tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post3368511676210183040..comments2019-10-11T04:37:23.939-07:00Comments on San Francisco Zoo FAILS: NEWS for today - Zoo Management Lets Visitors Abuse the Animals!leo811 (twitter)http://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-18778391895478473882016-02-08T20:24:38.770-08:002016-02-08T20:24:38.770-08:00Haven't been to the SF zoo in 18 years and I w...Haven't been to the SF zoo in 18 years and I will absolutely never support it ever!<br /><br />That's sick what they're doing with the chimpanzees i the SF Zoo Just my two cents but I prefer the Oakland Zoo a lot more<br /><br />I've got nothing against the OP I can tell he really loves animals from getting involved right away so good job to the person who runs this bloggoldfishloverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04088124796958729081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-32373224992501521832011-12-01T21:29:33.449-08:002011-12-01T21:29:33.449-08:00@Anonymous- Sorry I didn't start by thanking y...@Anonymous- Sorry I didn't start by thanking you for your comment. I usually thank anyone who has taken the time to read what's I've wrote and respond to it. Thank you for your comment.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-51925455814041369392011-12-01T20:24:46.669-08:002011-12-01T20:24:46.669-08:00@Anonymous- First I will note that any reference ...@Anonymous- First I will note that any reference I make to Staff falls outside of Keeper level. That said, yes the Keepers love the Animals, and in my opinion most not part of the Animal Staff don't seem to care what really goes on in the place to be perfectly frank. In fact when I told one of the Chimps main Keepers about this incident, she was outraged. ... Regarding Security, unfortunately I've seen different. I've witnessed misbehavior and pointed out the offenders to Security and they have often done little or nothing as in this particular situation. I have no problem giving kudos for handling situations properly, but I'm not going to pretend things are done right when they aren't. ... Of course this can be seen as "my opinion", well, its my blog and that is where my opinon is posted. People can agree or disagree and as you see, I will publish comments from both sides. ... That said, I see more misbehavior towards Animals (in the Park and at the Zoo, both places that I spend much time at) than can stand sometimes. And, when there is a Law to back up having these peopel held responcible for their actions, I'm offended that more isn't done. At the very least, escorting the offenders out (and not refunding their money). ... It is all over this blog what steps can be taken to help deter some of this action and yes, people will always act the fool, but that should not be an excuse for not trying to deter and in cases like this instance with Cobby, throw these people out. That in answer to your question is how it reflects against the Staff. When Staff stands there after an offender is pointed out by a witness and does not even say one word to them, that is wrong and on the Staff. <br />... I wouldn't make assumptions that I don't know "nothing" about things there. I know plenty. More than I want to. ... Lastly note the meaning of the word "gossip". All my postings are from first hand experience and my opinion. Neither makes anything I have written gossip.<br /><br />gos·sip- 1.idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others: the endless gossip about Hollywood stars. 2.light, familiar talk or writing.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-40031358157248177902011-12-01T19:49:38.962-08:002011-12-01T19:49:38.962-08:00The San Francisco Zoo staff love their animals and...The San Francisco Zoo staff love their animals and security stops anyone seen misbehaving but they can't babysit all of the guests. Besides, it is grown people acting like beasts so how does that reflect how the staff treat the animals? All of you really need to find something better to do than to gossip about things you know nothing about. I've seen how the management and security respond to all incidents and they truly do a great job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-87326661792814270142011-06-04T15:57:26.842-07:002011-06-04T15:57:26.842-07:00@Elizion - Thank You for efforts in attempting to ...@Elizion - Thank You for efforts in attempting to post a comment on your own. I don't know why some folks are having problems. ... I hadn't thought about this being an AZA issue, but you may be right. I'll take a look into it further, as well I should know what their guidelines are anyway. I certainly wouldn't want the Zoo to lose accreditation, because I don't believe they do things that aren't an easy fix. I just think for whatever reasons the Management Team doesn't strive to be the best they can be and there are people on Staff who believe this is just a job and in my opinion those types of people don't really care about anything and don't do or think more than necessary.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-56304551380286062482011-06-04T15:49:14.252-07:002011-06-04T15:49:14.252-07:00Another concerned reader contacted me as their pos...Another concerned reader contacted me as their post would not take after repeated attempts. <br /><br />Elizion wrote: Doesn't the San Francisco Zoo belong to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association? If the SF Zoo is not acting properly to protect their animals, they could potentially lose their accreditation. This is something that should be brought to the AZA'a attention.