What Is Going On?! - Newborn Peachicks and Mama Booted From Safety

This incident happened last Tuesday.  I was so upset that I planned to sit in my car after leaving the Zoo and write this post.  I usually don't write blog posts anywhere but home.  They take alot of time and energy, so Id rather be at home and comfortable, but I was absolutely outraged at the lack of compassion that I just witnessed, I was ready to go off the cuff. I needed that immediate outlet.

As I made my way out of the Zoo I kept running into people I knew, and since I was fuming, the only thing I had to talk about was what had happened.  Every person I talked to agreed, This was wrong. 

That morning as I approached the old Patas Monkey enclosure, to check if it was inhabited yet (more on that in a bit), I saw a Mama Peahen and Four Teenies inside.  Gosh they were cute.  I hadn't seen Peachicks that small in many many years.  They weren't there the day before, so they must have hatched overnight?  I spent the next hour or so gushing over them and taking many photos and videos. ... I haven't uploaded that footage yet.

I noticed right away that the door to the Keeper area was open.  Nearing that hour mark, I saw two Keepers inside the exhibit.  Soon, they started motioning to the Mama and Chicks, herding them toward the door.  I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  These newborn babies were being led to the path.  

Let me say, I don't blame the Keepers, they take orders from their bosses. I'm sure I know but will leave it at saying, whoever did make this call, shame on you.  There was a more compassionate way to do this, and that would have been to wait.

Once the Family got to the gate, it was opened and they were shooed out, and the gate closed behind them.  

I was there every step of the way, and documented the whole thing.  My heart was breaking for this Mama.  She was so upset, one minute she's in a safe environment with her new babies and the next minute she's pushed out onto the path where people are coming up to her, one little kid was about to throw rocks at her babies.  It was just awful.  She started making distressful sounds, that sounded almost like bird screams but on the level of a whimper, as she tried to keep all her babies next to her, while maneuvering past tons of people on the path, looking for a safe place for her babies.  

She had a safe place.  WHY was she kicked out of it? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btbezK1vCsI

A bit of back story.  The Patas Monkeys, also got the boot.  They were sent to another Zoo two years ago.  This enclosure has sat vacant since the day they left.  

Two weeks ago, some staff were working in there, clearing out the overgrown landscaping.  I asked them if someone was going in there and was told the (Bald) Eagle.  What?!  I was shocked and initially bothered that Sureshot was being removed from her longtime home at Eagle Lake.  I don't like displacement, but after thinking about it and imagining her in there, I thought maybe it wouldn't be so bad, as she would have alot more room.  ... The catalyst for the move is allegedly a drama between her and the Pelicans.  It seems logical, as the Zoo unnecessarily doubled its Pelican population a few years back and there isn't enough land for a dozen plus Birds.

So, Sureshot has been off exhibit I think about three weeks.  And that day, Tuesday, probable Hatch Day, was THE day they decided to put Sureshot in the Patas Enclosure. 

Here's my grief.  The exhibit has been vacant two years.  Sureshot has been off exhibit maybe three weeks.  What was the hurry?  They couldn't wait a day?  a few days?  a week?  It had to be done THAT day? Why?  ... Nothing is ever done there in a hurry, Why this?  Orangutans sat in the caged tube for eight months and still have no home of their own.  Squirrel Monkeys lived in cages in a concrete room for four years, never going outside.   And NOW they are in a hurry.  

I understand that the Peafowl are free roaming, and usually have their babies wherever and then live out their journey of survival roaming about the grounds.

But, this Mama chose a place she felt was safe, since there was nothing going on in there for years.  So, at that point, she should have been left alone, at least for a few days.  Not kicked to the curb, less than a day after her babies hatched.  Unbelievably Cruel.  

Part of the Zoo's Mission Statement includes the word CARE.  I do not see Care in this situation, or many others for that matter.  There has been too many instances where there is No Compassion, No Empathy, and it's disturbing.

