Oscar Day Always Reminds Me Of How We Almost Lost Our Chimpanzees

While I have weaved in good stuff during the years, the goal of this blog has always been to document all the things that just aren't right.  Writing posts has never been easy.  It's not only been time consuming, but more damaging, it's been emotionally draining and many times has caused great anxiety.  A few years ago, while trying to get to all my posts in draft, I decided to streamline them and only concentrate on the ones that illustrate what are in my opinion the worst actions Director Tanya Peterson has perpetrated on the Zoo, in an effort to highlight her extreme mismanagement.

The list is lengthy, but can and will be narrowed in a future post.  That said, this time of year always reminds me of what almost happened to our Chimpanzees at the hands of Director Tanya Peterson.

For those who are unfamiliar with this disturbing almost event, I'll try to synopsis it, as well here is the link to my dedicated blog that covers every aspect of it.

http://savesfzoochimps.blogspot.com

I grew up coming to the Zoo (circa the 1960s) and seeing the same Chimpanzees that I would become endeared to as an adult.  Within a couple years span, the Zoo had acquired four Chimpanzees that would become a family who called the Zoo and it's new Triple Grotto enclosure home for over forty years.  Tallulah arrived at eight yrs old in 1967, Cobby at ten years old in 1968, and Maggie and Minnie at the same time, at less than one year of age in 1970. ... In 1997 SF Residents voted for a $48 million bond for the Zoo, that was in part supposed to be used to build the Chimpanzee's a new home.  They were used as the "poster child" for the campaign, with their faces literally on posters, rallying for city residents to vote for the bond.  The money was misappropriated and the Chimp's continued to live in the same enclosure, as is for the next twenty-two years.  At no time did any of the Directors (David Anderson, Manuel Mollinedo, or Tanya Peterson) during that time frame, make any attempts to fundraise for the Chimps to have a new home built, or even to provide their existing home any upgrades. ... With the passing of our beloved Tallulah in early 2013, our Chimp family was reduced to three members.  The AZA's Species Survival Plan who monitors what Chimps live where, put forth the recommendation that three was not the ideal size social group for Chimps.  They also would not send any additional Chimps to live in the ancient Triple Grotto enclosure.  There is more to this in regards to ideas for solving this issue, but for this post, I'll leave it at that. ... During 2013, I had been contacted by a childhood fan of Cobby's.  She was also a filmmaker, and after a couple of our chats, decided to make a documentary on Cobby.  She planned a trip to see Cobby in late 2014.  I had been planning a series of blog posts about the status of the Chimpanzee enclosure for some time, even before the loss of Tallulah.  I put off finishing and publishing those posts til after the filmmaker's visit. ...  In late January 2015, word got to me via Keepers that Director Tanya Peterson had planned to ship the Chimps out.  Sitting here writing this, I still get chills.  In the two years since Tallulah, kicking out senior Chimpanzees from the only home they have known, was the action she chose to take.   Getting rid of the longest Zoo Residents, instead of giving them the home they were promised back in 1997,  securing they could live out their lives in an environment they knew, with people they knew, is unconscionable.  

I was told of this dastardly scheme by Keepers, because they knew I would make some noise about it.  They were right.  I was consumed empathetically by what my poor Chimp Friends would go through, if this happened to them.  Within a day, I had a dedicated blog, facebook group, twitter, petition, videos, meme's, anything I could think of to gain awareness to this moral crime.  I wrote letters to the board and city officials.  After about a week, a friend who knew Dan Noyes from KGO-TV, contacted me.  I called him and asked if he could do a story about this.  He was on it immediately.  I gave him all the people to interview, and he traveled by car eight hrs to one, by plane to Chicago and Florida, for two others.   He and his team did a great job and the story was ready in less than two weeks. 

While watching the Oscar Red Carpet, I got a message from Dan... The teaser commercial would run after the Oscars!  I fell asleep during the award show, and woke up hours later to a familiar voice, mine.  The teaser was replaying.  Evidentially it had been on heavy rotation since airing.  I had tons of messages.  Everytime I had on channel 7, from then til the Tuesday night broadcast, I saw the teaser and my face, at least three times an hour.  

I am so thankful for Dan's help in bring awareness to the Chimps plight. I have a decent but small following, so my voice is limited and what I needed, what the Chimps needed was public outcry and outrage.  The news story did just that.  Two days later, was the Zoo's Monthly Meeting.  That day I was still working hard for my Chimpers, and cut it close getting to the Zoo in time to visit them before the Meeting.   I got a message from a Keeper, "You did it!  Chimps are staying!"   I'm crying as I type this, just like I did in that moment.  I had never done anything like this, and the feeling was joy, relief and a sense of wow at the achievement.  I helped them in a way that no one else had been able to do, and through this crusade I had learned of two other attempts by Keepers, once in the 80's and once during the early 2000's.  When I next visited the Zoo a Keeper saw me and announced, "There's the most powerful woman in San Francisco!"   I don't know about that, but I have appreciated every one who recognized my efforts.  And that Keeper's statement was inline with the fact that I did basically go up against a group of City influentials and came out winning a new lease on life for my Chimpanzee 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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Orangutan's To Finally Get Yard - Triple Grotto Update 2.21.20

Two weekends ago I made progress on all the draft posts I've been talking about for over a year.  I thought that was it.  That I was almost done for awhile.  That I would be caught up.  While it seems that can be my reality, some things happened since then, that I felt I needed to bat out before then. ... Will start with this.

