Wishbone Remembers Grass!

When I found a few more old photo's 

of Wishbone and Annie the other night,

I almost cried.

I knew I would share them here in a blog post,

but I didn't know when or how until this morning when this idea popped.

If THIS,

these photos and the music

doesn't make the Zoo feel anything about the way

they are forcing this poor Bear to live,

they are truly cold-hearted people who shouldn't be in animal care.

I made it, so I've seen it over and over

and it still makes me cry, every time.

Will the San Francisco Zoo?

UPDATE 12.7.11 I have recently learned that sweet Wishbone has experienced back problems for a few years. I actually saw him take a tumble off his outdoor shelf bed last weekend, falling from the distance what appears to be about 4+ feet onto the concrete below. It was horrible to watch, and I'm sure even more horrible for him to experience. ... I ask the Zoo, how can you with good conscience have let and continue to let a senior animal with bone issues walk on concrete exclusively? ... It would seem for not only his enjoyment, enrichment, right to a natural surface, but that for health and safety issues that he should be provided with a soft surface, such as grass.

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

The Season of Giving ... Christmas at the Zoo ... Who Will be Wishbone's Santa Claus?

Where do I begin. I'm very disappointed that the San Francisco Zoo has continued to ignore this crusade to Enrich the life of Wishbone. I have heard that they do not believe it is necessary, even going as far as saying "He doesn't want it." How is that for nonsense?

As we are less than three weeks until Christmas, Wishbone continues to be denied the most basic and natural gift a captive animal can have, and that is as natural an environment as possible to live in. These Bear Grotto's were built 70+ years ago. Natural wasn't a concern, but in recent years Zoo's strive to make the homes of captive animals as natural as possible. Why does the San Francisco Zoo not want to do the same and provide their existing animals with such mental and physical comforts?

I have another post (in progress) regarding one of the photos above, but will add a note about it here as well. The new sign posted at the Polar Bear Meadow (which I'm now calling it as the Polar's are the only ones who have access to it) flat out states that Grass is an Enrichment! It even goes as far as calling the Concrete Grotto's that they live on, the Wishbone lives on exclusively, ROCKY!

The Zoo recently posted this to their Twitter, an FYI in regards to their "giving tree", in which you can buy an ornament with a specific enrichment need for a specific animal. This is great! and in fact was an idea I submitted to Director Peterson over two years ago. The problem I have is, although I have not seen the tree, I am most certain there is no ornament for Wishbone's Grass! I even tweeted back asking if there was, of course there was no reply.

https://twitter.com/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#!/sfzoo/statuses/137972791189319682

Ironically there is a wreath on a Bear Grotto for the Zoo's annual campaign to "Give the Loving Gift of a Zoo Membership." LOVING? Can't they Give a Bear the Loving Gift of some friggin' grass?

SO in this season of giving , I ask, Who will be Wishbone's Santa Clause?

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Rotating Bears

When I started this crusade, it was all about Wishbone, because he has no access to Grass. That did not take away from my feelings about the situation that Pike the Polar Bear was in. In short, there is a meadow next to her concrete Grotto that she can have access to. In length, please read the post titled "Polar Bear Enjoys Rare Visit to Grass."

In recent months I have questioned this a few times, and most recently (prior to the above sign being posted and my continuous blogging about these two Bears lack of daily access to natural landscaping) was told that Pike (and Andy when she was alive) had regular access to the meadow. Noting that the access was a daily rotation. In my opinion, from the amount of days I had been visiting, that was just not true. Also note that in the same breath, it was added that "They don't like it as much (as Ulu)."

Soon after, I did begin to see Pike in the meadow! Interesting that, for all the other supposed time she was there on an every other day basis, I hadn't seen her in the meadow, in over six months.

About a month ago the above sign appeared. Interesting.

An added observation I recently made, is that the Keeper board sign above (handwritten one) that has been at Ulu's Grotto for I'd say a couple years, but I'll go with at least a year, states "If you don't see her here, she may be in the yard (meadow)." There is no sign that this is a Polar Bear Grotto, but there is a sign about Polar Bears at the meadow/yard (Grotto). There is the same species sign at Pike's Grotto. To me this shows that the meadow has always been considered Ulu's home. Which does not indicate that Pike had previously been regularly rotated to the meadow.

I am grateful that this now seems to be a priority, as it is much needed. I don't know if its daily, as I have been trying to keep track from my visits. I would hope it is. Since blogging seems to be having some effect on what's going on there, I will throw this out there. It would be more beneficial to the Animal if they have access to the landscaped areas daily. Rotating these two once a day so they BOTH have daily access is not a huge task. The Big Cat Keeper manages to rotate 7 animals several times a day, rotating 2 is not a drama from what I can see.

