Zoo Will Open on June 29th! - Oh NO It Won't!

I can't even describe how pissed off I am right now.  Not at the Zoo, but at this whole Pandemic situation in general.  I have two major issues with Covid coming to Northern California.  First, the Shutdown of the Zoo, and second the people of San Francisco, who have exhibited Self-Entitled behavior in mass for the past couple decades, but have really kicked into overdrive during this Health Crisis. 

So yes, the title is right, the Zoo will not be Re-Opening on Monday June 29th as reported in the news yesterday.

Mayor London Breed, who visited the Zoo yesterday (Thursday), and gave the okay to reopen, announced today, that do to concerns in case surges, businesses scheduled to re-open, will not.

This was going to be a very different post today.   I waited for the re-opening news all day yesterday.  Relaoding the Zoo webpage,

as it went from this, ...

to this!

to this! 

I was going to report the re-opening news, and direct to the website in regard to Reservation information.  This page came-up when you closed the above one.

 

Below this contained all the re-opening information, changes and rules.  I didn't screen-cap as I figured those who wanted to see it could go to website.  Now I don't see it there.

Now, unfortunately this post is a rant.  These words have to be said, because this delay could be for months if the "surge in cases" reason is the continued concern.  Places will never be allowed to re-open under a surge concern.

It has been documented all over the States, that places re-opening are seeing surges.  It's going to happen because people are gathering in mass, going to the beach, protests, wherever, not distancing, and all over in general not following rules, not wearing face-covering and not distancing.  It's epidemic in San Francisco, and if our City Officials and Health Department don't see that, then they haven't been to Golden Gate Park.  

I'm out three times a week.  Each of those mornings I drive through the Park at 8a.  I'm in and out of the Park through the day.  The majority of people are NOT wearing Face Covering.  That means, No Covering, not even around their neck in case they pass someone.  As well, the majority Do Not make any attempt to Distance when they pass someone. Hell, there is absolutely no distancing happening in stores and people don't even wear their face-covering properly. This is all day, everyday.  San Francisco will never get out of this Crisis with the majority of people giving the rules the middle finger.  

Other than being extremely irritated by the disrespect to everyone and everything by these offenders, I would have no problem letting Covid sort out the population of Self-Entitled, BUT these Anti-Maskers and Anti-Distancers are preventing the Zoo from opening.  These people who aren't following the rules, and I'm sure not using hand sanitizer when their out either, are keeping the Zoo closed.  They are keeping other places closed too, but my concern is for the Zoo.  And, Yes!  At this point, in regard to what's happening outside my home, I really only care if I get to see the Chimps and other Zoo Friends again.  I could just cry and probably will later.  I'm also concerned for the future of the Zoo if they do not start generating revenue. 

So, my grief I guess is with the City.  I hate to point fingers, but seriously, I have watched as State and local Officials applaud the great job we are doing.  Again, these people obviously never go to the Park, or they would not think that way.  This situation is never going to end if there are not repercussions for those who don't follow the rules.  If there had been back in March we might have been done with this.

All this said, if City Officials will not allow the Zoo to open, then they also need to close some of the places they allowed to open, like the Botanical Garden.  I go to the BG each morning I'm out, and even during the early hour 8-9a, the majority of people have their masks off when inside.  There is no monitoring inside, people left to do whatever.  At least at the Zoo there would be monitoring.  

Bottom line, No reason the Zoo can't open.  People have to follow the rules or they will have to leave. If the Botanical Garden can be open, and its free flow in Stores, No reason the Zoo can't open.  

Sorry I'm just repeating myself now.  I am so upset I can't even think straight.  I know it might sound ridiculous to be upset by not being able to go to the Zoo, but it's a huge part of my life, and I'm F-ing over being denied because people can't cover their damn face holes!

Will The Zoo ReOpen June 29?

This article came out yesterday morning. It clearly states that the Mayor has approved the Zoo to ReOpen June 29th, which is this coming Monday.

https://abc7news.com/health/sf-accelerates-reopening-of-hair-salons-nail-salons-outdoor-bars/6260138/

I checked the Zoos website immediately and it still says Closed Until Further Notice.

