This Week At The Zoo - Fun and Fails

I experience things that make no sense, but aren't something to make a whole blog post about, so I just shake my head and move on.  Sometimes I've written posts and just tacked on off topic irritations and curiosities, in fits of frustration.

Sometimes I want to share a Zoo Friend experience, but I usually never get that far unless it's a whole post subject like a new resident arrival.

So before I get into a couple things (fails), I'll share a couple Animal experiences (fun) from the week.  

Don't think I've ever seen Claudia the Condor eating.  So this was different.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fF575Arp8CQ

I had some lovely face-to-face time with two Kudu Ladies in the creep area (a small area often fixed with branches to create an area that only certain sized animals can access) where our precious Duikers used to hang out.  

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qpBLwBYoMRU&feature=share

I don't get down to the Donga often, I maybe do that loop once every few weeks.  I wanted to see the new mural in tunnel leading to it.  The mural is beautiful, I love Mosaics.  I must admit that every time I see artwork and gardens, while I think they are nice and needed additions to the grounds, it does rub me the wrong way that money is either spent or donated for these installations specifically, when there are many Animal Needs that arent fulfiled.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xaelKduD9Jc&feature=share

I had decided to do the Donga loop around the Savannah to get to Gorillas so to get in some extra walking.  Just short of the end, the loop was closed off and I had to circle back.  Tired and short on time, I never got to Gorillas.

Two things I asked Security about yesterday on my way out, have just come to mind and I want to document it, as I wasn't satisfied with the answers I got.  It's not on Security, but on the Zoo to just do better.

So, the Donga loop closure.  I mentioned it to Security, noting there really should be a sign at the start of the loop, noting loop does not go through.  

I asked if that's something Security could have done.  I was told, it's (sign) on order.  Needing signs in the moment has come up before and I've noted before that the Zoo has a Computer, Printer and Laminator.  A sign can be made in a matter of minutes.  There is no reason to let the need go or order something fancy for that. I was told people complain about signs not being nice?  Who complains?  And if they were worried about how such temporary signs look, they got a sign made as I've noted can be done, on the stupid $15,000 water station.  I took this photo not for the sign, even though it lent to this issue, but because I still can't believe money was spent on this bullshit when people can get water for free in the cafe and $15,000 x 2! could have gone to Animal Needs.

In addition, by having no sign and just letting it go, someone with physical disabilities, intending to do the loop was forced to back-track around if they wanted to go to Gorillas, African Aviary and that side of the Savannah.  This is a Fail, the Zoo needs to do better.

If you read my recent post about Wolves, you know this is a fresh issue.  I will note that I probably wouldn't bring it up again, at least not now but considering that recent (?) sign, it's up to the Zoo to do better to try and make what their sign says happen.  This is another Fail.

So, from Grizzlies I heard screaming.  I see that a school group is gathered at and eventually fanned out along more than half the length of the Wolves window. When I got closer, I viewed and heard, not only screaming, but howling, banging in the window and chasing the Wolves (all of them were at the window) as they paced the perimeter.

Security should be giving more detailed Rule Talks to these groups and leaders.  Additionally Rules should be mailed when reservation is made and given on entry to the leaders, teachers and chaperones.  There is no reason the adults in this group should have allowed these kids to behave in this way at an Animal Enclosure. 

There is a head of Security and a head of Safety.  In my opinion it's up to these two people to provide Security with talking points that need to be covered.  I'm not going to make a list here, because that's what they get paid for.  They just need to do it.  

I shared my experience with Security, noting the interaction at Wolves last week as well and that I had written a post suggesting they put roping up.  I was told, an order has been put in.  In previous experience years ago with orders having to be "put in", it took months to get barrier poles replaced at Chimpanzees and Lions.  Hopefully things move quicker these days.  That said, in my opinion, not good enough.  This is happening on a daily, probably hourly+ basis.  In my opinion, if the Zoo cared to "protect" the Wolves in the goal stated on their own sign, they would temporarily put up something.  There has to be some rope some place in the Zoo, if not, I find no reason someone can't go to home depot and buy some. There is also the the yellow caution tape like seen in my photo above, "protecting" the mural. Depending on how it can be secured, and if there's no concern it could come loose ànd end up in the enclosure, otherwise there's always the movable metal barriers.  Allowing this to go on repeatedly everyday, is a Fail.

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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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Bringing Up Barriers, ... Yet Again.

