Bison Paddock Fence - Outrageous and Concerning CONTAINS UPDATE 1.26.12

In light of the tragic event less than 72 hours ago when a baby Bison living in Golden Gate Park's Bison Paddock died, I am concerned the fencing there is still not secure enough to keep further animal intruders out.

shorter version showing just where my foot fits under the fence here: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WplGJnJge4

(wide angle shows coyote sign (R) and across path perimeter paddock fence (L)

Last night (Thursday) ended with me wondering why, in all the comments on the sfgate.com article regarding the death of the baby Bison, was there only one person (who I quoted in my last post) who brought up the situation with the fence?  One!  Over 300 others seem to exclusively blame the Dog walker, while the Zoo spokesperson Lora LaMarca is quoted saying, "Zoo Officials are not blaming "anything" or "anyone" for the Bison's death."  

Well, I'm blaming the City of San Francisco Park and Recreation Department.

This morning (Friday) started with me compelled to investigate the fence situation.  The situation being, why, was this fence so easily breach-able?  Yes, the the Dog walker by being in violation of the Law, by having the Dog off leash in an leashed area, allowing the Dog to gain entrance into the Bison Paddock, was the catalyst in this tragedy.  Is the Dog walker to blame?  Most certainly!  Should she be fined and punished?  Most certainly!  Is she the only party responsible?  I say no!

I went out to the Bison Paddock today and walked the entire accessible perimeter, about three of the four sides. ... Fencing is about 8 feet tall, the bottom which borders the ground of mostly loose dirt on 3 of the four sides, is the bar across the bottom (noticeable in the photos).  There is no fencing into the dirt. 


After returning home and thinking no underground fencing was insane, I heard from a source that there has been instances at Zoo's, one in particular, where Coyote's are a problem in the area and that Zoo had to reinforce its perimeter fence by putting several feet of mesh below ground.


As a Richmond District native, I have been a visitor to the Bison Paddock my whole life.  My observations are in hindsight to this event, but I am not the person trained and paid (responsible) to think of these solutions as a preventative.   There were workers out there daily for a couple months prior to these babies arriving, building and readying the Paddock for them to live (presumably) safely in.   The fence as is, keeps the animals in. Which I think unfortunately when holding animals in captivity, those in charge mostly only think of keeping them in.  That fence  may be sufficient where there are no predator threats, but there obviously are here, so why were there no precautions to keep intruder animals out?

Both the Park and Rec and the Zoo know there are Coyotes that roam the area.  They also know there is an off leash Dog area (that reported measured at 50 ft.).  They also know that Dog owners do not keep their Dogs on leashes.  Canines dig, a fence that is breach-able in that way, is not secure.

In my post last night, I questioned who is responsible for making sure this fence is secure.  Today I have an answer from two sources.  Regarding the Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock, it is the responsibility of the San Francisco Zoo Animal Staff to care and feed the Bison & it is the responsibility of the San Francisco Park and Recreation Department to maintain the property.  

Because of that, maybe this post is not directly related to a SFZOO FAIL, but since it is related and its sister post is previous, I am posting here.  ... Although, where as I foremost blame the Park and Rec, I do believe as a daily care-giver for these Animals, the Zoo Staff should be held in some way responsible for the status of the fence.  They are there daily and should walk the perimeter and check for breaches and report them.  That said, the Park Staff should also make a stop there daily to do the same.  Its a hand in hand responsibility.

As seen in the video I have uploaded here, I have documented fence FAILS!  I found 36 points of breach.  8 of which were flimsy patched, leaving 28 areas below the fence that were clear of dirt to the other side.  14 of which I could fit my foot under, one if I laid down I could fit up to my thigh into the animal side of the enclosure!

In some spots there are actual holes that appear to have been dig sites, some as deep as about 7 inches.  These sites had flimsy patch-ups using materials like, leaves, pine cones, branches, stumps, cracked concrete, ect.  

This is outrageous!  Just 48 hours after this little Bison dies because an intruder animal breached the fence that should have been secure, there are areas where the crime can be repeated!  

The Park and Rec has signs posted through out the Park stating warnings of the presence of Coyotes.  There is one at the off leash Dog area across the path from the Bison Paddock.   

