Monday, July 20, 2015
Joint Zoo Committee Meeting - 4.23.15 - Keeper Speaks
Well, this was a disappointment.
Since my Chimp Crusade I have started going to the Meetings regularly. I want to not only be aware of all that is said at the Meetings, since the Minutes are incomplete, but I want to make sure I am aware of all Updates in regard to the Chimps.
As mentioned in the post for the 3.36.15 Meeting, Director Peterson was cordial and open to my request to provide me with the Power Point photos from that Meetings presentation. As well I had emailed her with suggestions for enhancing the Chimps current exhibit. Her correspondence showed promise.
> Dear Kim,
> I have asked our Development department to follow up with you directly. Our VP of Philanthropy is copied on this
> email.
> Thank you for your interest in the Zoo's chimps.
> Best regards,
> Tanya
By the time of the 4.23.15 Meeting, there had not been any Upgrades to the Chimp's home, nor has there any Update as far as a timeline. I sent Director Peterson an email the Morning of the Meeting.
> Hello Tanya,
>
> As tonight's Meeting approaches, I thought I would pose the question I will have, if it isn't answered in your presentation.
>
> When I was last at the Zoo, there still were no visible upgrades being started, other than the Grotto 2 structure being painted. ... The night quarter building is still not painted and continues to look really downtrodden. It has been years since the Chimps home has had any attention. It may be aesthetic, but its a reflection of where they rank at the Zoo.
>
> Can you provide (in your presentation or via email) a timeline for the Upgrades you mentioned at the last Meeting?
>
> Thank you
> Kim
I left the house and was out all day, before goign to the Zoo. So I didn't get to check email for a reply, which was my mistake in planning to seek an Update at the Meeting then. I could not very well ask a question there, if I didn't know if there would be an answer via email.
The Meeting commenced and adjourned without any mention of the Chimps Upgrade status. When I got home, I indeed had an email from Tanya, who chose to not only address me by misspelling my last name, which she knows full well what the correct spelling is, but by taking a attitude in my opinion, and instead of answering my question, refers, "You are welcome to raise any issue at public comment tonight."
That said, No Chimp Update for April happened. What did happen was further disgust by the panel and how the Meeting was run. I should say runaway, because it felt like they hurried through the Agenda so they could adjourn and runaway from having to listen to any Keepers who might make it to the Meeting. ... Because the Agenda was not long, the Meeting which starts at 5p was nearing an end by 5:30p which is the time the Keepers get off.
Thankfully, In under the wire was Keeper Irene. She brought up two issues, one in regard to the postponement of hiring an HR leader. The previous appointment's duties included working as an Liaison between Staff and Management. In the absence of someone holding that position there is no on-site person to do this. The only person they seem to have in their corner is their Union Rep. ... She also requested the Meetings be move to a start time of 5:30p as the Keepers clock out at that time. ... My take from watching the faces of the Panel, is that they are annoyed to have to listen to Keepers, especially that of Rec and Park Commissioner Eric McDonnell, is that he didn't care what was being said and just wanted to move along and wrap it up. Disrespectful and Rude.
I sent a letter to Commission McDonnell, as well did a blog post aimed at the Zoo and Rec and Park to make some changes in the Meetings.
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/05/joint-zoo-committee-meeting-call-to.html
FYI I got no idea again why the font and colors get whack. Sorry.
Since my Chimp Crusade I have started going to the Meetings regularly. I want to not only be aware of all that is said at the Meetings, since the Minutes are incomplete, but I want to make sure I am aware of all Updates in regard to the Chimps.
As mentioned in the post for the 3.36.15 Meeting, Director Peterson was cordial and open to my request to provide me with the Power Point photos from that Meetings presentation. As well I had emailed her with suggestions for enhancing the Chimps current exhibit. Her correspondence showed promise.
> Dear Kim,
> I have asked our Development department to follow up with you directly. Our VP of Philanthropy is copied on this
> email.
> Thank you for your interest in the Zoo's chimps.
> Best regards,
> Tanya
By the time of the 4.23.15 Meeting, there had not been any Upgrades to the Chimp's home, nor has there any Update as far as a timeline. I sent Director Peterson an email the Morning of the Meeting.
