Triple Grotto Renovation - When? and What?

Since I didn't get to this post promptly, its now been two weeks since I wrote about the Sad Chimp situation.  The day after I posted, the Chimps were out, and have had access to the yard consistently since then.  Their demeanor has changed, their spirit is back to being bright and no matter what the weather, they have been making use of the yard all day long.  I am beyond happy they are being able to use the yard, a yard that was built for them.  That said, while I'm happy for the Chimps, I'm sad for the Orangutans.  

The Orangutans have access to the trails and their inside bedrooms, in the Triple Grotto building.  Ollie/male likes the trails, but Amoi/female likes to be allowed everywhere.  She has never made much use of the yard, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have access to one of their own.  They can't stay in the trails only indefinitely.  The other day she was staring at the Chimps in the yard, probably wondering why they were in her yard.  She doesn't know that was never really intended to be her exclusive yard.  

Note that when she has access to the yard, the Chimps have to stay inside. That is what happened those seven weeks.  They can't even have access to a trail, or at least haven't to date.

For now, let's just concentrate on this one fact,  Rotating the Orangutans and Chimpanzees was never a viable option, as long as Triple Grotto was not in play.  

As I noted in my previous post, it has been five years minimum, that Director Tanya Peterson has known she planned to acquire Orangutans.  There is absolutely no reason, other than bad management on her part, that plans and funds were not in place to have a proper yard for the Orangutans before, or soon after their arrival.  To date there is allegedly still no plan, and no funds. 

In my opinion, Triple Grotto is a focal point in the Zoo.  After the path view of part of Lemurs, its the first main enclosure you see.   Its a huge area.  Its next to the Cafe.  It needs to be a priority for the Animals, as well for the aesthetics of the Zoo.  It looks bad to have it just sitting there, overgrown, downtrodden, and vacant.  Its just super bad planning to have left it there to languish.

Triple Grotto attaches to the two new areas, via Skytrails that lead from the north and south sides of the existing Triple Grotto building, the current bedrooms for the Orangutans.  The Skytrails link into the new areas.  The north trail (long) to the Pachyderm Building, which houses the Chimps Bedrooms and their Dayroom.  The south trail (short) goes directly into the new yard.  An excellent job was done on both the Dayroom and Yard.  It turned out impressive.  Every visit I hear people comment about it.  Quotes I've noted, "obsessed with it", "its literally my favorite place", "love it here", "amazing", "cool".  ...  The whole area was named the Great Ape Passage.  Triple Grotto is intended to be a part of that. It needs to be done, and it needs to be done in a way that reflects the new areas.   As noted in my previous post, I heard that only one of the Grotto's might be done.  That's ridiculous.  They can't just slap some cheap fix to it.  Its lame to have wonderful new areas, and not renovate Triple Grotto to complete that.  Again, THIS needed to be done before the Orangutans got here.  

Since nothing has been done, nothing looks like its happening anytime soon, let's look at these facts.

By the end of this month we will have seven Chimpanzees.  The Chimps need both the Dayroom and the Yard, as intended.  Everyone knows this.  Why doesn't Director Peterson and her pack of Donors understand this?  Not having this already done, and not moving forward with it right now, shows not only bad Management but a severe lack of caring for all the Apes involved.  The Chimps have already suffered those seven weeks locked in, how long will the Orangutans suffer with no yard of their own?

Let's address the main issue, When can the Orangutans expect a yard in Triple Grotto?

In my opinion, as stated, a Triple Grotto renovation, needs to be as impressive as the Dayroom and new Yard.  It completes the Great Ape Passage.  Doing that, will take time, too much time.

There needs to be a faster solution, because the Orangutans need a yard.  They needed a yard two months ago.  Rotating two species only works if there are two yards. Period.  

I have expressed my ideas about what to do at Triple Grotto, even as far back as my crusade for them in 2015, possibly even before.  I have always thought they needed more topical area, so my original ideas, are still in play today, as I think about the additional yard space in Triple Grotto.  Going back to notations I made previously, any management plan to limit the renovation to only one Grotto, is ridiculous.  Both the North and Middle Grotto need a dedicated redo that is suited for both the Orangutans and Chimpanzees.  As then and only then will rotating these two species work.

