Animal Awareness Days - World Lion Day - Zoo Event Review

Well, I meant to do a World Lion Day post, and obviously I still haven't.  With two Animal Awareness Days this past weekend and the Zoo actually doing something for them,  I'll post abit about Awareness Days in general, as well a review of the Zoo's Lion Day Event.

Animal Awareness Days at the SFZoo have either been non-existent or have fallen short of what they should be.  When I first started to take note and post about this, it was World Tapir Day 2012 and there was nothing on the Zoo grounds that even hinted at that.  They continued to miss such Days for Tigers, Polar Bears, and Rhinos.  In 2013, for Rhino Day, the Zoo put up a "sandwich" board, with a few notations.  That was the extent of it.

Here are a couple of the posts I've made on this blog in reference to this.

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/2/international-polar-bear-day-at-san.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/happy-world-rhino-day-finally.html

So far this year they have recognized three Animal Awareness Days with Events.  Not sure why the change, but at least they are getting with the program a bit.  

World Lion Day is August 10th.  

Screen-Cap from my blog post

With the recent increase in Lion related Offenses, I looked forward to seeing what the Zoo would put forth in the way of Education.  Their website noted there would be a Keeper Talk and Enrichment. 

There was no Educational signage, and no other Fanfare.  The Keeper came out and talked about our Lions.  There was not one word mentioned about the current plight Lions are facing.  Issues that are pushing them towards extinction.  WTF?  Why even bother to recognize an Awareness Day and not promote Awareness?  Again as I've noted many times, the Zoo falls short of its Mission to Educate.  I was hoping to hear something in regard to at least one  of the issues and nothing.  I wasn't surprised, yet at the same time,  I seriously couldn't believe there was nothing said about the massive increase in Trophy and Canned Hunting.  BIG FAIL SFZOO!

Screen-Cap from World Lion Day site

noting issues that threaten Lions

In my opinion it is a responsibility of all Animal Facilities, whether a Zoo or Sanctuary, to Educate Visitors, especially on these Awareness Days, especially if you are going to go as far as advertising it as an Event!  Taking advantage of spreading the word about issues threatening the lives of these Animals, should be a priority.  With the amount of Visitors that come through the gates, not to get the word out, is a crime.  Why our Zoo, which holds the namesake of a City famous for Environmental Awareness, continues to fall flat, I can't understand.  San Francisco Zoo Management, why are you so lame?

I will give Kudos to the Enrichment offerings.  I can't find my photos, but a large Hoofed Animal was made out of boxes by Zoo Campers (I think).  It looked great and so I had much expectation for interaction between the Lions and the Enrichment Toy.   The Keepers put out bones wrapped in paper, but didn't put food incentive in the Toy structure.  This was curious to me, as the food is the lure, the toy/item is the challenge.  They work hand in hand to make it an enriching experience.  They only put Rhino poop (a scent enrichment) on the toy.  The Lions came out, went right for the paper wrapped bones and ignored the toy structure completely.  After being involved with how a prior Keeper worked with Enrichment Toys, this was unusual.  They barely looked at the toy.  I stood there for an hour and the only interaction was Jahari spraying it.  So either they couldn't smell food, so ignored it or the lack of Toy Enrichment they have received over the past few years has been so little that they just aren't interested in toys or no longer know how to interact with them.  Sadly I think it is the later.  When they had this type of Enrichment weekly, they were very interested and interacted with it, in a what is called,"high yield" experience.  Their lack of interest made me sad and I felt like not having toys for so long, they had been ruined for the experience it provides them.

The Zoo seriously is lacking in their Enrichment efforts.  I hope to do yet another post in regards to this.  If any reader is on Facebook and is has an interest in Animal Enrichment, check out my group

Awesome Animal Enrichment

https://www.facebook.com/groups/772383782780933/

Here are some links in regard to the Plight of Lions today.

http://worldlionday.com/

http://www.cannedlion.org/

http://bucketlistlion.tumblr.com/

My Zoo Outtings - Weekly Synopsis 10.11.13

> October 9, 2013 -  The World Rhino Day organization posted this awesome Video compiling many great Events that happened at Cities and Zoos around the World in support of this Animal Awareness Day.  No surprise the lack of fanfare the SFZoo created with their effort was not included.  ...  I LOVED it!  So much passion from all those involved.  The hair dos, paper mache horns, the congo line, and the cool bracelets stood out.  I've watched it several times and still notice new stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0RYfuvjohw