The thing is, the Peafowl are part of the Zoo's collection, yet they treat them like they are wild.  Why, because they are free roaming?  They get medical care, but other than that, they are left on their own to find food and shelter.  It has always bothered me that there is not one area that they know to go to for food supplement if needed.

I now think there should be a place where Mama's and Babies can be relocated together, and protected from Predators until they are a decent size to survive.  Why are they just left out to wonder and possibly get preyed upon?

There has to be a space.  I immediately thought of two.  First, the day before, I saw for the first time, four Peachicks at the Farm.  These Chicks are a couple months old.  They are in the renovated old Turkey enclosure.  They stay in the coop, but when bigger will have access to the yard.  It's unclear, but it seems they were separated from their Mama's and brought there to be cared for, for their survival.  I don't support separating babies from Mama's, unless they aren't being cared for.  So, while I like the use of this space, and the theory (protection), I'm bothered that the Mama(s) weren't brought into safety as well to care for their Babies.    

That all said, many thoughts come to mind.   One being, Why were these babies protected but so many before and now after are not?  Something needs to change with this protocol. 

After learning the four young Peachicks do not go outside to the yard because of predators, it was obvious this was not an option as is, so out for immediate use.  I wondered, if the yard could be fenced in to create a second predator proof space?  Then this could be a place for other Families (Mamas and Babies) to be protected until old enough to survive free roaming.  It would also create a space for rotating and one group wouldn't have to be exclusively locked in the coop. 

The other thought is, last year during the Newcastle Disease scare, all the Peafowl were rounded-up and taken off roam.  Maybe the space they were housed in then could be an option.  It just seems like there has got to be a place to make this happen, so these Mama's can raise their Babies and not see them fall victim to predators.   

I was so upset when I left, I didn't want to go the next day, but I wanted to check on the babies, and see if Sureshot was moved in. ... As of Wednesday, I was so happy to see all four babies had thankfully survived the night.  Not so happy to see that the enclosure was still empty. 

There was NO reason that Family had to be shoved out that day.  There is no excuse.  It's Shameful.

Praying they have stayed safe.  

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I know some people aren't going to like the title of this post, but the thing about that is I am not alone in these thoughts or most that I have.  After venting my upset to someone about what happened with the Peafowl Family,  I said, WHAT, is going on (here)?! They said, What is going on? I said, Right? They said, THAT's your blog title!  Then I saw someone who also grew up coming to the Zoo.  At one point during that conversation, they grabbed their head and said, What is wrong with the Zoo?  These weren't the only two instances.

I'm thankful I know many like minded people.  While it would be easier on our souls, we don't wear rose colored glasses.  Seriously, there have been so many things that just aren't right, when talking to each other, we all just know what is meant by that line.  It's unfortunate and sad.

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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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Untitled - Conversation with Staffer Documentation

This post is mainly for personal documentation purposes.  The reason for this blog and a couple others before it, was primarily to document things I thought just weren't right.  It still is.  While most of the posts do contain subject matter that I want the public to be aware of, you will find if you read further, this really isn't necessarily one of those.

Last week I was approached by a Staffer, we had a decent dialog.  I had some after thoughts, that nagged at me, so I decided I needed to express those in person.  That Staffer was not available for conversation at the time we crossed paths, so I said, I'd catch them next week.  I fully intended to discuss it this coming week, but further thoughts, made me feel like documenting it was the better way to go.  I felt like I needed that protection, so intention is not misinterpreted and my words and vibe of the conversation can't get twisted.

As most who have read this blog, including Staff, know I take alot of photos documenting what I write about.  I take photos of the grounds and there have also been photos of people behaving badly, pretty much exclusively at the barriers.  I have been documenting that single offense for near ten years.  I feel it is the most dangerous issue at the Zoo in regard to Animal Safety.  I feel like it should be attended to and hasn't.  So I continue to document it, in case something ever happened, and I pray for the Animals sake it doesn't, but if it did, there would be proof and the Zoo couldn't say they didn't know it was an issue.