NOW if we can just get Wishy some friggin' Grass, all the raggin' on this blog would cease. Wouldn't that be great? YES it would!

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

San Francisco Zoo Hosting an Enrichment Lecture - That's Rich!

note to zoo, its green but its not grass!

(yes i can read wishy's mind :)

The San Francisco Zoo hosting a Lecture on Animal Enrichment is to me a curious thing. Don't get me wrong, the Keeper's do all they can within the guidelines dictated to them by Zoo Management. There is always more that can be done, but their hands are often tied.

The topic of Enrichment is very close to me, as I became involved in making Enrichment toys for the Big Cats and on occasion the Bears. My involvement started out of my love of seeing the Animals having fun. My favorite Zoo visits have always been the Halloween events when the Animals would get Pumpkins and other Halloween themed toys. Also there was a time, when Members Mornings were actual events (and not just letting Members in an hour earlier), when one species was highlighted and their Birthdays were celebrated. Those fun times (and Birthday celebrations) ceased when they fired the gal who was in charge of the fun.

Once I started visiting more often, and learning about the Animals more, including Enrichment, I asked if I could make some items for the Lions upcoming Birthday. From then on for most of 2010 my friend Lee and I made toys every Saturday. It brought priceless joy to us, the Keepers, the Visitors and most important, the Animals. The Cats had a great regular Enrichment that their Keeper considered necessary. That ceased when the Carnivore Curator decided the Animals "Didn't need that kind of Enrichment" and was "Not interested in celebrating Birthdays". These are quotes she point blank told me.

I could go on about this and will in another blog post I've been working on. The point of this post is to note, that there are many different kinds of Enrichment. You can learn alot about it online and thru video's on youtube. What I've learned is its anything that brings a change and/ or challenge to a captive animals daily routine. It can range from something that stimulates their natural instincts to something fun to an environment change. The later encompasses the whole goal of this blog.

The Big Cat Keeper rotates the Cats between four outside yards. It gives them environment Enrichment. They get a change of scenery, they get to sniff out the other Cats scents, ect. She does this at least twice a day if not more often.

I have long had a problem with the Bear situation, which I've detailed in other posts. So, I won't repeat myself. I will just make this one statement.

GIVING WISHBONE GRASS WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE ENRICHMENT!!!

from the sfzoo website:

Lecture: Animal Enrichment Today!

15-Nov-2011 - 15-Nov-2011

Please join us for a Free Lecture on:

Animal Enrichment Today!

with Dr. David Shepherdson,

Deputy Conservation Manager

and Conservation Scientist at the Oregon Zoo

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Presentation: 3:00 P.M.

Osher Great Hall of the Lurie Education Center

San Francisco Zoo

Please join us as Dr. David Shepherdson, a widely published expert on animal behavior and Deputy Conservation Division Manager and Conservation Scientist at the Oregon Zoo, discusses animal enrichment. Dr. Shepherdson is a founding member of the AZA's Animal Welfare Committee, a board member of “Shape of Enrichment”, and member of the International Conference on Environmental Enrichment (ICEE) conference committee. He also co-authored the definitive text on the subject, Second Nature: Environmental Enrichment for Zoo Animals, used by zoos worldwide. Come hear his fascinating experiences pioneering the animal enrichment field!

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Happy Birthday Wishy!

Today marks Wishbone's 25th Birthday!

and 23rd year at the San Francisco Zoo.

For the most part AND the past three years exclusively, Wishbone has lived in a home that only has a cement surface.

One of his previous Keepers tried to get he and his passed companion Annie access to the Grizzly Gulch for some fun time on grass. The Zoo Management Staff was not helpful in making that happen.

Why can't grass be added to Wishbone's home? While Ulu seems to be the favorite for getting access to the Meadow between she and Pike's Grotto's, then why can't Pike have day access to the Grizzly Grotto (which has grass) while the Grizzly's are in the Gulch all day? WHY?

I have recently re-read my San Francisco Zoo History book, put out by Arcadia Press a couple years ago. In it there are photos of a few of the Bear Grotto's taken in what looks to be the 1940s. They look exactly the same as the Andean Bear (Wishbone) and the two Polar Bear Grotto's. 70 years!!! and not one upgrade to landscaping these Grotto's to bring a natural setting to these Bears lives has been made.

