Zoo Hospital Destroys Nesting Duck's Eggs! - Happy Mother's Day NOT!!

I've been sitting here for days trying to decide if and how to write about this.  The first thing I saw on social media today (May 11, 2019) was this post by a Zoo I follow. 

How appropriate that Mallards are pictured!

Together with tomorrow being Mother's Day, I think the Universe is telling me I need to do this.  ... Ironic that I also just read the Zoo's Newsletter, celebrating Mother's Day.

On Tuesday, I passed by Chimps on my way to loop around Cats.  I noticed a female Mallard on top of the fence that borders the construction area for the new GAP yard.  I thought it was curious.  When I came back about a half hour later, she was still there.  I watched her, she was frantically vocalizing and repeatedly jumping down to the other side of the fence.  When someone came from the other side I asked them to look and see if there was a nest, eggs, or babies in the area her attention was on.  There was nothing there but pulled up greens.  I stood in that area near two hours, and the Duck did not give up.   Something was not right. 

Where are my EGGS?!!

Later I would learn more details.  This is the story as I know it.  Two non-Animal staff employees had done what they thought was best.  With no Mama around at the time, they removed the Eggs from the area within the construction site.  One had the thought to wait and see if Mama came back and try and lead her to a safer place to nest, but before that could happen, somehow the Eggs were taken to the Hospital and left in the hands of "Animal Care Professionals", assuming they would know the right thing to do.  I later heard through the grapevine that the Eggs were disposed of.  WHAT?!

Facts that I know first hand.  I was in the area of where the Eggs were removed from for near two hours, which was said to be about an hour after the Eggs were removed.  During those two hours, the Mama Duck was frantically looking for her Eggs.  Moving between sitting on the fence and flying down behind the fence on the construction side.  She even flew up on the skytrail, looking down all around for her Eggs. ...  At NO point during the time I was there (or reportedly the hour before), did anyone from the Hospital or any other Animal Staffer come down to check if the Mama had returned, in an effort to reunite her with her Eggs in a safer location.  THIS is the issue, plain and simple.

There were many who heard the story who have wondered the same exact thing that I did. WHY upon intake of Eggs at the Hospital, did no one come down to the site and see if the Mama was around, and attempt to reunite her with her Eggs?

Did anyone one on the Hospital staff or any Animal staff member, ask at the time of intake, Where did the Eggs came from?  How long had the Mama been gone?  Was the Mama still around?  Did anyone monitor the site where Eggs were found to wait for Mama to come back?  I know the answer to the last one, as illustrated above, so I can only assume the answer to the others.  Instead, the Eggs were disposed of.   THIS is a BIG FAIL on the part of the Hospital or anyone else there at the time the Eggs were brought there.

My ears are pulsating just reliving this.  I have been beyond upset about the way this played out since it happened.  I saw the Mama looking for her Eggs.  I saw how upset she was.  This was beyond wrong.  If someone at the Hospital had the sense and compassion to have just come down to the site,  they would have seen the Mama was back, and could have reunited her with her Eggs back and relocated them to a safer place.  A Mama Duck will follow her Eggs, and there is a garden area about seven feet from where her Eggs were.  It was a no-brainer, yet in the hands of "Animal Care Professionals" it didn't happen.  WHY?

Additionally, if for some reason, the Hospital staff was at a lack of thought on how to handle this, all they had to do was put out a call over the radio and ask if anyone had experience with this, because you know what, the first person I told about what was going on (before we knew the Eggs had been destroyed), asked, Why don't they just show the Mama the Eggs and lead her to a new spot?  BAM!  DONE!  ...  As I said, there was a spot for her, seven feet away.  I had a pic but not handy right now.  For anyone who knows the area, the garden area is by the Chimp path window.  

I know there will be people there that think I make a big deal about things, but too bad.  This is a big deal.  We are talking about living Beings and their emotions.  Whether or not you believe non-Humans have emotions, not only do I not care, but I can't help you, that's a whole different issue.  This Mama knew that something happened to her eggs, nature's container that was holding her babies, and it just was not right.   This was wrong, anyway you look at it.   Destroying those Eggs was WRONG!

I knew at the time, there was a Law protecting nesting Birds, I just didn't know the specifics.  When I got home I researched the law about this, and the first article about the Migratory Bird Act, that came up was posted to the Wildcare site.  For those who don't know, Wildcare is a rescue and rehab organization in San Rafael.  I have turned to them over the years for advice on a few occasions. I called them to confirm that my feelings about this situation were on point, that Mallards were protected and that the Mama could/should have been reunited with her Eggs and relocated.  Their answer was yes to all.  They did add that technically the original area should have been cordoned off until the Eggs hatched.  We were past that point and frankly, in my opinion, I don't think the Zoo would ever do something like that in this circumstance, geez they couldn't even return to the site and try to reunite. 