In addition to offenders at the barrier, which is the primary offense, we now have the whole removing of the mask situation.  I consider this a health assault, so again a safety issue.

So, the other day, I was told I can't take photos of people.  I was told someone complained, and that people aren't comfortable having their and their kids photo taken.  

This is completely understandable.  I am not an unreasonable person.  I am in no way challenging this request.  

I respect being approached, as I can have an adult conversation, and if necessary counter, if I feel something is not justified.  I don't think I misbehave, or act inappropriately, in most situations, especially at the Zoo, where I know my every move is watched.

In that conversation, I said, that's fine, but I did counter respond. I noted that I never take photos of people's faces full-on. I do take photos of misbehavior scenes or to document other situations. In fact, on the rare occasion if full-on faces are shown close and I have used them, I have covered them. Noting (what I previously wrote) that they are mostly for documenting the barrier situation, so they can't say they didn't know it was an issue.  

The points of the conversation that were curious in after thought, are what I want to document.  I know it sounds conspiracy theory, but I know for a fact that they are always looking for a reason or a reason to manipulate, to pull something on me.  I'm not saying this is one of those situations, I'm just saying its out there as their MO in regard to me, because of this blog.  In the past, they have never had a valid reason for taking my Membership, and yet they have and without giving a reason to me either time.  So, yea, this is always on my mind.  

It's also curious that this has come about, after I blogged last weekend.  Even though I consider what I wrote to be constructive criticism, pointing out things that need to be better and how they could be.  When the posts are based more on outrage, for the next few visits, as I approach the entrance, I honestly feel like, because of my past experience, I never know if I'm going to get into the place. 

So, a couple things that sounded fishy in this conversation.  First, saying a visitor complained.  Of course there's always room for being wrong, but it does seem it is unlikely that a visitor complained.  I looked at the two photos I took that day, one hours before of someone's hat, and one ten minutes before I was approached, which was of people (adults) sitting at the cafe tables not eating, with their masks off.  The pic is a side view and no way these people saw me, and if they did, it seems very likely if they had an issue, just like I would, they would have said something like, hey are you taking my picture?  This would most certainly happen if there were kids involved, which there weren't, yet kids were mentioned to me.  Lastly, there was a Staffer standing there, and I think the more probable scenario, is that they were the one to "complain".   

Also, when I've complained about misbehavior, I have been told by Security, they can't say anything to people unless they see the offense (barriers, masks off, .. ).  Using that, it would seem like a Staffer had to be the witness.  If not, then approaching me about something they didn't personally see, goes against the policy Security has put forth. 

The day before, I was talking to Security, and my friend who was still at an exhibit, came up.  In conversation about misbehavers, my friend showed Security a photo she took of people over the red barrier lines.  At no point did Security tell her not to take photos of people.  So, it seems there continues to be different rules for me?  Additionally, several years ago, there was a Security Guard who actually told me to take photos to show them so they could have a description.  I'm not saying the no photo thing isn't valid, just that it's the first I've heard and doesn't seem to be consistent.  It's also curious that the Zoo's own photographer and News media that cover events, do not get permission from everyone that they take photos of.   I have personally been in "scenes" that have been photographed by both and have been published.  I have never been asked for my permission, maybe I'm not comfortable with that either.

Anyway, I'm just noting all of this, again for documentation purposes, in the grand scheme of things.  I am not challenging the request to not take photos of people, just the scenario in which it was presented to me.  

I always like to include a photo.  Coincidentally I took this just after the above mentioned conversation. Thankfully no Humans behind me, and hopefully Cobby doesn't complain that he's uncomfortable being in my selfie.

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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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RIP Henry - Sea Lion Passes Away

Another Heartbreaking loss to my Zoo Friend Family.   

Someone sent me this sad news late last Sunday, with questions I couldn't answer.  What happened, and why was there no public announcement, on social media or in media, about his passing.  