I have maintained for years that filling in the moat, needs to be part of any plan.  Using just the islands stand alone is a waste of space.  I think connecting the two Grottos to make one large topical space would be the best idea.  Here are examples, of both just connecting and using the islands, and with using the moat areas.  The most topical space, in my opinion, the better.  Especially if they are going to rotate and we have seven Chimps!

Dark green center connects just islands.

All green is topical space 

including islands with

moats filled in.

I also would like to see some landscaping in the space.  I have always wanted to see these Friends have grass and low bushes.  After seeing the Dayroom and Yard, even more I would like to see this as it is a completely different surface to what they have in the Dayroom and Yard.  I think it would be enriching to have something different.  I did some research and found these photos unfortunately I didn't note what Zoo this was from or the source.  

Chimps having a good time in greenery!

Full view of exhibit. High trees and structure are unnecessary, or can be added as determined by the Curator.  I'd like to see the Twigging mound stay or new one built, either in Triple Grotto or new Yard, since the Chimps, especially the Girls, like Twigging.

Going back a couple paragraphs, there needs to be a faster solution.  In my opinion, there is no other option than to renovate the North and Middle Grotto as part of the Great Ape Passage.  That leaves South Grotto.   There are many things that South Grotto can be used for in the future, but right now, I think it needs to be made into a temporary yard for the Orangutans. 

If structurally doable, South Grotto can be netted over at the edge of the moat (purple ring) and at minimum, that would be enough for now.  The Orangutans can have access to that island yard, which would be enough for them until the North and Middle Grottos were renovated.  After that, the moat could be filled in or left as is for another use.  Housing another Primate species, temporary holding, whatever.  

I want to note that the very first thing that needs to be done, and done right, is painting the Triple Grotto building!  I have been complaining about the peeling paint for seven plus years.  That building has not been painted in over a decade, probably two. It has looked bad for as long as I can remember, and is probably a health hazard.  The peeling paint most likely contains lead.  A couple years ago, I took and posted photos of Minnie sticking her finger in the chipped area and then in her mouth.  No one cared to do anything about.  At the very least it should have been primed to seal those peeling edges and painted over.  At the very least that needs to be done now.  I think considering there will be netting over the Grottos (hopefully deterring any picking at paint that might come loose in the future), regardless of plans, possibly sealing and painting is the best plan of action.  I  remember hearing of another Animal home that had lead paint and allegedly the proper protocol for handling that was not followed.  So, sealing it, rather than sanding and scraping and making a big unhealthy mess, would be best. 

I can't do much more about this situation.  I've documented everything.  I've given suggestions.  It's on Director Peterson to get this done, NOW.  ... You wanted Orangutans.  Give them what they need!

Previous Related Post:
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2019/08/chimps-havent-been-outside-in-almost.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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Komodo Dragon - New Home Adventures!

Here's another look into Falcor the Komodo Dragon's life in his new home.  I will keep posting updates on his adventures and progress, now that he has space to enjoy his life.  It will do wonders for him to be able to excercise, and take part in enriching activities.  I'm just really happy for him.  I shed tears of joy, every time I see him in his new home.  I'm tearing now just writing about it.

Catching some sun from the skylight!

I've made a few new clips.  The first one is beyond cuteness!  I walked up in time to view Falcor getting brushed by his Keeper!  I had never seen this.  He was loving it so much!  Not sure who loved it more him or me!  So lucky to get to see this, and video a bit to share!

  Hey people where you going with that brush! 

Falcor Getting Brushed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7W3H0VxpwAg&feature=youtu.be

In the video you hear me mention the idea of having brushes for him to use himself.  I passed two brush ideas onto the Keeper.  Hopefully they will give it a try and see if he likes it.  I think he will.  Also after seeing Angelo/Anteater pick-up a pine cone and use it to scratch himself (amazing right?!  no video sorry), I'm going to suggest that too.  Like a branch with the cones attached would probably be good if that's something he can have don't see why not.