As well the reservation calendar had no Open dates.  So, I took a picture of my membership card so that I would have the number on my tablet in case the calendar opened up at some point during the evening.

I noticed there was a number that was not the main number which I had never noticed before and since the main number doesn't allow you to call any departments since the shutdown I called this number and Membership answered.  I asked about the opening and the online reservation situation. Membership did not know anything about the Zoo getting a reopening date.

The website remains the same today so who knows what the deal is. Will the Zoo be opening on Monday or not?

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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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Why Hasn't The Zoo Said Anything About The Lives Lost?

It's been four days since news articles noted that the Zoo released a statement to Media that one Red Kangaroo and two Walleroos had been recently killed. 

I've been deeply saddened by this loss and the event that caused these deaths.  It hurts my Soul that their passing has been ignored.

I keep waiting for this type of statement to be posted by the Zoo to it's social media, but there has not been one word.  They died eleven days ago.  

'We are Sad to announce a horrific loss to Our Zoo Family...'

Why hasn't the Zoo acknowledged these Lives? 

Additionally there are other questions.   

I don't even know if this is a thing but, it would seem that there should be a protocol and maybe there is to report suspected wild animal trespassing.  The Zoo made their statement last Friday, a week after the killings and three days after the first reported spotting if the Mountain Lion.

Coyotes are common in the City and have been spotted in the Zoo, but a Mountain Lion it seems should be reported and neighboring area warned to be alert when out. That's just my thought and curiosity.

Many more thoughts since this news about how the animals are housed at night. In addition to note about Coyote presence, the Zoo is on the route a Mountain Lion would take north to the City, where they have been spotted on the westside, so predator tresspassing should be a concern.  It would seem that all the animals should be locked in at night, especially ones that occupy exhibits around the perimeter fence which would be the first point of access. Closest to the fencing would be the Farm, the Walkabout and the Cassowary.  

So, that's another question in my mind.  Are these animals locked in at night or are they left out?  If they are left out, considering the obvious concern, what is the thought process for leaving them out after hours?  Not being judgemental but definitely curious.

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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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Three Lives Lost - Mountain Lion Roaming SF Suspected

The Mountain Lion roaming the City this past week, is suspected to have entered the Zoo and killed a Red Kangaroo and two Wallaroos.  

I followed the story of the Mountain Lion and its rescue by Animal Care and Control, and taken to Oakland Zoo for evaluation.  There have been several of these instances and each time I wish our San Francisco Zoo was set-up to intake Wildlife in need.  After evaluation, this yearling was taken by Fish and Wildlife and released.  It seemed like this story turned out ideally.  Unfortunately, only for the Mountain Lion.

I read the Heartbreaking news from the Zoo yesterday late afternoon.  Been shedding so many tears, it's just so awful.

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/amp/San-Francisco-mountain-lion-dead-kangaroo-zoo-15352957.php?__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR3j31EBeUfEmYk9WxuH9kd9MXs2nxrpZJcQ5FBHDjKLtwdiR2FFUEKyUTE

What a horror for a captive Animal to experience. For any Animal, but for captives, whose live is peaceful and safe, with no fear of predators, it had to be terrifying. Just too horrible to imagine those moments.

Hard to know the specifics, not much information provided.  I thought they were kept inside barn at night (assuming it happened overnight) but another article noted they were found in "outside exhibit".  There have been multiple Mtn Lion sightings in the past year, as well there is a huge Coyote population in the City.  There is the possibility of a predator threat, I would think none of the Animals in the collection should have outside access at night.

I'm so Sad for this loss, especially for the Kangaroo and Wallaroo Families, who have witnessed this and lost their loved ones.

RIP Precious Roos.  Bless Your Souls.