I was in shock at this news, as I don't remember hearing he had any health issues, and he was so young.  Estimated to be less than two years old when he arrived, I put his age at ten years old.  It's hard to believe he's gone.  

When I went to Henry's home on Monday, I saw the notice.

It's hard to see the Sea Lion Pool empty.  It was hard to go there after losing Silent Knight last year, it was just too sad and now with Henry gone too, it's beyond sad.  Hard to believe they are both gone.  They were here nine years, but it still feels like such a short time.  

As noted in an earlier post a few weeks ago, I haven't always wrote about Passings.  I have started to now, because the Zoo does not give equal attention to each Passing.  I think each Animal deserves to have their life recognized.  Since I wasn't posting Passings when Silent Knight left us, I want to include the photo that was at Sea Lions after he passed away.  Bless this sweet guy, I have missed him.

As an SF native, Sea Lions have always been a part of my life.  As a kid, I clearly remember this pool in it's heyday, when a cart would sell fish to feed the Sea Lions.  As a young adult, I would feed the wild ones at the pier.  They would jump out of the water high enough to drop fish in their mouth.  

A visitor to The Marine Mammal Center for near forty years, I was so happy when the Zoo was able to provide a forever home for two Sea Lions, who had been rehabbing at TMMC for the past year. Anytime the Zoo can provide a home to rescues is for me, a plus, as I feel it is what Zoo's should be doing at this time in history.  

Silent Knight and Henry were rescued for different reasons, but both suffered from issues that prevented them returning to their wild lives.  Silent Knight suffered severe injury after being shot in the face.  Losing one eye, and being blinded in the other as a result.  Henry was found suffering from malnutrition.  It was determined that he had little to no sight. A few years ago, Henry underwent surgery to try and restore the sight in one of his eyes.  You can read the story here:

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/SF-Zoo-s-blind-sea-lions-look-on-the-bright-side-11178271.php

There was a beautiful sign at the Sea Lion Pool, that told the rescue stories of Henry and Silent Knight.  Sadly when I was there Monday, that sign had already been taken down.  I wish the Zoo would have kept the sign up as a tribute to these two wonderful lives we were blessed to know.  It was because of them that the iconic Sea Lion Pool was refurbished. Regardless of who inhabits the pool in the future, Silent Knight and Henry should remain a part of its history.  

Much like hearing the Lemurs alarm calling when the different species cross paths, or Big Cat vocals, hearing Sea Lion barks from other areas in the Zoo, is part of the joyous sounds of the Zoo.  Sadly, those barks were less after Silent Knight left us, and now without Henry, they are no more.  There is a noticeable silence.

Some of my favorite moments with our two Sweet boys, was watching them do their slip slidin' when their pool water was being refilled.  I have a few videos up, this is one of my favorites.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZBxl5lB7Z4

My life has been enriched with them in it and for the times I've watched these two having fun, and enjoying their life.  I've missed Silent Knight, and now I'm missing Henry.  Such a loss, but thankful to have known them.

I know Henry and Silent Knight have been reunited on the otherside.  I love them and hope they are having a beautiful afterlife together, finally being able to see eachother.

RIP Little Henry, Bless Your Soul.

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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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SFZoo Re-Opening - Reservations - Member Hour Suggestion!

I totally forgot to include something in my UnMasked post.  Since I had mentioned how crowded it feels most days by noon, thought I'd throw out the suggestion of having a daily Member hour from 9-10a.  I read a couple weeks ago that Oakland Zoo was doing this, and thought it was a great idea.  

I know the Zoo 's first thought is they probably don't want to pay for extra Staff for that one hour, but some are already there, and if it's Members only, there should be some level of assuming they would behave?  I know during the Shutdown they allowed select Members in, as well as some Bicycle Riders?, early morning, which I'm not sure what that allowance was about, but point is, there was no extra Staff during those times, so during the suggested Member hour, it seems like it would be no different.

