News Flash! The Gorilla Foundation Launches Effort to Save Ndume!

I'm a bit behind on this being breaking news, but since in the actual News, I used the News Flash! lead-in.  

So yeah, The Gorilla Foundation has responded to the Lawsuit against them by the Cincinnati Zoo, who wants to recall Ndume back to his place of birth.  Cincinnati Zoo has retained ownership of Ndume his while life. 

The Press Release, only posted to The Gorilla Foundation website (curiously not any of their Social Media platforms), can be read here: http://www.koko.org/gorilla-foundation-launches-humanitarian-effort-save-life-gorilla-ndume

 Screencaps from koko.org

I included a link to the court documents in the last post.  A longer version, including exhibits, has been brought to my attention. You can view that here, link within this news article: https://local12.com/news/get-it-now-links/53-page-legal-document-concerning-custody-battle-over-gorilla?fbclid=IwAR2Sf6P5u-po39S4LI85R6ym5jssug6FViYgPsqN5h5eO5Ws2TTJ8bFPA70 

When I read this, I just thought about poor Ndume having to sit there while these two shitty teams of so called animal professionals duke it out.  From the moment the lawsuit was announced, I have been disgusted by both parties.  I am not alone in my feelings that The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and The Gorilla SSP (Species Survival Plan, by proxy of the AZA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums) are not without huge blame in this mess. From my first blog post about Ndume, I have continually maintained the disservice they have done to him. I'm sorry, I know they are helping now, but when I hear Cincinnati Zoo's Ron Evan's pompous statements about isolation, I want to vomit. He and Gorilla SSP head Kristen Lukas should have accepted some of the blame for this.  They had to know the situation there, at least the isolation part.  I do not believe that they thought Ndume and Koko were co-habitating or had visual contact for a majority of time each day. Twenty-seven years is along time to be abandoned, just sitting there with no Family. I think about everything that's happened in the last 27 years of my life, its not just a number its a frigging long time!  

I'm torn by what I've been told by former Gorilla Foundation Caregivers about what has gone on there for decades, my feelings about the The Cincinnati Zoo and SSP's part in this, that I'm not sure who holds the most blame.  Blame is in hindsight, and we must look to the future and hope for the best for Ndume, but its hard not to feel sad, and disappointed at all those who failed him to this point.  Its just sad all the way around for Ndume.  

Penny connived and appealed to the SFZoo officials greed to sell Koko to her,  kidnapping infant Koko from her Mother and Gorilla Family and subsequently procuring additional Gorillas from the wild.  I will always look at her as evil for the cruelty done to Koko, Michael and BB.   There was never any hope for Koko or Michael, Penny owned them, but the real FAIL in my opinion is on the part of the AZA/SSP for sending Ndume to a non-AZA facility, AND leaving him there in isolation, which they were well aware of, for near three decades. Penny's actions have been self-serving,  but the AZA/SSP out of sight, out of mind, position with Ndume, have been negligent and cruel.  They have employed "educated" professionals throughout the years so in my opinion, their actions are the ones most responsible for this mess. They left him there, people got attached, he got rooted, of course his removal wasn't going to be smooth.  Their minimal defense is that they left Ndume there so Koko wouldn't be alone.  What about Ndume?  Why weren't his needs met?  I completely understand the compassion behind maintaining Koko's needs, and its admirable, but they should have then at least sent another Gorilla there to live in the same enclosure as Ndume.  He needed a Gorilla Family.  If the SSP truly felt there was no issue of mis-care there, then why was this not something that happened?  Then upon Koko's death both Ndume and the additional Gorillas could have been transferred back to Cincinnati or wherever together.  Bottom line, there was a disservice to Ndume and his needs, by the Gorilla SSP.

Now, in regard to Penny's counter to Cincinnati Zoo, I have to admit, if I were someone who didn't have the ear of former Gorilla Foundation Staff, I would be on her side.  I can hear the gasps now!  Let me explain, when I heard the San Francisco Zoo Director was going to kick out our Senior Chimps and ship them cross country I was outraged.  That outrage was fueled by several issue points, the main one being our Chimps, had lived at the SFZoo for near Fifty years, essentially all their lives.  It was the only home they had ever really known.  They were Seniors, and there was no way they should be uprooted and sent someplace unfamiliar, with unfamiliar people.  This was also the survival factor. This part of Penny's defense I completely get.  There are other issues in defense of why Ndume needs to be moved, but the main issue that is a constant factor is, that he is living in isolation from other Gorillas and you just can not keep a Great Ape from having the social interaction a Gorilla, or at very least that another Primate can provide. 