Prior to bringing these innocent baby Bison here, did the Park and Rec not think that Coyote's could breach this fence, since there is no underground mesh to prevent digging?   

After a Dog either dug itself an entrance or used an already started dig site, (by another Dog or Coyote), causing the death of one of these precious animals, did the Park and Rec not think that the fence would be breach-able to yet another Canine?

For me, it seems like common sense.  

That said, while I was out there, there was a guy walking his Dog off leash.  The Dog took a crap less than two feet from the Bison fence.  

Why, especially in the wake of this event and with so much focus on the Dog walker, was there no Police sitting out there looking for offenders to cite not only because its the Law, but to send a message to the people like the one I saw (I actually saw a few in the Park itself)?

Why, hasn't anyone from the media investigated the fence angle as I have?

Is this City waiting for another tragedy?


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This evening I read in one news article, that "Park officials said they plan to investigate how the dog got into the enclosure."    Maybe they will read this blog and find out just how, because one would have to assume that not one Park Official has walked the perimeter, because its pretty obvious just how this happened.

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Note that I have sent the link to the youtube video version, via Twitter to the Park and Rec, Zoo, City Officials and media sources.  I did not send this link as the post I made Thursday night went out with this url.  Also, providing the abbreviated version is enough.  If anyone truly cares they will follow the link to this site.  


The purpose of my blogging is to be a public voice to bring attention to dismissed matters of importance.  I've done that and now its up to the Officials in the matter to keep these animals safe.

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UPDATE Wednesday January 11, 2012


Its been exactly one week since this tragedy, and the fence had the same security issues that I documented last Friday. Additionally I also saw a new dig site the was about 16 inches across. ... I have heard nothing in response to the information I have posted, which was sent to many sources in city government and media.  I'm disappointed at the continued ignorance and negligence.  ... That said, I have two questions for the San Francisco Park and Rec.


Why are these animals still without a properly secure fence?


Are you waiting for another incident?


There should also be signage going up around the three sides that are closest to the off leash Dog area, as well at least one on the JFK Drive side.  These signs should be on the fence every 25 feet or so, as well at least one placed at the entrance to the Dog area.  Signs ideally should read, No dogs off leash except in corralled area.  No Dogs within 10 feet of fencing.


UPDATE 1.14.12  Today I saw the babies have been added into the main yard with the existing three ladies.  The sun was setting and the babies were running with so much excitement and joy!  It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.  I just hope they stay safe and life a long life with such happiness!   You can view my video here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_0iOBmklT0


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UPDATE 1.26.12  Its been two weeks since my last update.   I did walk the perimeter last week, and yesterday as well.  Wednesday's mark the weekly point of when this tragedy happened.  


There are still all the breach-able areas in the fence.  I just don't understand how this is not a concern to the Park and Rec or the SFZoo Staff.  To me, its a dire issue.  ... There are a few spots in the fence where it looks like fresh dirt /pinecones were used to fill-in dig holes. Lame! Hello LAME!  This is not a fix to the problem.  


There are now a few signs on the back-side of the fence that runs parallel to the Dog run area, as well one (interesting how I suggested at least one - see above) on the JFK Drive side, that state its an on leash area for Dogs.  


Despite posting a few signs, there needs to be action taken to add fencing below ground around the perimeter.  People can and will ignore signs.  People and Predators can't easily ignore more secure barriers.  


If you think this is insane and irresponsible, please contact the Park and Rec.

Tragic - Baby Bison Killed in Golden Gate Park

I am heartbroken and frustrated that once again there is an issue with safety regarding the Animals managed by the San Francisco Zoo, in association with the San Francisco Park and Recreation.

Whether its your first time reading one of my blog posts or you have before, you know or have noticed that one of my main issues with Zoo FAILS lies within Security.  

The event that happened in the past 48 hours, may not be directly related to the actual Security personnel, but Security = Safety and Safety is THE issue here.

Sadly I woke today to hear about the death of one of the Park's new baby Bison. In case you aren't familiar, the Golden Gate Park has a Buffalo Paddock which has housed American Bison for over a hundred years.  With the existing herd reducing due to old age, seven calves approimately six months old were added to the herd recently.  

They have been kept in a separate area from the older females, first for quarantine purposes, and now I believe until they are introduced.