> October 8, 2013 - Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, which is home to our Lioness Sukari's two Daughters (M'Fisha and Ahadi), and now Grandbabies!  as well our Amanzi's Brother Big who is the Cubs Father :)  has published a book about the Cubs!   Screencap from their FB pg.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151881007035851&set=pb.8816425850.-2207520000.1381426042.&type=3&theater

> October 7, 2013 - Tis' true, I can't visit the Zoo without witnessing someone breaching Barriers. Today was one of the worst, as it could have gotten our Precious Chimps killed.  Read my post from my other blog:

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/10/kids-allowed-beyond-barriers-at-chimp.html

> October 6, 2013 - I haven't made any Zoo Friend accessories in awhile, but made these for me and two friends who LOVE Falcor!  I always joke we are his old lady fan club lol!

> October 4, 2013 - Gandolf the Alapca was Beating the Heat at the Zoo!

World Rhino Day at the San Francisco Zoo

So, where do I begin.  I know, that doesn't sound like this is going to be very good.   So, two things first.   I love my Precious Rhino Friends!  I'm lucky to get to experience what Special Beings they are. I usually don't Zoo on the weekend, but went today to support their Species special Day and to witness whether or not Elly got treats, because I knew she would be dissed as usual.  Answer is NO Elly did not get treats.   

Elly has been banished to the back of the exhibit for a year now (more information on that in my next post).  I rarely see her up anymore, but she was up today!  She's not stupid, she knew something was happening.  Sadly, it just wasn't happening for her.  It was heartbreaking to watch Elly trot around in a circle, as she watched Belozi get his treats.

I asked one Keeper if Elly was getting treats and she said maybe later, indicating during the Keeper talk in the afternoon. In my opinion, that isn't good enough. I don't know who decides what and when, but her not getting something at the same time is inexcusable.  I'm not blaming this Keeper because as I stated I don't know who's call this was.  BUT There is NO reason why Elly couldn't have been given a box of treats at the same time Belozi was.  They could have thrown it over to her before they went around to the front to throw Belozi his.  There is NO excuse for her having to watch him.  When Mishaki was in the front of the exhibit, she had to watch him too.  Its horrible.  

In an effort to "give info"  the other Keeper told people Elly (at 42 yrs old) was the oldest Rhino in a North American Zoo, something they like to boast, yet they couldn't give her a friggin' box?  Sorry, but I'm getting really tired of this crap.  AND that's exactly what this and other stuff I point out that the Zoo does that disrespects these Animals.  Elly is a Grand Dame, and she deserves better treatment.  

Let's talk about the Enrichment.  Since my friend and I used to make Enrichment Toys, as well I've seen attempts the Zoo has made, in addition to reading everything I can about Enrichment in other Zoos, I do know what kind of creative things can be done for Events.  There are different types of Enrichment, but for Events, there should be something fun and Themed.  Don't get me wrong, the Animals don't care, they are happy to be getting treats!  BUT that doesn't mean that putting those treats in something different (shape, color, size) isn't funner for them and fun for Visitors to see.  

The treats today were put in plain boxes the produce comes in.  In my opinion thats just plain lazy. You tell me the Zoo couldn't have some Docents at least paint the boxes and write World Rhino Day on them? They had three double-sided signs that were fancier than the Enrichment Boxes.  Pathetic.   ... And the signs, interestingly noted that Elly had fourteen babies, when their Animal List says she had sixteen.  Note that fourteen is MY count, that I always post when referencing.  Just saying.  Wonder where they are getting their information (and other ideas) from?

I try not to blame the Keepers (at least in this instance), as I think Event Enrichment should be planned by the Curator and the Animal Care VP and/or Event Staff.  The Keepers seem to work with what they are given.  I guess there's no official Enrichment Staff anymore and the Enrichment Program they slammed the door on us for, is and always was non-existent.  No one makes anything fun for these Animals anymore.  Keeping them entertained is just not a priority.  They sit around bored all the time, and are given the same old things.  The only kind of  "Toy" type Enrichment I've seen given lately is when there's some kind of 49er thing going on and Belozi gets a box with the logo painted on it, for a photo op.  And again only Belozi (who they renamed Boone after the ball player) gets something.

