Animal Safety Suggestions

I'm going to post a bit on Signage and other Suggestions I have made to San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson as early as two years ago. I had planned this post (as well as others) prior to the events of this past Saturday. Today, I feel that I should let this particular subject go, as the Zoo is now aware of this issue and all that is left is for them to make changes, but equally that it be known there are more ways to help deter Visitor misbehavior than they are seemingly willing to do.

I was there on Christmas Day 2007. I have two places I visit on the Holidays, the Zoo is one of them. I decided to go to the Zoo first, had I not, that would have put me at the Big Cat Grotto's near the end of the day around 4ish. This was the time when it has been reported that the Brothers were seen heckling the Lions (prior to moving on to the Tigers). I have always thought if I had been there I would have said something to them or alerted a Staff Member and would have hoped that horrible event would have been prevented and Tatiana would still be alive. In hindsight to the handling of the event this past Saturday, I'm not so confident anything would have been different. Obviously, they would have gotten a warning and been left to continue on their way.

In 2009, a man was able to get into the Grizzly Bear Grotto. I DO NOT hold the Zoo responsible to the Tiger attack or this event, because you can't think ahead and safeguard from all an evil mind can think of. If someone could, there would be no crime. BUT there were two things I immediately thought of when I heard of the Grizzly Bear incident. Things that in hindsight of the Tiger incident, someone on Staff should have thought of. Its their jobs and they had two years to think about it.

I was in an open correspondence with Director Peterson at this time and sent off an email on the spot. I was horrified that one of our precious Grizzlies could have lost their lives because of human misbehavior. I noted and questioned two things specifically in hindsight of the Tiger event. The first was questioning Why? are Visitors allowed to be in the far reaches (Bears) of the Zoo near closing time? The second, Why? is the Zoo even open in the til 5p when its starting to get dark earlier?

The way the Zoo is set-up, it takes about fifteen minutes to cross the entire Zoo. In my opinion there is no reason that Visitors are not escorted towards the center area (Cats and Penguins) at least a half hour prior to closing and no reason anyone should be past Primates/Flamingos later than fifteen minutes before closing. There is no (at the time/often now) constant Security loop and definitely no presence at the far end the last open hour. Even in the days following the Grizzly event there wasn't much change. The day after I went there and stayed til closing specifically to see if there were any changes. They had a Security guard standing outside the Grizzlies just staring into the Grotto. What good is that going to do? Maybe prevent a copycat, but what really are the odds of that? As well, the most important point, this guard walked the Bear Grotto corridor at 4:20p and then left. So, again Visitors were left to wander near closing time.

Regarding the time of day the Grizzly incident took place, which was in the closing hour, like the Tiger incident, the prior mention of Visitors still roaming the far reaches is the main thing but my other concern was the time, since day light savings time was approaching. The Grizzly incident happened in late September, but it does start getting dark earlier and by the following month, with the time change, it will be dark at 5p. The Zoo should close at 4p during these times.

These suggestions were sent to Director Peterson and three days later I went to the monthly Joint Zoo Committee Meeting, where Director Peterson announced that the Zoo would like approval of the Park and Rec to adopt Winter Hours at the Zoo, closing at 4p during winter months. THANK YOU!

I am glad to have suggested that and to have had it have an impact, but that along with other things I have suggested, the question begs, why are people on Staff not thinking of these things?

Signage. Two years ago, the Respect the Animal signs that are decently visible today, were not so much. I suggested there be more signs and at all the enclosures, not just sporadically placed about. That happened, although on not a wide enough scale, but at least there are more postings. I would still like to see window clings at the Big Cat and Snow Leopard full length windows, not to Knock, Kick, Rap, Tap, ... but those suggestions are still in the wind. The ARC (Animal Resource Center) had a great one posted on the window where the Alligator and Turtles live. It listed about twenty offenses not to do. Curiously it didn't last long, and I immediately wondered if Management made them take it down.

Other suggestions I had dealt with verbally explaining to Visitors about Respecting the Animals. This included two different approaches but both that could be very helpful in deterring misbehavior. One costs nothing, the other would cost something, but I don't believe so much that it would not be doable and considering it would help to keep the Animals safe, that should be worth it. To me, in light of the events of 2007 and 2009, and the continued misbehavior on the part of so many Visitors, the San Francisco Zoo needs to think outside the normal box of what is done in other Zoo's. I feel that this Zoo, has special circumstances and should react in light of them, instead of ignore them. The Safety of the Animals should be paramount, as this is their home and there is a Law to back that up.