Now, IF and this is hindsight and fantasy, and unfortunately Penny and the Gorilla Foundation don't realize the truth and reality.  IF The Gorilla Foundation, employed Animal Care professionals, including Veterinarians (as most accounts note that  allegedly none of the Gorillas have had regular medical care for years), upgraded its facility, specifically the enclosures (night quarters and yards), basically be an actual Sanctuary, which would have allowed for a relationship that provided them the placement of additional Gorillas, then sure, there would be no reason for Ndume to have to leave. Sadly none of this is reality.  

The only way for Ndume to stay there would be for The Gorilla Foundation to relinquish rights to the AZA and for the AZA to create an actual Sanctuary there.  A place for surplus Gorillas, additional Bachelor Groups, etc.  Again fantasy.  ... I wish my idea of giving Ndume a home at the San Francisco Zoo had been taken seriously.  It would have benefited him.  Close travel, a Keeper who has previously worked with him,  the familiar faces of former Gorilla Foundation Staff and Caregivers who could visit him ... 

Who knows how this will play out. I only pray Ndume stays safe and the judge rules in his best interest.  The world is watching Cincinnati Zoo and The Gorilla Foundation, both parties are under the microscope to do what's best for Ndume, hopefully a resolution will be found soon.  

Last post: https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/10/news-flash-cincinnati-zoo-sues-gorilla.html

Use Search for keyword "Ndume" for all related posts. 

For more details and opinions, by many who are former Gorilla Foundation caregivers, you can visit the Facebook Page (owned by a former caregiver)  https://www.facebook.com/TeamNdume/

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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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*Expand Comments for Additional Insight and Information.  ... All Comments are moderated and will be published within 24 hours.  Comment form or about.me link can be used to contact me. 

*You can be a Voice for the SFZoo Animals by Contacting the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson at tanyap@sfzoo.org 

News Flash! Cincinnati Zoo Sues Gorilla Foundation For Custody of Gorilla Ndume

I woke up today to this news.  It has hit many media sources, this is the article I read first.  

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-zoo-in-custody-fight-for-silverback-gorilla-ndume/24261933?fbclid=IwAR1zWaUg8sQRWBJM529AqfHdd1q_E6v48XxvAOIYOnIRzre6XDC0xtcMNJQ

It contains the Court Document, so make sure to click on that link in the article.

This is upsetting.  Most of us who have followed Ndume's plight (I've posted about it several times), have known this might be a probable situation.  The people who I discuss this with most are a handful of former Gorilla Foundation caregivers.  I grew up following Koko's story, and loving her. Over the past decade since I've become more involved with the SFZoo Animals, I have been uncomfortable with Koko's life and living situation.  A few years ago I read about the other Gorilla there, Ndume.  Like Koko's, a sad life there for a Great Ape.  When Koko passed, I joined and took an active role in the crusade to get Ndume moved out of there. 

There's alot to be angry about with the situation that has resulted in this lawsuit.   Obviously the main issue of The Gorilla Foundation (TGF) not abiding by the agreement.  For me the main issue is still the isolation, which Cincinnati Zoo (CZ) references throughout the court document.  CZ and AZA/SSP (Association of Zoos and Aquariums/Species Survival Plan) have known for decades that Ndume did not live in same enclosure with Koko and they chose to leave him there.  Now they are using that basically as the basis of their argument, with Ron Evans from CZ quoting Gorillas need for "social interaction". I'm not trying to be against them, because of course I believe he should be transferred back there, but I have to state the obvious, CZ and AZA/SSP have basically dug themselves this hole and by proxy the innocent Ndume, by abandoning him there for at minimum 20 yrs more than necessary per the original reason for sending him there, which was to breed with Koko.  He has been left there for 27 years.  Not two years, not seven years, not fifteen, not twenty, 27 years!  Alone. They are the ones who have set this scene.  

How many times other than the one a few years ago with the photo op with Koko,  did either CZ and/or the AZA/SSP visit TGF to check on Ndume?  My sources can only reference the one time in all those years.  Even if more, I highly doubt it was the twice a year stated in those documents.  I assume neither CZ or AZA/SSP are unaware as they are supposed to be made up of the highly regarded professionals in their fields, so they also had to know that TGF's whole project had become fantasy in recent years if not earlier.  The argument that Koko needed companionship, in my opinion is not valid.  As I understand it, Koko was never allowed to co-habitate with other Gorillas.  Random encounters over the years, but no consistent daily interaction.  Koko was raised as a Human and had no need for Gorilla companionship.  This is allegedly and likely why she wasn't interested in breeding or being with other Gorillas.  Penny ruined Koko's life by denying her a Gorilla Family.  There is no way "professionals" from CZ and AZA/SSP didn't get that, at least in the past decade plus. Bottom line CZ and AZA/SSP abandoned Ndume and because of that TGF feels entitled to keep him.  If it was not for the facts, That Penny and Ron are seemingly and allegedly unfit to care for any Gorilla, That there are no other Gorillas for companionship, and That by all accounts the enclosures are in need of updates, considering the length of time Ndume has lived there (more than half his life) and his age, I would support leaving him there, BUT those key issues are the reason he should be transferred.  He needs to be with other Gorillas.  

