More Money Being Spent on Non-Animal Crap

I wrote a sentence in my last blog post, that just flowed out of me.  It wasn't something I had previously thought of, but it is completely where I've been for years. ... 

"I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo."

There was a day last week when I received information from multiple sources of things going on at the Zoo.  The level of disgraceful bullshit all at once was very upsetting.  After I commiserated about them to another friend, I hung up and realized I had tears in my eyes.  I'm just very sad at the state of our Zoo.

One of the things happening, is another non-Animal installation.  A friend who was there last week sent me this photo.

Apparently, Director Tanya Peterson thinks art installations and gardens are a priority over adding Animals to the collection.  I shouldn't be surprised, her decisions over the years have made it very clear that she has no clue how to manage an Animal Care Facility.  

In recent years we have lost senior Animals, had many Animals transferred out or moved off public view.  Visitors constantly complain there are no Animals.  This is a Zoo, what the hell is she thinking?  What the hell does she think people come to see?  Pay to see?

As I visit the Zoo in my mind, these are the minimum that should be done, before any non-Animal thing is added to the Zoo.

First of all, what the hell is the plan for the pit she allowed to be created for "Madagascar", that has sat there for over five years?  For that project we lost many Monkey species. ... So, let's start with Monkeys.  We need more Monkeys!  ... We need a better habitat for the Orangutans. ... We need a new aviary for Hercules the Hornbill to be back on view. ... We need the netting over Flamingos completed. ... We need proper netting over Meerkats and Prairie Dogs. ... We need Kangaroos in the Walkabout. The back barrier in Walkabout that borders Sloat has needed a permanent fence for over seven years. ... We need Southgate renovated and housing a few Hoofstock species. ... We need appropriate housing for both Sloths. ... The list is probably endless if you consider things the Animal Care Staff would like for the Animals they care for.  

And what about fixing the damn perimeter fence that has been in shambles for decades so the Zoo looks inviting and not downtrodden?

And if we're going for non-Animal related stuff, in addition to the fence, what about installing some outdoor lighting throughout the Zoo in case there's ever an emergency at night?  What a concept!

What we don't need is more gardens and art installations.  I don't know if this new art installation is being paid for with Zoo funds or is being funded by a donor with locked funds, but either way, these things should not be happening before necessary Animal related projects.  Allegedly this project is costing six figures.  That is outrageous.  

Director Peterson cried poor that there was no money to net over two grottos for the Orangutans, which would have made that habitat renovation optimum for them, and not have to include the eyesore metal bridge.  Yet there continues to be funds for gardens that cost ten's of thousands of dollars.  

Let's talk about those gardens.  A new one has been in progress along the path from gate house the carousel.  Dont get me wrong, the gardens are beautiful, but unnecessary when the Zoo needs stuff related to being a Zoo aka an Animal Care Facility.  Allegedly many of the gardens are funded by locked donations.  I've written about this years ago, as I found it disturbing that Donors will donate money specifically for non-Animal projects like gardens, art installations, and even trips for the Director, but not to actual Animal needs and necessary enclosure builds.  This is a Zoo, what are the Zoological Society Members who donate to non-Animal related stuff thinking??  The Society is the managing entity of the Zoo and this happens?  They don't even live up to their responsibility of over seeing the Director's management, prefering to just defer to and support whatever she does.  It's all morally disgraceful.  I don't understand the whole management structure (including the lack of management responsibility from the SF Rec and Park Dept) and how it's gotten away with allowing the downfall of our Zoo.  

Shame on all of them.

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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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Sad, No Party. At Least Jasiri Got A Girlfriend For His Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jasiri!  

Jasiri turned eight last Thursday August 31. Unfortunately, because I'm not very mobile right now, I wasn't there, but someone I know was, and he got no party. Awful.  Every Animal should be celebrated on their Birthday with special treats and fun enrichment. No exceptions!

My First Video of Jasiri.  Two months old, waving Hi!

https://youtu.be/vnCPcDCdOPs?si=yh4vEsjioDoPRy0q

The Zoo has been better in recent years recognizing the Animals Birthdays with parties, although they still haven't grasped the concept of how sharing them with the public is benficial.  Jasiri not getting a party is a bit surprising, though not shocking, since it's been my experience that parties in the Cat dept are inconsistent.  Why is that?

At least he got the best gift, his girlfriend Lulu arrived in July, ending six months of him being alone.  Even though they couldn't be together yet, at least they had visual of each other.