It 2011 San Francisco Zoo, wake-up and start respecting the Animals that live there BEFORE building new areas and bringing in more.

Disgusting. Disrespectful. Outrageous. Abusive.

I ask the San Francisco Zoo, how much longer will this go on?

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Zoo Docents Raising Money, but not for Grass! FAIL!

"i found a piece of grass in my moat that i can fit all four feets on!"

IF YOU'VE ALREADY READ THIS POST
PLEASE VIEW 10.29.11 UPDATE

(at the end of main post)

From the October Issue of the San Francisco Zoo Animail:

Calendar For Sale for a Good Cause!

A dedicated group of docents and photographers have lovingly put together a beautiful 2012 calendar featuring some of our favorite Zoo residents. Calendar sales will raise money for our campaign to expand the Americas region of the Zoo, including bringing in wolves. The price is $12 for Zoo Members and $15 for non-Members. Treat yourself and those you care about to this gift that keeps on giving!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From May 2009 to January 2011, I had a welcomed and open email correspondence with the Zoo Director Tanya Peterson. During which time I submitted many ideas, suggestions, comments and observations. One idea to both establish endearing Visitors to the Animals as individuals and raise some funds, I suggested a Calendar. Note that I was thanked for all my ideas and suggestions, even though they weren't used at the time. I have slowly seen some come to fruition, like this one.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad to see my ideas being used, at any time, as well that there are any new ideas being put into production. The Animals need funds to help enrich their lives, which is what is stated at the new donate by cell phone signs posted at some exhibits. I hope that is what the money raised is being used for. So, please do take advantage in any monetary way you can help, whether by donating by cell, buying a calendar, or any other way.

The purpose of this post is to show that in my opinion, not all monies being raised are for the right reason. When I say "right" you may think, why is what I think right, right. I can only give my point of view, from where I stand as a Visitor, person who cares about the Animals who live at the Zoo, Animals in general, and someone who can not just stand by and watch when something just doesn't seem right.

If you have followed this blog, you know what the crusade is about. You also know that one of my biggest irks shall we say is the fact that the Zoo has a Master Plan that includes a whole new North American Region. An area that they have fundraised for and continue to with major Donors.

Now, with the proceeds from this Calendar benefiting this new region as well, I am deeply offended not only as a regular Visitor, but for the Animals who live there. The San Francisco Zoo Management and Docents should be ashamed at the way funds they raise are used. Making new exhibits, while ones that are over 80 years old, house Animals that have lived there their whole lives, some like Wishbone over 20 years, is a disgrace. Its disrespectful, and soulless.

As I've stated I completely understand not having funds to renovate, but to not even think to update is disgusting. I wouldn't support a renovation, as it would mean displacing these Animals, but updating needs to be a part of the Master Plan, not building new areas that these Animals aren't even a part of. The only new Animals that should be brought into the Zoo are rescues that would otherwise be euthanized.

San Francisco Zoo, help the Animals you already have live the best life they can in captivity.

Wishbone desperately needs grass in his home. He doesn't have access to any grass, or sand, or any soft surface. This is outrageous.

Pike (Polar Bear) could use grass as well, or daily access to the Grizzly Grotto while the Grizzlies are in the Gulch. Currently she is supposedly sharing access to the meadow that is in between her and Ulu's Grotto, but I don't see that happen regularly, and in that I mean several times a day. So, both she and Ulu could use grass added to their Grotto's as well.

Seriously, all the Bear Grotto's should look like the Grizzly Grotto, with grass. These are the oldest looking and most negatively targeted enclosures. Why not add some landscaping to the three existing concrete only Grottos and make them more natural? WHY? Can't hear you SFZOO, please let the public know why?

UPDATE: 10.29.11, I tweeted this post out to the Zoo (@sfzoo) several weeks ago now and still I have heard no rumblings of any plan to add grass to Wishbone's home. BUT I was approached my a Docent I know who proudly told me of the Docents Calendar sale (which had a booth on site during yesterdays Boo at the Zoo event) to raise money for the Wolf exhibit. I said, "We don't have Wolves. Why don't you raise money for Animals we do have to get some upgrades."

AGAIN I ask,

WHY San Francisco Zoo, does this Bear continue to live exclusively on concrete?

WHY are you using funds to build exhibits to bring in new Animals when you haven't done justice to upgrading for the ones who already live there?

WHY WHY WHY???

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Petition Reaches Goal!

The Petition I started to raise awareness of Wishy's plight outside Zoo walls AND to call further attention to it within Zoo walls, has reached its goal of 1000 signatures! Thank you to all who signed and believe in this crusade!