> Hello Tanya,
>
> As tonight's Meeting approaches, I thought I would pose the question I will have, if it isn't answered in your presentation.
>
> When I was last at the Zoo, there still were no visible upgrades being started, other than the Grotto 2 structure being painted. ... The night quarter building is still not painted and continues to look really downtrodden. It has been years since the Chimps home has had any attention. It may be aesthetic, but its a reflection of where they rank at the Zoo.
>
> Can you provide (in your presentation or via email) a timeline for the Upgrades you mentioned at the last Meeting?
>
> Thank you
> Kim
I left the house and was out all day, before goign to the Zoo. So I didn't get to check email for a reply, which was my mistake in planning to seek an Update at the Meeting then. I could not very well ask a question there, if I didn't know if there would be an answer via email.
The Meeting commenced and adjourned without any mention of the Chimps Upgrade status. When I got home, I indeed had an email from Tanya, who chose to not only address me by misspelling my last name, which she knows full well what the correct spelling is, but by taking a attitude in my opinion, and instead of answering my question, refers, "You are welcome to raise any issue at public comment tonight."
That said, No Chimp Update for April happened. What did happen was further disgust by the panel and how the Meeting was run. I should say runaway, because it felt like they hurried through the Agenda so they could adjourn and runaway from having to listen to any Keepers who might make it to the Meeting. ... Because the Agenda was not long, the Meeting which starts at 5p was nearing an end by 5:30p which is the time the Keepers get off.
Thankfully, In under the wire was Keeper Irene. She brought up two issues, one in regard to the postponement of hiring an HR leader. The previous appointment's duties included working as an Liaison between Staff and Management. In the absence of someone holding that position there is no on-site person to do this. The only person they seem to have in their corner is their Union Rep. ... She also requested the Meetings be move to a start time of 5:30p as the Keepers clock out at that time. ... My take from watching the faces of the Panel, is that they are annoyed to have to listen to Keepers, especially that of Rec and Park Commissioner Eric McDonnell, is that he didn't care what was being said and just wanted to move along and wrap it up. Disrespectful and Rude.
I sent a letter to Commission McDonnell, as well did a blog post aimed at the Zoo and Rec and Park to make some changes in the Meetings.
http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2015/05/joint-zoo-committee-meeting-call-to.html
FYI I got no idea again why the font and colors get whack. Sorry.
Mother Drops Child into Cheetah's at Cleveland Zoo - News Story 4.12.15
Well, it happened again. Honestly I'm always surprised that I'm not reading San Francisco Zoo in the headline. Thankfully!
Much like two other incidents in USA Zoos that I wrote about, one in Pittsburgh and one in Arkansas, a Parent drops their Child into an Animal enclosure. .. The only difference is the Cleveland Zoo is pressing charges against the Mother. Bravo to them for holding her responsible. Finally someone has some balls to go after a Zoo Visitor for misbehavior and endangering their Animals. This would never happen at the SFZoo.
I wrote extensively about the previous ones in these posts:
You might ask, How does this happen? What I've seen with my own eyes, People love to hang their kids over the edge of the barriers. Plain and Simple. I'm sure the thought never crosses their minds that they could lose grip and drop their kid in. The arrogance and/or stupidity of that is mind boggling.
I have written extensively about this. Last year I started yet another post, that I never finished. It included a Go Red Campaign suggestion. Painting all the exhibit barriers Red as a Warning not to cross. Its an upsetting and long issue to document, so it lay in draft.
Every Visit I see this at multiple exhibits. I photo it everytime. If you search my blogs for "barrier" you we see only a fraction of the photos. Barrier Breaching at the San Francisco Zoo is out of control.
I care for two reasons.
With a Code-Red Animal, if any Human, for any reason enters an exhibit whether voluntarily or by accident, in most cases that Animal will be Killed. I am no humanitarian, so I will say it right here, the Animals life is the only one I care about. People should no better and not misbehave. There would be no accidents of that nature then. If you misbehave, which leaning on or over an barrier is, then that's on you. Sadly, your actions do not end with your tragedy, but that of the Animal most likely losing its life. If its a voluntary entry, then even more that Animal should live. In my opinion no Human who enters an exhibit on their own deserves to be extracted at the expense of the Animal. But, that's just me. Society loves its Humans.
