When Will The Zoo ReOpen? - Shutdown Update

I previously posted about what I consider an illogical thought process about how businesses were categorized for opening during the shutdown.  I noted that I planned to inquire about this and also what "Indefinitely" might look like, weeks, months, until everyone is vaccinated...?  I only got to the later.  I inquired and got an answer from someone I know in government, but didn't get to posting the information right away.  It has since been in the news, so some of you might already know, or had previously understood the situation.  Myself and many I know didn't. 

The Open status of businesses is determined by the State.  San Francisco is unfortunately in a Bay Area grouping that includes eleven counties.  In order for the Zoo to open, the Bay Area ICU capacity must be at 15%.  

This is the best online source I've found to check daily status:

https://abc7news.com/bay-area-icu-capacity-hospital-california-stay-at-home-order-santa-clara/8478535/

So, while SF is currently at 24%, down from 35% earlier in the week, the BA as a whole is at 6%, which is up from Monday when it dipped below 1%.  ... Lots of fluctuation over the course of a handful of days, but staying overall low.

With low numbers, for over a month, I would be surprised if the Zoo is able to open before Summer.  I hope my assessment is wrong, but seems like were screwed til a good number of the masses are vaccinated, since we can't count on the majority of people to follow safe practices.

As I've said before, it's my personal opinion that this Pandemic has dragged on, because of the No Maskers and non-Distancers.  So every time I see someone non-compliant with the guidelines, I look at them as the reason why the Zoo can't open.  The reason why we are heading into a year of not being able to live our lives normally.  

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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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New > Info Added 1.24.21 ... Zoo Playground Now Open? - Update

So, there's a question mark in the title, as I'm not sure whether Open means, open to all, or just to those who the Zoo invites. 

On Tuesday January 5, I posted about the development of the Playground Opening.  At the time, I didn't think there was going to be a need for an update.  Silly me, by Thursday things had changed.

Before posting, I called the Membership Office to see exactly what the Playground Reservation was all about.  There wasn't much more to it, other than the allowance of the Playground only to be open.  Relevant to note that Membership was surprised that the Reservations had been posted to the website, as they had not worked out the details yet.  

I had made a few reservations, since when I saw it listed, I didn't know what the details were.  After talking to Membership, I canceled all but one, as I didn't want to take away a Playground option for kids, since I was obviously not going to use the Playground.  I kept the one, as I still wanted to check out the situation, as well be able to have access to the parking lot and maybe get to see my Cow pal Slider from the perimeter fence. as well I could see the Savannah.  

So, Thursday I got an email and phone call that my Reservation had been canceled, stating they weren't ready to open.  I looked at the website and the Reservation option was no longer up.  This all begged questions, so I called to get clarification.  I asked if all reservations had been canceled or just mine (because you know, ... it's me lol!)  All were canceled, they weren't ready to open.  I asked if when they were ready, would the reservations be back on the site and open to all or only by invite as they did during the first shutdown, when they allowed only Members they invited to visit the Zoo?  Yes, would be open to all Members. 

I decided I was not going to reserve again when they did open up, but wanted to monitor the situation anyway.  I didn't check the website again until the other day.  There were four reservation slots only for a Saturday and Sunday.  All were sold out.  I checked this morning and there were daily reservations through the end of the month.  All sold out. 

The curious things are, when they were first listed, only the weekends were sold out, all other days were completely open and there has been no mention of the Playground being open by reservation, on any of the Zoo's Social Media.  So how are 40+ events sold out?   My conclusion is that possibly these reservations are not being openly offered, instead being obtained by invite only, and then marked as Sold Out.  Of course I could be wrong, but this is how it seems to me.

So, I apologize if my alert to a potential Zoo experience option got anyone's hopes up, when it may very well not be open to all Members equally.  Those who have kids and want to take advantage of the Playground, should call Membership and inquire about a reservation or invitation.