Being able to go in and walk around for exercise, which many Members do incorporate into their Zoo visits, without having to battle crowds or the UnMasked assault, would be nice.  

The other day I read that SFZoo would start doing a 9:30a slot on weekends only.  I don't normally go on weekends, but had one planned, that I was going to reserve today.  Ended up getting 10a, as the Reservations opened earlier than noon (I checked it at 11a and already open).  Would have liked that extra half hour, especially on a weekend day.

Note to Zoo ... Please try and be accurate to the advertised Noon Reservation start time.  Last week there was a day when it didn't open up til 4p, and then today who knows what time earlier it was, but even second slot was on last tickets available at 11a.  Some people count on trying for certain times, but when it doesn't open up at the time expected, that could potentially leave someone without, by no fault of their own.  

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I like to have photos in my posts, for preview when sharing.  So I'll share this one I took on Re-Opening Day of Mandrill lady Lulu and her new precious babie girl Tatu.  Born during the Shutdown this was my first sighting of her.  Now four months old, she is jumping all over and giving her two year old brother Kiburi some tree acrobat competition!  Will be fun when they start playing together.

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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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SFZoo Re-Opening Posts - All In One Place

Thought having all the posts pertaining to the Zoo's Re-Opening in one place would be a good at-a-glance resource. 

I have one left in draft and hope that's it on the subject.  Sigh, but is it ever really?  I've been wishful thinking for a decade now.  That all said, I do still have my 2020 resolution goal to finish all posts in draft.  I want them done and not nudging at me constantly.  Publishing them might not come until I'm ready again to be vulnerable to the Retaliation I have faced in the past.

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Published Posts

*SFZoo Re-Opening - First Day July 13, 2020

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-first-day-july-13-2020.html

*SFZoo Re-Opening - Concerns For Chimpanzee Safety

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-concerns-for.html

*SFZoo Re-Opening - Big Disappointment In 

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-big-disappointment-in.ht SFZoo

*SFZoo Re-Opening - Chimp Yard Safety Update

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/coming-soon-sfzoo-re-opening-chimp-yard.html

*SFZoo Re-Opening - Irritation With The UnMasked - Disobeyers and Diners

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-irritation-with-un_15.html

In Draft

*SFZoo Re-Opening - Suggestions Regarding High Touch Point Issues

link coming soon!

SFZoo Re-Opening - Irritation With The Un-Masked Situation - Disobeyers & Diners

First I want to say this,...

If you are visiting the Zoo, you need to wear a Face Covering.  Those are the rules.  The rules are in place, not only to keep everyone safe, including the Animals, whose home you are in, but the Zoo would not be able to be open, if there weren't rules, and it will not be able to stay open if you don't follow them.  If you can't follow them, do not come to the Zoo.  They don't need the hassle.  

From the beginning, this Mask defiance has been a major issue for me.  I just don't understand it, and frankly five months later I have zero tolerance for those who give the middle finger to wearing Face Covering and Social Distancing.  For those of you who have not complied, you are the reason we are still in this five months later, and will be for most likely a year to come.   Thank you for being a jerk. 

We all know the people I'm talking about.  Maybe you are one of them.  I don't care.  It's enough of an obstacle of health assault just walking in the park, but in the particular situation of the Zoo, like a store, you are going to a controlled environment, and there should be a level of safety.  So, you need to follow the rules and Mask-Up!

It's Completely Unacceptable and Disrespectful that People Can Not Comply with Keeping Their Face Holes Covered for a few hours.  

Ok, let's talk about the Zoo rules.  Oh, wait, before I do that, let me also note to Zoo Officials, if you want people to comply, the Staff must too.  When I was there last week, a Staffer came by in a cart, with his mask under his chin.  I said, Hey Mask-up, motioning pulling up mask as he drove by.  He responded Oh, thank you!  Thank you?  He pulled it up, but Good grief... Need I say more?