I believe it is an absolute NEED to provide these captive animals with the most natural environment as possible. The Zoo Management, Donors and Docents (see next post), should be ashamed that they do not see this necessary. Truly amazing insensitivity, disregard and disrespect.

I know there are many people, I see and hear them everyday, who think this and other animal related issues are not a problem, BUT this way of thinking should NOT be present in those who work and volunteer with animals.

Thankfully there are some who get it.

Here are some of the comments left on the Petition:

# 1
11:07, Jun 04, Miss Kim, CA
There is no concrete in nature. No animal should live exclusively on concrete.

# 2
11:11, Jun 04, Ms. Lee Anderson, CA
Please SF Zoo, do this for this incredible bear without delay !!!

# 3
12:37, Jun 04, Paula Rein, WI
S.F.ZOO I THINK that a grassy area for this bear is warrented, as well as any other animal that would be in grass if not placed in a public domain. Please reconsider this matter and respond to those who care. Thanking you in advance for being humane!

# 5
13:09, Jun 04, Ann Forwood, CA
WISHBONE would love an area of grass. Is this to much to ask for?

#37
16:05, Jun 04, Name not displayed, Ukraine
Think of Andean Bears!

#62
17:51, Jun 04, Ms. Freya Harris, GA
No animal should live solely on such a hard surface!

#66
18:11, Jun 04, Ms. Amanda McManus, GA
This is criminal! I'm so sorry Wishbone. : ( I'm sick of zoos imprisoning animals and not providing an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat. Shame on you San Franciso Zoo!!!

# 89
19:51, Jun 04, Ms. Clarice Grimmett, MI
Legalized animal cruelty must stop.

#105
20:51, Jun 04, Ms. Dianne McGonigle, ON
You deserve better Wishbone

# 122
22:42, Jun 04, Ms. Melania Padilla, Nicaragua
Animals deserve better!

#130
23:43, Jun 04, Ms. Ellen Mccabe, WA
Thank you. Concrete is totaly unacceptable

#164
02:01, Jun 05, Ms. Alison Fennell, United Kingdom
Hello SFZ Management - Please can you improve the surroundings for these sentient beings - they depend on you :) Than kyou - Alison

# 187
03:15, Jun 05, Mrs. Anita Ketel, Netherlands
First of all I HATE zoos, but if people want to gawk at distressed, neurotic animals, let them stay in an environment that is as natural possible, with grass, shrubs, trees etc.

#265
07:34, Jun 05, Name not displayed, CA
Grass would be quite nice for Wishbone!

# 280
08:22, Jun 05, Victoria Molinari, WA
the greatness of a nation and it's moral progress can be judged by the ways it's animals are treated. - gandhi

#292
08:40, Jun 05, Ms. Deborah Litster, ON
this is just common sense why is it allowed where are laws to protect animals

# 310
09:24, Jun 05, Ms. annie statton, United Kingdom
Come on people,if this bear is being well cared for in every other way ,then surely you can provide som grass/natural surroundings for him , how would you like a bed without covers ?.

#325
09:46, Jun 05, Ms. Carol C., MI
Surely the SF Zoo has people on their staff who are experts on these bears. Please do what's best for them, now. Thank you.


# 330
09:59, Jun 05, Ms. Dianne Douglas, AZ
Every life has a purpose. All animals are individuals and they have feelings and thoughts and they suffer the pain and the joy that we do. They are entitled and they deserve an opportunity to live. "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi


# 390
14:03, Jun 05, Dr. Dianne Hillier, United Kingdom
Compassion is the source of happiness in life….Without loving kindness and compassion, there is no peace or happiness in the family, the society, the country, or the worl
d. 'With the Medicine Buddha mantra you can liberate numberless sentient beings from oceans of suffering and bring them to enlightenment.' - Lama Zopa. Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha BeKanze Radza Samudgate Soha - Lama Zopa Rinpoche

#393
14:17, Jun 05, Ms. Debbie Johnson, CA
Give this beautiful creature a bit of dignity.Either provide him with an environment he can thrive in or transfer him to a sanctuary that can provide this for him.Thank you.

#398
14:29, Jun 05, Ms. Patricia Welch, PA
If you're going to keep these animals in captivity, please do it with compassion. Please give them as natural setting as possible. Thank you.

# 417

18:05, Jun 05, Dawn Hollen, NJ
Please provide much better accomodations for ALL the animals at your zoo...please give Wishbone some grass.Thanks.