Ten months after the Orangutans arrived at the Zoo, an enclosure they can have daily access to, will finally be created.

Work on the North Grotto in the old Triple Grotto exhibit, could start as early as Monday.

This past Tuesday, I noticed that the overgrown bushes in front of Triple Grotto had been cut down.  By Thursday, lumber creating a plank in two places in Middle Grotto, that appear to be positioned for worker access to North Grotto.  

 

I did a short video overview.  Will post all updates on construction progress on my YouTube.  Subscribe to follow along.  I don't plan to post an update again until its done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzXoO3Jgspc

If you've been following along, I'm sure you agree, this is long overdue.  So, before anyone applauds this, let's not forget the facts.

This screencap is from the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting Minutes.  It supports my long standing opinion that the Orangutans were brought here prematurely.  Why? I can only guess, to have something new for the Summer, in light of the hole the tear-down of the Primate Center left, the disappearance of more than half the Monkeys, and the Snow Leopard Construction.  This presentation was made on March 21, 2019 with a notation that Orangutans would be coming later in the year. As well, it's curious that the Acquisitions seemed to have been made before the Committee even approved them. Something is not right with the oversight system.  See related post linked at end.

The Male Orangutan arrived in less than a month after that presentation, the Female two weeks later. At the time, the Chimpanzee Yard was not even finished.  There was no dedicated outdoor space for Orangtans.

The Chimp Yard was finished and in use by end of May.  By end of June, Chimps were locked inside with no outdoor access or fresh air for seven weeks during Summer.  The Female Orangutan had yard access.  Male had not been given access yet.

Mid August, Chimps reclaimed access to their yard.  The Orangutans were given access again on January 17th.  It had been four months since the Female had access, and the entire Eight Months since his arrival that the Male had been outside the trail and bedrooms. 

Not having a third space created in the Great Ape Passage, so that both the Orangutans and Chimpanzees could have daily outside access, is a serious Animal Welfare issue.  It is cruel and should be an unacceptable offense on the part of SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson.   Both these Great Ape species have had a great disservice done to them. The Orangutans situation may be the top disrespect in the last decade, in a close tie with our beloved Falcor the Komodo Dragon.   

As I said in a previous post, the overdue construction to make a space for the Orangutans, is not a redemption, it's a relief. 

Related post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/understanding-how-orangutan.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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News on Triple Grotto! - Orangutan Update - 1.13.20

I came across this photo recently and wanted to share it. Since this post is about Triple Grotto, I thought I'd do so here.  Taken by me many years ago.  I have always love it and cherished its perfect capture of Our four Precious long-timers, Cobby, Tallulah, Maggie and Minnie.  Enjoying the sun in South Grotto.  I Love them.

Before I report what the update is, I want to say a few things. ... If you want to skip to the update, scroll down to highlighted paragraph.  I hope that even if you do, that you will read the entire post, as I always put alot of time and energy into writing a well illustrated post.

I got this update on Monday.  Since then I have been trying to decide how to write this post.  The main thing was whether or not to name who I got it from.  This person is not someone who I talk to in confidence, so that is not the reason.  Regardless of whether in confidence or not, I don't want anyone who talks to me, to be vulnerable to any wrath.  So, I decided not to use a name.

After my blog post How Long Will The Orangutans Live in the Skytrails? dated 9.29.19  I started weekly updates, that included blog posts and videos, regarding the situation.  The first week in December was the eight month mark that the Orangutans had been at the Zoo and still had no proper home.  It had been the full eight months since the male had been anywhere except the bedrooms and trails.  In that same eight months, the female had access to the yard for seven weeks.  For those seven weeks, the Chimps were locked inside, with no outdoor access or fresh air, for the whole Summer.  None of my social media efforts seem to be making a difference in shaming Zoo Director Tanya Peterson to do the right thing and move forward with creating a space in Triple Grotto for the Orangutans.  

At that point, I thought, enough of this crap.  What is going on?  Why is this being allowed to happen?  I sent an email to the AZA President Dan Ashe, the Orangutan SSP Chair Lori Perkins, and Orangutan Studbook Keeper Megan Elder.  I never expect to get responses, and I didn't, but I wanted the people responsible for sending these poor Animals to a place that has no proper home for them to know what was going on (if they didn't already), and that someone is watching and documenting this crime.  After eleven days, I sent the same message via Facebook Messenger to the AZA and the SSP.  The gist of the message was a repeat of my emails, Do you know...?  Maybe they did and didn't care, maybe they bought the illusion that there was or would be a place for them in the new Great Ape Passage.  Hard to believe that any professional would think rotating them through the Dayroom and Yard with an eventual Troop of seven Chimpanzees, was a feasible option, which I have illustrated many times it is not.   My message included a link to one of my shaming videos. ... Three days later the Orangutans had access to the yard.  Two days after that, there were people in Triple Grotto.  I'm not assuming my correspondence is connected to those events, but I'm not one who believes in coincidence.

That said, if there was a connection to my correspondence and something happening at this time, its disgraceful that a member of the public has to go to these lengths to get something done, when the Director who pulls in a hefty salary, is getting paid to ensure the right thing is being done for the welfare of the Animals in the Zoo's Collection and those being Acquired.