My first thought in the heat of things was to report this to Fish and Wildlife, but that's not going to help the situation.  The Zoo needs to do better.  Someone needs to address this situation. The Hospital Staff and/or anyone who was involved with the Eggs once they were turned over to the Hospital, needs to answer as to WHY? No one went to the site where Eggs were found, No one investigated the situation, No one tried to see if the Mama was there to reunite and relocate, and WHO? disposed of the Eggs? Those involved in that way with the Eggs were responsible for doing the right thing.  There was a way to make this right and it wasn't done.  

This situation showed lack of empathy, compassion, and thought.  It was not only a moral crime, but literally against the law.  I knew this, I don't know how anyone in Animal Care did not.  Or did they?  ... Maybe they only care about Animals in their collection?  I have to remember that it took three years of reporting about the Mallards flying into the window at Flamingos, before the Zoo would show some compassion and do the simple task of putting up Decals on the windows.  

I still just don't understand how something like this could happen.   I can guess, but it just seems, questionable things just keep happening over and over.  Its exhausting, upsetting and sad.  What happened to this Mama Duck is extremely sad.  

I'm sorry Mama Duck.  Hopefully next Mother's Day will be happier for you. 

Here are some links to information the Zoo Staff should educate themselves about:

https://www.discoverwildcare.org/wildlife-resources/living-with-mallard-ducks/

https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/laws-legislations/migratory-bird-treaty-act.php

Gorilla Ndume Update

For those who have been following Ndume's story, whether here or in the news, know that a Court Hearing was set for Jan 24, 2019, as a result of TGF defaulting on an agreement to comply with transferring Ndume back to Cincinnati Zoo, his birthplace.  The Judge heard both sides that day, and is currently deliberating.  

Not much more can be said about the circumstances of Ndume's history and life at The Gorilla Foundation (TGF), than I've already written (search this blog using keyword "Ndume"), and can be found on the Facebook Page Ndume the Gorilla Deserves Better, that I've linked in past posts.

Penny Patterson ruined the lives of four Gorillas, Koko, Bebe, Michael and Ndume.  All lived lives no Gorilla, no Great Ape should.  Koko, became more Human than Gorilla.  Bebe who was not subjected to a life of isolation, and no Gorilla Family, but that is only because she never made it to TGF. After Penny paid an Animal Trafficer to procure two infants from the wild, Bebe died in transit.  Michael paid the price for both of them.  Ndume, sadly still sits in isolation at TGF, a victim of one woman's lifelong selfishness. 

Once this custody battle went to court, there was no way that all the scandalous details of life for Gorillas at TGF would come out.  In the past week alone there have been several news articles that make reference to some, and I know more to come.  I feel bad for Koko.  She was the first victim of Penny Patterson's selfishness.  I don't want to see her memory tainted.  None of what happened to her or others was her fault.  The whole situation is very sad.

Penny Patterson, is one of the great Illusionists, as well as a true Carny.  She took her self need to possess an infant Gorilla for a study that could have been conducted on the grounds of the SFZoo, while Koko remained with her Family, and forged a whole fantasy lasting several decades, based on Animal Cruelty, under the guise of science and conservation, to make a buck.  Millions of bucks.  She fooled the World.  Everyone would have continued to buy what she was selling, if she only knew when to quit.   The secrets of TGF would never have come to light, and the legacy kept intact, if she would have abided by the agreement, simply had a heart and allowed Ndume to leave.  Instead she is holding him hostage, and for what?  Is she truly delusional that she is doing the best thing for him keeping him in isolation?  Or, does she know without him, the jig is up and the donation ATM closes for good?  

If she had actually created a Gorilla Sanctuary, that means a place where there is a healthy combination of social structure, medical care, diet, and proper accommodations, Ndume would not have to make a move at this point in his life.  By all accounts, she failed to that.  So Ndume must be transferred to Cincinnati Zoo.  There is no other option for him.  He can not live in isolation for the rest of his life. 

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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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Bear Cubs Debuted This Week!

I've been trying to get this post done since early last week, but with seeing the Cubs most of last week and my Birthday yesterday, I'm just now finishing it and posting.  