While I was there, one of his Sprinklers came on.  I was hoping to see this, as I had heard about it.  After I took this video, I clairifed how it works.  There are four Sprinklers in different areas of the enclosure.  When one is about to go one, a sound goes off to alert him a Sprinkler is going to come on.  Then a light will indicate which Sprinkler it is, so he can go to it if he wants.  Love it!  ... You will hear me say in the video that I think it should stay on longer.  That's because he doesn't have full power in his legs, so unless he's closer, he won't get to it in time.  He did seem to want to go to it, but when he decided to, it went off.   Keeper said that since there are multiple ones, that the timing isn't an issue.  Hopefully that is true, because he sure perked up and seemed like he was interested in it.

Sprinkler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TEUx3FqnBQ&feature=youtu.be

I apologize,  I know I repeat myself, but after watching him several days now in this enclosure, I feel even more strongly that my concerns have been valid.  He needed to have more room to exercise post surgery.  The Zoo indeed did him a disservice by not having him in a new home before his health issue presented, which was well within the time frame promised when he arrived. In my opinion his recuperation would have been more successful (time wise) if he was able to exercise on his own daily.  He probably would have regained use of his back left leg if he had more exercise over the past two years.  Having him in a tank basically with no place to really move around, meant he had his physical therapy sessions and that was it.  Once the assisted (Therapist and Keepers) exercise was over, he just sat there.  Two years of just sitting there. If he would have had more space, he could have been exercising his hind legs, by moving around on his own.  Very Sad.

This video is more cuteness and him motoring about his new home.  His back left leg is still not the strongest, so it drags a bit, but he's getting around!  I've seen him make use of all the heat lamps, and chase the sun that shines down through the skylight (another great aspect of this enclosure).  The glare was less in the morning so I took opportunity to show more of the size of the enclosure and the skylight.

You can see into the enclosure,
pretty good here.

Gives idea of size, as well
you can see the skylight.

New Home Adventures!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqaUb7RJSh0&feature=youtu.be

In one of the clips I was talking about the temperature.  I asked what temp it is in there, as well what temp it needs to be for him to go outside.  Info I should have already known, but because they held off putting him in the exhibit until the temperature was regulated, now it was on my mind to ask. ... Inside its kept at 98 degrees, but can range anywhere from 80-120.  It will need to be at least 60 degrees for him to use the outside yard.

I can also be heard saying that Komodo's are only found on the Island of Komodo in Indonesia.  I thought that's what I read at one point, but I looked it up just to confirm and found that they are actually found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Padar

Added 3.18.18  Uploaded yesterday, video of Falcor on his heated rock for the first time! For Video Updates, Subscribe or Check back to my YouTube Channel leo811sf, or Follow leo811 on Twitter.  

Komodo Dragon In His New Home! - Falcor's So Happy! Video links!

 Falcor says, 

"I'm Finally Out of 

that Damn Terrarium"

 

The long awaited viewing of Falcor in his new home!  https://youtu.be/-c3oxL_i9NE

I don't think anyone can ever understand how happy I am to see Falcor in his new home!  This was yesterday (2.23.18) I cried then and again just putting together the video clips of seeing Falcor in his new home for the first time.  I love this little guy so much, and he waited so long.

This Babie has been at the Zoo since August 2013.  With a new home promised to him within a year and a half (before his health issue).  Its been a huge disrespect to this Being that he has had to live in an inappropriate home for so long.  An Animal his size should not be living in a Terrarium that is barely double the length of his body.  Shameful.  It will always break my heart that he had to be subjected to that.   I hope he will be so happy in his new home, he will forget being stuck in that awful tank.  I love Falcor and hope he thrives and grows big and strong in his new home.

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Last weekend I posted two videos that I had planned to use in a post that I never got to.  Including them in this one.  

This video was taken several weeks ago.  https://youtu.be/lcwwrZP80wI  ... Watching this and hearing my narration, I have to wonder WHY? was this enclosure even enclosed?  By that I mean why is it indoors?  He should have been able to look outside from the start.  This enclosure was a FAIL in every aspect.  This Precious Being was denied so much Enrichment in his life for years.  I never saw Enrichment inside his enclosure, except for a couple Halloween events, and he certainly was denied being able to have any visual Enrichment by not being able to see the outside world. 