This is a mess, and make no mistake poor Ndume is the casualty of all parties, CZ, AZA/SSP and TGF's negligence in providing him the proper compassion and attention for 27 years.   In my opinion all parties did what was self-serving, CZ and AZA/SSP had no use for him in their system, so ignored him for decades and TGF needed a faux companion for their fantasy spin on Koko's life to continue garnering donations.  Ndume has paid the price and will continue to.  

I hope this is sorted out soon, without any further drama.  I pray Ndume will remain safe though this battle, as I have heard from two sources that they would fear for Ndume's life in a custody battle and here we now are. 

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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

Survey and Quotes - What Other's Would Like To See Done At The SFZoo

In my previous post, I wrote about what I would want to see done at the Zoo.   The catalyst for posting those thoughts was hearing about yet another project that once again in my opinion did not support my feelings that the Zoo should Take Care At Home, meaning, do what's best for the Animals that already live there. I decided to take a poll.  Without going into detail about the new project, I asked people in my circle what they would want to see done at the Zoo.  Below are quotes from those I asked.  Some who work at the Zoo, some who used to.  Some who visit randomly, some who are Members.  Its been six months, so if anyone has additional thoughts to add, please contact me or add them via the survey. 

I am interested in hearing how others would answer, so please take (and share) my short Survey.  Five questions total, three are optional.  The Survey is completely Anonymous!  So, if you work at the Zoo and want to express yourself, you can do so confidently.  If you want your voice to be heard, I'd like to post your answers in an update of this post.  If you prefer not to have them public, write Private in the comment box for that question.  

What Projects Would You Like To See At The San Francisco Zoo?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6GGF8RN

"Building/Upgrading exhibits for Senior Residents. Constructing for Animals in behind the scenes holdings, so public can see them and they can get added Enrichment by people watching."

"Improve Bear and Cat Habitats, (and Chimps pending size of new areas).  They need more space and more naturalistic.  Combine some areas, or build new in undeveloped areas of the Zoo." 

"Conservation projects.  I'd like to see SFZoo as a Global Awareness Advocate like San Diego, and the Bronx Zoo.  I'm ashamed our big City Zoo isn't a prominent figure in Conservation, like SDZ and BZ.  ... Exhibit Updates."

"My big number one is signage: a single uniform style. includes: clear directional signs, eg, the way out of the parking lot. intelligent animal descriptions including age of species. taxonomy charts my group, eg, primates, carnivores. make the Zoo's organization by group transparent. AND a sign telling people where to exit from parkinglot!!! ... more art. more history, eg vintage engravings by species classifiers. ... non-reflective glass. ... plastic casts of skulls, as at grizzly bears. ... flight space for all birds, eg rebuild the short string & give the kookaburras a sunny home. ... swing space for siamangs. ... redesign Insect House as per Patrick's needs. ... BATS!!! ... reclaim that body of water from the duck-weed. ... restore the Wetlands — this will never happen, merely a fantasy!"

"Education.  More specific Education about SFZoo Animals.  Stronger Education about Wild Animals in Crisis." 

"Upgrade All, including Mothers Building"

"All for the Animals."

"After Update all, bring in Big Animals."

"Upgrades for all.  Build area to Rescue Lab Chimps. 200 are sitting in holding with no place to go."

"New Gorilla Habitat with and pool and more Enrichment.  Swinging and Climbing Equipment and space. ... Waste of money on new exhibit. They should turn down the money."

"Upgrade all. . Tram" 

"Take care of old exhibits and Animals first.  More Enrichment for the Animals."

"Upgrades to the Animals Exhibits , that Benefit the Animals!"

Thank you to everyone who gave me answers.

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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

What I'd Like To See Done At The San Francisco Zoo

For almost a decade now I have had ideas about what I'd like to see at the Zoo.  As I became more aware and endeared to the Animals as individuals, those thoughts grew and became endless.  I have kept notes on each thought, most that involve the Animals and really need no notes as they loop through my mind constantly.  

The catalyst for this post is an upcoming project, that in my opinion should not be happening at this time, as there are in-need projects that are ignored.  My list here will mostly highlight projects I feel are in-need, with some other ideas.  It's not my complete list, although I may ramble on, and it may seem like it is!