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-9454446996145759352011-06-04T09:24:51.588-07:002011-06-04T09:24:51.588-07:00@Deb and the longears - Thank you for your comment...@Deb and the longears - Thank you for your comment. I am glad to hear from you, not only about this situation, but about your animals. I will check them out :) ... Thank you for being proactive in protecting the Animals who live at your farm. It seems like a no-brainer to me. I'm not sure what the Zoo's problem is. Maybe they are afraid of offending people? Who cares I say, these aren't the people you want around your Animals anyway. Unfortunately I witness misbehavior (this was the most extreme though) every visit, as well as in public parks. I wish that those who didn't Respect Wildlife would just stay out of the places they live.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-14664476098866329852011-06-04T07:55:16.860-07:002011-06-04T07:55:16.860-07:00I am not a zoo owner, but I am a farm owner who br...I am not a zoo owner, but I am a farm owner who breeds the "Threatened" American Mammoth Jackstock breed of large American Ass and mules. We do an incredible amount of volunteer community outreach with our animals at schools, universities and libraries to educate children and adults about the plight of this most American of Heritage breeds (it was started by George Washington). When groups visit our farm for tours - free of charge, I might add - we have had to tell people that "Our animals are well-behaved. If members of your party are not, you will be asked to leave the property immediately." Fortunately, we have not had too many problems, but we are responsible for our animal's saftey and well-being and as a retired police officer, I will NOT tolerate the kind of behavior that you have reported Kim...I am so sorry that you had to witness this event and keep up your observations, my friend! Deb and the longears of Lake Nowhere Mule and Donkey FarmXLdonkeyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06211638701837201095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-73195428153081530642011-05-30T22:44:20.411-07:002011-05-30T22:44:20.411-07:00@Anonymous - Thank you for contacting me to post f...@Anonymous - Thank you for contacting me to post for you. You are so right about the Gorilla's being a hot spot for misbehavior! I have seen much there! In fact there was a time frame when Jonesy (Male) was having real problems with people, certain regular Photographers and Docents. The Zoo added no extra Security, instead just sent out a scolding email to Docents not to go there. I sent the Director Tanya Peterson a detailed list of several ways to better the situation. None were used AND even Docents continued to go there and upset him! Thank you for doing what you could to deter. It should not be left up to other Visitors though to do the job of Staffers and/or Docents. Up until recently, I had no problem confronting people and if that didn't work calling for Security. I know very well that there isn't enough funds to hire enough Security and I know they don't utilize the Docents in a way that could be beneficial in regards to this issue. I was thanked repeatedly for being "eyes where they couldn't be." That my friend is a joke now. Just to be clear, since the events of my personal situation with the Zoo, I do not confront anyone. I pointed out loogy man to someone as he walked by, but this situation was actually the first time since I was "scorned" that I've gotten involved, but the severity of the situation demanded that I do. Thank you for supporting my efforts to keep my Zoo Friends safe.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-10147232005440883772011-05-30T22:16:59.453-07:002011-05-30T22:16:59.453-07:00Hello readers, another friend who's opinion I ...Hello readers, another friend who's opinion I very much value has also had trouble posting a comment, which I will post now.<br />************************************************<br />Anonymous said, I too am a zoo goer of many years (at least 25). I have witnessed every sort of awful behavior by zoo visitors over those years, particularly toward the gorillas because that is where I have spent most of my time. And it seemed that the keeper, who should be allowed to have better things to do, was the only enforcer available toward these many obnoxious people. I too saw the rare security person and even docents just stand by or turn the other way. Though I was there to do some purely observational research, I would walk around with a clipboard trying to look official, and sometimes just my presence seemed to be a mild deterrent, or sometimes explaining things about the animals to them would turn people's attitudes around. Confronting the bad behavior directly usually would only cause the offenders to talk back, because they seem to think the zoo is their playground. Parents sure didn't like to have any comments about their children either, even when they were literally dangling them over the rail of the enclosure!