Video showing addition of plastic plants to enclosure. Taken week of 2.12.18 ... https://youtu.be/TI_DzNro1pw

I have since talked to the Keeper about the choice of plastic plants.  Since I may have been judgmental, in this video, I thought would delete it and include an updated version, I decided to keep it and just add information, as I have not been the only one who was disturbed to see all the fake greenery, and won't be the last.  So, Falcor has been in the enclosure and has not tried to eat the plastic plants, which was a concern of mine.  I was told he wouldn't as they have no scent like any food he would eat.  There is one real plant and they are testing how plants will grow in the enclosure before putting more in.  That makes sense.  The plastic hanging Ivy was added to cover wiring.  I understand this line of thinking.  I still am not a fan of the choices. I would have kept the one real plant and that's it.  I really think the plastic plants at ground level are too much.  Maybe the ones away from the window would give a real appearance, but the ones on the log at the window are too much, too obvious and especially draw your attention to all the plastic. Maybe if those weren't there I wouldn't hate on the hanging Ivy, which in my opinion is overloaded.  Maybe a bit wouldn't be awful without all the other stuff, but all at once, its hard to embrace. But, everyone has different design ideas and preferences.   I can't nit pick at this too much because, at least he's out of that Terrarium!

I also heard a couple weeks ago, that there will be timed misters and heat rocks.  I don't know if they are already installed or not.  Sounds good!

I would like to see some grass in the outdoor area, since its sand both inside and out.  I asked about this and was told, they are trying to keep it native to the Island, that has no grass.  I haven't researched this, but there must be some kind of ground vegetation.   My opinion is that Zoo Animals are captive and any kind of Enrichment you can provide them should be provided and in this case, it would be nice if at least half that outdoor area had the option of grass. 

I took this video on Tuesday (2.20.18) about the glass glare, original exhibit design pertaining to that and a suggestion on fixing the problem.  ... https://youtu.be/m2bAcJLSBwg 

You can see the glare is a Big problem.  Sad.  ... https://youtu.be/22PcR07nnac

So many people are coming to see Falcor!  More than ever!  So happy!  BUT Its hard to see into the exhibit.  Almost everyone has said something about the glare.  Everyone has to put their hands up to shield the reflection.  The whole window reflects theoutside. This really should have been taken care of before he got in there. Hopefully there's a plan to do something about it.  They build this great new home for him, people need to be able to see him! 

There were so many people that came by to see Falcor and were commenting on how much better this home is for him.  The Zoo failed him by not having this done within the original time frame they promised after first acquiring him.  Thankfully, this fail is in the past.

Previous Komodo Dragon of interest.  Contains history and journey to this point.
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/02/komodo-dragon-to-finally-get.html

Meet the Zoo's New Residents! - Rescued Bear Cubs!

I've been trying to post this for a couple weeks now.   Big News regarding to New Zoo Friends! Interesting thing is I read about them on one of my Google News searches. There were several news reports out of Alaska, but still no mention on this side.  Why hasn't the San Francisco Zoo mentioned anything?  Nothing in local media, and no mention on the Zoo's Facebook or Twitter.  Surprised because I consider this a big deal, but not surprised because non-disclosure is typical of the Zoo, in too many areas.  Too many secrets there is one of my issue points.  In my opinion being more transparent, shows that you are secure in what goes on there, in the job that you're doing and the care you're providing. Maybe I'm digressing in topic, because I do have Animal well-being in my mind relating to this foremost.  No relation to that issue in this News!  

I'm overjoyed to report that the Zoo has rescued two American Black Bear Cubs!  One of the good things the Zoo has done, is provide homes to Animals in need, who otherwise might have no where else to go.  Here is a link to the original news article I read:

http://www.ktva.com/two-rescued-alaskan-bear-cubs-heading-san-francisco-zoo-732/

Big Smiles as I read this through!  A couple of weeks before,  I read about the Oakland Zoo getting a Mama Bear and her three Cubs.  So excited that I would finally see Bear Cubs, only to read they weren't going to have them out on exhibit until next summer.  I thought I would never get to see Bear Cubs.  A few days later, I said to someone, Oh I bet Tanya (our Zoo Director) is pissed that Oakland got Bear Cubs and she didn't. ...  I'm always thinking of things I'd do if I was in charge of the Zoo, one of those things is, what direction I'd like to see the Zoo go in.  I would want to see the Zoo not do as much captive breeding but focus more rescuing. So, this rescue is an interesting and exciting chain of events, especially after those recent pre-thoughts.  