So Yes!  The Bear Cubs are out!  I can not even express the amount of cuteness that's going on with these two!  They are a complete delight and and joy!  I am so happy to be able to know these babies and be able to watch them grow up.  I feel very blessed.  For as long as I can remember I have wanted to see Bear Cubs and following their journey has and will be an incredible experience.

The Cubs were let out into their enclosure for public viewing last Monday and were on view from 10a-noon and 2-4p, with a bottle and nap break in between.  That will probably be the schedule again this week, unless they choose to extend or shorten times, pending the Cubs needs.

I watched these babies both viewing times Monday and in the morning Tues, Wed, and Thurs.  I seriously can not get enough of them (and I'm not the only one)!  I'm still going through my photos and video from Monday. The babies were very active, exploring their new home, running and chasing, rolling and playing, climbing, they were all over the place and it was great fun for them and me!  I think I captured alot of their "firsts", and look forward to sharing them.  Check back for my next post later today.

By the end of the day on Monday, the babies were showing signings of tuckering out.  They had too much fun and excitement!  This low energy moment came just near 4p, and I was lucky to capture them sitting side by side. 

I had been referring to them as Dezi and June, in relation to the areas they were found in,  Valdez and Juneau.  I was surprised and very happy to learn the Keepers were calling them the full names.  I hope the Zoo allows these names to become official.  With every new arrival, whether born there or transferred, I fear the worst in naming, ever since poor Tucker Hippo was named after a ballplayer and that trend took off.  So sad and disrespectful.  Animals deserve names that mean something to them, their species, or at the very least a name that fits. 

I have posted a few videos so far.  I'll link the first one, if you want more Cub Cuteness, you can click on my user name you can view the others.  I'll also add more today. ... The Cubs first order of play was the trio of tree trunks! So much action on these, they showed them attention all week!   Little Girl Juneau was quick to start stripping the bark off everything she could lol!  They had a ball!   

Here's the initial fun  https://youtu.be/AW3TdslxLV4

Sharing these Cubs is one reason for this post, the other is I have found it very curious that the Zoo has not taken the opportunity to talk about these Cubs in detail.  What I mean is, not only is it exciting they are here, but their journey is one that should promote awareness.  They should have posted about their acquisition, as soon as it was secured.  I finally posted about it two weeks after reading news articles out of Alaska.  The Zoo first mentioned it, that same day, most likely after getting wind that I had broke the news.   

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/07/meet-zoos-new-residents-rescued-bear.html

I haven't looked at the Zoo Facebook since last week, but as of Monday evening, there was still no mention of the Cubs, since that day more than two weeks ago (after my blog post), and the Cubs were now out.  In my opinion they have really dropped the ball, following these Cubs journey, from the Alaska Zoo, to quarantine, to their first day out. They are going to be popular and posting about them every step of the way and about their story would have been wonderful for visitors to follow and a great way to spread the message they represent.  I'm not surprised, but it saddens me sometimes the missed opportunities to share and educate people.  

Education is something the Zoo puts forth as part of their Mission, yet they fall short in doing so.  For years I blogged about Awareness Days that I'd visit the Zoo and find there is no information being put forth, either in display or talks. In the last few years, they have seemed to step it up a bit, but not enough in my opinion compared to the plight of so many Animals.  They did a good one for Rhino Day a few years back, but then on Thursday, there was no evidence at the Zoo that it was World Lion Day.  Lions are having a really tough time these days with poaching, canned hunting, and other evils that threaten their species, and nothing to build awareness about that.  Maybe at the Keeper talk it was mentioned, but what, those talks reach a couple dozen people, when an average of four thousand walk through the gates each day?   There needs to be some displays at Entry Village circle, appropriately outside the Education Building. 

As I expected, these babies are very popular.  Not only did a see a few of the same people come by to see them, there was a continued heavy stream of visitors lined up along the barrier for extended time watching with smiles and more comments of how cute they are than I can count.  Also as expected, there were too many people dangling their kids over the barriers.  The first one within ten minutes of the Cubs being out for the first time. UG.

Anyone who know me, or is familiar with my blog, this issue is something I write alot about and did in regard to the renovation of this exhibit.   