# 419

18:29, Jun 05, Ms. Darlene McPeek, TX
This makes me feel terrible. Every animal and person deserves to have access to a green surrounding, especially Wishhbone the bear. He is a captive animal, but deserves the best chance for a happy and full life. Having green grass under his feet will assist greatly in this.

# 429

20:32, Jun 05, Ms. kathryn woolfe, Australia
Please give Wishbone some grass.

# 555

10:16, Jun 08, Ms. teresa royer, NY
What's. Going on here??? Is this the United State or some cave people. You should know better than to have those creatures on cement. what kind of ignorant stupid careless thinking is that shame on you for having animals in inapropiate areas the least u can do is give them a area with grass . Please do the right thing and correct the situation people will be aware of this... this is a form of crueltynobody wants to go to a zoo where animals are not treated right we will let people know!!!!

# 583

01:09, Jun 10, Mrs. Wendy Archer, Australia
Please, be kind to Wishbone; give him comfort.

# 594

08:27, Jun 10, Ms. Darlene Swingle, WI
This is unacceptable not to have grass.And I don't believe it should be that hard to fix.So please fix for sake of the bears . Thankyou.

# 599

09:22, Jun 10, Mrs. Maggie Catterall, United Kingdom
Wishbone has given pleasure to humans throughout his life - please make sure that he has some minimum standard of comfort now in his mature years. That's not a lot to ask for this bloved creature

# 605

11:40, Jun 10, Laura Robinson, United Kingdom
This is unbelievably cruel! Shame on you!

# 614

00:09, Jun 11, Ms. Rebecca Hamilton, AZ
How dreadful! The San Francisco Zoo should rectify this situation immediately. The humane treatment of the animals in their care should be paramount!!

# 663

10:41, Jun 13, Cindy Partipilo, ON
Grass is considered part of the Andean Bear's natural habitat. Animals kept on concrete are prone to developing joint ailments at an early age.

# 666

11:23, Jun 13, Ginny Church, OH
Haven't there been enough problems at the S.F. Zoo?? All of the bears, if not most of the animals, have access to a grassy outdoors area.

# 674

18:37, Jun 13, Dr. Linda Scott, NM
Come on! How hard can this be?!

# 675

23:08, Jun 13, Ms. Debbie Sanders, MD
If you can't take care of these Bears, then let someone who will - have them. SHAME ON YOU!

# 680

06:26, Jun 14, Mr. Don Jay, MN
Animals need grass and a comfortable lifestyle...

# 681

06:32, Jun 14, Ms. Linda Spyhalski, MN
Please address this need ASAP!

# 695

04:18, Jun 15, Ms. Sue Vogt, Australia
If you must keep a wild animal in captivity (why i dont know) then you should reproduce their original surroundings, grass, trees, rocks and freedom.

# 698

12:59, Jun 15, Ms. Donna Mosera, TX
Wake up guys! Give poor Wishbone some grass!

#746
01:50, Jun 22, Ms. karrie carlyon, QC
Not only is it disgusting that you are keeping this animal from it's natural habitat, but you are forcing it to live in such pathetic conditions. This is atrocious and will be fixed now!

# 749

07:17, Jun 22, Ms. jodi marr, FL
this is inhumane.. THis animal needs some green! It's the least we could do

# 753

20:28, Jun 22, Name not displayed, CA
I never realized the SF Zoo was being this cruel to an animal who would live in a green wilderness. It wouldn't cost that much to put in a grass area. So sad, I'm going to put the word out on what your doing. I don't think you need any more incidents and bad publicity talk about your zoo.

# 775

06:43, Jun 26, Name not displayed, United Kingdom
As well as getting some grass, I think you should seriously think about getting him a companion - it's not right that he is being kept all on his own since his partner died

#801
11:04, Jul 01, Ms. Samantha Phillips, Singapore
Give sweet Wishbone some grass and a female companion.

# 805

19:58, Jul 01, Mrs. Dawn Banks, WA
Please let Wishbone live a happier life!! He depends on you to make his life comfortable.

# 807

01:13, Jul 02, Ms. Robbin Harold, NM
What is going on at the San Francisco Zoo is unconscionable. Not only should the management be terminated, they should be brought up on charges as well as the City Council put under a State investigation.

# 829

04:30, Jul 07, Ms. julia still, VT
This is disgusting and just plain wrong. Supprt for the zoo must cease until it can provide adequate living conditions for its' inhabitants.

# 853

12:27, Jul 12, Ms. Hope Sellers, PA
This is a small, inexpensive way to make Wishbone more comfortable and should be implemented ASAP.