<br /><br />What is the solution? I too think the zoo needs to establish a solid policy of enforcing better behavior. ALL staff need special training in this regard. If the zoo would take control as it should, then there will be no need for people like Kim to feel they need to take on the problems themselves. Since it would undoubtedly be too costly and impractical to have security staff in the quantity necessary to patrol everywhere at once, the zoo should be reacting with THANKS to people who call in such behavior. Kim probably feels she has to confront the behavior herself now because she and her friends have only been scorned when they did call for help. She obviously feels deeply for the animals but knows she will get no help from reporting bad behavior to the people who SHOULD be taking care of it. This is a sad situation. I hope this blog discussion will be seen by people who CAN convey this to the Zoo, even if they won't listen to Kim any more.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-33527873557508961432011-05-30T20:19:00.912-07:002011-05-30T20:19:00.912-07:00@Hal S Cassidy - Thankx again. Your words are a m...@Hal S Cassidy - Thankx again. Your words are a must for those to understand and take away from here. Nothing is perfect, there is always room for improvement. Learn from mistakes. Are these not life lessons we are all taught? The Zoo can and should strive to follow these old tales, and not frown on constructive criticism. They must know how that was handled was wrong. They also have experience in people behaving badly, so those people should have never been allowed to continue on. That is why this is such an issue for me. That said, the Zoo is a wonderful place, because its home to wonderful Animals. Express any displeasure you might have with the Zoo, to the Zoo and not deny the Animals your visit and by that your contribution to them continuing to thrive there.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-1332212711195058112011-05-30T20:08:04.101-07:002011-05-30T20:08:04.101-07:00Please folks reading this.... please support the a...Please folks reading this.... please support the animals and keepers at the zoo... I mentioned in one of our family's comments that we might not go back...My family still will. We have a family membership and my grandkids are young and just getting into photography, plus we live close to the zoo. I just think this situation shows that the zoo has not put problems in their place since the christmas incident in 2007. The zoo is a wonderful place to see these incredible animals but it's not good for kids to see adults behaving in that way...with the chimp incident. So, in conclusion, support the zoo's animals and keepers and if so inclined, please write your feelings down in this blog. I hope the zoo uppers have been reading these comments.Hal S. Cassidy and Familynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-33764723080263216162011-05-30T20:01:18.637-07:002011-05-30T20:01:18.637-07:00@Dawn Banks - Thank you for your comment. Your wor...@Dawn Banks - Thank you for your comment. Your words are exact! I have to say, I have seen Keepers go after offenders, but anyone above that only on a rare occasion, have I seen more that passive words flow. It is disappointing. Visitors are just that, so those in authority positions should be taking such a stance. ... I once saw a grown man with his family, carrying a 6-8 foot stick, and one of the Polar Bears was sleeping with her back to the Visitors. This man was leaning over the barrier and making a poking motion towards her. Now, there was no way he could reach her, but that isn't the point. The point is why would someone do that? I said to the guy, would you like someone reaching in your living room window with a stick and poking you while you are trying to take a nap? People don't view the situation these Animals are in as this is their home. In the same vein as you said, those are their kids. Its all a very personal situation if you put yourself in the place of the Animals. Anyway I'm getting off track and more into why do people behave in such a way. But yes, its very disappointing that those who have the authority AND a law backing them, stood there and did nothing.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-24939502966795840692011-05-30T19:51:16.109-07:002011-05-30T19:51:16.109-07:00@Anonymous- I'm sorry I didn't lead in wit...@Anonymous- I'm sorry I didn't lead in with a thank you for your comment. I think I'm getting punchy lol! trying to make sure everyone gets a reply.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-28013972095388352562011-05-30T19:44:13.952-07:002011-05-30T19:44:13.952-07:00How disappointing that a zoo of all places won'...How disappointing that a zoo of all places won't stand up for the animals they take care of. If they aren't going to then WHO is? Animals in captivity rely on PEOPLE to take care of them for all of their needs including protection. Essentially those animals are their "children" and I would bet that if some adult came and threw something at their own REAL children that they would protect them! Shame on the San Fransisco Zoo!Dawn Bankshttp://www.facebook.com/dawniemariebnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-69580735112499832072011-05-30T19:43:05.668-07:002011-05-30T19:43:05.668-07:00@Anonymous - First, I would NEVER suggest people n...