Re-Opening The SFZoo - Letter to SF Public Health Officer

It's been a busy week, and many things I've wanted to document.  May back post them to keep in chronological order.  For now, I started this letter last night and just sent it.  I'm hoping those reading this will also express their thoughts to this City Official, and ask their Friends and Family to do the same.  It is important for the Animals Lives, and the future of the Zoo that there is no further delay in Re-Opening the Zoo. 

There was a meeting of the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.  By all accounts, the only hold-out for not re-opening the Zoo, is the Department of Health Officer.

This is a Time Sensitive matter.  Thank You to anyone who can take a few minutes to help our Zoo Friends.

Contact San Francisco Public Health Officer

Dr Tomas Aragon ... aragon@berkeley.edu

My Letter, in case anyone needs reference points. 

June 18, 2020

Dr Aragon,

I am writing to you in regards to the San Francisco Zoo.  As I understand it, as the SF Public Health Officer, the City allowing the Zoo to Re-Open is based on your approval, which to date, you have not given.  ... If this is incorrect information, Please Forward this correspondence to the appropriate person. 

Keeping the Zoo from opening creates a great financial hardship.  While there are other businesses you can say are feeling they same, the Zoo is foremost, an Animal Care Facility.  There are Lives at stake.  The Animals NEED Food and Medical Care.  The Zoo has struggled financially for many years, and denying it the opportunity to create some revenue at this time is irresponsible.  

Initially, I found Zoos being in Phase 3, at a State Timeline of mid-August, to be outrageous, as people flocked to the beaches, and subsequent protests, with no Distancing, was unjustified. ...  Then I was told that there was a concern on the part of the Health Department about, "... the transmission of the virus to and from Animals."  There is no argument that is a valid concern, at a certain level, but as I understand it, not in relation to Re-Opening. ... I am most connected to the Zoo's Chimpanzees and when Covid came to attention here (pre- Shutdown), because of their genetic relation to Humans, and how close visitors can get to them, they were my main concern.  As well, it has now been documented in Big Cats, other exotics and domestic Animals.  

I am not a medical professional, so I am in no way questioning your position on this, but because of the detriment not re-opening poses to the Animals who Live at the Zoo, I must express what I know to be true. 

Noting, I am not some random Zoo Visitor.  In regard to the SFZoo, I am an Advocate for the Animals.  I have kept a very close watch on everything that goes on there for over ten years.  Additionally, through this passion and research, I have contacts in other Zoos, and Sanctuaries.

When I was alerted to this transmission concern, I immediately sought knowledge from someone high level in the U.S. Zoo world.  It was confirmed that it was a concern and (obviously) safety protocols were being taken in all Zoos by Animal Care Staff to prevent transmission, but that transmission "has not been a concern in relation to re-opening" any Zoos nationwide. 

The SFZoo has set safety protocols, that are in line with what other Zoos are doing.  Frankly, from the stand-point of Human safety, being in a controlled environment like the Zoo, is much safer than going to the Market, where people do not maintain Distancing, and do not properly wear Face Covering.  

In regard to the safety of the Animals, as I understand it, the Zoo has closed off the path to the Chimpanzees, and also provided barriers to distance visitors from other Animal exhibits that may be accessible closer than six feet.  

These alterations seem more than adequate to provide a safe environment for the Animals and Visitors.   There is no apparent logical reason to delay the San Francisco Zoo from Re-Opening, and essentially keeping the Animals fed and properly cared for.  Delaying Re-Opening is Cruel.

Please reconsider your position immediately.

Thank You for your time. 

Kim ...

San Francisco Zoo Re-Opening Update - June 11, 2020

Finally an update from the Zoo.  Posted yesterday.  

screencap sfzoo.org

The Zoo's post refers to the State health guideline that I also posted.  Refer to the following photo from my post for how to find pertaining info on that site.  Its a long but informative read.

http://www.oesnews.com/california-public-health-officials-provide-covid-19-update/

With Sacramento and San Diego announcing reopening dates, I was prematurely excited.  This update sounds like it might still be at least a couple weeks, although maybe the City will surprise us and give the ok sooner. 