So yea, bringing up unsecure barriers yet again, because doing so seventy times in eleven years just isn't enough to call attention to the necessity of additional precautions and deterrents.  I guess Zoo Director Tanya Peterson is ok with spinning the roulette wheel with the safety of our Black Rhino, Bears and Hippo.

Before I get into what prompted this post, I want to add in a thought I missed documenting in my previous post.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/wolves-interacting-with-domestic-dogs.html

I noted that there was still the red (stay back) line from Covid safety and that was ignored.  My thought for this area is that a rope barrier should be added along that red line (which needs repainting).  Granted, a rope barrier would not have helped in this situation unless the Dog(s) were kept at a distance.  That said, considering not many pay attention to signage, which doesn't mean there shouldn't be ample, and the sign noting to "admire them (Wolves) from a distance, a rope barrier (I personally would choose red rope) would at least act as physical reminder for people to stay behind it and away from close contact with windows.

So, yesterday was the seventh anniversary of Harambe's death.  I was outraged when it happened and still outraged.  In my experience at our SFZoo and from media reports about other Zoos, neither Visitors or Zoos have learned from what happened to Harambe.  

I'll start by saying I hate media rehash of Animal tragedies.  There's always some words of opinion that rubs me the wrong way.  With this one about Harambe, it's the "imprisonment" notation, as well the hashtag "OpenTheCages".  These " Close Zoo" mantras are ignorant of reality.  Sure we would all love to not see captive Animals, but the reality is not only is the wild not the safest place for too many species, but the cycle of keeping captive Animals in Zoos can not just be halted.  Close Zoo Zealots do not think about what will happen to these Animals.  Most are captive bred, you can't just turn them loose to survive on their own.  Too many say, send them to Sanctuaries.  Obviously none of those people have ever taken a look at how a Sanctuary operates.  Sanctuaries are non-profit, meaning they rely on donations.  It's a huge cost to provide shelter, food and healthcare to each Animal they take on, something the Zealots forget that Zoos do.  And the biggest hurdle of releasing Zoo Animals to Sanctuary is space.  There isn't enough space in Sanctuaries for every Animal that is already in Need, let alone for Zoo Animals who are already being cared for.  

Sorry, I went off on a tangent that was not planned as part of this post, but someone replied to my comment on the Harambe post with this nonsense and I can't let it go without some words.  I wish these Zealots would just shut the hell up, and instead of spouting dangerous words, get off their asses and try to make a difference in their corner of the world.  Set their sights on their local Zoo and try to make a difference there.

The tragedy that happened with Harambe hit home with me.  I have probably spent more time at our SFZoo, than any one person not on staff, in the past fifteen years.  I have personally witnessed so many offences by visitors it's sickening.  The list is long, I'll spare you.  There is no way to stop humans from doing evil things, but there are ways to deter the stupid and self-entitled.  That is why I've been stuck on this unsecure barrier issue for over a decade.  It's the number one offense, and needs to be addressed, especially at Code Red (Dangerous) Animals.  

I went to the Zoo two days after the Harambe tragedy and people at Black Rhino and Hippo acting the fool, hanging their kids over barriers.  I'm sorry but people who do this are either dumb as shit, or so self-entitled they don't think an accident can happen.  Google Pittsburgh Zoo, Wild Dog.  

One Cincinnati resident commented that "The parent was soley responsible for their child's action, yet faced no charges."   You can not argue with that.  It's disturbing and disgusting, but what usually happens.

Unfortunately, I would guess there is no situation where a parent/caregiver of any child would be held responsible for their own negligence in a Zoo situation such as this.  In every Animal/Human conflict situation, the Human, no matter whether irresponsible, stupid, self-entitled, or evil, will always take priority.  Their actions will be protected, as will their lives. The Animals always lose.  It's just the way it is.  Even if a Human trespasses into an enclosure of their own free will, and there's contact, the Animal gets a bullet to the head.  

Would people care more, or be more responsible if they knew their actions put the Animals lives at risk?  Why don't Zoo's have signs that say,  Keep Our Animals Alive and Safe.  Stay Off and Behind Barriers.???

You can't sinister proof every Code Red Animal exhibit, but you can "accident" deter them.  So why not take every precaution to prevent that? 

I've gotten a bit off on my goal here, which is to again document that The San Francisco Zoo needs to add deterrents to the barriers at Black Rhino, Hippo (pool), Black Bears, and Grizzly Bears (grotto).  The railing just isn't enough.  

I complained countless times about the lack of barrier at the male Anteater's home, as did staff, but it wasn't until right before their accreditation inspection did anything get done.  What they did was simple, and effective, and should be (have been) done at the four Code Red Animals I have noted.  Why it hasn't is beyond me, and probably many staffers.  It's negligent and mismanagement.