Thankfully, the Grizzly Girls lives were spared in 2009, when a guy voluntarily entered their enclosure. They were not aggressive towards him and they went to their night quarters when called in. Today that would be a different story. After the hiring of gun-toting ex-Military Guards last year, their orders are allegedly, shoot to kill any Animal if a Human is in danger. So if you're an idiot and hang your Kid over a Barrier, a Zoo Friend will lose its life. If you want to deliberately kill yourself, a Zoo Friend loses its life. If you're an Asshole and want to enter with a sinister action in mind, a Zoo Friend will lose its life.
People, please think about your behavior when you are viewing the Animals. This is their home. It should be respected and their windows and doorways, aka Barriers should be respected. If you wouldn't want a stranger standing on your ledge or hanging through your window, respect the Animals space and spare the accident of anyone losing their life.
Note: There will be updated Barrier information in following posts.
Joint Zoo Committee Meeting - 3.26.15 - Chimp Upgrade Update - Keeper & Union Rep Speak
The graphic was used in a Power Point type presentation, and I knew it would not be clear in the video. After the Meeting I asked Director Peterson for a copy, which was left for me the following week. Thank you to Director Peterson and Tim Wu, from Development for providing the photo credited below.
photo courtesy of SFZoo
When I was watching the presentation, I thought I got it, but then getting to look at the photo closer, I think its a bit confusing and I know the layout. But, I will try to make as much sense of it for you that I can.
I thought I would have the video to refer to, but its not helpful. The synopsis of what was said in relation to this graphic was an over all of the plan, using the Sky Trails mentioned at the Meeting in February, with the addition of the route they would take into the Pachyderm Building. As I understand it, the area inside would be the portion of the building that runs along the path at the back side of the Chimps, that previously housed the Black Swans.
It sounded like this was a stage one, using the Million Dollar donation. It also sounded like it would be an immediate start. Nothing has happened to date.
It sounded like this was a stage one, using the Million Dollar donation. It also sounded like it would be an immediate start. Nothing has happened to date.
After the Meeting, I took a closer look at this Graphic that was on an easel.
When I approached Director Peterson to request the Presentation Graphic, I also asked her about this one. She explained the plans as they pertained to the Sky Trails that would be the initial part of the Upgrade and would lead into an unused area of the Pachyderm Building, which as i see it now with photos side by side, is essentially thee same thing from the presentation. I highlighted on the right hand side of the second photo the area of the Building. This is a different angle than the presentation photo, so I have highlighted the Pachyderm Building area in both, for easier reference.
Director Peterson noted that one portion of this plan would be completed for the Chimps, using the Million that was donated. This graphic really seems to be a long term plan for that whole Primate/Ape area. Lemur (Sifaka) and Orangutans noted, both which would be a new acquisitions.
I asked whether these upgrades were enough to satisfy the AZA/SSP for the Chimps being able to stay, even if the money never comes through for the New Exhibit. She answered Yes. ... Upon further questioning, I was told, with another Million, more of the Sky Trails in this plan would be built. With 10 Million, the new Exhibit would be built. Personally I think that doing the Million Dollar phase one, including the barrier suggestions I made, would be enough, and any other donations, especially another Million plus, should be saved towards the New Exhibit. A New Exhibit would secure the long term commitment that was made to the Chimps at the Meeting February 26, 2015.
I also questioned if the New Exhibit wasn't built before the numbers went down. Director Peterson said, "The Girls could still be moved." < That is not acceptable to me. AND it is not part of the original "Stay" commitment she made. For one, she is assuming that the girls would both outlive our male. I feel uncomfortable talking about this, but I want what her plan is to be very clearly documented.
She did also bring up possibly looking at Rescue options, to add to the group. She mentioned research Chimps, and I reiterated what I had written in a blog post, suggesting/noting the Chimps still living at UCSF.
Still, this all said, I did not leave the conversation feeling confident that down the road, all three of Our Chimps will be living out their lives at the San Francisco Zoo. I certainly hope they do and that Director Peterson follows through with the commitment she made to them.
The above was posted as a stand alone post on my Chimp blog.
