahead for them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHmWzp0w4sU

Minnie

It was several weeks ago now that I started to work on the few posts that I had in current draft form.  I thought since writing about the Zoo takes alot out of me, I'd get those out and then be done for awhile, maybe just writing about a new topic here and there.  I started with the fun stuff, about the Komodo and Chimp's new enclosures.  I didn't even get to the tough one, when things came my way and I started thinking about a few posts I had back-burnered and wasn't even going to continue working on.  Gotta say, they are nagging at me and I may end up randomly finishing and posting them.

Since my last post, I have another Update on the Chimpanzee Expansion Project.  Its moving along pretty fast, progress each day I visit.  I made a few more videos, but decided except for the one above, they were too much like my others, construction info and my personal ideas on further use of space.  I tried to illustrate visually all the things the could happen with the surrounding areas available.  It got overwhelming as thoughts continue to come to mind, in regard to ideas based on how I'm viewing the logistics of the situation.  I think rather than use multiple videos, I'll just try to write it out and use previous videos of area I'm referring to as the visual.   Who knows, most  readers might consider this just a rambling of ideas, and it pretty much is.  But, I'm always thinking about how the Zoo can improve, so why not put it all down.  Maybe it will spark an idea in the minds of Management. 

So many thoughts about the future of the "Great Ape Passage"  that will soon start with the opening of the Chimpanzee Expansion.  What I'm basically trying to figure out is how the current Chimp enclosure, the Triple Grotto will eventually be renovated.  When the current expansion in the Pachyderm Building is completed, there will be a new indoor night quarters with six bedrooms, to accommodate our current three Chimps and the three new Chimps.  There will be an indoor playroom, and an outdoor yard.  These areas will be connected to the Triple Grotto.  By connecting, what I have now heard will be two Skytrails (the second one going from the South Grotto to the new side yard), there must be a commitment to at least keep the current Triple Grotto House in any future plans?   

The future of this area does seem to have a big ? mark on it.  Three years ago Director Peterson put forth photos that showed a definite plan to bring in Orangutans for the area that is currently the Triple Grotto.  Those plans were drawn up under the assumption that Director Peterson's plan to kick out our Precious Senior Chimps would succeed.  

I don't know what the timeline is for acquiring Orangutans.  My calculations are at least 2-4 years.  For one, nothing can be done to manage another Great Ape Species in that area until renovation of Triple Grotto or build of another enclosure takes place.  And most important, nothing can be done until our current three Chimps are fully introduced and integrated with the three new Chimps.  Chimp introduction could take years.  How big the new side yard will be, is another important factor, but from my calculations, using the Pachyderm expansion as the only Chimp habitat during a project that would put the Triple Grotto out of commission, doesn't seem right.  Guess it will be a wait and see what space the expansion provides. 

I don't know if those original project plans are being followed, but if so, again it would be pending size of expansion space, there might then be a need for an additional Chimp yard to be built before any Triple Grotto work can be done.  It appears to me the Chimps would need access to a larger space if the Triple Grotto was out of access.  Especially with six Chimps. 

I made a series of three videos in 2015, with some ideas for the expansion, past the Skytrail/Playroom project.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF26aVLmfQc 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0zY6U8973w

Since I'm reaching back to 2015, I must mention something I read a few months ago.  Going back to that first evening, at the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting when it was announced the Chimps would be staying. Director Peterson pulled out this diagram for a Chimp Forest.  She mentioned it cost $10 Million and eluded that if not for the price tag it would be a consideration, if a lead donor came through.  Gotta say, I feel frauded.  I was recently researching something and came across a news article that mentioned the $10 Million Chimp Forest Project.  It would seem like she pulled out some old plans and presented it as a serious option if she met her fundraising goals.  At the time it was mentioned with the enthusiasm that the "biggest fundraising effort to date" was going to be an actual thing.  It never happened.  So even though, the proposed site for the Chimp Forest, through my own research,  was not a viable location for Primates, in relation to weather, because of its position near the beach, there was still the guise that a huge deal was about to be made to get the Chimps a new home.  I just wanted to document that because it really rubbed me the wrong way.  I would have preferred her just say, Chimps are staying and we are going to do everything we can to give them a more enriching life.  Provide them with more space, upgrade their current home, and social options.