The only alterations I'd like to see are less really short poles as there are still some who sit their kids on them, but the jagged poles do seem to deter.  As well the sign.  All the signs that indicate to stay behind barrier only, do nothing to deter sitting on, which is the biggest issue, and the one that can lead to accidental fall-in.  ... The signs should read "Off and Behind".  

As for the "charges" that commenter noted, unfortunately I don't recall hearing of any Zoo situation where charges have been made.  Good grief, not even the asshole who trespassed into the SFZoo, broke into an Animal enclosure, stole a Lemur, caused it mental, emotional and physical endangerment, received any repercussion.  He was let go and told not to go to the Zoo again.  What the serious F***!?  

In fact, WTF with it all?  Our San Francisco Zoo needs to fix these barrier situations I've mentioned, so none of our Animals gets killed because of human misbehavior.

 

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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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Wolves Interacting With Domestic Dogs At Zoo

Before I get into the incident that happened this past Monday which prompted this post, I will start with the signage.  

So, when I walked past Wolves on Monday I got closer to this sign. I don't know how long it's been up, but I think I may have only seen it for the first time the week before.

While I'm all about signage, and have no problem with this, I think this is really curious especially since the Wolves have been here for over seven years.  I learned when the Wolves first got here that the Zoo was in partnership with the government wildlife department and that there were guidelines about a hands off approach to caring for them.  So, it was always curious that the enclosure was designed to have the walk-in area, as well as sixty feet of glass right at the habitat, with no visual barriers to break it up.

As well, starting from their arrival I complained in person and in this blog about people howling at the Wolves, yet it was ignored.  It took over three years for signs not to howl at the Wolves to go up. 

Anyway, when I circled back, I saw a guy with two Domestic Dogs in the walk-in area.  

This bothered me.  Not only is the same sign right next to him, and he like everyone else who disregards signage, gave it the middle finger, but in this particular case, the case of Service Animals at the Zoo, and the Zoo apparently takes no real stand on guidelines.  

Let me explain further.  Three other instances come to mind from previous years.   The first was a woman who wanted her Dog to have eye to eye contact with a Tiger.  The Tiger saw the Dog go by and ran to front of yard, stood on rock and was very interested.  The Dog saw the Tiger and wanted no part of it, yet the jerk owner dragged the Dog to the window.  The second, a similar situation in the Chimpanzee Dayroom.  I questioned this and was told it was ok and enriching.  Maybe that's a valid viewpoint.  In my opinion, especially with the Chimps, they are so sensitive to upset, I don't think chancing them get worked up and possibly turn agression on eachother is something that should be allowed.  The third, a woman at Snow Leopards let her small Dog roam free, while she was several feet away, while it went in and out of the bushes that bordered the fencing.  The Snow Leopard was stalking the Dog and if the Dog went to the fence line that situation could have been very bad.

I have also questioned in the past what the guidelines are for Service Animals, and have been told there are certain places they can't go, etc.  After this weeks event, I asked again and wanted to know what the rule was specifically at Wolves considering the signage.  I was told the same as before, specific areas can't go to, Bear window was one, but unknown if map had been updated since Wolves!!  What?  Not in seven years? Unbelievable. Well not really, but you know.   Anyway it's all noted on a map given to people with Service Animals, which I could not have.  So I'm left with only this as the written rule posted on the Zoo's website. 

This seems too vague to me.  There should be more rules.  In my opinion Service Animals should no be allowed within six feet of any Animal enclosure.  I would have said five but given Covid guidelines everyone should now know what six feet is.

So, Monday.  After the guy was in the walk-in area he went to the front.  You can see the red line from Covid safety still there, and it was crossed, by him with his Dogs at the window barking at the Wolves.  The Wolves were circling and both sides interacting.  As I got closer to film, people around were telling him not to do that.  You can hear me tell them to complain to the Zoo about this.  View my video here:

https://youtu.be/ojz_4_kP2iQ

The interaction to start seemed more curious on the Wolves side, so obviously not detrimental, yet still not following the rules as stated on the signage is an issue.  But then there's this that I captured.

Both the Wolf and the Huskey seem to have their ears down and the Wolf showing teeth. I find this completely unacceptable to have an animal on the defensive in its captive home.

Of course I called Security, but still this shouldn't happen.  Yes people are going to ignore rules and signs, but the Zoo also needs to have better and more specific rules in place.

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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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