I think that Entry Village should be the starting point for education on behavior. The respect the Animal signs should be posted 360 so they are not missed.

I think holding entrance to the Zoo at intervals of 10 minutes, (much like an amusement park ride) while a video plays at the Gate House that talks about how to behave while a guest in the place where the Animals live. It could also include short bio's of the Animals, so not to be only viewed with a negative message. "While you're at the Zoo, make sure to visit, .... and remember, you are a guest in these Animals home, so please do not,...." Even having the person who takes the tickets give the short speech would work.

I think there should also be the same type video (adding more of the Animals since the viewing time would be longer) on loop in the Cafe. This is where people sit for extended amounts of time. There is no reason why a message can't be sent using this forum.

I have heard that two weeks ago they have started having Security talk to the school groups about Respecting the Animals. This is a great step (not sure why it too so long to implement), but honestly the misbehavior I see are mostly actions by adults. The talks need to extend to all Visitors, and adding the video on loop would be a big help.

These suggestions were sent to Director Peterson two years ago, but I also posted them to the Zoo's Facebook in February when a Visitor posted suggesting they have a disclosure about being Kind to the Animals. One of the Zoo's response's to the poster was "we do have a prominent "Respect the Animals" sign at the ticket/gate house and throughout the Zoo. There is also a Zoo Manners section on the map. Additionally, there is a sign at the front gate about the new State Law. ... We definitely want visitors to see and know that they need to "respect the animals. .... the Zoo is committed to enforcing respectful behavior." Their other response was to delete my posts with suggestions and ban me from being able to comment on their Facebook page. I ask the Zoo, "How is letting a Visitor throw something at an Animal, enforcing respectful behavior?"

Supervisor Sean Elsbernd, worked hard to get the Law to Protect the Animals in our City Parks (not just the Zoo) amended in direct reaction to the insanely ridiculous verdict handed down by the judge in the Grizzly case. He should be offended that the Zoo is not at the very least upholding that Law by ejecting offenders.

My final word on this subject (at least all the I got for now!) is that the Zoo needs to make good on the part of their Mission that states they "inspire caring for nature" and start educating those who walk through the gates how exactly that is done, by telling them what behavior is unacceptable and that they will be punished accordingly if caught disrespecting the Animals. They then of course have to act accordingly themselves and eject all offenders. Warning time needs to be over. The word needs to get out, that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated at the San Francisco Zoo.

Why us?

Why are we always the ones to witness such awful behavior? It is not always even behavior as offensive as this. Yesterday I also saw someone spit a loogy (sp?) onto a tree at the Rhinos, so big it was dripping like a glob of tinsel on a Christmas Tree. Truly disgusting, I felt like vomiting. The Zoo spends money to employ a great landscaping team, who plants and cares to make the grounds nice. Would these people like someone to come and spit in their home? or garden? WHAT is wrong with people?

I see a wide variety of misconduct everywhere I go, but I've narrowed down my true disgust to situations involving animals and where they live.

Who are all the rest of the people who see this misbehavior and say nothing? Is everyone else a coward or do they not even notice because they too are despicable and think its acceptable behavior? Because in regard to yesterday, out of 30+ people, we were the only ones horrified AND I was the only one who went to report this behavior to help my Chimp friends. Why do people who don't respect animals, come to the Zoo?

The event that happened yesterday at the Chimpanzee enclosure was horrifying on a few levels.
*The abusers thought it was acceptable to visit an animal park and terrorize the Animals who live there.
*The other Visitors, joined in by finding humor in this behavior and outwardly displaying it by adding to the laughter and heckling.
*The San Francisco Zoo Staff did nothing.

I am a believer in the thought that, everything happens for a reason. There was a reason we witnessed this event yesterday. How it developed and how it was handled has a direct connection to the situation regarding the revoking of the Memberships of Lee and I. If you aren't familiar with this situation, please read the blog, www.sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com

Lee reported witnessing a Visitor who had been over a barrier at the Bear Grottos. This report when all was said and done, resulted in both our Memberships being revoked. The Zoo for whatever reasons (my true suspicions will eventually be made public) fabricated a story saying that "I had admitted to calling in a prank call." Obviously that statement alone is ridiculous, but I'll move on.