Additionally, the non-management staff's Union Representative addressed the panel in regard to the recent News Story regarding the Zoo's alleged Bugging of Staff Radios. There was denial and frowny faces from Director Peterson and the panel, as they were put on notice that there would be a law suit to follow. .. Keeper Tom also spoke in regard to the volume and sourcing of Bird Species. Keeper Cheyenne and Corey both spoke about respective issues in Primates.
Once again I was disgusted to hear a "grumble" from the Panel. Dr Spinelli, a Vet that has held a panel seat for many years, made it a point to "put down" and almost reprimand, when while speaking Keepers addressed the panel as "the Board". Dr Spinelli made sure they knew they were not the Board, and basically that the Panel has no voice on these matters. I lost respect for Dr Spinelli after doing some research a few years ago the yeilded an issue with Bears that was never followed up on. So to hear him take this hoity position with the Keepers was disgusting. In my opinion after this second Meeting in a row where Keepers are not taken seriously as valued Staff, I have to ask, What good are these Meetings and What good is the Panel? If the Panel cannot be of help, then the Rec and Park need to have more Board Members sitting there, taking note, and participating in what goes on at the Zoo. Not panelists who have no say, other than to be sarcastic.
FYI no idea why the text isn't font and color uniform, but can't waste anymore time on trying to fix it right now. Sorry.
San Francisco Zoo Bugs Employees Radios - News Article 3.20.15
When I heard this via KGO-TV Reporter Dan Noyes Facebook post, I thought, this is Outrageous!
If you haven't already, read the full story here:
This just proves they (Zoo Management) likes to cover stuff up and gag order their employees. If they had nothing to hide this wouldn't be necessary, nor would any of the other untruths that are put forth from the place. AND I'm offended that THIS is what they spend money on and not the Animals.
Its like when Director Peterson spent money to have a metal detector installed at the Joint Zoo Meetings, after she took away the Memberships of my Friend Lee and I. She allegedly thought we'd come after her!
The level of paranoia there is ridiculous.
I am not a fan of Management, starting with Director Peterson. Don't trust any of them. They will lie, make stuff and keep each others confidences just to keep their little "clique" in tact. They run the Zoo on personal agenda, rather than what's best for the facility and for the Animals who live there.
I believe everything the Keepers say about this. Director Peterson, as well other Management and Curators, allegedly issue gag orders and threaten jobs if anyone talks to me. Seriously, I'm such a huge thorn, that this is what they spend time on? She most recently sent out a frantic paranoid internal email prior to the News story on the Chimps, grasping at straws to find the words and proof that I made up the whole story. She really should be smarter than that at this point in dealing with me. I am no liar.
No doubt that since last years Media expose' on Safety violations, the circumstances regarding the death of Kabibe (Gorilla infant), and her covert operation to move our Chimps without anyone finding out, I would bet she and her henchman want to know everything the people she considers peasants, are talking about.
Robert Icard used to be the head of IT, so he would most certainly know how to request customizing a device like this. Since he became the right hand man over two years ago, I've only seen him on the grounds once. If he has the time to allegedly sit around and make fun of people, maybe the Rec and Park and the Zoological Society should examine how he is spending his daily work hours. As well that of Director Peterson. With the amount of stuff that isn't done there, never seems to get done, or takes too long to get done, the whole Management Team should be scrutinized.
Note: See update on post Joint Zoo Meeting 3.26.15
No Kidding, New Posts a Brewing!
I know I've been talking about catching up on blog posts, forever, but I'm not teasing. I'm trying and its just taking much time to gather photos and notes from the past few months.
I have just done what I hope was a comprehensive outline and I have 26 posts! I'm going to make an attempt at starting them this evening. I hope to go in order, but if I feel overwhelmed by one, I'll Title it and note Coming Soon.
The posts will touch many subjects from the Survey replies from my Gorilla Infant Death Survey (yes, to those who commented there, I have not forgot the importance of your words and wanting them included here) last November to the most recent Chimp Updates. I will post on my Visit Comments, Meeting Notes, Birthdays, Enrichment, Barriers, Misbehavior, News Articles involving both our Zoo and other Zoos, ZooFest and other Zoo Events and Efforts?
Note that some posts might sound like they are not up-to-date on the subject, but I am trying to write in chronological order and will note in most places if there's a current update. Example, the barrier situation, will be posted as my sighting and photo dates dictate, but there has been a development in recent weeks of added signage.