New > 1.24.21 Additional Info - Instead of making a new post I am adding to this one for documentation purposes.  I never read the fine print on the Tickets but when I went to delete my Playground one that was cancelled, I did.  It notates that Playground reservation includes access to the Children's Zoo.  This of course peaks my curiosity, as it was not mentioned to me when I inquired about the details, and is this even allowed?  It does not seem in line with the Shutdown order.  So, whether this is still an active part of the reservation, I don't know.  I probably won't be seeking to find out further because I find the situation exhausting, when the Zoo could have made it not only simple but fair to all Members.

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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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No Charges In Lemur Theft - "Suspect" Released.

What is going on with our justice system?   

Has San Francisco become a Lawless town?

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Suspect-in-theft-of-Maki-the-lemur-released-15848917.php 

THIS is absolutely unacceptable!  These days it just seems to be one head shaker after another.

I'm suprised at this news, but not shocked.  The New Years Eve hit and run at 2nd and Mission, was a topic on yesterday's talk radio shows.  The perpetrator in that crime, is a career criminal, who has repeatedly been released from jail.  According to this news article, at one one point he had enough charges for a life sentence.  Yet he was again set free and went on to kill someone New Years Eve.  

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/sf-da-announces-homicide-charges-against-parolee-in-fatal-nye-hit-and-run/2436773/

So after hearing about this outrageousness, I am not shocked that once again the justice system has failed.  The City sure isn't doing a very good job with the messages they are sending, from any angle.  

Releasing another repeat offender, and someone whose actions have caused harm to another Being, is Disturbing and disappointing.  Maki luckily was not physically harmed but he suffered emotionally, and so did his "family" as they watched a stranger come into their bedroom and kidnap one of them.

This guy Tresspassed onto Zoo property, Broke into the Lemur enclosure, and Kidnapped Maki.  In my mind, those are three crimes, and there is no excuse for there to be no charges brought and no jail time served.

Would this guy have been released if he had kidnapped a human?  

I sure hope the Zoo can go after this guy legally is some way.  I'm sick of people messing with Animals and getting away with it.

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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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Zoo To Open Playground on Saturday?

 Well, this is curious.

I've been checking the Zoo website to see if anything changes, aka the City comes to their senses and allows the Zoo to open.  If you have read any of my previous posts about the Zoo being shutdown, you know I have an issue with the Health Dept's decision to keep the Zoo closed when, not only are other Park places open, but other places that in my opinion are far more risky.

One of those risky places, would seem to be Playgrounds, but the powers that be statewide seem to have a different notion.  If I was a parent of a human, a communal area would not be my comfort zone, but I'm not, so that's for parents to decide.

That all said, considering my previous take on Playgrounds, it's a real head shaker that the Zoo Playground can open but the rest of the Zoo can't.  Its not a Zoo issue,  but a City/State one.  It makes no sense that people can go to the Playground, touch all the surfaces, yet people can't walk through the Zoo and view the Animals?

It's also curious that the staff expense to facilitate entry, sanitation, etc, would be cost effective since only Members are allowed in.  It's actually too bad that this wasn't allowed before Christmas as I suggested in an earlier post.  Members could have come to Entry Village, saw the Holiday Decorations, place online orders from the Gift Shop, and pick them up in person, as well as a few other ideas, that could have brought in a bit of revenue, while providing something for Members to do that was Zoo related.

Anyway, if you're a Member and want to go to the Playground go to the website's and choose one of the four available times.  There was only one ticket in each time slot, so space must be on a very limited basis.

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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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Recognizing The Lives Of Three Zoo Friends Lost In November

November 2020 brought the loss three Zoo Friends that I know of.   Gandalf the Alpaca, Odette the Coscoroba Swan, and Zura the Western Lowland Gorilla.  Losses are always hard to write about, but since the Zoo doesn't acknowledge them all, I have been trying to do so here.  It saddens me to not tribute each one with a photo, but for over eighteen hours I tried to go through my unsorted photo files and failed to find any of my Odette photos.  So I will only post Gandalf's, and since the Zoo did social and media notices about Zura, that included a photo, I will include a personal video.