Ok before getting to the rules, and sorry for the digressing, but again this No Masker situation is my thorn these days.  Let's go over what happens when you don't wear a mask.  Anytime your mouth is open you are expelling your germs.  They may be allergies, common cold crap, or asymptomatic Covid.  Whatever.  They are yours and you need to keep them.  No Face Covering and your germs come out and depending on size of particle can stay in aerosol mode.  Those around you, behind you, wherever, for an undetermined time, are walking right into your aerosol stream.   That's nasty and unsafe.  Keep your germs to yourself, and follow the rules.  Not only in the Zoo, but anywhere outside your house.  

A bit on Face Covering.  For one, and this is another major issue point for me in general. Part of the disconnect on this has been at Government level.  In my opinion their wishy washy information has been lost on the masses and been a disservice to those that don't do further research and rely on their words only.  ... Valved Masks.  They are all over, and the Zoo is no different.  I personally wear an N95 with a valve, but I also wear a covering over it.  Its my personal choice to do this even before the reading more about valved masks, because the N95s can't be washed/disinfected, and I want to be able to use a clean face covering everyday, which is logical.and what is recommended.  That said, the fact of the valve mask is that it only protects you.  It allows for better breathing, and that means your germs expel.  For that reason and other political reasoning, Valved Masks are not only not recommended against diseases, and are noted as Not Acceptable by the City of San Francisco as a Face Covering.  This is all remedied by using an additional cloth covering over it.  This needs to be mandated.  Trader Joes has a sign about it, and will give you tape to cover the valve if you want to enter.  The Zoo needs to address this.  I see too many people, with Valved Masks, and alone, it is like not wearing a mask at all in regards to protecting others.  I'm masked-up good I think, and I'm uncomfortable in the same way I'd be around someone with no mask. ... The Zoo allows for anyone under 2 yrs old to be unmasked.  That is the City mandate.  That needs to be emphasized.  For that matter I don't know why anyone would want their Child to go unprotected, but that's just me.  They make sun hats for toddlers with shields attached.  If a kid under 2 yrs old can walk they should have on some kind of protection, for themselves and others.  ...  The Zoo allows for those with health issues and Dr note, as exemptions.  That is the City mandate.  I personally don't agree with it.  In my opinion regardless of medical condition, no one who may be infected is exempt from spreading the virus.  Two Words, ... Face Shield.  Anyone can and should be required to then wear a Face Shield.  Its not super protection, so should be worn with a light breathable cloth covering even if only one layer.  It's not known how much spray the shield would prevent, but it's something and doesn't allow for any self-entitled mind set to get out of helping to keep us all safe.  

screencap from sfgov.org

                                       sign at Trader Joes

Ok, now for the Zoo rules.  The rules are following CDC guidelines, which say, wear a Face Covering.  In the City of San Francisco, you are supposed to have one on at all times outside your house.  We all know that the majority do not do this.  I could go on, as again, this is my thorn but I'm trying to keep post to Zoo experience.  The Zoo clearly posts, that Face Covering must be worn.  There are signs, and the overheard PA goes off noting to, "Make sure your masks are being worn properly".   So, they are doing their part.  That said, I think they could do more.  There is always more that can be done to deter human misbehavior.

I hinted in an earlier post that I had left there near tears one day.  That one day has turned into many.  I have been completely irritated over the disrespect so many are exhibiting when visiting the Zoo.  I'm not talking about a handful of people in the few hours I'm there.  I'm talking about seeing someone every few minutes either not wearing their mask, or not wearing it properly.  The Zoo Staff is being strict on the policy, and trying to respond to call alerts regarding offenders, but in my opinion its out of control.  One would think that people would obey rules,  like they must in stores, since the Zoo is a controlled environment, but they are not.  I know the intention from Security is to have this handled, but adjustments need to be made.  I think the response system needs an overhaul and I think there needs to be more Staff on the grounds. I'm not trying to be judgmental but honest about my experience and thoughts about how things can improve.  