Week before last, was four weeks since the Triple Grotto sighting, I still had not seen any sign of anything happening.  I decided enough waiting, I want an official word in regard to the situation.  We all deserve to know what's going on. 

This past Monday, I saw an upper management staffer who I talk to.  I approached and asked specifically, "What's the time frame on a space in Triple Grotto for the Orangutans?"  My question was met with, "We're working on it."  I said, "Well they have been here for eight months and should have had something before they got here, but we are way past that now."   The instance of them going to the yard three times a week, was quickly put forth, to which I noted that has only been happening for the past few weeks.

There was more discussed, mostly the same that I write about here in posts.  I will note about some of it in later paragraphs, but for the purpose of getting to the point, the update, the main take-away is this,...

There will be a renovation to the North Grotto.  There will be no netting!?  The only topical information I was given was that the exisiting bridge between the bedroom building and the island, would be removed and replaced.  I have no other information about what the renovation will include.  The design team from MK Think who did the Snow Leopard and Madagascar designs is working on it.  I was given a timeline of two months.  I don't know whether that is done in two or starting in two.  I would have to think the later.  

Before I go any further, I want to say a few things.  Thank you to this person for the information.   I always appreciate the conversation.  I have known this person for years, and even though our views are different, and I know this person does not like what I write in this blog, but it seems it has never been held against me.  I approach with questions as a member of the public and should be treated with the same courtesy, regardless of my personal opinions and what forum I share them.  I value a healthy discussion and rational dialog, something other people there could take note to learn.  I hope that continues, as I will say, that I will continue to believe what I believe based on what I see with my own eyes, what I learn about situations (both from my own research and outreach), and what my conscience tells me.   

That said, I want to bat about some things from the conversation.  I didn't get into a debate about these things in conversation because the purpose was to find out when a space would be created, not to enter into a debate knowing we each believe what we believe.  Contrary to what some think, my opinion is just that.  I write the posts to document information, and in addition to facts, I use my opinion to support the issue.  My opinion, is not meant to tell anyone what to think.  The facts stand for themselves.  I was told in this conversation, that I write negative things.  I answered, "Yea but they're true."     

My comment that there should have been a space for the Orangutans before they got here, was addressed.  The reasons given were repeated a few times.  It was noted that the male, until recently was not recalling.  It was noted that it took time to introduce the two. ... I personally don't see the relevance of either reasoning.  Regardless of personality and procedure, when an Animal is acquired, there should be a proper home for it at that time, or upon the completion of quarantine.  Regarding the issue of the male's recall.  Yes I heard that was a concern, if he had went into yard earlier (when female had access).   My understanding was that is because at the time it was a shared yard. If this was their own yard, if he wanted to stay out all night, so be it.  He went out to the trails and stays there all night.  My personal opinion that I've expressed in previous posts, is that he knows his name, so because there were circumstances with his transfer (on both sides) that could have caused him to not be happy with the situation and therefore be stubborn about recalling. In regard to introductions.  As I remember, they were introduced soon after they arrived.  Getting them to interact favorably may have come later, but in my opinion has no bearing on there being a proper home for them.  If there was a yard that they could have had daily access to straight out of quarantine, their interaction may have even progressed quicker.  The Zoo is lucky that the male took refuge in the trail for months.  The Zoo really would have had a problem if they had two active Orangutans stuck in the trails.

Another reason given, that I heard, funding.  Again, this is something I've already written about.  The Zoo Director and Society, have wanted to bring in Orangutans for at least five years.  This was the catalyst for Director Peterson trying to kick out our Senior Chimpanzees in 2015.  So at minimum, they have had five years to raise funds for creating a space in Triple Grotto.  The two spaces created in the first phases of the Great Ape Passage, the Dayroom and Yard, were created for the Chimps.  A third space in Triple Grotto is needed for the Orangutans, and to make the whole exhibit, including trails, complete.  That is the only feasible way to rotate the two species, so both have daily outdoor access. 

The Yellow Loop shows the area the Great Ape Passage is supposed to encompass.  

I left it open ended at Middle Grotto since that seems to not be part of the current plan.

Screencaps from Google Satellite Map

Seemingly taken during first phase of construction.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sloat+Blvd,+San+Francisco,+CA+94116/@37.7338905,-122.5028247,16z/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x808f7d7145afd71d:0xd489456a03250c4e

I'm going to continue on talking about Triple Grotto.  Already noted was the confirmation that the third space will be renovated in North Grotto only.  I have given my opinion in many posts about what I think is the best and logical thing to happen there, and doing just North Grotto and doing it first isn't it.  That said, obviously, in that regard all I can do is fantasize.  If you haven't read my opinion before, its basically, first do South Grotto.  Net it over, and be done with it for now.  Just to give them immediate access.  Then, take the time to do a permanent space right.  In my opinion any space created should compliment the two new spaces, as it is an extension of them in finishing the Great Ape Passage.  Its also my opinion that the North and Middle Grotto should be combined by filling in the moats.  The grotto islands are not enough topical space.  In the photo, I have circled the island and the outer circle.  When the Chimps lived in Triple Grotto, they had access to all three islands and it still wasn't enough.  When in North Grotto, they sat like literal bumps on a log, on that structure, because there was no place else for them to go.  I hope that is not all that's planned for the Orangutans.  It sure won't be a space that seven Chimpanzees can rotate into.  I sure hope the renovation somehow extends the topical space, but without netting, I don't see how that can happen.  Without that happening, I don't see how much renovating can be done to North Grotto, and frankly fear the Orangutans will be pretty much living in North Grotto as is.  This would be sad, and feel like a quick fix to a pressing problem.  Hope I'm wrong.  I still think filling in the North Grotto moat is essential at some point.  Regardless of what happens now or in the future, expanding the topical space of North Grotto has to happen.