@Anonymous - First, I would NEVER suggest people not or stop visiting the Zoo. I still go to the Zoo, even though I'm unwelcome there and I pay for a ticket every time now and I get the stink eye from all, but I still go. I support the animals that live there, so they can continue to live there. Doesn't mean I can't find fault with the way some things are done and say so. If you have ever been, you certainly have witnessed misbehavior, the thing is, do something about it. Be a well-meaning person and contact a Staffer or fill out a comment form available in the Office at the front. ... I'd like to see those rules too. I once walked into the Lion House, and there was a gal hoping over the barrier from the Animal side to the Visitor side AND Leanne the Sumatran Tiger was standing up on her back legs, growling down at this girl. Security was in the far corner, wearing sunglasses and texting! This was over a year a go and I felt confident taking matters into my own hands since there was no one of authority doing so. Then I went out and stopped the Vet who was passing by. I left it up to him and Security, BUT again, this girl wasn't booted out either. What does it take to get kicked out? It doesn't seem like offenses against the Animals is cause.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-39956720938326703832011-05-30T19:04:23.940-07:002011-05-30T19:04:23.940-07:00I would like to see what rules security personnel ...I would like to see what rules security personnel are given that permits giving warnings only for such egregious behavior.<br />I do have problems when people read this and then say they might not return to the zoo. That is exactly the wrong thing to do. The zoo needs the support of well-meaning people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-76840948516944537192011-05-30T18:21:25.855-07:002011-05-30T18:21:25.855-07:00@Anonymous - Regardless of the way the "exhib...@Anonymous - Regardless of the way the "exhibit" is, there is no excuse for those abusers to not have been escorted out. PERIOD. The Chimps have been throwing crap literally at people since I was a kid, and these are the same Chimps. People should know better than to throw stuff back at them or any other animal. That said, I don't have a problem with the Chimp Grotto's. Sure, they are old, but its an old Zoo. They aren't state of the art and they aren't going to be. There isn't the money for it AND even if there was, there is no way that those four Chimps at their age should be relocated for a renovation. The Grotto's they occupy have had major landscaping improvement in recent years and it seems fine. People taut Oakland Zoo as better in many ways, their more "modern" Chimp enclosure makes me very uncomfortable. ... I do appreciate you saying I did the right thing, in addition to other positives so please don't take anything I write as negative towards your comments. As well thank you for the point towards PAWS, I would hope that making stuff public in the way that I have, would call enough attention that someone associated with the Zoo might someday have the thought "Hey maybe there are things that need to be worked on." They don't like outsiders opinions at all and I was told that very early on by a Staffer. So, unfortunately and since I seem to be the only one being vocal, not much will change. ... Saying that using the word "abuse" in my subject line is alarmist, well it should be! It was an alarming situation and I do consider the actions by that man as abuse. Regarding "the boy who cried wolf", Management (and anyone else) can think what they want, bottom line is THIS isn't about me! Its about the Animals. For me, its always about the Animals. I report misbehavior as I see it. Part of the problem Management has in my opinion, is its ability to prioritize and several things come before the Animals and in my opinion personality disputes is one of them. That said, regardless of how anyone perceives anything I say or do, I'm confident enough that I know I'm doing what's right. I can go to bed every night and wake every morning feeling good about myself. Frankly I don't know how any of the three Staffers standing there doing nothing while watching this event take place can say the same thing.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-71359056375081733292011-05-30T17:51:22.120-07:002011-05-30T17:51:22.120-07:00@Hal S. Cassidy and family - Thank you for your co...@Hal S. Cassidy and family - Thank you for your comment and for reading my blogs. As well, your thoughts and support regarding other issues. ... If you enjoy going to the Zoo, then that is what you should continue to do. I love my Zoo Friends and would never abandon them, because of the way their house is kept. These precious treasures are taken care of very well by their Keepers, in fact if I were a Keeper, I would be very offended by Management letting someone who abused an animal in my charge, just walk away. I am not sure where anyone who suggests I am somehow in the wrong can form that opinion, but nothing I can do about that. And, if I thought there was any validity to it, I wouldn't publish it. In my opinion, it shows the mentality of the masses and here-in lies most of the problem. I post the truth and the facts. How people interpret them is individual, but especially in a case like this, it seems more than obvious who was in the wrong.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-23910100434893006652011-05-30T12:32:54.329-07:002011-05-30T12:32:54.329-07:00PAWS contact info: http://www.pawsweb.org/contact_...PAWS contact info: http://www.pawsweb.org/contact_us.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-86384923675372225602011-05-30T12:29:20.146-07:002011-05-30T12:29:20.146-07:00A major part of the problem here is the San Franci...A major part of the problem here is the San Francisco Zoo has a truly horrible chimpanzee exhibit that allows people to throw things at the animals. <br /><br />It sounds like you did the right thing. It sounds like San Francisco zoo management sucks. However it sounds like you are not taken seriously. Part of the problem may be "boy who cried wolf" syndrome. I know that you do not see it that way, but management obviously does.