Lulu spent a month inside the Lion House, since there was no outside yard for her.  More bad planning on the Zoo's part, both starting Jaguar proofing in the only other Cat yard, knowing Lulu was on her way, and the ridiculous mismanagement decision in the first place to reduce the number of Cat yards.

Contrary to reasoning put out there, allegedly this expansion of Cat yards was not an AZA mandate.  There could have been one double size and the other two left alone.  Which would have left room to bring back a Tiger.  The Cats could have rotated and all still got to use the double wide.  Apologies for the digress.

Now done with quarantine, Lulu has been given access to the outside, rotating with Jasiri the last few mornings!  I cried when I heard she had arrived, so happy for Jasiri, so I'm bummed I haven't seen her yet.  Hopefully soon.

The Zoo posted Lulu at the window.  Love seeing that she is confident and coming to up close viewing.  

As you can see, the usual has happened, the Zoo changed Lulu's name.  So Disrespectful. ... If Director Peterson had more respect for the Animals, she would find alternate ways to raise money, other than to sell off the Animals identities.  Geez, if she had any care for the Zoo in general, she would do fundraising of any kind, instead of crying poor for Animal needs.  Disgraceful. Again, I digress.  Fifteen years of seeing the Zoo struggle in her mismanagement has worn me out.  I have zero tolerance for what Director Tanya Peterson has done to our Zoo.

Looking forward to when Jasiri and Lulu have been successfully introduced and they are together.  Maybe then there will be a party??? There better be, because that will be something to celebrate!

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/07/new-female-lion-is-finally-on-her-way.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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My Survey Responses - Will Anyone Join Me?

In my previous post, I linked the Survey I made.  I took the Survey and am posting my responses here as an example.  It took me near an hour to answer six questions.  

Just a reminder, I didn't make this Survey for myself.  I have 800+ blog posts, most of which support the mismanagement of Director Tanya Peterson.  I think I've been more than clear on my thoughts, and the face of them publicly.

I made this Survey as an anonymous platform for Zoo Staff, Zoo Members, and the Public, to be a voice for the well-being of our Animals and our Zoo.  

If it's not successful, to me, that will mean no one really wants a change in leadership.  No one really wants to Save Our San Francisco Zoo.

The question is Do You?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

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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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Take My Survey And Let Your Voice Be Heard!

I've done the Survey mentioned in the previous post.  To take the Survey use this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT2JBHC

There will only be six questions.  One will be repeated three times and have comment space.  They are as listed below...

Are you:

SFZoo Current Staffer

SFZoo Former Staffer

SFZoo Member

SFZoo Visitor

Other 

No Answer

Do you believe that there has been mismangement by SFZoo Director Tanya Peterson?

Yes

No

Not Sure

No Answer

Please list, without too many details (comment space will be provided later for that), in your opinion what her top offenses have been. 

Comment space

Please expand on any offenses in the following three comment spaces.  Please use "allegedly " for anything you may not have witnessed first hand.

Comment space

Do you have anything else to add?

Comment space

Do you agree to have your Survey responses published on the blog, iamnotananteater.blogspot.com ?

Yes

No

End Survey Questions. 

The responses are all anonymous.  I think I may be the only one who can view them.  So I plan to just screencap and save as confirmation to allegations if need be.  Those who agree to having their comments public, I will post screencaps in a blog post.

It really is necessary for voices to be heard, and allegations to be documented, in order for there to be any change.  So I hope there will be a decent response to this Survey, which can be an anonymous platform for your voice.

Thank you to all who will participate in adding to what I've already been documenting the last twelve years.

Realted Posts:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/09/my-concerns-about-strength-of-petition.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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My Concerns About The Strength Of The Petition

It's been a heavy week for me, and thus it's now a week since my last post.  That said, I have not only had follow-up thoughts about the Petition since my last post, but a few other Zoo issues have come to my attention in the past day.  These issues are not only bad, but sad.  After talking to a friend about them, I hung up and felt tears welling up.  Our Zoo is literally dying at the hands of Tanya Peterson.  Will anyone help save it?

While I believe in Petitions, this one is still curious to me.  When I have done Petitions, the site I used, had a different format.  That format included two things missing in this one, who the Petition is targeted at, and the list of signatures.  In my opinion, both these things seem necessary for the Petition to go any further than just garnering signatures.