Note that some posts might sound like they are not up-to-date on the subject, but I am trying to write in chronological order and will note in most places if there's a current update. Example, the barrier situation, will be posted as my sighting and photo dates dictate, but there has been a development in recent weeks of added signage.
Looking forward to putting forth all the thoughts that swirl in my mind, both for public knowledge (and a place for public voice) and documentation purposes, but so I can put these in the past and create some time and space for new stuff, in life and Zoo related.
Stay tuned and hope I my energy to move forward with this, matches my ambition.
Thank you for all continue to stop by and read my words. I appreciate your interest in what's going on at the Zoo and the lives of the Animals who live there.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Is SFZoo Director Peterson Fundraising For Our Chimps?
I've talked about our Chimps alot over the past few days. Yesterday I spent time at the Zoo with Friends meeting Friends and Celebrating our Chimps. I also did an interview for the Documentary being made about our Cobby.
Those events have resonated the feelings of passion I have in my advocacy for our Zoo Friends, and for my Chimp crusade in particular. So, again I thought my days off would be filled with catching up here. Instead I caught up on sleep, only to wake up and click on a google news alert for the Zoo that pissed me off.
Its not hard to piss me off in regards to the Zoo. That is part of the problem. Too many things are upsetting, and rather than write about them on the spot, they just get added to the to do list.
Today, I'm bypassing my want for chronological order, for things to have backstory, for each post to flow into the next. I just couldn't keep my thoughts to myself, until the right time in the post line came up.
So, even without proper updates, we all know, at this point, four months after Zoo Director Tanya Peterson promised upgrades to our Chimps, that nothing except painting one structure from the 80s and doing neglected maintenance inside their night quarters has happened.
We know that to date, Director Peterson has not forged into the "biggest fundraising campaign", that she touted at the announcement Meeting in February. The only apparent effort to raise money for the Chimps has been by putting up a Donation page on their website, which was mentioned once on their Facebook page.
We know that one million dollars came from an Anonymous Donor, and I was told as of April 6th, that $10,000 was raised via the website.
I have been focusing on the asthetic state of the Chimps night quarters, as to me, this shows the blatant disregard and disrespect these Beings have gotten over the years. At the very least, their home should have been painted by now. I think they can afford a few cans of paint and manpower to get it done. At the very least, it would show they care.
Cobby, wishing he was watching paint dry rather than peel.
On the extreme end of the upgrade situation, I was told by Director Peterson that the 1 million was enough to get the Sky Trails done. So why hasn't that begun? She knows very well that with the ages of our Chimps, that this is a time sensitive project. This is an upgrade that in tempoary lieu of a new exhibit, will allow for more space and an additional holding space for bringing in additional Chimps, which is essential to them being able to remain at the Zoo, under the AZA guidelines.
So, let's talk about the new exhibit. With a price tag of ten million, Director Peterson has been quoted saying that she's found it difficult to fundraise for this project. I'd personally like to know what attempts she's made? I've written before that I have not heard of any attempt for the Chimps needs at any ZooFest during her reign. I have also yet to hear whether they were mentioned at this years ZooFest.
I also want to add, as I've done before and will again, that I think its disgusting that Members of the San Francisco Zoological Society are choosy what they donate to. Maybe they should be reminded this organization they chose to be part of is a home and facility that is supposed to be dedicated to the care and well being of Living Beings. Their Needs should be priority over "pet" projects.
I also want to add, as I've done before and will again, that I think its disgusting that Members of the San Francisco Zoological Society are choosy what they donate to. Maybe they should be reminded this organization they chose to be part of is a home and facility that is supposed to be dedicated to the care and well being of Living Beings. Their Needs should be priority over "pet" projects.
That all said in brief, this is a ScreenCap of what came through the google alert today.
Don't get me wrong, as a San Francisco Native I'm all for history festivities, BUT you got to effin' be kidding me "led an expert fundraising charge to support these frolics and raise multi-million dollar funds,..." So, the way I read this is, Director Peterson had ambition for and was able to, raise funds for frolics and lights, but can't seem to do the same for Living Beings in Need? I'm also pretty sure she and every other Member of our illustrious San Francisco Zoological Society live in homes with no peeling paint. Shameful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)