<br /><br />I think you documentation of the problem is the right way to go. I know that you feel angry about your membership situation and treatment by zoo management, and that is understandable. You do need to realize that some people reading your blog will find it alarmist because your tone is very shrill (ANIMALS BEING ABUSED). I would recommend that you keep documenting animal problems and get it touch with Pat Derby at PAWS. She can probably help you figure out how to get people's attention about the problems at San Francisco and organize some positive action to get it stopped. This blog is a good first step, but you need some help from people who know how to publicize these problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-74388857470196808042011-05-30T09:27:54.010-07:002011-05-30T09:27:54.010-07:00My wife and I are regular visitors at the zoo. We ...My wife and I are regular visitors at the zoo. We bring our grandkids there a lot, but reading this and reading your blog? I don't know if this is a zoo we want to continue going to. You must have been horribly shaken seeing this go on. I read the comment someone "anon" put it telling you that "you" were the problem. They must be a disgruntled ex-zoo employee. Why would you put yourself in harm's way and confront unruly adults when security should be there? Whenever we have been to the zoo it appears security is more concerned about finding parking places for people and not in the red alert areas at the zoo where problems do start. My wife and I are horrified also that the zoo has not made your membership and your friends membership right again. How can they treat people who clearly love the zoo animals so much so badly? It's a disgrace how the zoo has treated you ladies. I hope the upper ups on the zoo staff read these blogs and get a clue. They need to make sure security does their job, actually enforce that law...which I believe was a flimsy law that was made just for the AZA to think they are on top of things, and they need to reinstate with a huge apology to you ladies. My family thanks you Kim for your hard work on this blog and your tireless efforts because of the love you have for these wonderful zoo animals. Hey Zoo Management, get a grip and do what you are getting paid the big bucks to do.Hal S. Cassidy and familynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-38055833185039205802011-05-30T09:03:19.645-07:002011-05-30T09:03:19.645-07:00Thank you for your comment. Although I disagree w...Thank you for your comment. Although I disagree with it, I published it so I could respond, as maybe there are other misguided opinions out there like yours. ... It is curious that in all that I've detailed about what happened, you think that I am causing trouble. How is coming to the defense of Animals is causing trouble? How is making public the faults of the people who make the rules at the San Francisco Zoo, causing trouble? I am not abusing the Animals, as well I am not the one letting Visitors do so. I am outraged that this is allowed to go on at the Zoo. ... I go to the San Francisco Zoo because I have formed a passionate caring for the Animals who live there as individuals. I have been to the Oakland Zoo, but that is not where MY Zoo friends live. ... The behavior problem is not geographical. There are evil humans everywhere. It how they are dealt with that makes the difference. That is the point. ... It is not fun for me to go to a place I loved and feel unwelcome like I have been made to feel in recent months. It is not fun for me to witness humans terrorizing animals. It is not fun for me to have so many thoughts that stem from the love I have for these animals, swirling in my head that I am drawn to put them in writing and make them public. I would love nothing more to be treated with respect by the Management Staff of the San Francisco Zoo for my passion about the place and the Animals who live there, and have the Management Staff actually care as much as I do, and work to prevent this kind of thing from happening. ... At least I do more than write a five line comment that doesn't even pertain to the issue.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-36981791071123504272011-05-29T21:35:57.572-07:002011-05-29T21:35:57.572-07:00You obviously mean well, but you are causing troub...You obviously mean well, but you are causing trouble at the zoo. You should probably not go to the San Francisco Zoo, as it is a lousy zoo and has many problems.<br /><br />You should go to the Oakland Zoo where people are much more respectful of the animals.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1758829850315406937.post-19532516068905109302011-05-29T15:08:51.927-07:002011-05-29T15:08:51.927-07:00@anonymous - Thank you for your words and support ...@anonymous - Thank you for your words and support of the stance I take. ... Since my words to the Chairman of the Board and a Member of, went without response, I have little faith in them as I have written in other blogs. I do believe Sean Elsbernd cares, he proved that with the work he did to get the Law amended. If I were him I would be offended by the San Francisco Zoo's Managements lack of upholding that Law. Its a clear slap in his face for all the work he did to make sure these Animals are protected.leo811 (twitter)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11236794393308282027noreply@blogger.com