My previous post about Triple Grotto.
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/09/triple-grotto-renovation-when-and-what.html

That all repeated, I actually have a new idea.  With all the rain we have been having, in addition to the popularity of the Dayroom, my new idea is creating more indoor spaces.  With the news that only North Grotto will be renovated, there would be space for my new idea, which would be in the space of Middle Grotto.  It would take filling in the moat and netting.  Creating an indoor viewing area for visitors that is an extension of North Grotto.  Initial thought, something covered, like at Sifaka, but with the animal side enclosed like a mini-dayroom, but that opens out into the Grotto.  So not two separate spaces, but something that even during bad weather both the animals and visitors can be sheltered, while not sacrificing any topical space.

So, to wrap-up, I am glad to have an Official word on what is going on with Triple Grotto.  No matter what is done, the goal is to get the Orangutans daily access to a yard as soon as possible.  

I still maintain that there should have been a third space created before the Orangutans got here, or at least soon after.  The Orangutans have lived all to most of eight months in a caged tube.  The Chimpanzees suffered seven weeks without fresh air and outside access to a yard created for them.  At this point, the efforts are all just too late.   The damage has been done.  When the space is done, there will be no redemption, just relief.

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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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Will the Orangutans Get a Home by their Anniversary?

Today will be three weeks since the Orangutans started having access to the yard.  From what I can figure, they get to go out twice a week.  So, over 21 days, they have been out of the caged tube approximately 6 times.

I haven't uploaded photos from my SD cards in quite a while, so this is a picture taken off the back of my camera from New Year's Eve when I saw them out in the yard.

When I wrote my last update about them going out,  I didn't write much of what I saw and my thoughts. I thought I'd wait, as I expected to see something else by now, but there has been nothing.  No maintenance to the area at all.  No paint prep for the night quarter building.  No NOTHING.  So, this means, there will apparently be no third area created anytime soon so the Orangutans can have daily access to a yard.  As they head into their nine month as Residents of the San Francisco Zoo, they still have no proper home.

Video I took yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9Hgh5q1lZI

A note about what I saw at Triple Grotto on 12.19.19  As I stood watching the Orangutans, I heard non-zoo staff inside the exhibit talking about measurements and one of them came out into the long trail and took photos toward the night quarter building. For me if attention was only paid to North Grotto, that does not seem to be the quickest way to get the Orangutans into a yard, unless its going to be a quick build just to get them out.  That would be curious, as there has been nothing quick about resolving this issue, or about what's best for the Orangutans.

As I've written, ideally South Grotto would be netted over immediately, so they have access to a yard now.  Then they can continue to take their time renovating an area in North and Middle Grotto that will compare in style to the dayroom and yard and complete the Great Ape Passage.  Anything less, in my opinion will be something they slap together just to get it done.  Then they can move on to other projects I hear are in the works, like the alleged plan to ship out our Tucker the Hippo, in favor of expanding the Black Rhino area.  THIS is another disgraceful plan in my opinion.  More on that another time.

So, as it usually goes I'm sure there are people on staff who will get their panties in a twist about what I've documented, but that's not my problem.  I write the truth.  There is no sugar coating the shameful situation that the Orangutans are in.

Fact: Orangutans brought with no proper space available for them.

Fact: After quarantine female Amoi had yard access seven weeks. ..Chimps then had to be on lock down in Dayroom.

Fact: After being here eight months both orangutans were given access to the yard. It had been four months since the female had been out. It was the first time, since his arrival eight months ago, that the male Ollie had been out.

Fact: There is still no third space, creating a place for the Orangutans to have daily outdoor access.

When members of the public ask staff about the Orangutans and where is their exhibit, they have no other option than to sell the illusion that has been forced upon them.   At least now, the rotating of the Orangutans into the yard is not a total lie but two days a week is not right.  They are also obligated to say, the Zoo is working on a plan for Triple Grotto.  That plan seems indefinite and that's just not good enough.

I don't know what prompted the Orangutans getting yard access or the people in Triple Grotto, but this all happened days after I sent out some emails.  That said, if connected, this should not happen because a member of the public complains. It should happen because its the right thing to do.

The Zoo Director, Tanya Peterson, should being doing better for our Animal Residents.  

Our Animal Friends deserve better.

At the end of April, the Orangutans will have been here one year.

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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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Could the Orangutans Finally Be Getting A Proper Home?!!

So, I guess I was premature on my end of year Orangutan Update.   

When I walked up to Chimps yesterday, our three longtimers, Cobby, Minnie and Maggie, along with new lady Jamie were sitting on the stairs that lead from the yard to the short trail.  The three were intently looking toward Triple Grotto.  The girls proceeded to climb higher and all three started hooting!  From their vantage point, they could see into Triple Grotto. I could hear people in there, so something is happening!