Yesterday, we and everyone else, witnessed a Visitor throw an object AT an Animal Resident. For this action, the man received a "warning."

So, to sum up, we report misbehavior and get our Memberships revoked, our names slandered and our reputations at a place we loved ruined, BUT someone actually assaults an Animal Resident verbally and with intent to do physical harm, and they get a warning? Was this offender asked if he was a Member? If he was, would his Membership have been revoked? The answer is a BIG FAT NO!

The way the San Francisco Zoo is being run, is becoming in my opinion, a bigger joke by the Visit. I commend them on one thing of recent, giving the Sea Lions Henry and Silent Knight forever homes. With that I have to say, if this City expects to have a Zoo for these Seals to live at forever, there needs to be a serious restructuring in Management at the San Francisco Zoo, because the current Team appears to be ruining what could be the best place in the City.

Note: Please expand all comments that follow this post. The type appears small and sometimes important information is added that can go unnoticed. Thank you.

NEWS for today - Zoo Management Lets Visitors Abuse the Animals!

Before starting an on going posting thread of issues as they happen, I had a series of topics I wanted to address in this blog that have been outstanding for some time, BUT I witnessed something at the Zoo today that I'm still shaken about.

Evidently (from what I witnessed today) The San Francisco Zoo Management and Security, allow Visitors to Abuse the Animals without any repercussion.

Before I relay the chain of events, please note that if this is your first read of something I've written San Francisco Zoo related, please read the Welcome post on this blog, which will link you to some information about my connection to the Zoo.

When my friend Lee and I arrived at the Zoo today, we stopped at the Chimps as we usually do. Cobby (the male) was the only one out and he was lounging in the sun enjoying himself. We always stop to see the Chimps on the way out as well, and Cobby was still the only one out. There was no sun now, but he was lounging peacefully, with his head tilted up and back to where you could see his eyes.

At first it was only Lee and I, but then a "family" group strolled up and stopped at the center of the enclosure. One of the men came and stood near me, on the side Cobby was. The man, yes a grown man, immediately started making Ape sounds at Cobby. He then heckled back and forth with the other man in his group about whether it was an Orangutan or,... Once that nonsense was over, they both continued with the Ape sounds until Cobby noticed them.

Once Cobby noticed them, the man next to me moved over to the center to join his group. I could see Cobby grab a blue plastic goblet, that is probably an item used as part of a food enrichment. I knew what was going to happen next, because I know Cobby. He can get very upset.

Note that all four Chimps that live at the Zoo in this enclosure together are between 50-60 years old. So, upsetting them is like terrorizing a Senior Citizen.

Cobby then looked my way and then looked to the center. I know he knew I didn't make those noises at him. He zero'd in on the abusers and started vocalizing and swinging his arms from side to side, which is a sign of agitation. His gesturing and vocals increased, to the delight of the abusers, who kept laughing at him and heckling. At this point there was a crowd growing, as Cobby threw the goblet at the abusers! Much like the Tatiana (Tiger) event, these animals know who is the ones abusing them.

After giving Cobby a mental high-five, I was walking away from the area, but there was such a commotion with the crowd which had grown to about 30+ and Cobby screaming, that I stayed to make sure he was ok.

The abusers and the crowd were further delighted by the throw.!? Then the one who was standing next to me who had gotten Cobby upset to the point he retaliated, picked up the goblet and threw it back, at Cobby! I was appalled! I didn't think THAT was going to be the next move or I would have video taped it.

Ever since, the Zoo revoked our Memberships and slandered us, I deleted the reporting number off my phone and I don't say anything about anything that people do there AND I see alot! Lee reported a barrier crossing at Bears and we were both nailed to the stake and branded public enemy number one for following the Zoo's request to report such sightings. We say nothing! BUT once that man threw something at Cobby, I could not, NOT say something!

I told Lee to stay there and take photos of the abusers and situation, in case they left before I could find someone to tell. Note that since the Zoo has ruined our reputation there, we get the stink eye from everyone in Management, Security and other assorted followers, so approaching anyone on their team that is not still a friend (which really only includes a handful of Keepers) is a big deal for me to do. I don't even like looking at these people who have treated us so horrible, but one of my Zoo Animal friends was being abused and I couldn't stand by without saying something.