There's been several projects over the past five or so years that have taken priority over those in-need.  Each time one came about, my thoughts went to three Animals.   The Chimps, who waited over thirty years to get any updates to their home.  They waited to the point where they were in jeopardy of being kicked out by the Zoo Director Tanya Peterson.  I Roared as loud as possible for them and with KGO-TV's help, created public outrage, and thankfully these Friends never knew what was happening.  Not only a callous decision, they could have lost their lives in a move like that.  Wishbone the Andean Bear, did lose his life to being forced to live exclusively on concrete.  I Roared for him, but never reached the right people.  The Zoo knew, the Rec and Park knew, the Donors knew,  no one cared to do the right thing for him.   Falcor the Komodo Dragon, who was stuck living in a terrarium for years.  Again everyone knew and no one cared. The Zoo will say timing coincided with health issues.  I call BS on that.  He was supposed to get a new home within a year/half of arrival.  His health issues didn't start til after that time frame.  If he had a proper home, his post-op rehabilitation would have been optimum and he'd probably be more advanced in his recovery than he is.  These three cases have broken my heart many times over.  Animals in-need and yet those able to help with funding ignored them.

Wishy passed away in 2010.  Since then, so many projects came before the Chimps and Falcor.  The Playground, Sculpture Garden, Tiki Hut, Tropical Aviary Renovation, Red Pandas, Wolverines, Wolves, Sifaka, New Flamingo Fencing, Fragrance Garden.  Some of these projects had money locked, which means donations specifically for these projects.  Four included building for new Animals, while those already living at the Zoo were in-need.  

So, What would I do at the Zoo?  A whole lot that's not being done.  These are the projects that I think are in-need and should be a priority over anything else, except for Animals in-need of rescuing, like our Black Bear Cubs or our Sea Lions and Grizzly Girls before them. 

Number one priority for me is Zoo-wide upgrade to barriers.  Specifically at Black Bears, Grizzly, Hippo, and Black Rhino.  If they don't want to put up glass everywhere, at the very least there needs to be a deterrent much like at the male Anteater exhibit.  A jagged barrier that would prevent people from sitting on/over, or standing on barrier railings.  Signs not to do so at every barrier, code-red or not.  Signs at the Entrance. The signs about not crossing barriers are useless.  Keeping the Animals safe, and the Human offenders by proxy should be priority.

I'd like to see Aviaries built for the Birds that live in cages across from the Chimps and the one behind the old Komodo area.  The open field between the Wrinkled Hornbill Aviary and the Food Depot is an obvious location.  Even using that Depot area which is unnecessary for food and then for entertainment during their Zootoberfest.  In my opinion all Events should take place at the Playfield area.  That Depot area, which many years ago was the site of Monkey Island, should be used for Animals.  There is also a huge unused area behind it.  Once those cages are empty, an Aviary could be built there.

I'd like to see the area for the Sloth expanded.  There is no reason the area in the Tropical Building that houses the Sloth is so small and houses four Animals.  The seating to the side should be done away with and the area expanded. As well, an appropriate area for the second Sloth that has been moved from the Tropical Building to the Lion House and to a reduced space.  That terrarium is not a habitat.

I'd like to see the closed areas opened.  There are too many areas closed and have been for too long.  Not only do people not like it, there are Animals that could use the space, and Animals living there that should be viewable.   

First, behind that south east fencing that starts at Hippo and goes toward Grizzlies is an area called South Gate.  This area used to house several species of hoofstock.  It was closed many years ago, as I understand originally because they didn't want to spend time keeping it up.  That proved to be true as I saw the condition it was in last fall, and was almost shocked. I was also shocked and disgusted to see two of the Peccaries living back there, among the ruins of downed fencing, overgrowth, and just plain devastation of once what was a lovely area.  I thought I wrote a post about it with photos, but it didn't come up in a search.  Will link here later if I find it.

So, I'd like to see South Gate re-opened.  They could move the Bongo there.  They could create the extra Peccary habitat that is needed.  They could move the Guanacos from the Puente there.  The Guanacos are on rotation.  The male is living alone, and is rotated a few days a week out of a small holding area to the Puente yard.  He is rotated with the female and their daughter.  These Animals need their own appropriate sized space.  Creating one side by side in South Gate would give them visible access if they wanted.  There is also space for future hoofstock or part of my Rhino idea below.

Next, and even more so now with some Monkey species living there after losing their homes to the new project, the Feline Conservation Center needs to reopen.  An area closed in 2008, in the wake of the Tiger Escape, but allegedly closed for not being handicap accessible.   For those who don't know, the FCC opened in the 80s.  A very cool and secluded area for Medium and Small Cats.  I always liked visiting this area, seeing Sabrina the Black Leopard, who I had visited for so many years, even when she sadly still lived in a cage before FCC opened.  The FCC had maybe half dozen aviary style enclosures. Too small really to be habitats for Leopards, the Snows lived there too, but decent for the Ocelots, and the Fishing Cats.  I remember watching the Fishing Cat kittens out in the open with a Keeper learning to fish.   