Miss Minnie came over 

to ponder with me!

Toggling between my camera and my cell, I uploded the three clips I captured on my cell.  View all three parts starting here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbgfuxytDbE&fbclid=IwAR1lmis16E2ObqPbQMKD5rhicOdo39l9Qmtju04HjgqgUIXPUvQsZq23n-Y

With the event on Tueday of the Orangutans having access to the yard, and then yesterday, Thursday, non-Zoo Staff in Triple Grotto, something is a brewing!  

Some who know me, might be thinking, is that all she has to say?  Haha, of course not!  I did have a much longer post, but for some reason I felt like I should wait to post all my thoughts. 

So enjoy this new development, and let's all hope there is a lovely yard for the Orangutans and Chimps to rotate through soon!  ... As it should have been eight months ago.

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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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Dear Santa, We've Been Good Please Bring Us A Home! - Orangutan Year-End Wrap-Up

With the Orangtans getting to go into the yard yesterday, I'm hoping to take a break from their situation, til after the holidays.  Hopefully there will be some news on something happening in Triple Grotto.  Maybe their Christmas wish will come true!

I started this post as a synopsis for anyone just catching this story recently.  So that will follow.  I did want to share something that happened yesterday morning, as I found it alittle surprising and outrageous in the grand scheme of things.  I've written before, that after I write a post, considering what's happened in the past, I always expect that I could be denied entry at any time, based on someone not liking something I've written, but I don't think I've ever noticed someone who has talked to me consistently in the past to just stop.  So, when I crossed paths with someone who I've talked to for many years, and they just ignored me, when I said, Good Morning, this was my immediate thought.

How am I the Villain in all of this?  Or in any other issue I post about?  The Orangutans are being kept in a caged tube for eight months, but I'm the Villain?  If this wasn't a serious situation, it might be comical. ... A friend said, "Truth-tellers are never appreciated." ... Ain't that the truth!

                                                                                                All I can say is, these are the facts as I know them.  If people can't handle the truth being talked about, or don't believe things such as the Orangutan situation are a problem, then they need to do some soul searching.                                                                                             
The Orangutan Situation:

The Orangutans at the San Francisco Zoo have no exclusive enclosure.  Their living space consists of their bedrooms and one and a half, Skytrails.  The Skytrail is not a Habitat, it is meant as a passage between areas.  This is not appropriate housing for this species.   As of last week, the San Francisco Zoo Director allegedly had no immediate or current plans to provide them with a proper living space.  

In 2015,  Director Peterson wanted to kick out our three Senior Chimpanzees who had lived at the Zoo for almost fifty years.  Public outcry led by my crusade and a news story, forced Director Peterson to let them stay in the only home they have known.    According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines, they would need a new space and additional Chimps to create a better size social group.  As it stood, the AZA would not send any more Chimps to live in their home at the time, Triple Grotto, built in the mid 1960s. 

The new Chimpanzee area would be called The Great Ape Passage.  It will initially consist of new Bedrooms, a Dayroom and a new Yard.  All new areas built out of a renovation of the Historic Pachyderm Building.  Access to the Pachyderm areas from Triple Grotto, would be by Skytrail.  A renovation to Triple Grotto in the future would allow for the addition of Orangutans and the ability for both species to rotate the three areas. 

The renovation to Triple Grotto phase never happened and the AZA still allowed Director Peterson her want of a pair of Orangutans, regardless of there being an appropriate place for them to live.                                

                     

October 2018 - First New Male Chimpanzee arrives

November 2018 - Chimpanzee Dayroom in Pachyderm Building opens

February 2019 - Chimps are Introduced

March 2019 - Chimps move out of Triple Grotto into new Bedrooms in Pachyderm Building

April (end) 2019 - Male Orangutan arrives

May (beginning) 2019 - Female Orangutan arrives

May (end) 2019 - New Chimpanzee Yard opens

The Chimpanzees got to access their new yard for for less than a month.  After that they were locked inside the dayroom with no outdoor access or fresh air for seven weeks.  I wrote a blog post about this and the next day they had access.  They have had access everyday since. 

The female Orangutan was given access to the yard for those seven weeks.  The male was not allowed access as he still had no recall ability.  Once the Chimps were given access to their yard again, I began counting.  Tomorrow would have be four months, since the female had access, but it had been the full eight months since the male arrived, that he had not had access to any outdoor area except the skytrails. (Written to reflect Orangutans having yard access yesterday.)

In September, three new Chimpanzees arrived, bringing the total group size to seven.  This week marks one month of full integration.  There are still random high energy outbursts which even more so, requires there to be enough space for everyone to have their own corner to go to.  This is important during this time as well as for general Chimpanzee management.  According to the AZA Care Manual, their recommended guideline for space for seven Chimps is 4000 sq ft.  The Dayroom and Yard are 3800.  Including the Bedroom space brings it in at the minimum recommendation         .  

The SFZoo's official word is that the two species will eventually rotate.  I've heard different things over the last year, so its been kinda unclear, whether that would be through both areas or just the yard.  In my opinion, and going by the AZA recommendations, rotation without a third space this is not a feasible  option.  Even if they were to rotate periodically or only for half day, that can not happen indefinitely, because of size constraints for seven Chimpanzees, not to mention the need for the Orangutans to have an environment where they can stretch and climb.  Both physical actions are noted in the AZA Orangutan Care Manual. 