When I read this article, I assumed that these Cubs will be going where Ulu used to live because I saw them working on that exhibit the same day.  I assumed that they would eventually try and put another North American Animal in that exhibit because it kind of goes with the area now that they have the Wolves there.  I just didn't think they would be allowed more Bears in the the current Bear Grotto as is (with concrete).   .... I made a video of the work being done and some editorial comments about barriers:

https://youtu.be/0hUm0z-H1DE

If you have read my blog before, you know that one of my main issue points is barrier abuse.  If you haven't you can search word barrier in the upper left corner of the blog. I plan to write yet another detailed account of this, but until then I want to make a note in regard to the "renovation" and future use of this Bear exhibit.

Barrier abuse has long been a problem at the Zoo and one they refuse to do anything about.  I guess they are waiting for someone to lose their life because of it.  I for one do not want that life to be one of the Animals.  The Bear barriers have been a constant point of abuse, Ulu's was the worst with offenses in that area.  I have constantly pushed in writing for all enclosures of Code Red Animals to have glass, which would prevent both accidental and intentional entry to Animal side of enclosure, and at the very least to have better signage and (not or) barriers that are not vulnerable to abuse, but the Zoo has done nothing.  I do not want to see these Cubs vulnerable to losing their lives every time someone stands their kid on the railing or sits them over it.  If someone accidentally falls in, the Animals are shot.

One of countless times I've seen kids hung over

the barrier.  This one (of many) at Ulu's home.

After years of pointing out the barrier abuse at the Anteater exhibit, it took an impending AZA Accreditation Inspection for the Zoo to install a bamboo fencing barrier along the Anteater and neighboring Bob Cat.  The staggered effect allows for all heights to see over but prevents people from standing on or sitting over the barrier.  

One of many abuses I've seen at 

the home of Angelo Anteater.

Glass would prevent access both accidentally and intentionally, but this bamboo design at the very least would solve the daily abuse, and go along way to keep the Animals safe.  SO, why has it only been done at this one exhibit area?  The Black Rhino and Hippo remain vulnerable all day, everyday. Ulu rounded out that trio, also constant victim to people abusing her barrier.  Thankfully she was able to live out her life naturally as intended.   

Bamboo Fencing at Anteater/Bob Cat

This all said, at the very least, this type of bamboo fencing should be installed at the railing barrier at Bears, to serve as a deterrent to the eventual abuse at the Black Bear Cubs home.  Please San Francisco Zoo, do the right thing to keep these Bears safe.  While you are at it, show some like love to the Black Rhino and Hippo barriers. 

As I said, I was surprised the Zoo was allowed to have Bears in this enclosure again.  It was Ulu's home and at her age, worked well for her to live out her life in.   I'm really happy that they've chosen to put a rescued animal there and that these babies will have a place to live.  That said, these Cubs are less than a year old and with Bears living into their late 20s-30s, I hope that there will be a future plan for a more appropriate long-term home for these precious babies.  

Its unfortunate that the Zoo didn't think ahead and after Pike (Polar Bear) passed away, instead of renovating her home for the Wolves, didn't move Ulu into her home, (which included the meadow she was already familiar with) and renovate Ulu's home for the Wolves. If that had been done, then having the Cubs side by side with the Grizzlies, would have allowed for the never used alleged "phantom" shifting system, that would allow shifting/rotating all Bears into the Grizzly Gulch exhibit.  That way, all Bears would get the Enrichment of that natural habitat, not just the Grizzlies.   This was something former Bear Keeper Deb Cano pushed for.  She wanted all the Bears to have that experience to enrich their lives.  