In the first few weeks, it was my experience that I saw one Security Guard, and one Interpretive Guide going around.  One day in the third week, I didn't see anyone til the afternoon.  That said, if you called it in, one of them would come.  This is the same system used for reporting people messing with the Animals.  It is not what I consider ideal.  I have always been annoyed that Security spends most of their time in the parking lot, and then if there's a call about misbehavior they respond.  It seems some of that hasn't changed.  It does not appear that the Zoo has more than two Security Guards at a time, and one is often in the lot.  There are now what seems most days, three from the Interpretive Guide group, but one seems to always be on the Zoo Camp car line.  In my opinion, Education needs to handle that exclusively.  That extra person is needed on the grounds.   I was told Staff was walking around, but I have not seen any who were watching the crowd.  Early on, I questioned, Why they weren't using the Docent pool as extra eyes.  I was told they couldn't?  Last week, one of the Docents I know was there in the new role of Safety.  So, hopefully they will be able to get more eyes on the grounds now. 

I want to add something unrelated directly to subject, but still relevant.  When news that Zoo was Re-Opening came out, the protocol accompanied it.  I was very surprised that the Zoo was reopening at 50%.   I had been following many other Zoos, and had not seen one reopen over 25%.  In fact, I just looked up Oakland Zoo, as they were very public about their financial struggles and risk for permanent closure, and even they are operating at only 1/3 of capacity.  I know SFZoo needs the money that 50% would allow, but can they handle it?  That was my question to self.   I'm still questioning it.  Officials noted we have 100 acres.  Even before the Safety protocols, 100 acres were not being used.  With closures, not just of indoor areas, but the whole area that includes the Playground and Children's Zoo/Exploration Zone, that is a huge chunk of off access area.  In my opinion, the Zoo seems packed everyday.  The crowding seems even worse when you are trying to stay clear of random No Maskers at every turn.  As soon as Noon hits, the amount of people for the space is often unbearable. 

Getting back to the reporting system.  I have called in offenders.  The issue with that is that for some reason, Security has not had a direct cell phone number for some time.  So when you call, you get the main line, have to listen to the recording, press the appropriate number, report, and wait for them to relay to Security.  Again not what I consider ideal, especially in Emergencies.  And this is how it works, IF you get someone.  I got the voicemail a couple times last week.   The response time varies depending on where Security or the Interpretive Guide is.  Sometimes, its immediate.  A couple weeks ago at Chimps, it was near ten minutes.  In that time, someone could have breathed infected particles at one of the Chimps.  Additionally, I was told that when Staffers see someone, they call Security.  What?  Why all this delegating?  The wait prolongs the time not only that people and animals are exposed but the window of catching offenders who will just walk on and do it again.  Anyone who is eyes on the grounds, needs to be able to enforce the rule.  If someone gets mouthy or doesn't comply, t hen call Security.

A decade ago, I suggested a video screen at the Gatehouse, that played a Welcome message, that included niceties and rules.  It would play while people were held in line for ten minute entrance intervals.  Much like an amusement park ride.  Well, now we are in timed intervals, and  constant reiteration of the rules is necessary.   That current PA message needs to be playing in the line area, every five minutes.  And there needs to be signs at the ticket windows, "Make sure to wear your mask properly at all times".

Now, for the other big issue I have.  The Dining situation.  In my opinion, this set-up is a real problem.  For one, the location of the tables for dining around the Cafe is horrible for staying clear of people with no masks.  At one area there are tables on both sides of the path.  I feel like I'm walking through contamination alley.  Last week a gal was standing, unmasked in the path next to the table where her companion was still eating.  Lots of unmasked while not actively eating sitting at the tables.  The unmasked need to be off the path.  As well, the other locations with tables are also placed on paths, and other sitting surfaces are being used.  People think they can sit, stand or walk wherever and take off masks and eat.  That is not right.   There is an epidemic of people with their masks off, walking around and eating, often at Animal enclosures.   NO!  this has to stop.   I do not like crossing paths with people unmasked, blowing their particles out toward me, because they think they can just eat wherever.  