Based on what the Zoo has put forth, and the fact that the Orangutans are living in the trails, the Zoo is selling an illusion. It is wrong that these poor Orangutans were brought here without there being a place for them to live.  

So, they went to the yard yesterday, but as I wrote in my previous post about that, it's wonderful, but not a solution.  Something needs to be done to create a third space and soon.  A few months ago I wrote a post of what could happen.  

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/09/triple-grotto-renovation-when-and-what.html

In short, there needs to be a Triple Grotto renovation to create a second yard.  Over the course of this situation, I heard Director Peterson only wanted to do one grotto.  That does not seem like the best use for the space, or for the completed potential of the Great Ape Passage (GAP) project as a whole.  With three grottos, combining two (the North and Middle Grottos) would create a good sized area, that would and should compliment the style that's been created in the dayroom and yard.

At this stage of the situation, in my opinion, it seems like the best approach would be doing whatever gets the Orangutans into a yard that they can have daily access to as soon as possible.  After seeing how long it took for the new yard to be done, it seems any work done at Triple Grotto to make it look like it fit into the GAP project would take months.  Something quick and simple should be considered. 

That would leave the South Grotto, which is currently an off exhibit area.  After the building is painted, that Grotto could be netted over and the Orangutans given access.   It would create a temporary yard for them in a short period of time, which at this eight month mark is needed immediately.  It could be used to house another Primate species at a later time.  Whether they make the area accessible to the public or not, at least the Orangutans would have a yard and that is what is most important.  They could still go to the trails and be visible to visitors.  

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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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OMG! There Was Christmas Joy for Ollie and Amoi! - Orangutan Update!

I tried to post this last night, to be timely with this exciting news, but again I didn't get that far.  

Yesterday, the Universe positioned me in the right place at the right time and I was blessed to witness a wonderful milestone in what is, the Orangutan Situation. 

After visiting Chimps in the dayroom, I was heading to Gorillas and saw Oillie and Amoi sitting side by side.  I dashed over to capture the moment and while I had my camera aimed at them, I heard something. Ollie looked startled, and Amoi moved forward, THEN I noticed the door to the yard opening!  OMG!  Yes, the Orangutans were going in the yard!  

Amoi went right in, but Ollie was a bit freaked out I think.  If you've been following along, Amoi had access to the yard for seven weeks at the start of Summer, Ollie has never had access.  So for him, it was like, WTH is going on?  You mean I get to go to that place I've watch Chimps for the last eight months?!  Yes Ollie you do!

It was amazing and such a joy to see them out of the caged tube!  Especially Ollie who could finally, stretch and climb!  He climbed to the very top, and stood on the Pachyderm Building, where he could see the Ocean!  So happy for him!

Here's some cell pix from my camera screen.

While I did concentrate on documenting all Ollie's firsts, as I did the first time Amoi went into the yard, seeing them together in there was a beautiful thing.  He followed her all around and I got some sweet moments of them together, especially on video!  she showed him how to eat the Rose bushes and Banana tree leaves!

They had a great time and were so happy!  You could literally see smiles on both their faces!  Look on several of Ollie's and this one of Amoi.  Smiles!

I Love these two, I'm so happy for them!  I'm happy for me too, I needed a break from crying about their situation.

It might take awhile for me to review and piece together all clips, but I also got great cell videos,  including the moment Ollie braved it and went through the door!  View all five on my YouTube channel.  

https://www.youtube.com/user/leo811sf

I'm so lucky to have seen this, and hope they get access at least a few times a week, even if it's just half the day.  While this is great and much needed, we must remember, this is not a solution to the serious situation, it's a bandaid.  There still needs to be a third space created at Triple Grotto to complete the Great Ape Passage.  It is the only way two species can feasibly exist at optimum well-being.  

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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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Shame at SF Zoo - No Christmas Joy For Ollie and Amoi

The San Francisco Zoo

promotes

Joy at SF Zoo

Screencap from sfzoo.org

Does this look like Joy?

HELP US!

Ollie and Amoi have been at SFZoo for eight months.  None of that time has been magical.

When Ollie was a babie, would anyone who saw him, cared for him, loved him, thought he'd one day be living in a caged tube?

Screencap from YouTube

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

In her old home Amoi enjoyed hanging out with her Brothers.  She was moved to San Francisco to live in a caged tube.

Screencap from YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=777N4XFoFpc

Show Some Compassion Director Peterson.  

I'm not trying to be rude,
but its a valid question,

What is wrong with you?  

Give the Orangutans a proper home!  

Get them out of that caged tube!

The Orangutans being denied an appropriate living space is proof of Mismanagement and is a serious Animal Welfare issue.

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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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Orangutan Watches Chimp Birthday - Extreme Sadness - My Heart Breaks

As I have been saying last many posts, I'm trying to get through all my posts in draft.  I'm almost there, but damn if things don't happen to set me back.  

Tuesday was Chimpanzee Nick's Birthday.  When I went to Chimps to see if there would be any special treats, Orangutan Ollie was in the trail, watching the Keeper set-up for Nick's party.  

Ollie watching.
Heartbreaking.