# 893

13:42, Jul 26, Mr. David Biggers, MO
Can a brother bear get a patch of grass? C'mon...its cheap and easy, it will add to this bear's quality of life, look better to park guests and generally spruce up his enclosure....

# 896
21:16, Jul 27, Annaliese Kern, OH
Get some grass for the little guy! No one likes living on all concrete!

# 897
17:22, Jul 28, Andy Knobloch, CA
These bears have always been my favorite. It has been many years since ours (LA Zoo) were moved to San Diego. I have donated to Bear Tracks which just spent last year documenting these bears in the wild in a hopes to raise awarness. I glad others (like you) are trying to help too.

# 913
12:39, Aug 03, karen euga, OH
How you YOU like to not have access to the lush grass that is necessary for zoo animals?? Come on people, take care of this problem....thank you

# 966

13:46, Aug 30, Pam Morris, WI
help protect these bears and give them the grass they need

#978

23:01, Sep 14, Tyler Sohooli, CA
The "great" Zoo can't get some grass for a bear? How about set up a donation box or something if funds are a problem? I'll donate! Shame on you.

# 984
11:47, Sep 18, Name not displayed, CT
How is this kind of abuse possible in a zoo of such quality known world wide...shame on you!!!

# 985
12:28, Sep 18, Robert Cohen, NC
Let's stop being jerks and take care of the little guys. Would you rather be part of the solution or the problem?

# 1,000
12:23, Sep 26, joyce murphy, CA
Please help this Bear to live in a natural setting.

# 1,004
03:49, Sep 27, Ms. Robyn Picknell, United Kingdom
Shame on you San Francisco Zoo!!!! You are one of the most well known American cities in the world, you should have world class care for your zoo animals as this is the image that foreign visitors will have of your city and your country. If you do not care about your animals why would you care about people? Pull finger and sort this out, it cannot possibly be that hard or expensive, after all, you are one of the most powerful nations in the world, aren't you?

If you haven't already, join the 1000 + and add your name and be the voice for Wishy!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/project-get-wishbone-grass-andean-bear-lives-on-concrete/

Thank You!

UPDATE 12.7.11 I received this feedback regarding the Petition:

from: www.tierrechtskongress.at and www.vgt.at - Animal Rights in a Non-Ideal World Prof. Dr. Robert Garner, University of Leicester, England
A variety of ethical theories can be identified that can act as a guide to the way in which animals ought to be treated. The three principal models are based on indirect-duty principles, animal welfare and animal rights respectively. An assessment of these theories should be based not only on their normative value but also on the degree to which they are politically realistic. That is, those animal ethicists who wish to influence public policy in order to improve the treatment of animals need to ensure that their ethical theories are not too idealistic. .............................
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Letters to Donors

About two months ago I sent the letter that appears below to two of the San Francisco Zoo (and City) Donors.

The Hearst Foundations
90 New Montgomery Street
Suite 1212
San Francisco, California 94105

Dianne and Tad Taube c/o
Taube Philanthropies
1050 Ralston Avenue
Belmont, CA 94002
USA

I picked these two for specific reasons.

The Hearst Foundation donated funds so that the Zoo could renovate a Grotto and build an extending exhibit (Grizzly Gulch) for the two Bears that were rescued from being euthanized. I thought they maybe sensitive to other Bear needs.

The Taubes, who are in person visable at many Zoo functions, Dianne Taube is a Zoological Society Board Member and because of a quote I read in an article. Tad Taube in regard to a recent donation, "Because every night Dianne wakes me up in the middle of the night and asks, ‘What can we do to help the Zoo’,” explained Taube. “So I decided for a million dollars, I can finally get some sleep.” For people who think this way, I thought they might be sensitive to Wishbone's need for a more natural surface.

It is curious to me that there has been no response to this correspondence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Letter sent:

Hello ...

I am writing to you as a visitor and friend of the Animals at the San Francisco Zoo. This is my lifelong Zoo and I am very passionate about the Animals who call it home. I visit twice a week and over the years have been endeared to them greatly.

I read and research everything online regarding the Zoo and have turned up your name as a donor. I would like to bring your attention to a situation there that the Zoo will never have any fundraiser for, which equals an excuse of "There is no money."