To me, this would have been a no brainer at the start.  Designated Dining Areas.   And they have to be away from the paths and Animals.   The obvious location would be the Depot area, which is not being used?  Sure it's away from the Cafe and other food sources, making it a bit inconvenient, but isn't this whole Covid situation inconvenient?  People need to adjust and if they have to take their food to specific places, so be it. All the dining needs to be in the Depot area, if more space need, use the dried grass area adjacent to it.  Mow that area down, and table it up.  People willing to sit on the ground can go to the Patas lawn.  All areas roped off and signage, Designated Dining Area.  Signs and PA need to be adjusted to note, Removing Masks to eat, only permitted in Designated Dining Areas.   This needs to happen ASAP.  

                                           the depot area

All these UnMasked instances are a real problem.  As I said, I have left near tears some days.  I thought once the Zoo Re-Opened I would be happy.  I have not been happy.  I sat in my car one morning a couple weeks ago, waiting for my time to enter, and felt drear.  Later I posted to Facebook...

I'm sure the Zoo Officials don't care about my experience, but I talk to others and they have similar feelings.  A friend of mine, who is also a Member and has been going a couple times a week since the Re-Opening, messaged me the other night, ...  

She wrote, "I agree about people being irritating.  Didn't feel quite as safe yesterday".

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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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SFZoo Re-Opening - Chimp Yard Safety Update

This post is a follow-up to the previous one, SFZoo Re-Opening - Big Disappointment In Solution At Chimps.  

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2020/08/sfzoo-re-opening-big-disappointment-in.html

I visited the Zoo once this week.  When I got to Chimps I was happily surprised to see additional adds to the exhibit area. 

For those who read my previous post, you know that I questioned/suggested that the red circles seen at other enclosures be added to this area, and the required five foot space be a one direction flow.  As you can see, someone there was on the same wave length as me!  Circles and Arrows!  Kudos!  

Only thing I find curious is the circles being half circles and right at the fence.  If the circles were placed a few feet back, leaving that ADA five feet (which would call for the plant to be removed and the last viewing circle to possibly be eliminated), that would then reduce aerosol particle spread, even minimally, into the yard, and also allow for people who aren't in a circle to have a better view.

Now for that tarping situation.  I will say, that the tarping, while still mesh, doesn't appear to be as mesh-y as I interpreted, but if tested would probably still allow for particles to pass.  As well, the issue with it only being in that one part, is still curious and makes the protection incomplete.  I know its the area where the fence to barrier distance is shortest, but still does not account for any of the Apes facing Visitors in other places.  It also doesn't do anything if someone breathes particles at the end of that meshing, as the aerosols can float to the sides and up.  So this continues to be a thumbs down for me. 

It seems it would be better if it was a solid material and clear.  I have used clear plastic floor covering from Lowes, that is very inexpensive (which I assume is a concern with using actual plexi-glass).  Geez, I've used clear Shower Curtains from Target, that would probably work better.  As well a simple Google search turns up many clear sheeting options for low by yard price, although there are Prop 65 warnings on some, and I don't know enough about those dangers, but Animal Care Staff should.  This idea or something like it could go around whole fencing.  People can see through it, and when Chimps or Orangutans are on platforms still view them in open air.  

The current tarp is attached to what seems like a wood frame, and set back from fencing.  I liked this part of the idea, since it doesn't seem like it would pose a problem with the Orangutans especially from reaching out and grabbing at it?  Same can work for clear sheeting.  As well could be taller, covering more space (as current situation is not much taller than average person, hense an aerosol issue), and be less of an eyesore (which is obviously secondary to Safety).

I still observed people at fencing wearing face covering improperly, which is always going to be an issue.  So, it's still my opinion, that for the safety of the Chimpanzees and Orangutans, Visitors should not be allowed at fencing or really, on the path at all until a serious protection plan for them is 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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