I wrote in previous posts that with all the general disregard for Social Distancing, especially during the recent and continuing protests, its unjustified that reopening California Zoos was being delayed.  We now know, the Phase 3 date of mid-August was recently curiously moved up two months, with Governor Newsom giving Zoos the go-ahead starting today June 12.

Hopefully, the San Francisco Health Department will allow the Zoo to open soon.  Aside from the Transmission concern I noted in the previous post (linked at bottom), there seemingly should not be any other reason for the delay, as I would assume their safety protocol is in line with what other Zoos and like facilities are doing.  They will surely be doing more than the Botanical Garden, which does not monitor Face Covering or Social Distancing.  They even have their drinking fountains open!  

For several weeks during May the Zoo had been allowed to let in select Members, which I previously wrote that I had read on Twitter was part of a Lottery? and now Zoo Camp has started.  There is and has already been, non-staff about the place.  Re-opening to a small scale of Members, will seemingly not endanger the Animals or Others in any different capacity.  The Zoo is a controlled environment, unlike what's happening at the Botanical Garden, Stores, and other areas where the general non-maskers and non-distancers are flailing all over the City.  The San Francisco Zoo should be allowed to Re-Open immediately.

Related post: 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/06/re-opening-updates-and-curiosities.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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Sacramento, San Diego, Re-Opening! - Other Zoos Safety Plans

In the wake of California Governor Newsom's press release last week, stating an updated Re-Opening Timeline, this week has brought two CA Zoos taking advantage of the first approved date listed.

News yesterday put San Diego Zoo as the first California Zoo to Re-Open, stating it would be open this Friday June 12th, to Members and to the Public Monday. By this afternoon, the new date of June 20th was reported. No information available as to why the change.

Sacramento Zoo, is the next CA Zoo to announce Re-Opening, with this Friday as their date for Members, Public on Monday June 15th.

This news article has a video that shows some of the safety protocols that will be in place. Wish it were longer, I think it's an important thing to do, both for awareness and for creating community endearment.  In a previous post I noted that I thought SFZoo should do a video showing changes they have made.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OGS8h9MwpKs

I saw this one a couple weeks ago that I thought was really good.  I also liked seeing the entrance to Omaha (where our Orangutan Lady Amoi is from), I smiled to see they have a huge screen at the entrance.  This was an idea I suggested to SFZoo many, many years ago.  I think it's a great tool, to put forth many messages.

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTg4MTY0MjU4NTA6Vks6MjcwNjg1MTM3MzE3NjQy

Another good one from Cincinnati Zoo.  Gotta admit the e-ticket situation makes me anxious.  I normally visit SFZoo three mornings a week.  The Cincinnati Zoo info notes Member slots as Sold-Out certain days, and I have also read about some Zoos Member slots in Zoos that have already re-opened are sold out up to a month in advance.  I understand all aspects, that online ticketing is necessary, and that with reduced admission, there needs to be a decent portion of non-member admissions for daily revenue aspect, but there should be a good amount of allegiance to what Membership is supposed to entail. Personally I think the 30-minute arrival window or forfeit admission is a but much.  Sometimes shit happens and being late is unavoidable.  If someone makes an effort to support your place with a visit, they need to be let in. ... Make sure to watch the video.  As mentioned I think videos are a great way to familiarize visitors with the changes.  It also shows they have masks for sale, which was another one of my ideas.  Printed or custom masks would be awesome, and generate funds, but having something as simple as disposable surgical masks, really should be available for those people who are still clueless and will inevitably show up without one.  

http://cincinnatizoo.org/prepare-for-your-zoo-visit/

Good one from Columbus Zoo too ... Glad Face Covering is mandatory in San Francisco, even if the majority still think it doesn't apply to them.  If that's you, Shame on you.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MwcVgGSBVfA&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR1wE0g2uulC9k1jE-fJufARN_a3foEoRCexyt-KRW0O9eOzJqXt3qzeSLA

This was posted in an article about UK Zoo.  I like the distancing from exhibit windows, so if spaced six feet apart in rows, it seems everyone can see.

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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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