There was a time in 2010 when all Cats were either moved down to the Main Zoo or shipped out (Ocelots).  It became an active home when Senior male Snow Leopard Rigel moved there to "retire" as the Zoo was bringing in a male that was born there to be the new breeding companion of Niya.  He passed away, and Niya was then retired to FCC, while the Zoo brought in our current pair.  The FCC now is home to more Animals than it has room for.  In addition to Niya, Raj the father of our Snow Cubs also lives there.  I'm actually happy that Niya now has company, so that didn't work out too bad.  When the Zoo decided it just had to have a male Andean Condor after allegedly refusing to send the female back to her original home Zoo, they both have now been living there for a couple years.  The Zoo had no space for two Condors on exhibit.  Thankfully, the Fossa have now also moved to FCC.  None of these Animals co-habitate, so that is already six aviaries in use.  With the displacement of Monkeys from the Primate Center (read future post about Madagascar project)  allegedly some aviaries were split in two, to accommodate the Howler and soon Colobus Monkeys.

My point about reopening FCC is that there are so many Animals there now, they should be able to be viewed.  Especially the Monkeys that will not be on exhibit during the future construction.  This should have happened long ago and now, it definitely should have been part of the deal prior to the new project breaking ground.  In my opinion that deal should have called for construction of new Monkey enclosures in exchange for displacing from current ones.

Other things I'd like to see as a secondary priority, exhibit upgrades and additional space for Animals who could use it.  

The Animals at the Farm could use some additional rotating spaces.  There had been talk of re-purposing the old Duck pond but nothing has happened.  There are a couple other surrounding areas that could be used as well.  The Cow spends half his day isolated in a back coral.  The San Clemente Goats are contained in one area all day.  The Farm needs at least two additional areas.

Improvements to any Enclosure that is in-need. Some things simple, like adding landscaping to the Gorillas so at least half of their contact window is level with Humans.  They shouldn't be directly looked down on.  Some full on renovations, like new floor to ceiling glass barriers at Cat grotto, allowing for moats to be filled in and topical areas extended by ten plus feet.

I would like to see both Rhinos in better habitats.   I've always hated the Black Rhino enclosure front and back configuration.  Poor Elly the female (passed now) was banished to the back for years.  This exhibit should have had side by side areas so both Animals had equal living situations. Expanding Black Rhino into Bongo area would allow for the back part of Black Rhino to be used for Hippo.  Hippo pool should be glassed in, taking away all the heavy wiring that he constantly gnaws on and eliminating the issue of people hanging over the barrier. 

I would like to see the Asian Rhino have an expansion or new enclosure and a companion.  At the San Francisco Zoo.  It is possible.  There is space.  Expand into the adjacent empty exhibit or build a new one in the old Black Rhino enclosure and the area adjacent to that. That would provide so much room. This exhibit sits along the path going west of the Grizzly Bears, behind the fenced off area across from the lake.  That area is huge, and could accommodate not only an area big enough for two Asian Rhinos, but for a mirror enclosure to the Grizzly Gulch, which could house the Black Bears in the future, allowing the Black Bears and the Grizzlies to rotate.  The Grizzlies have running water in the Gulch so there should be no reason an awesome new pool for Asian Rhino could not be built.  I want to note that Gauhati the Asian Rhino loves his pool, and the waterfall has not been working allegedly for near a year.  Much like the six months that the Lion House had no heat, this is wrong. While not as necessary as heat obviously, its still something that should have been fixed promptly.

Anyway, those are just a short list of things I can think of that should be done for the Animals currently living at the Zoo, before bringing in any news ones and building homes for them, unless they are in-need rescues.  

All the Animals living at the Zoo deserve appropriate habitats.  The Zoo needs to provide that, without entertaining ideas of shipping them out, like they tried to do with the Chimps and have now done with three species living in the Primate Center.  Take Care At Home!

Something non-Animal related, there is an effort by a Historian to repair the Mother's Building.  When this is done, it would be a wonderful place for a History Center.

This post is one in a series of three.  See next two posts for subject matter in full.  Thank you.

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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

HOT TOPICS! - List by Year and Other Blog Links

(Re-positioning this upcoming post for flow)

You can search HOT TOPICS!  in upper left corner of blog.   I'm still notating blog posts as HOT TOPICS! for easy Issues of Interest reference, so will update with the HOT TOPICS! list soon. 

You can also view my other previous blogs that contain Issues of Interest.