Sadly the Zoo never activated that option and our Andean Bear Wishbone literally pounded his bones to death living on concrete his whole live.  I bring this up in posts from time to time, because his death still weighs heavy on me as one of the most tragic Zoo deaths.  Preventable, and I tried to help him and no one cared.  Not Zoo Management, Not the Zoological Society, Not the Rec and Park, Not the City.  Not even two of the main Zoo Donors who I wrote to, The Hearst Family, who funded Grizzly Gulch and are the Taube Family who had been quoted in a news article of wanting to do more for the Animals. If you're interested in learning more about Wishbones plight, you can read my blog dedicated to my crusade for him:

 http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/

So, back thoughts for the future.   I do hope that a new home will be eventually built for these Cubs. But, I'm also not going to hold my breath, as under the current administration, I don't have much faith.  Just ask the Komodo Dragon.  I'll do another post after this one about Resident homes, highlighting precious Falcor.  

Next to the Grizzly Gulch, there are two old enclosures that have been boarded up since the Black Rhinos moved in 2009 I think it was.  Those two enclosures could be used as a site to build a new home for the Cubs.  It would sit side by side with the Grizzlies and there is plenty of room, almost mimicking that natural "valley" appearance of the Oakland Zoo's Sun Bear enclosure.  ... Creating a new future home for these Cubs would Enrich their lives, mentally and physically.  It would also allow for an eventual extension of the Wolves home, if the plan to breed future Wolves comes to fruition. 

In 2010 (I think) the Zoo closed off many paths to public access.  Most have reopened over the years since.  One that hasn't is South Gate, which has several enclosures that have previously housed three species small Hoofstock. This path runs from Hippo to Grizzlies.  Also available to provide an extended area for current Residents in need of a better home.

Looking forward to seeing our new adorable Bear Cubs, who I've dubbed Dezi and June (as they were found in Valdez and Juneau).  They are quarantining on exhibit and are supposed to be on view next week.  

Thank you to the Zoo for giving these Cubs a home and please don't allow someone to name them after Ballplayers.  Something meaningful or native like the Grizzly Girls, would be both appropriate and respectful.

HOT TOPIC! - Komodo Karnival - Nothing For The Dragon To Celebrate

I've been sitting here all weekend trying to get mental ambition to tackle the posts I have in draft. The upsetting situations at the Zoo that I'm drawn to write about, continually swirl in my brain.  So many words, and yet I am too often paralyzed to get them out in this forum.  So, here we are, the weekend over, and the close of another Komodo Karnival at the Zoo.  This screencap I've been holding since Memorial Day Event to write this up.

In putting together this post,I realized most of my thoughts have already been written in another post from January.  That's right, Poor Falcor is sitting in the same situation as he was eight months ago. In a Barren Pit.  Will link or paste at the end of this rant.

Does the Zoo realize that another word for Karnival is Celebration?  Of course they don't , they haven't even realized (or maybe they have and just don't care) that the Donor who ReNamed him did so by dubbing him Big Daddy Language, since Bahasa literally means language.  Idiots.  Anyway, I digress. This poor guy is not having any kind of fun.  He's got no greenery, oh excuse me, two little plants were put in last week.  I haven't seen any Enrichment for him the whole time he's been there, except his first Halloween and a ball that is too big for him, several months ago.  Can't they get him Dog size treat balls?  Don't they google Lizard Enrichment?  I have.  This guy has nothing and gets nothing.  Maybe he'd like to have a Komodo climbing Wall?  Or this, that I found over a year ago and suggested.

Why doesn't he have Greenery?  Why doesn't he have Enrichment?  Why doesn't he have a home he actually fits in?  < THAT is the current big question? 

I'll tell you why.  Its just like with the Chimps, the Zoo only cares about New and Shiny.  It really pisses me off the way they have pimped him for this Event (as well have started to pimp the Chimps, but that's another post!), yet they can't even provide a proper home for him.   He was supposed to get a new home within two years.  He arrived in August of 2013.  He has grown so big, I doubt he even fits through the hole to his back area, which is smaller than his body length.  Stretched out, he is now about a third of the length of the exhibit.  I took this photo the other day of him cooling off in his pond.  That white square behind him is the doorway to his back area.  So big now he barely fits in his pond and is forced to lay against an open drain pipe.

