This is a screen-cap from the Black Rhino Studbook.
Official documentation on our Black Rhino's history.
Yesterday I was texted the news that yet another precious Zoo friend had passed away. RIP Mashaki/Gene. This is the third one in five weeks. RIP Tunya. RIP Bubsy. I have yet to post anything regarding these deaths, as well another Zoo friend Wishbone is fighting for his life (please pray for him), as he is hopefully going to recover from a recent back injury. I will actually refrain from making too many comments regarding the actual deaths. I am heartbroken at these losses, for myself and those who loved these Animals, especially their Keepers who I know form incredible bonds with the Animals in their care.
When I heard the news about Gene, so many things that I've had in draft form, were compounded once I actually read the reports from the Zoo regarding what happened to him. The frustration vented here in this post is not concentrated on "what" happened, but "what was reported. ... I will say this as I was shocked by his death and that of Bubsy, both not considered old by standards I've read. I sometimes fear Animal deaths get reported by simply stating "old age" related issues. I think the Zoological Society or another governing branch should mandate outside Necropsies be performed. I have read other Zoo's do this, I think at this point given the erroneous information that comes out of the Zoo, this would be a good checks and balance to institute.
The first thing I was directed to by a friend was the Zoo's post on their Facebook, in which they say, “Gene,” a gentle and friendly black rhinoceros, died yesterday at the age of 41..." ... Gene was not 41. ... I then I read the sfgate.com article, which must have contained information put out by the Zoo's PR and there were no correct biographical facts. Most of what was reported was part of the Female Black Rhino Elly's bio.
Some might wonder why this is so bothersome to me and that is because I'm damn tired of not many people (outside Keeper level) who work at the Zoo knowing anything about the Animals who live there and for whom they have jobs because of. There is no respect. Its disgusting and ignorant. I love these Animals, it hurts me.
Gene, deserved to have a proper obituary, that contained the history of his life. ... The San Francisco Zoo male Black Rhino, Gene. Born at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, July 12, 1987 and given the name Mashaki. He came to the San Francisco Zoo in 1994. He was 24 years old.
Why is it the Zoo put out a press release with the wrong information on it? Yes they are notorious for getting stuff wrong and posting disrespectful words about the Animals. Just this week, they posted to both their Facebook and Twitter accounts the wrong ages of both their Polar Bears, as well there is a new sign on the Tiger exhibit window with the wrong age of the Tiger they are referring to. What gives? Do they not have a copy of their own Animal List? More important is there no file kept on each Animal that lives there? Good grief, I don't work there, but when I became endeared to the Animals, I did my research to learn about them. That research I initially posted on my first blog, gooberssfzoofriends.blogspot.com I invite the Zoo Staff responsible for these errors to read my blog and learn something about the Animals you get paid to know about. Isn't it part of the Zoo's Mission to educate? To educate or be educated, that is the question.
The previous paragraph is based on the assumption that they release information in error, but wonder if in some cases its not in error? I know for a fact that Management tailors information to form untruths. I myself was a victim of that, so there is no denying it on their part. I hate to assume theories but I have seen stuff that I don't make public and I wonder if things aren't sometimes worded in ways to deflect from other errors. If errors as simple as not knowing an Animals documented history can be made, what other errors are being made?
UPDATE: 3.1.12 - The past few days all the news feeds coming through with the error laden press released information was making me sick. BUT today for some reason I clicked on one and the lead in was such:
Note: Zoo Officials initially said Gene was 41. They have since clarified that he was 24.
UPDATE: 3.5.12 I'm sorry to be so picky, but I just need stuff to make sense, ... literally "add" up. Regardless that the Zoo's official Animal List shows Orkney's Birthday (estimate) as June 1, 1962, I have always gone by the sign outside his enclosure (pictured).
Zoo Press Release has his age at 42 (which makes sense), and living at the Zoo for 32 years. If he came to the Zoo at approx. One year old, that would be 41 years that the Zoo was his home. I know I went to school in the San Francisco School District, but basic math I can do!
Miss you Orkney. Yesterday was a tough visit not having you there to greet me :(
After seeing one article the showed six photos of Gene and only three were actually him, I made some Memorial video tributes for my Zoo friends. I have so many photos of them I wanted to not only share them, but do something to celebrate their life.
Note: Zoo Officials initially said Gene was 41. They have since clarified that he was 24.
Wonder where they got that information? Good grief, why is it I'm not running the Zoo? Oh wait, it appears I secretly am.
I'd like to know if they gave a reason for the error <cough> (sorry I don't mean to be snarky but this was a HUGE fumble on their part) and where they issued this clairification.
I'd like to know if they gave a reason for the error <cough> (sorry I don't mean to be snarky but this was a HUGE fumble on their part) and where they issued this clairification.
The article can be viewed here:
http://sfappeal.com/news/2012/02/sf-zoo-mourns-gene-the-rhino.php 
UPDATE: 3.5.12 I'm sorry to be so picky, but I just need stuff to make sense, ... literally "add" up. Regardless that the Zoo's official Animal List shows Orkney's Birthday (estimate) as June 1, 1962, I have always gone by the sign outside his enclosure (pictured).
Zoo Press Release has his age at 42 (which makes sense), and living at the Zoo for 32 years. If he came to the Zoo at approx. One year old, that would be 41 years that the Zoo was his home. I know I went to school in the San Francisco School District, but basic math I can do!
Miss you Orkney. Yesterday was a tough visit not having you there to greet me :(
After seeing one article the showed six photos of Gene and only three were actually him, I made some Memorial video tributes for my Zoo friends. I have so many photos of them I wanted to not only share them, but do something to celebrate their life.
RIP Tunya, Bubsy, Gene and Orkney XO.
