Zoo Wall Spray Painted, Tapir Left Unprotected

UG, where do I begin. I hate feeling that I am being so judgmental, but seriously, too many issues that I have seem like common sense DOs & DON'Ts. I know common sense has fallen out of style in epidemic proportions, but I expect those with who hold jobs in which another life depends on their decisions and actions, to actually make responsible choices.

I used to frequent the San Francisco Zoo Facebook page, until a discussion about signage and security came up and I guess I offered too much advice on how to better the situation and not only were my posts removed, but I was somehow disabled from posting. Since then and having my Membership revoked (see sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com) I don't bother to check out their FB too often, just as well they don't post too often.

Today was one of those times I did check-in there and they had photos (http://tinyurl.com/3uy59xy) of the artist who is painting a mural on east side of the Pachyderm building. The wall that borders Goober, the Baird Tapir's home.

The photos clearly state and show that the artist is using spray paint. They also clearly show that the artist is protected with face gear. The ground is clearly protected from splatter. It also clearly shows that THERE IS NO PROTECTION from splatter, residue or direct fumes, at the open area that leads into Goober's enclosure!!! The closest edge of the mural is about 4 feet from Goober's pool! Incredible. In a bad way.

I thought the mural was a nice addition (I do hope the artist puts a Goober in it!). In fact, I had suggested to Director Tanya Peterson almost two years ago, that they should get an art student to do some paintings. When they did and the project was started in Orkney's (Gray Seal) enclosure, I suggested a Pacific Coast mural (Octopus, starfish, ect), but instead he got clouds. My friend Lee and I also volunteered to paint Goober's area, at our own cost, but that was never responded to.

Anyway I digress. I like the mural, but now knowing spray paint was involved, I wish proper precaution was taken to protect one of the Zoo's most precious Residents.

It's always windy and I've used spray paint myself, it carries. Goober and his home should have been protected.

The mural still says "in progress", I hope the Zoo makes sure to find a tarp and cover the opening near the mural, when spray paint is being used.

Tapir Needs Clean Water!

It is UNACCEPTABLE for Goober, the Bairds Tapir to have such dirty water!!!

This is an open plea to the San Francisco Zoo Animal Management team, please make sure that the water in Goober's pool is changed more than once a day.

I understand that Tapirs are river animals who potty in the water, but Goober does not live in the wild AND he has mouth issues. He should NOT be continually orally taking in dirty water, laden with feces and urine.

You post a notice about his issue, yet his mouth constantly has dirty water flushing through it. We both KNOW this is a serious problem.

I have not been at the Zoo as often as I had been, but every weekend that I am there, his pool is filthy. Yesterday I was there in the late morning til closing and his water was horrible when I got there and horrible when I left. While the seals pool has a continuous flow of fresh water.

This is not a (too much) water usage issue either, as there is a constant flow of water over one of the walls in the Grizzly Grotto, that seems to just be a waste.

Goober is precious and deserves to swim in fresh water. When he goes under water and hangs out, he doesn't need to be submerged in filth.

Please help to prevent additional health issues and keep Goober's mouth clean and comfortable, by providing him with fresh water more than once a day.

DRAIN THAT DIRTY POOL AND KEEP IT CLEAN!!!


UPDATE: I talked to a Staffer who I trust and was told that the Tapir's pool only gets changed three (3) times a week!!! I think that's outrageous for the reasons stated above. This is a Management decision. It does seem curious as there are pools that get drained and changed daily all about the place, yet his is not a priority to change daily. Unfortunately I do not think this will change. Sorry my sweet Goob, I tired.