There are already plans to bring in New Animals, that will need New Exhibits built.  This is Bullshit! They Zoo Management claims that New is needed to keep people coming in.  More Bullshit.  If people coming to see the New, knew that other Animals, like Falcor and the Chimps, were being neglected, most would be outraged.  Many are.  I listen to Visitors.  The Zoo doesn't, because they don't care.  It's all personal agenda for Management, and the San Francisco Zoological Society Members.  I think they think the Zoo is their own big ass Country Club, where they throw Cocktail Parties, instead if a place where Animals live.  

Director Peterson not only digs herself deeper and deeper into a financial hole, building things that allegedly aren't even 100% funded, but she's dragging the Animals down with her. No wonder there's no funds for Falcor or the Chimps.  Its heartbreaking and disgusting.

If anything you read moves you,

Please contact the SFZoo Director

Tanya Peterson

tanyap@sfzoo.org

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/01/komodo-dragon-lives-in-barren-dirt-pit.html

I was going to add the link to the above referenced blog post from January, but I decided to paste it her in full to make sure its read, because this lack of attention is important to keep documenting.

I had been pissed for months about the state of Falcor the Komodo Dragon's Home.  I was really enraged when I went to Zoo Lights and saw that the outside of the exhibit was fancied up with Christmas Lights, while the Komodo Dragon himself sit in a barren pit.  The gall of the Zoo is shouldn't, but continues to surprise me.  

Just another Disrespect of Animals by Zoo Management.  

As I said, this has really bothered me for months and I was hoping since I brought it up to someone there, that the situation would change, but it hasn't.  At this point its been at least four months (and I'm being generous because I've lost track) that Falcor has had not one bit of greenery in his home.  This is not only Disrespectful, its possibly (I haven't researched it yet) an improper environment.  

When Falcor arrived he was the "favorite son".  He got a fancy new enclosure with tons of greenery.  Hoopla ensued, Komodo Dragon this, Komodo Dragon that.  

First they disrespect him by changing his name, a name that his previous home, the Memphis Zoo where he was born (hatched) told me he responded to.  At near two years old when he arrived at the SFZoo, he was given the name Falcor soon after hatching.  Named after the Dragon in the movie The Neverending Story,  some dumb donor tried to be "native" I guess, using the word Bahasa which means Language, literally the word Language in Indonesian, but then also had to be an ass by adding in Big Daddy.  SO the poor little guy was disrespected with the name Big Daddy Language, and par for the course, Zoo Officials could care less what anyone names an Animal as long as the check clears.  Now the poor guy has been here over a year, and he sits in a home that is barren of any vegetation.   The statue outside has more landscaping than he does.  

Poor Falcor just sits and stares out at green. 

I hear there was a change in Curators (from the one I talked to) for this string of Animals.  I don't know who the new person is, but I can say this, the guy straight off isn't doing his job.  If this new guy can come in and not see that this is a problem that should be a priority to fix, then he isn't qualified for this job.

Falcor is also quickly outgrowing this habitat and plans for his new home that were supposed to be in motion soon after his arrival, to be started for a move-in within two years, have been back burnered because of all the other new additions to the Zoo's collection.

I guess everyone is too busy building 2nd and 3rd tree houses for the Red Pandas who continue to be the "favorite sons", literally since only the male Kodari who they renamed (Tenzing) is the only one to get any fanfare.  The male has a sign with his new name, while the female Grace doesn't doesn't have a sign.  I'll also note that Grace, who is over ten years old, had her name ripped from her as well. Kodari also got a Birthday party, and Grace didn't.   

Falcor is one of my fav Zoo Friends.  I love this guy and feel awful that like too many others, he has been disrespected and slighted.  Its Sad, Disgraceful and downright Embarrassing.

San Francisco Zoo, get this poor guy some greenery!  Give him a proper environment and get started on his new home.   Stop bringing in more Animals and take care of the ones you have.

I got no problem with the Zoo prioritizing building homes for Animals in need of Rescuing. My issue is, bringing in more Animals just to grow the Collection and/or try to pull in extra gate sales by doing so, is a Fail unless you take care of the ones you've already committed to giving a home to.

Please view my video taken a couple weeks ago

that shows the whole habitat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBY-YMCqJtQ

Also, one taken shortly after his arrival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMPujbG7Yps