For an Event that is supposed to Celebrate Rhinos and raise awareness for their plight, there sure wasn't much going on.   It seemed like this was something they just did to keep up with the Jones. They didn't even have anyone taking photos.  They sure go all out when there's a Sports thing going on, but hey, we're only trying to save an Animal Species from going Extinct, its not the Super Bowl or anything.  On their Facebook page they even mention the Zip Line before Rhino Day!  Disgusting.

At least two out of three Rhinos got some extra treats out of the deal.

Belozi enjoying his treats!

 Gauhati enjoying his treats!

Down to the last drop!

Happy World Rhino Day! - September 22, 2013

Happy World Rhino Day!

to my Awesome Rhino Friends

 Greater One-Horned Rhino, Gauhati!

Black Rhinos, Elly! and her Grandson Belozi!

... remembering Mishaki, you are missed!

Tomorrow is World Rhino Day!  I have been lucky to know some awesome Rhinos!  They are Beautiful and Intelligent!  All species of these Wonderful Beings are threatened.  Please visit this site to learn more about their plight.   http://www.worldrhinoday.org

So, the San Francisco Zoo is Finally! getting with the program and acknowledging an Animal Awareness Day!   I guess at some point the Shame from Other Zoo's participation and my blogging about their lack of Celebration, had to nudge them eventually.  All I can say is, its about time! I haven't seen one of these Days acknowledged since I've been aware of them myself, at least last couple years. Recognizing these Animal Awareness Days, not only bring attention to the plight of threatened Species, but Celebrates the lives of the Wonderful Beings we are so lucky to have in our lives.   It's also a win-win in getting people to the Zoo and educating them.

Will report on the Zoo's participation and Enrichment activities.  So check back for my next post.  (See end of this post for link.)

Rhino Day 2011 with Elly 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvqA6PXZlPI

Here are some posts I've made pertaining to Animal Awareness Days. 

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/04/friday-april-27-2012-world-goober-day.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-international-tiger-day-july-29.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2012/07/speaking-of-tigers.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/02/happy-international-polar-bear-day.html

http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/02/international-polar-bear-day-at-san.html

Short bits from my other blog:  http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/  (listed by date)

August 10, 2013 -   Happy World Lion Day! 

August 19, 2013 - World Orangutan Day!

September 4, 2013 -  Happy National Wildlife Day! 

September 7, 2013 - Happy International Vulture Awareness Day!  

> Update: Related link ... 

My review of the Zoo's Rhino Day effort.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2013/09/world-rhino-day-at-san-francisco-zoo.html

Happy World Rhino Day Elly & Gauhati!

Three years ago September 22 was established as World Rhino Day.  Zoo's and supporters celebrate Rhinos and try to gain awareness for their plight.  Celebrate the lives of the Rhino's you know and say a prayer for those in the wild who live in fear with every breath they take, that it might be their last.

Learn more about World Rhino Day and the plight of Rhinos being Slaughtered for their Horns.  

http://www.rhinoconservation.org/world-rhino-day/

The Rhinos I know:

Elly

Elly is a Black Rhino.  She came to the San Francisco Zoo from Africa in 1974.  Her Birthday is listed as January 1, 1971, which means she turned 41 in 2012!   Elly has given so much to the Zoo and to Rhino conservation.  Producing at least fourteen calves, some of which have been released back into the wild.  ... After being pregnant for over fifteen yrs of her life, I hope Elly is celebrated today with some special treats!  

You can view a video of Elly that I took on World Rhino Day 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvqA6PXZlPI

Gauhati

Gauhati is an Asian Rhino (Indian/One Horned).  He was born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park on May 25, 1995.   Gauhati turned 17 this year!  He is still a teenager and loves to play!  ...  Would be nice if he got some special Enrichment today, he has been looking very bored recently.

My apologies to Sweet Gene/Mishaki.  I meant to include you in this and brain faded.
I would never leave you out!  Even if it took a few hours after originally posting.
We sadly lost wonderful Mishaki this year.
Born at San Diego Wild Animal Park, July 12, 1987.
He was just 24 years old.   You are missed my friend!



Love you my wonderful cutie pie Rhino Friends!