I'm actually fine with there not having been a real plan to build a brand new enclosure.  Part of My Crusade to Save the Chimps, was because I felt they needed to stay in the only home they had ever known. I love what is being added with the SkyTrail and areas within and connected to the Pachyderm Building.  I think adding those Environmental Enrichment options to their lives while they are still allowed access to the familiarity of the Triple Grotto is the best thing for them.  At their age, I think too much change, especially all at once would be detrimental.  

So, back to what will happen next.  Who knows.  Will the Zoo go ahead and try to get Orangutans and rebuild the Triple Grotto for them?  Will there be another area for the Chimps during that time?  Would any new area built on that site be a rotating enclosure with the Chimps?  These are the things that I wonder about for the future.

The Zoo has proven to not have funding for huge projects.  They often don't even have funding for small projects. Aside from their fundraising abilities, its really disgusts me that in a City as rich as San Francisco, that there is virtually no City funding to even provide for upgrades.  What's wrong with this town?  

That all said, I am all for re-purposing old exhibits.  I have read and heard views where Zoo purists (the Zoo Chat forum is one) think the Zoo should knock down buildings and build fresh from the ground.  In my opinion that is a waste of time these Animals don't have, and money the Zoo doesn't have and probably never will.  The existing buildings and exhibit walls seem to be sturdy foundations, so why not use them.  These same Zoo purists have definite thoughts about what Animals they want and don't want.  It amazes me that a group of people so invested in Zoos (and this goes for not only these purists, but also the elitists within our Management/Society) who would ignore taking care at home first.  I've written this before, but you do right by those in your current care before bringing in new Beings to care for.  Sorry to digress but anytime I hear something related to this, its very upsetting.

So, back to my thoughts.  Some of the ideas that come to mind are similar to those you will see in one of those 2015 videos.  I talk about re-purposing the Triple Grotto.  I still think that's the best idea for renovation of that space.  There is so much unused topical space because of the moat.  I have always thought filling in the moat and glassing it in would be the best way to go to create more space, in the least expensive way.  Extending the topical space, would allow to keep the current familiar structures, as well as add in other landscape enrichment.  The three existing Grotto's could be one enclosure or it could be split, with the North and Middle, one enclosure, and the South and the cement walk area South of that, a second enclosure.  This way both Chimps and Orangutans can occupy that space.  The Chimps would have their night quarters in the Pachyderm Building and access to the Grotto's via the SkyTrail.  The Orangutans occupying the existing Chimp House.  There will be a SkyTrail connecting the new yard to the South Grotto, so interchanging the enclosures would also be an option.

So, back to wondering how work can be done on the Triple Grotto at all with only the Pachyderm area available to six Chimps.  There is still the North side of the Pachyderm Building.  There is indoor space, outdoor space at side of the building and the huge meadow area across the path, between the Binowee Aviary and the Food Depot.  Even if the Zoo didn't want to use anymore of the Pachyderm Building, that unused meadow area in my opinion is a prime location for an additional Ape Passage yard.  It could be built out while Triple Grotto still in use, and then used in place of it while under renovation.  After renovation, via SkyTrails it could be used for both Chimps and Orangutans.  I don't think building it out specifically for Orangutans would be doable, as a new "house" would have to be built then as well, adding to the price tag significantly.  But, a yard, totally doable. 

Seeing what they do next will be interesting.  I think there's a lot to consider, maybe even more than what I've currently thought about.  

I'm looking forward to Summer which is my estimate for this current stage to be finished.  I sure hope the Zoo documents and Shares! all the new experiences our Maggie, Minnie and Cobby will be having.   I want to see video of our Chimpers the first time they use the Skytrail!  The first time they explore the Playroom!  The first time they explore the new Yard!  The first time they see their new Friends!  It will be a long introduction process, so how will their first hellos be seen?  Will it be via howdy mesh?  Will it be via a window from across the path?  Will they wave to eachother from Grotto to Grotto?  I imagine this, assuming the new Chimps could go to North Grotto, while our current Chimps have access to Middle and South Grotto.   

I can't wait for them to have these new experiences.  I can't wait to meet their new Friends! It will be an exiciting time in all their lives and for those of us who have wanted this for them for so long.