Each one of these was a shock.  Each one had been having health issues.  I only knew about Zura's, but had no idea it was something that was life threatening.

The Farm Friends have been some of the Animals I have been closest to.  While so many besties have left, there are still some that remain.  It's been hard not to be able to hang out with them up-close for eight months, so losing Gandalf was extra sad.  I would call out to him when I saw him.  I hope he heard me and knew I was still there to see him. 

Some of my favorite times were watching him so happy, rolling about on the ground in the sun.  I would say, Gandalf are you having fun, and he'd stop, tilt his head back and smile, looking at me upside down.  He could also be very silly, trying to get all four footies into a water bucket!  Miss you sweet boy.

Photo from his Birthday Party

November 2019

RIP Gandalf

Bless Your Soul

Odette was one of the two Coscoroba Swans, who I met at the Farm.  They would try and rule the  pond, that is when Edna the Goose wasn't looking.  They were fun to watch.  Sadly when the pond got filled, they were moved to a couple other enclosures, before settling in with the Penguins.  Being in the center of the Zoo and always busy motoring about, I stopped and said, Hi to them often.  I got used to them being there.  They were a team.  Thankfully her "sister" is back at the Farm and getting lots of attention.  I will miss you Odette.

RIP Odette

Bless Your Soul

Zura was one of my first Zoo Friends.  She was the best Gorilla Lady ever!  I have loved her since I first met her.  A Beautiful and special girl, inside and out.  I always called her Princess, and called our enclosure, Zura's World.  

When I heard of her passing, I shared this video with some of my Gorilla loving friends.  This is pure Zura.  A friend who always came to see me and gave a tongue wiggle hello, and I gave her a wiggle back.  Still tears flow when I think about our interactions.  A very precious friend. I sure miss you Princess.

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

RIP Zura

Bless Your Soul

Thank you Gandalf, Odette and Zura for being part of my Life.

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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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Shutdown Nonsense & Fails - Irresponsible Words & Orders

After publishing my last post, I remembered a thought I had, that zipped out my old brain and didn't make it in.  I figured I'd add it to a future post if I ever got answers to the questions I posed in my previous post.  The questions were basically Why's, surrounding the logic of not allowing the Zoo to open.  

So, in addition to the previous Why? questions, the one that didn't get into the last post, is also quite a big issue point.  I think it's important that City Officials give us something more than "Indefinitely".  In their mind, What is Indefinitely? Weeks, Months, until everyone is Vaccinated?  Because the surges WILL continue.

I've written before about my issue with those who do not wear masks or practice distancing.  I think that non-compliance is the main contributor to the situation continuing, and its continuing because while our Government Officials are telling us to do these simple things, there is no repercussion for those not doing them.  So, the Shutdowns at this point seem to be nonsensical.

In my opinion the middle finger being given to mask wearing and keeping a distance, is directly related to the Shutdowns, which is related to the Zoo remaining closed.  

I usually avoid stuff that comes my way from the Rec and Park, because I have an issue with that Department in regard to it's relationship with the Zoo and there's always something that's going to irritate me.   Anyway, I ended up on their site after clicking through an email, and saw this.

screencap from Rec and Park website.

With all the looks of sheer disgust on the face of the Mayor as she talks about surges and pleads for people to follow guidelines, this is ... I would say unbelievable, but is anything these days really hard to believe?  

In addition to the self-entitled epidemic, that is perpetuating the Pandemic, our Rec and Park Dept is telling people to only Wear A Mask on essential outings!???  WTF? 

After reading that, I went to the Health Dept site to see what the "Orders" actually say at this time, as they have changed since the begining.  Not sure how they can call them Orders if they are not mandatory or enforced, but hey, let's just add that to the long list of curiosities.

They were updated December 22, 2020.  At one point they previously said, Face Coverings needed to be worn at all times when outside, including while jogging, bicycling,...  I remember this because those things were exempted in the original Order which I found asinine.  So, when I saw this I was like, oh good.  Not sure why I thought that, like behavior or consequences would change.   Silly me. 