I stood there most of the time, which was about a half hour, just watching Ollie.  I took many video clips on my camera that I still haven't uploaded.  Thankfully I took a couple on my cell phone that I posted that day, because I don't think I'll be able to watch the others.  Reliving this sadness is just too much.

Ollie watching part one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfkEvb6QAG8

Ollie watching part two

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFDiUI_uAP0

Watching Ollie was heartbreaking.  It has been for months and the level of upset increases each week I see the Orangutans.  When I left the Zoo, I felt so down.  I loved watching the Chimps have so much fun with their party festivities, but when those moments were over, I saw Ollie and Amoi.  I spend most of my time with the Chimps, so there is no way to avoid the Orangutans.  Under normal circumstances I wouldn't want to, but in this cruel environment, if they weren't next to the Chimps, I might avoid them except to get some quick footage to document their situation.  

The next day, I decided not to go to the Zoo, because I just couldn't see them in that caged tube again so soon.  It's never easy, but I was still feeling emotional from the day before.  I couldn't get Ollies eyes out of my mind.  I went on errands, and broke down crying in my car.  I just can't shake the sadness. I had to try to distance myself from emotions just to finally write this.  I don't understand how this is happening to these Beings?

I wish more people who went to the Zoo understood what is going on.  I think part of the reason they don't, is because who would ever think that an Animal would not have a home?  Again I ask, ... How is this happening?  

I've had many conversations about the situation with the Orangutans, with people both inside and outside the Zoo.  I respect other's thoughts, but they also prompt questions.  Several have said in different ways, that I shouldn't let it affect me so much.  My soul, doesn't know what to do with those words.  While that might work for some, I literally can not turn off my empathy factor.  I just don't understand how anyone can see what's going on and not feel deep sadness.  

From another side of it, it has also been offered, that there might be things I don't know about the situation. This was in response to my wondering why the AZA/SSP sent them here, without there being a home for them.  Maybe the AZA/SSP didn't know there was no place for them?  Maybe Director Peterson sold them the illusion that they would rotate through the Chimps Dayroom and Yard?  Maybe they were told that a third yard in Triple Grotto was happening?   Who knows what transpired that resulted in the Orangutans being sent here.  The fact is, they are here and have been for eight months.  There is NO excuse for these Beings to have no proper home.  I don't know where there blame lays.  In my opinion, it is the AZA/SSP responsibility to confirm a proper home is in place or will be by the end of quarantine, for any Animal they transfer anywhere.  I don't think that is unreasonable, since their position is supposed to be rooted in Animal Welfare.

Some still believe in the rotation illusion.  As I've noted in other posts, with seven Chimpanzees, there is not enough space for this to work on a full-time basis.

It's also been said, Maybe something is in the works?  I've heard this as well, ... for months.  I don't buy it.  Again, it has been eight months.   Even if the Zoo started today, unless it was for a temporary yard, it would be months before something proper would be finished.  The San Francisco Zoo Director is ruining these Animals with each passing day that they languish in that caged tube.

San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson has alot to answer for in regard to the acquisition and housing of the Orangutans.  Unfortunately, she never will. 

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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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No Home For The Orangutans - Eight Months Now! Why Isn't There More OUTRAGE!?

The San Francisco Zoo's Mission Statement

Screencap from sfzoo.org

This coming week will mark Eight Months since the Male Orangutan Ollie arrived at SFZoo.  The female came two weeks later.  There has been no attempt to provide them with a home.  Not just an appropriate home, but a home.  Their exclusive living space is their bedrooms and the skytrails.  Caged Tubes are NOT a Habitat!

Why aren't more people outraged?

As I've noted before.  I will continue to document this cruel situation in weekly blog posts and videos. ... These are from last week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wtg5KhhpTXw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peJDJer-hCY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP3LOZShXTA

Related Posts:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/aza-habitat-guidelines-for-great-apes.html

List of All Pertaining Posts:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/hot-topic-posts-chimpanzees-and.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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More SFZoo Social Media Irritations As Orangutans Languish In a Caged Tube

Again, just like the Thanksgiving Newsletter that I found offensive, my issue with these things is not meant to be bitchy, but come on, the situation with the Orangutans is serious and the Zoo doesn't even seem to care.  They aren't even trying to provide a proper home for them.  It's Sick!

This past Tuesday was the internet wide charitable effort called Giving Tuesday.  The Zoo sent out an edition of their email Newsletter. ... 

Screencap of email lead in

                                           

Screencap of Newsletter

I saw this during the day while I was out, and by the time I got home in the evening, a friend who is also a Member had messaged me with her displeasure about the continued slight to the needs of the Orangutans.

And then, a second appeal the same day (and one previous)!

                                                        Screencap from sfzoo Twitter

It is curious that they are asking for donations for this project, as it has already begun construction.  Was it started before securing full funding?   What if they don't raise what's needed, does the area just sit there torn up and closed off indefinitely?

The Snow Leopard Expansion is one of the projects that is like most, a head-scratcher as far as where it came in on the list of priorities.  In my opinion, knowing that space would have to one day possibly house multiple full size Cats (Mama and offspring), if expanding it was on the agenda, it should have been done before receiving a new breeding pair.   I had been told that Snow Leopards live with their Mama for 2-3 years.  Curiously, our Mama decided she was "done" shortly after the Cubs first Birthday.  I wonder if that has anything to do with the limited amount space. Actually I don't wonder, my instinct is probably right on.  So Mama Anna, Papa Raj and Senior Lady Niya, are all living in separate small aviary pods at the off exhibit Feline Conservation Center. 