I stopped the Cafe Manager (Kim I think) and asked her to radio Security to Chimps, someone had upset Cobby and when he threw something out, the abusers further abused by throwing it back at him. She jumped into action and let me say that of the four Staff Members who were eventually involved, she was the only one who seemed to really care about Cobby.

I went back to Chimps and the crowd was even bigger and the abusers were still laughing and heckling! Now, the three Chimp ladies were out screaming too and trying to calm Cobby down. Amazing how a crowd of adults who paid to come into a place where animals live, found such humor in seeing the animals in distress.

When Security Staffer Eddie arrived I told him what happened. I stood there while he just glanced around looking at the crowd. I pointed out the abusers and showed a photo. Still he made no attempt to approach them AND they were all still laughing.

When the abusers started to leave the area and walked by us, I said to Eddie, "Them." He still said nothing to them, until the guy who started the whole scene, turned and looked at me as I was pointing out all the people in his group. He said something to me that indicated a questioning of why I was pointing them out. I said, "You started this whole thing. You got Cobby so upset that he threw something and then you threw it back at him." To which the abuser said, "Well what was I supposed to do?" !!! I replied, "Um, act like an adult and let someone know." He responded that I was "disrespecting him." Disrespecting him? He's an adult who just threw an object at an Animal Resident in its home. I said, "You started it when you were over next to me, making Ape sounds that got him upset. There's a sign right there with a finger to the lips, that means to keep quiet." At that point, knowing how the Zoo twists truths, I said, "I'm not saying anything else to you, Security will talk to you." I then went and stood on the side.

Guest Services Staffer Walker and IT guy Robert, joined Eddie and (Kim). After barely words, the abusers walked off!!! I went up to Eddie and said, "So, they throw something at an animal and they just get to continue on their way?" He said, "I gave them a warning." !!! A warning? Is he kidding me? These abusers should have been thrown out. I asked him further about this, to which he said, "I don't make the rules." SO, once again the San Francisco Zoo FAILS!

I have been privy to other instances where offenders haven't been thrown out AND if they are, the Zoo gives them their money back! Which makes me feel like its sending the message, Hey, come abuse our animals and we'll pay you to do it! Today's message was, "Hey come abuse our animals and then we'll point you in the direction of even more animals for you to abuse." Nice going San Francisco Zoo!

This was sickening. I was sad and horrified! I was so worked up by the episode, I had palpitations, my chest was tight and felt like crying, that Cobby was abused in this way while lounging peacefully in his home. AND that the Zoo Team did nothing about it.

How is it people who work in an animal environment can condone not being more strict with people who abuse the animals who live there?

Last year Supervisor Sean Elsbernd was instrumental in pushing the amendment to legislation regarding the animals who live at the Zoo and in our Parks. I had a copy of the full Law as Code, but will have to search for it and post another time. This is a snip from an article regarding the new law.

You can read more details on my Zoo Friends Blog
http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com/search?q=elsbernd

That documented, HOW can the Zoo just let those abusers continue on with their visit?

Note: Please expand all comments that follow this post. The type appears small and sometimes important information is added by myself and other posters, that can go unnoticed. Thank you. ... Please read the accompanying post titled "Why us." ... In light of some people having a posting issue, please know that I have published all the comments submitted. If you have a comment and are having trouble you can contact me via the about.me link on the right hand side.

Name Changing

Hey San Francisco Zoo,
My name is Tucker!
I will not be your beard!

The first thing I'm going to post about is something that has long bothered me in a certain situation and is timely, as its hit the news recently.

Changing an Animal Residents Name.

As a City native, I had been a San Francisco Zoo Member for most of my adult life (on and off for over twenty years). I continue to be a Visitor. In 2008 when the Sumatran Tiger cubs were born, I had a job that allowed me to visit as often as I wanted. That want was about three times a week, as I thought it was an amazing experience to be able to see these babies up-close and watch them grow.

It was during their early days that I learned about the naming of the Zoo Animals. In their case, their names were auctioned off and the highest bidder was able to name them. These little exotic creatures ended up with the names, Courtney, Mark, and (some other equally common name). I didn't care much for the names, in respect to an Animal, just because they didn't seem to fit them, but I didn't have any problem with the circumstance they received them. They were newborns with no pre-existing names and the Zoo raised money.