Here is two screencaps from the Health Dept website.  

Seriously my brain hurt after reading this.  Is this crazy talk or am I missing something?

First, using the word Generally and then going on to say we must 'redouble mask commitment'???  Seems to be contradicting. 

Then as referenced in A and B saying only when within six feet, yet one can be walking in the Park and a jogger will come by, within two feet, huffing and puffing, often coughing, with NO mask or attempt to distance.  That is just one example of too many as to why this reads ridiculously.  I get assaulted by no maskers just walking out my front door.  In a City like SF, people don't know when they will cross paths or round corners with others.  If Officials actually wanted to end this, these Orders would read, Masks at all times in public.   No exemptions and definitely none of this six feet crap.

There are many documented tests found with an easy internet search that notate saliva particles travel farther than six feet. This article from National Geographic notes up to  twenty-seven feet!  Which reminds me that one version of the Orders noted six feet with masks, and thirty feet without. The article also mentions the seldom talked about aerosol particles that linger in the air. Which means when a no masker is say jogging ahead of you, you are walking into their particle path, same as when you walk by outdoor dining areas.  

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/coronavirus-covid-sneeze-fluid-dynamics-in-photos/

I seriously do not understand how the Health Dept came up with those Orders.  These Order notations are irresponcible, and not practical in theory.  Paired with no repercussion for non-compliance, it's clear why the City is in this position.

My only conclusion, after nine months of this is Officials clearly don't really care what anyone does. What other explanation can there be?  

So, Why are we being tortured with these Shutdowns?  

Nothing makes sense and I'm sick of it. 

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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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News Flash! The Zoo Will Remain Shutdown Indefinitely.

After my post yesterday, I had planned to move up my Orangutan Update for today.  I looked forward to lifting that weight, unfortunately a new one haa been added.

I tried to do this post last night, but just couldn't find the words that weren't laden with vulgarity.  I tried to form sentences, through welling tears of frustration, as I sat listening to the revelers at the bar around the corner, that continues to host gatherings on their patio that is a few backyards from mine.  The level of upset, was mounting.  Once again, the people who have given the middle finger to this Pandemic are the reason we are still in this shit for almost ten months.  

The opening paragraph went like this...

Well, Happy F'ing New Year from the City of San Francisco!  They couldn't wait til tomorrow?  Had to get it out there on a night when we are all thinking about what the New Year will bring. 

I caught this by chance on Twitter, a user wrote:  Breaking News! ... The Zoo would remain closed Indefinitely.

Here is the link to the News story.  

https://sf.eater.com/2020/12/31/22208293/san-francisco-lockdown-quarantine-shutdown-outdoor-dining-sf

The full Press Release for the updated Orders is in the article.  This is a screencap notating the Zoo.

I read this about 9:30p and far past midnight I was still fuming.  Initially I made a video as I did during the first shutdown, but YouTube wouldn't recognize the tablet video file.  If you saw any of my videos from that time, you know the vibe.  So trying to form sentences that were suitable for this blog was not coming to me easy.  So I'm giving it another go now.  Believe me, the Outrage is still very real and will continue to be, because keeping the Zoo closed is not justifiable.

I still have the same questions as I did in June when the Botanical Garden was allowed to reopen and the Zoo was not.  This time around there are even more questions.  All basically started with WTF?  

Since March, at the start of the Pandemic, we were given guidelines at City, State, and National level.  Those of us who wanted to stay safe, picked through the inconsistent advice and have worn a mask, distanced, and upped our hygiene practice from the start.  Government continued to be fluid with guidelines, and it was clear, those guidelines and orders were not going to be enforced and because of that, this was not going away.  

Over nine months later, with inconsistent orders, the situation of Shutdowns has gotten ridiculous.  Don't get me wrong, if everything shutdown for a short period of time I'd have no problem with it.  In fact, as this went on a few months, in hindsight, I wondered why this was not done at the start and we might have been over it quickly.  That said, it was not done, and here we are.  