Aside from making up an anonymous tag as the person who started it, there is no one targeted as the recipient of the Petition.  Is the Petitioner asking Tanya Peterson directly to resign?  Has the Petitioner sent this to Tanya Peterson?  Does the Petitioner want the Zoological Society to ask for her resignation? Has this been sent to the Zoological Society?  To the Rec and Park?  Or as it appears, is the Petitioner asking the signers, public, staff, et al to make this demand?  The Petitioner needs to post an update that clairifies their plan and goal.

The other thing that makes the Petition feel like it could be less impactful is that all signatures aren't shown.  On the Petition site I've used, every signature is visible, with anonymous signatures listed as, "name withheld".  The Petition currently has 637 signatures, but only the 12 with comments show.  So, that's 625 signatures that we are left to assume are anonymous.  I have been told that alot of staff are signing.  Having those signatures listed and noted as name withheld, with location and option to comment, in my opinion is important to the legitimacy of that tally.

In light of the amount of signatures, I plan to try and get everything I have in draft and new items, posted, to capitalize on any progress this Petition could result in.  I unfortunately don't think there will be much, just because of how this Petition was set-up and especially the lack of a face to it.  Both seem like things that would prevent it from having legs.  Hopefully I'm wrong and the Petitioner has a plan.

That said, as usual, I may be the only one working for this effort.  I'm in pain with the sciatica, and can't sit up long to type on computer, so I'm writing with thumbs on the tablet.  At least I'll be trying to do something to help this along, by continuing to document all the mismanagement that supports the Zoo's desperate need to have Tanya Peterson removed as the Director of our San Francisco Zoo.

I also want to fast track a Survey I had eventually planned.  I've used Survey Monkey before, and it posts results anonymously, as well has decent comment boxes.  If Staff is signing this Petition, I hope a good amount will fill out the survey, as their words are the only confirmation that can attest to what is really going on at our San Francisco Zoo, and this is a way for their words to be heard.  Ultimately, it needs to be the voices of Staffers who will be able to help end the reign of Tanya Peterson killing our Zoo.

Related post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-petition-to-remove-san-francisco.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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The Petition To Remove San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson

I felt like I was on a bit of a roll with blog posts and heading toward finishing the last two in draft.  Then life crap came my way once again.  This year has seriously been the cliche take one step forward, get knocked two steps back.  Anyway, I didn't get to that goal, which was not just a blog goal, but a set-up for a bigger plan to help the Zoo.  Now the universe has screwed me again, and the past eight days I've been laid up with sciatica pain which is new to me and excruciating in case anyone has never had this.  I can barely move without severe pain and medication is not fully masking the pain.  With this not subsiding for so many days, I can't help but feel like this is a permanent thing and like I'm never going to be able to be productive again.  I hope I'm wrong.

That all said, it is no secret this blog has been a place intended to document all the fails at the Zoo.  My recent posts are clearly geared toward focusing and outting Zoo Director Tanya Peterson on fifteen years of Mismanagement, including Animal Cruelty, that has had the Zoo circling the drain her entire reign 2008-2023...  

All anyone has to do is scroll through this blog archives and the majority of my 834 posts is proof of Director Peterson's moral crimes against our Zoo.  A couple I just pulled, are two that focus on replacing Director Peterson.  The one from 2017 got her panties in a twist and she revoked my Membership for the second time.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2017/05/what-needs-to-happen-to-replace.html

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/05/for-lack-of-better-title-our-failing.html

Unfortunately no one in the San Francisco Zoological Society, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Dept. or the City of San Francisco, cares to help the Zoo.  Not one person who has the authority to replace Director Peterson, cares enough to open their eyes and learn what's been happening the last fifteen years.  They are content with letting her do whatever she wants, as long as their lazy asses don't have to deal with the Zoo, unless they are coming to a cocktail party.

So, that bring us to today.  I hobbled in pain to prepare lunch, and checked the phone for call back from my doctor.  Saw someone had sent me a Petition link.

https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-resignation-of-tanya-peterson-director-of-san-francisco-zoo?

My next comments are not meant to be critical or dissuade anyone from signing this.  I encourage everyone to sign. 

Upon first look at this, it's very curious.  That screencap I included shows what had me go, "Huh".   Considering I am not aware of anyone, over all the years that I've been monitoring, documenting and rallying for our Zoo, not one other person, member of the public, who has been vocal about helping our Zoo.  So, yeah it's curious when the Petitioner doesn't include a name, only " You should know" and leads with, "a concerned citizen and frequent visitor".  My first reaction is someone is trying to make it seem like I started this Petition.  Before I go on, be very clear, I did not.  Doing a Petition has been a thought, and curiously my draft of it uses the words "Demand Resignation", but I still hadn't got to that point in my plan of action. In case it's not well-known, I Do Not do anything anonymous.  I have put my name and face to everything I've done in regards to the Zoo.  