I didn't have the complete facts at first, only what was relayed to me by a friend who saw it on the KTVU morning news.  I googled it and came up empty.  So, I went to the Park hoping someone would be there to fill me in.  NBC Bay Area was there and I spoke to reporter Joe Rosato, who gave me the specifics that were included in the Zoo's official Press Release, which by the way was the only form of comment on the story they were making.

I know media stories are out there now, but as a reference point for my post I will relay what I was told were the facts.  An off leash Dog (allegedly that of a Dog walker) had gotten under the fencing and scared one of the Bison into the electric fence, causing the animal to break three ribs (and I assume there was some injury from the electric fence).  The animal was treated, but later died from those injuries.

There are so many things that are wrong with how and why this happened, but all can be reduced to incompetence, lack of sense and poor management, both of the San Francisco Zoo and the San Francisco Park and Rec.

The main problem with the facts is that the fence was breach-able.  Who is to blame?  The worker's 

who worked on the fencing in preparation for  the arrival of the new Bison?  The Park and Rec who oversee the Park?  The San Francisco Zoo ( I would assume Hoofstock ) Staff whose care these animals are in?  Whose negligence was it to not check that this fence was secure?  Whose was it to not re-check it?  

It should not be that easy for a first time attempt by a lose intruder animal to dig its way into the area.  That fence should have been deep into the ground.  It is the Zoo and the Park and Rec Dept. responcibility to keep these animals safe, especially knowing that there has been an intrusion of Coyote incidents within the Park.  One would think that alone would be a concern for not only the existing residents, but the new ones being brought in.  

The whole event and facts of how this happened sicken me.

I continually blog about Security issues at the Zoo, how there is not enough signage regarding behavior towards the animals, as well there is no real reprimand or repercussion put upon the offenders.  This issue spills over to the Park, where I witness daily, not only dogs off leash, but visitors tormenting the animals.  

I have other blog posts regrading Zoo issues that I have in draft form, so I want to stick to this Park issue right now and that of the dog off leash.  

Yes, the fence should have been secure, but that does not let the person who had the dog off leash off the hook.  This person is who I first blame as they are the catalyst for this event.  I come across people with their dogs off leash daily.  My problem is, not only for their own safety is them being leashed the right thing, dogs run and terrorize the other wildlife that lives in the Park.  You would think that Dog owners would respect all animals, that is not the case unfortunately.  As well some seem to really have an attitude 

about it.  For one, in areas other than the off leash sites, Dogs are legally required to be leashed.  That said, I have seen people use the lakes where Ducks live to throw objects in and let their dogs retrieve them.  Run up to the Ducks (including babies) and scare them into the water. Chase Squirrels up trees, with a reasoning given to me once as "They need the exercise".  

Disgusting.  

So now, look what's happened because of someone who thinks its unnecessary to leash their Dog, and in this case Dogs (in their care).  They should be ashamed. The Park and Rec should also be ashamed as they are responsible for not making it more public by way of in Park signage and public outreach (repeated use of Twitter and Facebook are options) to drill in the guidelines of visitor behavior to the Park going public.  I was recently told by a San Francisco Police Officer whose beat is Golden Gate Park, that it is the Park and Rec who doesn't aesthetically not "like" signage and refuses to post more.  Part of the signage they refuse to post is also better street names within the Park.  This Officer said that there have been times when he needs additional Officers and he has no way to give them his exact location.

This problem of more signage and outreach is also a MAJOR problem at the Zoo.  Maybe this is another off shoot of a Park and Rec rule?  In either case, both City facilities where wildlife live need to start taking a more proactive approach to try and deter misbehavior towards these precious animals.   AND send a message to the public that harassment of these animals will not be tolerated.  There is a law to back this up, yet neither of these wildlife facilities make use of it.

That said, the same Managements need to provide better ways to keep the animals in their care safe.

This week alone, a Squirrel Monkey was stolen from the Zoo with questionable facts surrounding it.  There was also the unreported theft of a Rabbit and a Parrot from the Children's Zoo within the SFZoo, about eight weeks ago.  Now this tragedy.

When will these places be run with better sense for the sake of these animals? 

RIP precious little Bison girl.