The Andean Bear, Wishbone, lives exclusively on concrete. This is unacceptable. I have a blog detailing this travesty, which I would love for you to view. By doing so, you will get just how necessary it is, to bring a small patch of grass (ideally approximately a quarter of his flooring) to his home.

www.projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com/2011/05/project-get-wishbone-grass.html

Almost two years ago I questioned this and made suggestions to the Zoo Director Tanya Peterson and got no response. As well I called attention to this via letters and photos to other VIPs including, Zoological Board Members, Nick Podell and David Stanton, as well Park and Recreation Commissioner Larry Martin. No one seems to care that this poor Bear has lived so many years with no soft surface under him. It is unnatural and cruel. Regardless of the fact that Andean Bears are from the forests, concrete is no surface for any living creature to be on exclusively.

Please read my blog, get the details and what I am suggesting, as it is not a huge under-taking to bring grass to his home. He is the only Animal living at the Zoo who doesn't have a soft surface to lay on and play on. At 24 years old he shouldn't have to live out his life on a hard surface.

As someone who has given to the Zoo, you must have a compassion for animals, please help Wishbone. I ask you as his voice, since Zoo Management will only continue to fundraise for new exhibits, while making small upgrades to existing ones go ignored. This is an issue that should have immediate priority.


Thank you,
Kim ...

See more photos of this precious Bear friend here: www.gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/

Sign the Petition here:
www.thepetitionsite.com/2/project-get-wishbone-grass-andean-bear-lives-on-concrete/

Watch the videos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD7hSnSIaqg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr2khpBdVZ8

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

My idea! As seen on TV!

This is the premise for one of the ideas I have suggested that could bring an area of grass to Wishbone's home.

I have looked at other landscaping upgrades around the Zoo and suggested those as well. I show this one now as I was out shopping and saw this in a store, in the form of a small indoor patch for home bound pups. I was wow'ed as it was one idea I suggested, as an alternative to possibly having to break up concrete in order to bring grass to Wishbone's home.

My suggestion was of course larger scale than this puppy patch, but completely doable and probably the least costly. From my prospective, someone can build a platform that raises some inches above the ground, add a mesh base, soil and sod! presto, grass for Wishy!

The corner area opposite to his shelf den napping spot would be perfect. This size is decent, approximately a quarter the size of his floor space and similar to what was done at the Grizzly Grotto.

I suggest this raised option to counter two things Management may say in that the ground would have to be tore up and/or there would need to be a draining system in case he pottied on it. I illustrate just how this saves on tearing up the ground and if he did potty on it, it could easily be rinsed down and waste would flow from under the platform.

You can view the doggy patch ad here:
https://www.pottypatch.com/default.aspx?id=&refcode=1002

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Teddy Bear Festival, but do you Respect the Bears?

Last weekend the San Francisco Zoo held an event called The Teddy Bear Festival.

I interpret this to be an event that celebrates the Bears that live at the Zoo.

A synonym for the word celebrate is the word honor. To honor, you must respect. To date, Wishbone the Andean Bear, still lives on concrete.

Above is a photo of a sign that hangs outside the Tropical Aviary, two exhibits over from Wishbone. This signs shows a new exhibit as "Coming Soon." A NEW exhibit, while old exhibits like Wishbone's need upgrading.

Wishbone has lived exclusively on concrete, baring a short time when he lived in the Grotto next to the one with the meadow, to which he had shared access. His living situation goes unrecognized as the Zoo Management hire (read pay) artists to render drawings like the one above to illustrate their future Master Plan.

Wishbone has needed grass landscaping brought into his home for years, why is this not part of the new Master Plan? Why is there no (grass) "Coming Soon" sign on his enclosure? Why, because there is obviously still NO plan to bring grass to Wishbone's home. I guess the Zoo's plan is to let him continue living on concrete for the rest of his life?

The "Coming Soon" exhibit is to provide a new, bigger home for the Squirrel Monkeys. My comments are in no way meant to take anything away from the Squirrel Monkeys, but to show the obvious and that is, whoever is making decisions, does not take the Animals into thought.

The Squirrel Monkeys have a home. Its also a home with greenery. This new home will also include a children's play area. Why is it more important to make a new and better home for a group of Animals who have an adequate home for now, while another Animal lives with a hard surface under his feet? Why is it more important to build a play area for a human, when an Animal lives on concrete? Is the San Francisco Zoo a human playground or an Animal Park?

I completely understand that some exhibits are funded by donor's for specific use. I do not know if that is the case with the money being used for the new Squirrel Monkey exhibit. My issue if this is the case, why aren't donor's approached to fund severely important things like getting grass for Wishbone? Why can't the Squirrel Monkey exhibit be done without the children's play area and that money go to get Wishbone grass? Then both Animals win. Do we really need to encourage more screaming children outside the exhibit (next to the coming soon play area) which houses two blind sea lions?