So, as I read on, while some of the content are things I've noted in blog posts, the grand gist of this petitioners mission is focused on non-animal issues, which would differ from anything I'd put forward.  The non-animal issues mentioned are a big part of why Director Peterson needs to be replaced, but the animal cruelty issues considering the Zoo is an animal care facility are equally important.  

One of the issues mentioned in the Petition, I covered in a recent post.  The appointment of Vitus Leung, VP of HR to Deputy Director.  An outrageous move of favoritsm, when there is an exceptionally qualified member of staff, that should have been promoted to that position. *** If a Zoological Society board memebr wants to know who that is, contact me. It would be in the best interest of the Zoo.

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2023/07/former-vp-of-hr-is-now-deputy-director.html

Anyway, I support any efforts that move toward replacing Director Peterson.  My only concern is the Society's incapability of finding an ideal replacement.  I think because of the unique situation with our Zoo in it's management structure, in addition and most importantly, having to fix so many fails created by Director Peterson, that the new Director should come from within the Zoo.  Someone who already knows the Zoo.   Not an outsider who doesn't know about the challenges of our Zoo.  I'd vote for the person who I previously referenced, should have been promoted to Deputy Director.  We're screwed if the person who was promoted ended up Director.   

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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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World Andean Bear Day & Shark Week

Before another week begins, I want to recognize World Andean Bear Day, which was celebrated Friday July 21, 2023.

I miss our Andean Bears, Wishbone and Annie.  I love them.  I feel bad about what happened to them, and believe they left us too soon.  In my opinion, their deaths, at least Wishbone's, could have been avoided.  So, when I saw it was Andean Bear Day, even though they brought me so many smiles, I thought of them with sadness.

Precious little Annie fell ill allegedly with a respiratory issue, but I heard that was clearing up, when she started having trouble standing up.  She passed away while still in the hospital.  At the time, 2010, losing Zoo Friends was new, and I don't remember investigating the specifics any further.

I had been uncomfortable with the Andean Bears living exclusively on concrete for some time.  With the nature of Annie's passing, I was moved to crusade for Wishbone to get even just a small patch of grass.  I had never done anything like that, but something needed to be done, to bring some comfort to his living situation. 

I started a blog dedicated to my crusade.  I also contacted members of the Zoological Society & Recreation and Park Dept. both failed managing entities of the Zoo.  

This post goes into detail why I feel this was necessary.  http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/project-get-wishbone-grass.html

screencap from post dated March 7, 2012

titled, RIP Wishbone - SFZOO Bear Dies 

After Years Of Living On Concrete

I will note that this was not news to Zoo Director Tanya Peterson, as in 2009, I sent her an email detailing my concerns.  I believe if she had shown the Andean Bears some empathy,  Annie and Wishbone would have lived longer lives. 

Here is an excerpt:

http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/andean-bear-grotto-letter-to-zoo.html

I hindsight after crusading for the Chimps, I feel there was more that I should have thought to do, but it was early in my advocacy missions, and thought I was doing what I could.  I'm sorry Wishy for not doing more.

View precious Wishbone enjoying some Christmas Tree Enrichment here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NzmqQ_M5rgs&pp=ygUVbGVvODExc2YgYW5kZWFuIGJlYXJz

I blame Zoo Director Tanya Peterson for many Animal cruelty situations, and a few deaths, Wishbone's being one of them.  His death could have been avoided had she shown some compassion for his living environment.  Director Peterson has failed in so many ways, but the one's that involve the lives of the Zoo's Animal Residents, is unconscionable and unforgivable.  

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This past week was Shark Week, started years ago by the Discovery Channel and it's viewing celebration of Sharks.  I'm reminded every year of the Awesome recognition our beloved female Lion Amanzi got, when I sent in her photo to the Discovery Channel and they picked it to be featured on their website, in their top favorites!

This photo is from 2010, when my friend Lee and I were making Enrichment Toys for the Cats every week.  Lee picked the Under the Sea theme, and made this paper mache Shark, which Amanzi came out and ran straight for!  She and Jahari, and the rest of the Cats had so much fun, and I'm so happy Discovery Channel recognized our precious Amanzi!

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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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