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I have been reading the comments on sfgate.com article pertaining to this story.  I try not to but I get sucked into it almost every time.  There are several posters that say they walk their dogs in that area (back, near the dog park) and they have seen the space in the fence!!!  SO if these alleged remarks are true (and I may just take a walk out there tomorrow and see), WHY was this not fixed prior to bringing these poor little girls here?

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Still knee deep in those comments, but finally someone who gets the bigger picture, so I'm posting it so the Zoo/Park and Rec can see its not brain surgery to make sure Animals in their care can stay safe.  These suggestions and ones I've already been nagging about, are much needed.  If measures like this were in place, this tragedy might not have happened.  Same goes for the Banana Sam, Rabbit/Parrot abduction.


" I agree with the comments about the dog but the city now is put on notice, The paddocks for the buffalo (who ever heard of Bison Bill?)need inexpensive surveillance cameras so that the public can be given a decent explanation with proof when this happens and second, the paddocks need to have volunteers come in and dig in chicken wire a foot or two down around them and there should be an alarm system that alerts the police when anyone enters the paddocks. These are hard times and the last thing we want to read about is animal cruelty. And now the city is on notice to make sure that it doesn't happen again and if it does we have surveillence tapes of everyone involved."

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Well I have finished reading all the comments posted on sfgate.com article, as well a couple other news articles.  Its curious to me how very little is said about responsibility of the gate status.

Theft of Zoo Squirrel Monkey

This story out of the San Francisco Zoo is so curious, I'm not sure what the actual truth will turn out being.

Everyone knows I have major problems with the Zoo's Security System in the way that there are not enough Staffed and out patrolling, nor do they take what I consider appropriate action toward visitors who misbehave.  I am not sure either of those issues played a hand directly in the theft of Banana Sam.

Let me note now that there was an unreported event, I'd say about eight weeks ago that involved the theft from the Children's Zoo of a Rabbit and a Parrot.  Both incidents had the same MO, which had the perimeter gate locks snapped open with a bolt cutter type instrument.   SO knowing that, I had to question to myself and my Zoo going cohorts, how can this happen again AND who would do such a thing?   They batted around theories of disgruntled ex-interns in regards to the CZ incident and in regards to this most recent monkey incident, none of us even has an assumption to what the truth actually is.  What its not is that someone just happened to be walking in Stern Grove and saw Banana Sam in a tree in the dark!  and he jumped into a backpack.  ... I am glad that the Police now see the story as ridiculous and is now investigating.

Back to the San Francisco Zoo Security System facts.  There has been only one Guard on patrol, prior to the Monkey theft.  There are very few cameras on premises, I don't know exactly where they are, except for two I've seen, one at the Gate House (where they take the tickets) and the other at a corner of Big Cat Grotto A.  I also don't know if there are any monitoring the perimeters.  One would hope so.   This is something very lacking.  Lacking as well is an outdoor lighting system.  If there was ever an ER there at night there is no way to light up the place.  Finally, in my opinion based on actions I've seen by Visitors that goes unpunished (reprimand and thrown out), I think the Zoo sends a message that they will tolerate misbehavior.  That hurts me.  I care about the Animals.  I continually blog for better Management in many way, for their well being.  Having crimes against them continually perpetrated because of lack of (read back blogs for all my suggestions) is very frustrating and heart breaking.

Would any of the things I've noted here have prevented this theft?  Who knows.  I would hope better instilled and installed precautions and deterrents would help.  Humans are not a nice bunch for the most part.  

I read a news article that is lengthy, but goes to show, how insensitive humans are.  These are the same humans that visit the Zoo.   ... The humans that make-up phony Twitter accounts, Tweet out stupid, insensitive one liners, just a bunch of clowns who think they are funny at the expense of poor innocent animals.  It makes me sick.

http://blogs.kqed.org/newsfix/2011/12/30/monkey-stolen-from-san-francisco-zoo/

I will also lastly note on the subject of Twitter and the Zoo's lack of proactive intolerance of the kinds of people who visit the Zoo, I have all SFZOO keyworded tweets on RSS feed.  Often there are people who tweet out that they are going to come to the Zoo and do harm to the animals.  I ask, why doesn't the Zoo's IT guy find out who these people are, and tell them to stay the hell home!  Out them for the fools they are and show that the Zoo will not tolerate such terrorism, whether a joke or not.  Who are they afraid of offending?