These three boy names, were the Cublets "public" names, while the Keepers picked names for them that reflected their heritage. When the Cublets were almost one year old, they moved to the Akron Zoo. The Zoo held a contest asking the public to vote whether they should keep their given names, or be renamed. The vote was overwhelming towards keeping the beautiful names the Keepers who raised them bestowed. You can read about Jae-Jae, Kami Sambol, and Burung on my blog
http://gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com search "cublets".

At that time I learned about "public (donor)" and "house (given)" names. There were a handful of Animals living at the Zoo who had both. As far as I know all the Animals with "public" names, are referred to by their "house" or given name, by their Keepers. Knowing this, like with auctioning off the name of a newborn to raise money, I had no issue with the name changes. Until now.

Recently The San Francisco Zoo held its annual ZooFest fundraiser. Don't get me wrong, I think fundraising is a big core to the Zoo thriving, I just really have an issue with this one aspect.

In addition to auctioning off the renaming of the ten year old Siberian Tiger Shastyuh (who will join the Zoo in June and who is NOT white as the Zoo's own Director Tanya Peterson thinks), the Zoo's new Nile Hippopotamus Tucker was renamed, Brian Wilson "the Beard". THIS is what I have a problem with.

FYI For those who don't live in San Francisco and/or aren't Giants Baseball Fans, this is the given name and nickname for the Team's Pitcher.

I find the action and the nickname, not only offensive, but it hurts me. Honestly, just writing about it makes me feel physically sick. Unlike the other Animals who have had their names auctioned off to the highest bidder, but who are still referred to by their given names by those who care for them, Tucker has not been given the same respect.

Tucker (I believe) is the only animal who has a given name that he knows and responds to, who doesn't get the respect of being addressed by it. He has been disrespected to the point that the San Francisco Zoo Team, down to his Keepers, do not even use his given name. This poor being, has not had his name used by even those who care for him, since he arrived at the San Francisco Zoo. Whoever made this decision, should be ashamed. Its truly disgusting. Tucker was born at the Disney Animal Kingdom and I believe given the name Tucker. I believe he lived there the first six years of his life. He has been called by this name and trained by this name.

I was contacted by a gal who was an intern at the Topeka Zoo last summer and she gave me some wonderful insight to Tucker and confirmed that he did indeed know his name!

I asked Hoofstock Keeper Sarah King if he would be called Tucker by the Animal Staff and was told "No". She followed that by saying none of the Animals know their names. EXCUSE me? I have heard Keepers use the Animals names and they respond. Most currently, the Keepers taking care of the new Seal Lions are training them using the names given to them only less than six months ago by staff at the Marine Mammal Center for not only respect, but for training purposes. AND I have also heard Keeper Sarah King, call to the Giraffes in her care, using their names. Additionally, if they didn't know their names, then why does she use their given names and not their public names when calling to them?

I heard one of Tucker's Keepers call him, "handsome" (YES he is!, but that's besides the point) and the Hoofstock Curator, Jim Nappi call him "buddy", to which Tucker seemingly ignores and walks off. Hello, try using his name! This poor animal hasn't had anyone who cares for him use his name in the five months since he's lived at the Zoo. How would you feel to not have anyone address you by name for almost half a year? It makes me want to cry for him. He is precious and deserves more respect than he's been given.

A name is your identity. I'm all about them raising money, but why does it have to be at the expense of disrespecting an animal. How would they like to change their name? Their kids names? How about thinking up more creative ways to raise money? Like taking a stand (both physically at the event and in position of respecting the animals) at ZooFest and talking about the Animal in reference, its personality, its background, its native heritage and asking for a sponsorship of the Animal, instead of changing its name? The people who go to ZooFest I would hope are Animal lover's and not just people who want to show up at a Society function. That said, these should be people who want to help regardless of whether they get to name the Animal. Offering to have a small plaque at their enclosure "Sponsored by,..." goes further for philanthropic recognition than a name.

With all that said, I must also say that from the perspective of a Visitor, I have to wonder if the people who win these naming rights bids, even visit the Zoo? I sometimes feel like ZooFest is a party where rich people get together and after a few drinks, toss around some money and without even thinking about the Animal, give it some name, that may or may not have sentimental meaning to them, or in Tucker's case, some ridiculous name?