Hopefully they finish the expansion and it will allow for all five Snow Leopards to take advantage of more space.  After providing Niya with companionship at FCC, I seriously hope they don't leave her alone.  Plus, so many people miss visiting her.

Director Peterson allegedly claims there is no funds for a renovation in Triple Grotto, which would create a third space in the Great Ape Passage, and allow for the Orangutans to have a proper home.  Yet, there has been no efforts to raise funds for the project.   She has wanted Orangutans for at least five years, and they have been here for eight months.  So, my irritation is valid, as is asking,  At what point will she attempt to raise funds for them?

And then there's this one!  I'm not trying to be Bah Humbug, but this is how I think when I see stuff like this.  I have trouble getting on board with certain things, when other things just aren't right.

Considering the current Orangutan situation,  Ironically this seems to be their tagline for the Holiday Season.  Nice!

Screencap from sfzoo.org

I certainly don't feel Joy when I see the faces of the Orangutans staring out from their caged tube, watching the Chimpanzees moving about freely in a large space.  Pretty sure they aren't feeling Joy either.

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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 Future - Orangutan Week Fifteen and Beyond

As I noted in the Thanksgiving post, I had two posts in draft to post before the holiday.  This is the second one.  It started by making the point that while the previous week ending was week Fourteen, it also marked the Three Month point.  

I think that I should make something very clear at this time, as I haven't spelled it out yet in past posts.  I have been using the point when the female, Amoi stopped having access to the Yard.  She had access for seven weeks, in which the Chimps were locked in to accommodate that access.  So, the Three Month point directly applies to her.  Since the male, Ollie had recall issues, he did not have access to the yard.  So, he has NEVER had access to an appropriate enclosure since he arrived, in mid April.

The Orangutans have been here over Seven Months.  At no point has there been an attempt on the part of Director Peterson to provide them with an appropriate living environment.

Screencap from video

Week Fourteen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYRKWmGPp8M

We all should be wondering, and questioning, What exactly is the hold up of, at the very least, giving them a temporary yard?  Something that could probably be done in less than two weeks.  

Seriously, I have to wonder, is Director Peterson holding out on them in spite, so it doesn't look like she is bowing to my complaints?  I would hate to think that, but Director Peterson brought them here knowing there was no place to properly house them, so their Welfare has apparently never been a consideration. 

Additionally, now that the Chimpanzees are fully integrated, we must also wonder, Will the Zoo initiate their plan of illusion, rather delusion, of rotating the two species between two areas and having that be an appropriate solution?  It is not, and I laid that out in this post:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/aza-habitat-guidelines-for-great-apes.html

As we head into Week Fifteen, (as of this posting will be Sixteen), lets just review some obvious and pertinent questions for those in authoritative positions in our SFZoo World .

San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - 

* Why did you seek and allow the acquisition of the Orangutans, when you knew there was no appropriate housing for them? 

San Francisco Zoological Society Board/Members -

* Why did you allow Director Peterson to move forward with acquiring Orangutans, when there was no appropriate housing for them?

San Francisco Recreation and Park - Joint Zoo Meeting Rep's Allan Low and Eric McDonnell

* Why did you approve the request from SFZoo to acquire Orangutans, when there was no appropriate housing for them?

Association of Zoos and Aquariums -

* Why did you allow the transfer of Orangutans to the San Francisco Zoo,  when there was no appropriate housing for them?

Orangutan Species Survival -

* Why did you allow the transfer of Orangutans to the San Francisco Zoo,  when there was no appropriate housing for them?

All valid questions, all people responsible. 

San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson is supposed to have the welfare of every Zoo Resident in foremost priority.  Assuring each Animal has proper housing, healthcare, diet and whatever else contributes to their overall well-being.  

The San Francisco Zoological Society is allegedly supposed to be the Management for the Zoo.  Yet not one person within the Society or on the Board, seems to take an active role in management.  As I understand it, they are basically who the Director answers to.  There seems to be no management checks and balances at the Zoo.  I've been to the Joint Zoo Meetings, every person on the panel, including Society Board Members, blindly agrees with whatever they are presented with.  It appears the Society can't be bothered with the Zoo and defers to Director Peterson.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park is the City of San Francisco's managing department for the Zoo.  They are allegedly supposed to be above the Zoological Society, and therefore they are who the Society and the Director answer to.  Yet not one person within the Rec and Park, takes an active role in managing or questioning anything in regards to the Zoo.  There seems to be no management checks and balances at the Zoo.  I've been to the Joint Zoo Meetings, every person on the panel, including Rec and Park Members, blindly agrees with whatever they are presented with.  It appears the City can't be bothered with the Zoo and defers to Director Peterson. 

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is the governing organization of all Zoos under their Accreditation.  It is allegedly supposed to be their responsibility to make sure things are within their guidelines.  There are things at the San Francisco Zoo that are obviously not within guidelines.

The Orangutan Species Survival Plan, part of the AZA, is allegedly supposed to be managing the captive population.  It does not seem like good management to send Animals to Zoos with no place to appropriately house them.  Yet, here we are.

Related Posts:
https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/11/hot-topic-posts-chimpanzees-and.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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