2011 - Andean Bears Wishbone and Annie lived most of their life exclusively on concrete.  Annie passed before my crusade.  One of the health issues that caused her passing was alleged hip and leg issues, preventing her from walking.  I crusaded for Wishbone to have grass patches added to his home.  Read more about my efforts.  The Zoo Management and Society Members FAILED him.  He passed away with full mental capacity.  Euthanized because he couldn't walk.  He literally pounded his bones to his death.  No One Cared this was happening.   http://projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/

2011 -  In putting together this list I end up glancing at past posts.  So many years later and same BS going on.  I just don't understand. <Sigh>  That said, I was told by people who had tried to get change at the Zoo in the 80s and another group in the 90s, no one with authority (read The City of San Francisco) would listen. 

https://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/

This last post from 2012 caught my eye, as there was a text highlighting issue, which I again just tried to fix.  It mentions Wishbones plight, and also a couple quotes from my blog that appeared in a news article.  These quotes are still relevant and key to a near future blog post.  Keep in mind this was seven years ago and nothing has changed, especially in this regard. 

"So, new animals and humans, get bright, shiny, new and modern areas, while current animals continue to live status quo. I personally can not imagine being someone of authority in the Zoological Society and being able to sleep at night knowing I was forging ahead with plans that did not include helping the animals that already live there, before anything else," wrote a female blogger...

I continued to note,.. I will say that, Animal Care VP David Bocian who is the subject of this article, has been at the Zoo well over a year, and for someone being touted as caring about the Animals, how could he (along with Director Tanya Peterson, Curators Corinne MacDonald and Debra Marrin, as well members of the San Francisco Zoological Society and anyone else who holds authority there) let Wishbone live on concrete with known back/bone/joint issues, letting him to eventually die from those issues? 
Post in full:

https://sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com/2012/09/september-6-2012-news-article-new-for.html

2013/2015 -  I started this blog to post short snips, good and of issue.  It actually worked til I started to let go of posting every little thing.  Time was limited and the longer posts to this blog were energy and emotion draining.  I liked this Commentary style and will leave a Coming Soon post as I think I may want to get back to this style at some point.  Take a scan through and you will find much Zoo Friend cuteness, all the Birthdays when I was still noting each one, ...

http://mysanfranciscozooouttings.blogspot.com/

HOT TOPICS! - Coming Soon!

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Barrier Breaching No Big Deal - I Just Don't Understand

So yeah, this exhausting subject again.  I actually didn't plan on writing about this again, as I've pretty much exhausted all that I can do to document and bring awareness to this issue.  As well, if you've been following my recent posts, you may have noticed that I put a few posts in draft, as I am wrapping up all in progress posts and wanted to end this round with a certain flow and finale.  Unfortunately the other day, the following happened, and I felt I must document it.  As my title states, I just don't understand.  I don't understand the Zoo's and the AZA's position of ignorance at what I consider a serious issue.

As I walked up towards Hippo and Black Rhino, two women each had a kid sitting over the Hippo barrier.  I didn't get a photo in time, but as I looked ahead, another had their kid over the Rhino barrier.

After I took this photo, Big Cat Keeper Andrew came walking by.  I called his attention to the offense, and he said he'd be back.  This was surprising as most Keepers will say something if you point this out.  I think its negligent that he did not immediately say something.  I guess playing with the photos on the cat grotto windows was more important than the life of the Rhino or the kid.  All it takes is a split second for an accident to happen and the kid falls into the enclosure and the Rhino comes over and makes contact, whether threatening or not.  Rhinos are Code-Red Animals, and if contact is made between a Code-Red Animal and a Human, the protocol is shoot to kill.  I complain about management having their priorities messed up, but I'm very disappointed when a member of the Keeper staff, doesn't put Animal Safety first. 

By the time Andrew wandered back, of course that lady had taken her kid down.  Less than ten minutes later, this guy had his kid up there.  That's four kids over barriers in about fifteen minutes.  Fifteen minutes of one day, at one area.  The Zoo is open 420 minutes everyday, with multiple barriers being breached.

This Rhino exhibit, Hippo and Bears, are the most abused barriers.  Its a continuous stream of people hanging their kids over and something I've written about for over seven years now.  Still the Zoo Management does nothing to deter this behavior.  There is no verbal guidelines for this, and there is minimal signage, something else I've written about to an exhausting level.  

The Zoo has three different signs about barriers.  Two make reference to crossing, one to standing/sitting.  Curiously, for something so potentially tragic, all are smaller than most other signs at the Zoo.  In the first photo on this post, you can see one of the ones about crossing the barrier.  The woman has her kid over the barrier right in front of the sign.  Its the stupidest sign.  I asked people once how they interpreted it and one person said they thought it meant no peeing in the exhibit.  