I apologize, this is not meant to offend, but seriously San Francisco Zoo Board Member Mark Roberts who won the bid and picked this horrible name, did you think at all about the poor animal you were bestowing this on? Anyone associated with the Zoo should know (as would anyone who picked up a newspaper) that this Animal came to the Zoo with a name, why not care enough to do some research and find out about his name and that it was his given name. Think to respect him by donating to his care and choosing to keep the name he's had all his life.

The real problem in all this, lies with the San Francisco Zoo Management. They are the ones who created the guidelines and who stole Tucker's name from him. There is absolutely no reason why, Tucker could not have been referred to by his given and known name by those who care for him and later be known publicly by this ridiculous name. NO REASON for this DISRESPECT!


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Welcome - Mission of this Blog

If you are happening on to this blog without having knowledge of my connection to the San Francisco Zoo, please visit www.sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com if you are interested in more background information.

Also note, that this blog goes hand in hand with one titled, Project Get Wishbone Grass, www.projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com (This blog is not yet public) The missions are a bit different, but the subject matter is the same. To bring public awareness to things I believe are just not right. ... There may be some duplicate wording in the Welcome posts on the both these blogs. That is so they can stand alone if someone read them independently.

For a good part of the past two years I had an open (and seemingly welcomed) correspondence with the Director of the San Francisco Zoo, Tanya Peterson, to submit ideas, comments and concerns. That has since changed, but my dedication to the Animals there has not. I love my Zoo friends as you can see if you visit any of my sites dedicated to them. I will provide links on the right hand side bar soon. Til then you can view at www.gooberssfzoo.blogspot.com Please visit them and learn more about the wonderful Animals who call the Zoo home. Then patron the Zoo and see them in person.

As a frequent visitor, there is often curious things that go on at the Zoo. There was a time, prior to the events of the past couple months, where I could ask a number of people on Staff questions, and most of the time get satisfactory answers. Now that is not something I feel comfortable doing.

This blog will be dedicated to things I find curious or worse, based on an emotional level to which I am tied to the Animals that call the Zoo home. I am not an animal care professional, I am just someone one, who cares about animals. I do not think that holding a job in animal care means you know all. I would hope it would, but I've learned it does not. I believe I have spent more time on Zoo grounds than any other visitor., in the past three years. After suffering a loss, I pretty much lived and breathed the Zoo. I have done more research than probably most of the Staff. Via my blogs, photo site and youtube videos, I have more Zoo related content online than the Zoo itself. I have defended the Zoo in many different online forums and by promoting my blog and sharing my Zoo knowledge, I have probably done more outreach as well. I have ID's behavior issues, new body marks, and other useful things to the Animal Staff, because I have watched the Animals so much I am familiar enough to do so. I ask valid questions of Staff and learn from them. That said, I can also spot short comings and as I call them, and I now call them out, FAILS.

Everything you will read in the posts on the blog are solely my opinion, hence I will often use the words, "I believe". I will post fact as fact when it is, I will note "allegedly" if its hearsay.

I never thought I would make things a public concern, but maybe its necessary. My goal is not to find fault with the Zoo Management, but in the past I have offered ideas and comments, some that fall under constructive criticism, all ignored. The Keeper and Vet Staff do an amazing job of caring for the Animals. The amount of senior Animals living at the Zoo is a testament to that. The Management, in my opinion, not so much.

I have spent extensive time on the Zoo grounds, so I have been privy to much information. Of course my concerns stem from the perspective of the Visitor and they are based on an emotional level most of the time. This does not mean they aren't logical or invalid.

Prior to this blog I have tried to convey my thoughts and concerns within Zoo walls, but that has not worked. I have contacted the Zoo Director and other VIPs, the later with no reaction.

Sadly my only conclusion is no one at higher levels within the Zoo Management, Zoological Society Board, Park and Recreation, or the City of San Francisco, care about what goes on at the Zoo. Preferring to let things ride status quo. I could understand this if the Zoo was the best that it could be, but its not. Its a great place that needs much fine tuning. I would love for the Zoo to be all that it can be, and that has always been why I've done all that I can, to help the Zoo thrive. Unfortunately to me (as Visitor) it appears the Zoo is a pet project for Society types, and other than the Keepers and Vets, no one seems to really to care. The Keepers and Vets do their jobs in caring for the Animals, but their hands are tied above that by those above them.

It is my hope that someday Management starts listening to those who actually care for and work with the Animals everyday. They don't seem to understand that without the Animals who live there, they would not have jobs there. A Zoo is a Zoo because there are Animals.