When the second Stay At Home Order happened, that closed the Zoo last month, I thought, hello, wasn't the first one never lifted?  Stay At Home in SF is a joke.  No one stays at home.  From the start the Park looked like a weekend day, everyday and still does.  The majority do not wear masks, never have.  Most don't make any effort to Distance.  As a Richmond District lifelong resident, the Park had been part of my daily routine, but I've given up going to the Park, because for me, its one big obstacle course of health assault.

I'm mostly not telling anyone anything they don't already know about the situation, but trying to illustrate why these Orders are nonsense, if they are not enforced.

No repercussion for non-compliance has been frustrating, but the Zoo was open.  Now, it's a whole new frustration as the current restrictions make even less sense than they did in June when the Botanical Gardens was allowed to reopen before the Zoo.  The BG has been allowed to remain open.

Over the last month, we have seen what I consider biased exemptions.  I don't get all the news, as I only listen to news radio the three days a week I'm out and whatever comes my way via Twitter.  To my surprise and outrage, the first one I heard about was Shopping Malls being open.  WTF?  Then it was the Playgrounds, after the State bowed to the whiners.  The other night, I found out the Japanese Tea Garden has also been open this whole time.  That place is tight spaced and has skinny paths.  I just went with the outrage as there was one more week and the Zoo would be back open.   

So here we are. The Zoo closed Indefinitely.  All the above still gets to happen, yet the Zoo, an outdoor facility has to close.  I need to have someone explain the thought process to this, because it makes no sense and is causing my blood to boil.  

I will seek out answers.  I want to know who to blame.  In general, I blame those who have given the middle finger to the situation. The true Epidemic is Self-Entitlement.  I also blame all Government Officials, as allowing non-compliance without repercussions, has caused this Pandemic to continue.  That said, in reference to what can be open and what can not, I want to know who to blame for those decisions. Who decided the SFZoo has to remain shutdown, while other places are open. Is the San Francisco Health Director implementing his own guidelines, or following those of the State? 

I need answers how these orders are logical, because as it is, this all just seems to be political lip flapping. If they don't do something, they will be crucified for not doing anything.  Yet what they are doing is not justified.  There is clear imbalance to any reasoning, about the Park places versus the Zoo, and especially after the whole whining gets playgrounds opened crap, this all screams bias. 

I read in one of the comments to this news story that the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert is open. Here is a link to how this was made possible and a screencap sample of their statement.

https://www.livingdesert.org/health/?gclid=CjwKCAiAirb_BRBNEiwALHlnD1_ucQ0cqKq5KX6R9UNNZRVudbbPy7S5FKlC9h6MPwBfFpMpP2RQvRoCeEoQAvD_BwE

Time will tell if other California Zoos will revolt.  All Zoos should have sought to have reclassification of Zoos to outdoor ...  Maybe they did and were denied?  On what basis?  

Maybe if the San Francisco Zoo was not part of a City Park system, meaning there was no park to compare it to, then I wouldn't be so outraged, but there is and its a valid comparison.

The San Francisco Zoo is safer than the Park.  The Zoo can be reopened with further reduction in attendance.  They were allowed to reopen in July at 50% which surprised me, as it was higher than other State and National Zoos. If the concern is the gathering aspect, reduce the limit, but closing all together in comparison is outrageous and irresponsible.

This is not just about me being able to go to the Zoo.  This is about fairness.  This is about how asinine reasoning, that will take away funds will affect lives.  Obviously non-Human lives don't matter to Government Officials.   

Do these Officials plan to provide financial relief to the Zoos?  All we hear about is relief for businesses, for humans, what about how it affects the non-human lives that depend on the shelter, food, and care that their Zoo homes provide?

Between many worrisome circumstances at the Zoo that have been mounting for years, creating in my opinion a serious decline in the Zoo, and these Shutdowns, I fear our SFZoo won't see 2022. 

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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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