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/07/bear-enclosure-renovation-update.html

I have watched and called attention to this issue for over six years now, and the Zoo fails to do little to keep the Animals safe.  I have yet another post in detail about Barrier Abuse at the Zoo, so I won't digress too much here, other than to say, the Zoo had the opportunity before these Cubs went on view to secure this barrier railing with a deterrent and they didn't.  I pray these babies stay safe, because no one at the Zoo seems to care about safety.  You can see that by the photo I posted, the person over the barrier is in front of the Zoo Security Ranger and he wasn't the only Staffer who this happened in front of.  There was one Docent on Thursday who said something to someone, but that was after three previous days of nothing. I have heard that Management allegedly tells Staff not to say anything about certain misbehavior, so I have to wonder if that applies to dangling over the barriers of code red Animals, because I see this every visit.  The times I have reported it and Security has got there in time, they and Zoo Management seem to make light of the issue when talking to visitors. I don't know, I think its as serious an issue as I make it out to be.  Anyway, I'm not trying to hate on the guy (Ranger), he's nice to me, as are the Security Guards, Docents, and many Staffers, but MY mission is to document issues, and if anyone is not putting forth their best to be aware of misbehavior that could endanger the lives of any of the Animals, I'm going to be vocal about it.  I'm sorry, but the Animals safety and well being is MY priority.  

Anyone, especially those employed by the Zoo should have their eyes on barriers at all times when near exhibits.  If they aren't doing that simple thing to keep the Animals safe, they need to ask themselves, ? How would you feel if you missed it or didn't say something and someone fell in resulting in the death of an Animal, when the target team shoots to kill in an effort to save a human? Because that is exactly what would happen.

Happy Birthday Kachina and Kiona! - Grizzly Bear Birthday

 

Grizzly Bear Sisters

Kiona and Kachina

turned 10 years old today!

 

 Happy Birthday Kachina!

 

Happy Birthday Kiona!

 

Hope you got some

special treats today precious girls!

 

View photos of the Enrichment Items

my friend Lee and I made

for the girls 8th Birthday

 

http://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/5627

 

Learn more about Kiona and Kachina

 

http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com/2009/07/kiona-and-kachina.html

Belated Birthday Wishes!

September Birthdays!

5/2005- Tiki & Kai/Kune Pigs

8/2003- Lily/Duiker

13/1981- Zura/Gorilla
14/2005- Razzleberry/Nigerian Dwarf Goat
19/2007- Jesse/Mandrill

23/1998- Nneka/Gorilla

I'm sorry I missed some of your special days :(
You are treasured friends :)

Happy Birthday!

 Tiki

Kai

Lily

Zura

Razzleberry

Jesse

Nneka

Friday July 13th Birthdays! - Bawang & Slash!

Bawang turns 32 today!

Happy Birthday Bawang!

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Slash turns 18 today!

Happy Birthday Slash!

New Bobcat Home!

Inti's new home was open yesterday (Saturday).  Information given was that he moved down from the ARC on Thursday.  He was camped out in his night quarters, so I didn't get to see him.  Hopefully soon!

Here's a photo of his new home,  the team that built the landscape (which I have been told was outsourced) did a great job!  It echo's that of the recent upgrades to the adjacent Anteater (Angelo) enclosure.  Man-made trees and rocks make the landscape more natural looking.

I'm happy for Inti as his living condition would have been my next crusade, if this didn't come to fruition.  No matter how or why, I am grateful he is no longer living in a series of cages, that had been his home for almost a decade.  Although I have heard that moving him was in theme with the Zoo's Master Plan of creating a new North American area.  I can only hope this happened because it was the right thing to do and not the later.  

This will be a big change for him, I only hope not too big a change and that he adjusts okay.  I hope his Keepers from the ARC are still able to take care of him.  I think one in particular raised him since a cub.   .. Read more about Inti  http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/05/inti-zoos-precious-bobcat.html

Note to Zoo.  Please put a "quiet" sign up there.  Inti has lived in relative calmness with not many people around for so long, he should be allowed to continue that.  Yesterday (Saturday) was too busy and loud with screaming wild children about, its no wonder he was not even peeking out.

Can't wait to see you in your new home Inti, I hope you enjoy it!

I wish something similar could have been done for Wishbone (Andean Bear).  He would have thrived on a non-concrete surface, and would have loved a tree to climb on, maybe with a hammock :)  I miss my Wishy friend, and my heart still hurts that he was so disrespected in his living conditions.

Happy Birthday Goldfish!

Goldfish turned 9 today! 

Happy Birthday Goldie!

Goldfish shares her birthday with her sister Angelfish, who has since moved to another Zoo.  

Happy Birthday to Angelfish too!  I miss you!  

Happy Birthday Gauhati!

Guahati turned 17 today!

He will come over to me sometimes when I say Hi
and its amazing to have eye contact with him :)   XO!

Made a pin and wore it yesterday in his honor :)