Here's the one sign that specifically says not to stand/sit on barrier.  You can see the pathetic size of it.  Curiously, this sign appears in only a few places.  At Bears, for as long as that barrier is, I think there is only one of these signs.  Seven inches, in probably over a hundred feet of barrier.  I don't think this sign is even at Rhinos.  BUT, it is at Sikafa???  Don't get me wrong, I think it should be a Zoo-wide rule for people not to be on or over any barriers, but for the sake of comparison, this is an Animal that is fenced in and not Code-Red.  Not sure what that's about, but its obviously a head shaker.  ... THIS sign should be huge and at the entrance of the Zoo, as well as at least every ten feet of every exhibit barrier. 

Sifaka exhibit

You can search this blog for keywords, barriers and signage and come up with lots of entries.  Many photos of signs of curious size, in regard to the nature of the message.  Last week these new signs appeared for the event Zootoberfest.  Gotta make sure everyone knows all there is about the Hay Maze, including do's and don'ts, but they can't tell people in a larger way not to hang over barriers?  I think there are more signs in this one Maze area than all of the barrier signs on Code-Red Animals.  Keep in mind the size of that one sign as you see the size of these signs.  Mind boggling. 

Nice big and fancy on wood!  

approx 3x5 

approx 2x8 

Sandwich board in path

Rules on Stand at entrance of Maze.

approx 8x11, at least three times 

the size of rules about barrier breaching.

There was also two huge banners about 2.5 x 5.5 feet attached to the hay bales. So that's four huge signs, one sandwich board, and a stand-up rules sign.  Six for this one non-Animal area and I think the tally at Code-Red Animal areas is, three at Bears, two at Rhino and one at Hippo. ... Also this new one that is at least eight times the size of the barrier sign, is on a cover of pipes.  Gotta make sure they toss about their Conservation efforts, especially while people are hanging over the barriers putting Animals lives at risk and Ducks are playing Russian Roulette with their lives flying into windows at Flamingos. Good Grief , its all so Shameful. 

I apologize for the quality off the photos on this post.  I didn't have time to download them to computer so just took pix of my camera display.

Additional update:  Still no decals on the Flamingo windows.  Two weeks now since it was called to Zoo's attention verbally by several people, in writing and on this blog.

In case you missed the previous post: http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/squirrel-monkeys-havent-been-outside-in.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

Squirrel Monkeys That Haven't Been Outside in Two Years! ... Updated 10.23.18 - Info Error

For those who read my last post, Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It! and may have been waiting for the second Zoo issue from that week, I apologize for not getting to it right away as planned.  Had bad sinus pressure for over a week and just didn't feel like dealing with upsetting stuff.  ... I will give a bit of an update here.  As of last week, there are still no Life Saving Decals up at Flamingos.  But, hey, I did notice some fall decals on the windows inside the Lion House, you know where lots of Birds are flying into windows.  Shameful.

As noted, the week starting 9.17.18 brought two Animal Care issues to my attention.  One being the care and concern for the wild Beings (Ducks) that live at the Zoo and this one regarding Beings in the Zoo's collection and care. 

So, deep breath, here goes.  ... That week, while visiting the Sifaka, a friend (and Zoo Member) and I were watching the male Max jump to and grab onto the mesh of an upper window.  My friend noticed movement inside, which is part of the night quarter building, in a space that is above what is used for the Sifaka.   This building is part of the Primate Discovery Center, which is two stories tall.  I had never noticed or have known this to be an area that housed Animals. 

I quickly snapped this photo and then turned on the video to be able to zoom in clearer to identify what was in there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYE1ktSIL8

We could see that there were small Primates scurrying about, but couldn't identify.  My first  thought was they were newly acquired Lemurs for the Madagascar project, as I wouldn't put it past the Zoo to bring in Animals there was no appropriate place for.  I later asked and was shocked to find out they were four of the Squirrel Monkeys, from the current collection.  Even more shocked and sickened to hear that they have been in there allegedly for at least two years!

There is so much wrong with this, but let's just start with the fact that these Beings have been living in a concrete room with no natural landscaping and most important, they have not been outdoors for years!  Sadly they can see the Sifaka enjoying a spacious OUTDOOR area.  Shameful. 

So, the obvious question is Why have these Beings been subjected to this kind of containment?  The other obvious question is, Who made this decision?  Who thinks this is ok?  I would bet no one on the Animal Care Staff think this is a good thing.  So that leaves Management level staff.  I'm going to bypass finger pointing at the Primate Curators and go straight to the question, Why does the San Francisco Zoo have a Wellness Department?  Is it not the purpose of this department to make sure that every Being in the collection is housed in an appropriate habitat,  appropriate to their well-being? 

In my opinion, there are three people on full-time payroll that should be making sure that among so many other things, this and other inappropriate housing are never more than temporary.  Those people are Jason Waters VP of Wellness and Animal Behavior, Animal Curator David Bocian, and (*Please see my update at end of post. I had an additional name here that was in error.) Additionally, the buck usually stops with Director Tanya Peterson.  So who's fault is it that these Animals and others get stuck in inappropriate housing?  One would have to assume either someone isn't doing their job, which in my opinion is to be on the Animals side, or they just don't care, or they afraid to put forth a plea for the Animals that might get challenged and threaten their job security?  Regardless, this is not right.  

Let's not forget the recent living situation of the Fossa. They have been moved to the Feline Conservation Center (FCC), but had lived in inappropriate housing for over two years as well.   You can view where their home was for over a year.  The other near year they spent living in quarantine.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5OaWnXoaQ&feature=youtu.be

At this point, noting that the FCC is an option for housing over-flow Residents, is moot.  The FCC is over crowded now with many different species, with those displaced by the Madagascar project on the way.  But, at the time, two years ago, it wasn't and both these Squirrel Monkeys and the Fossa could have been housed there immediately without ever being subjected to the containment areas there were.

Let's take a look at the history of the Squirrel Monkeys.  This group came to the Zoo from Stanford in 2010 as a retirement home.  These Beings were former research test subjects.  These Beings should never have been locked inside again.  This was supposed to be their retirement from that environment.

Over the years, the group has dwindled, sadly many passing from age related issues.  Every now and then, it seems there are less on view, and I've asked about them.  I've been told some are off exhibit.  My bad, not to ask where.  I never would have thought that meant an area where they had no access to the outdoors.  

Going back again to when the Squirrel Monkeys first arrived.  I remember their place in the Primate Center was supposed to be temporary, with a designated donation to build a new home for them elsewhere in the Zoo.  So many years ago but I my memory is right.  You can read the June 2010 news article from about this here:  http://www.sfexaminer.com/zoo-saves-monkeys-from-euthanasia/

I want to notate a couple quotes from that article:

"When MacDonald (former Primate Curator) feels they are ready to revel in trees and dirt, the monkeys will temporarily live in the Primate Discovery Center."

"In the meantime, the zoo will use a $250,000 donation specifically for the monkeys to extend an outdoor exhibit at the new South American Tropical Rain Forest Aviary that’s still under construction."

Additionally, in November 2010, I attended a Reception for Guardian Members.  Director Peterson displayed an artist rendering of the proposed new Squirrel Monkey exhibit.  This photo depiction became the future project and was made into a banner and put out at the project site adjacent to the Tropical Building.

I was horrified on the spot to see the drawing for the new Squirrel Monkey exhibit shows, not only another play area for humans, but white tree structures?!  Where in nature are there white trees? I think even the Director felt the need to sell this odd habitat, as she repeatedly said,  "Think modern. Think modern." Why should we think modern? This isn't a museum, this is an Animal Park and Animals don't live surrounded by white plastic looking tree's.

Construction never happened for this.  The sign was taken down.  The area went through a couple stages, at one point housing the Dinosaur sculptures, and more recently the ridiculous Ropes course, something that was never used in that area after time and money spent to develop the area.  Not to mention money spent when the Zoo purchased this crap.  Seriously, we have a three million dollar playground, the Zoo should not be spending money on this, especially when for one thing there is allegedly a shortage of funds for Animal Enrichment.  

So, with the money locked specifically for a new Squirrel Monkey home, and the proposed location touting the future home designated, I ask, What happened to that project, and even more curious, Where is that money?

Update 10.23.18 ... I had originally included Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson as I was told by a couple staff members that she had been given a new title and was the Asst (General Curator). That information was wrong, she still holds the title Asst Carnivore Curator.  Squirrel Monkeys fall under Primates and Ashleigh has no connection to what goes on in that Dept. Additionally as I stated in original post body I do not put responsibility for these types of issues on Animal Staff including Department level Curators.  I do believe that Upper level Management - Animal Care Staff  like Bocian and Waters who I noted are responsible for championing these issue points to the Zoo Director on their behalf.

I don't like that I got misinformation.  Contrary to what people think I do try to confirm information and have never been told anything I have posted is in error.  Of course there have been differences of opinion or as I have been told misinterpretation of situations. Actually this has only happened once.  The Carnivore Dept stands by the act of letting people handle and visit behind the scenes with the Snow Leopard Cubs. I stand by my opinion stated in a couple posts that I think this is wrong.

I will also again note that if anyone has an issue with the subject, information, or my interpretation in any post there is a comment portion to this blog.  I moderate the comments so it can also be used to contact me.

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Previous post: Ducks Continue to Fly into Windows Without Decals and Zoo Knows It! http://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/ducks-continue-to-fly-into-windows_21.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