A further note on the Master Plan. I went to a Guardian Member Reception in November, where Director Tanya Peterson showed slides of this photo and more. I was appalled. I was appalled by two things. First, that there is a Master Plan for new exhibits while old ones need upgrading and second, that there were four! new children's play areas planned, again while existing Animal enclosures need help. I am sorry if those reading this have children and are pro there being more play areas, but honestly as stated above, this is an Animal Park. There is already a huge Playfield with more grass than any one Animal that lives at the Zoo has and Golden Gate Park is laden with playgrounds. When people bring children to the Zoo they should utilize the existing playground or spend their time there teaching their children about the Animals.

Also, note that the drawing for the new Squirrel Monkey exhibit shows white tree' structures?? Where in nature are there white trees? I think even the Director feels a need to sell this as she kept saying "Think modern. Think modern." Why should we think modern? This isn't a museum, this is an Animal Park and Animals don't live surrounded by white plastic looking tree's.

In summary. Creating new exhibits while this poor Bear feels nothing but concrete beneath his feet is a crime, is outrageous, is unacceptable and is disrespectful.

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Polar Bear Enjoys Rare Visit To Grass!!!

I visited the Zoo on Sunday and was happily surprised to see that Pike the Polar Bear had access to the meadow in the Grotto adjoining her's!!! She had a bounce in her step and a smile on her face! However this came about, SUCCESS!!!

Admittedly since my Membership was revoked, I am not at the Zoo as often as I had been, once a week opposed to three times, so I obviously can't keep track of as much as I used to. I think that was part of their grand plan. That said, the times I have been there, and prior to the revoking, I haven't seen Pike have access to that meadow since October 2010, with the exception of a Media event for a Snow Day in December. That is approximately 210 days (to my knowledge) she has gone without anything under her feet but concrete.

The Mission of this blog is to bring Grass to Wishbone the Andean Bear's Grotto. The description above is as horrifying, BUT there is a solution to Pike's plight that is as simple as opening a gate. Why has this Bear gone so long without a regular rotating door policy? That would be a question for not only the Animal Management Staff, but the Carnivore Curator. It is my experience that the Keeper's follow the orders given to them by these two branches of Management.

In a newspaper article dated 3.9.10, http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/zoo-tries-avoid-bear-blues , it is the expressed concern and desire of the Joint Zoo Committee chair-members Sally Stephens and Dr Spinelli, that the (Polar) Bears be rotated between exhibits. That would give all the Bears access to Grass and other surroundings for Environment Enrichment.

I have been behind the scenes and have seen the set-up, and it looks like it would be a chore to rotate Wishbone to the meadow, but honestly, I don't know how big a chore that would be OR how hard it would be to make adjustments to make it less difficult. What I do know, is that it is no effort to give Pike access.

The meadow sits with two concrete Grotto's to each side. Ulu, had regular access, yet Pike (and Andy, her companion at the time) had limited (I'll say since I'm not there every day). There was a time frame when Pike and Andy had what seemed like regular access, in hindsight I don't remember that time frame, but it may have been around the time that article came out. Why this access (seemed to have) stopped I don't know.

What I do know, is that Pike was a "new" Bear on my visit Sunday. I visited her four times over almost two hours, while at the Bear area and she rarely was sitting down. When she did it was only for a couple minutes! Normally she is sitting in her one spot, and usually napping. Not Sunday! She was up and about, having a great time! She was in the meadow, then back in the meadow, in the pool, she fished and played with her toys! It was joyous to watch!

The Zoo gets a kudo for this, but why now? Why hasn't this Bear been allowed to have Environment Enrichment for so long? I know its the same question, posed different ways, but there is a big WHY hanging over the Bears and I want it to disappear and I want Grass for all the Bears!

Pike MUST have regular daily access to this meadow
AND
Wishbone MUST have Grass added to his Grotto!!!

There is no reason logically for these two NEEDS to not come to fruition.

MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Hats to support the cause!

After watching the Royal Wedding I became fascinated with Fascinators (those little wacky hats)! I thought it would be fun to make one. My friend Lee thought so too, so I suggested we make them in honor of the Snow Leopards Birthdays which were in April and May. It was fun and we wore them on the female Ming's bday last month.

I decided to make one in honor of this cause and wear it every visit til Wishy gets some grass. Its covered in dry Dill, and adorned with a photo of Wishbone (backing is Black flocking), leaning on a log, with his (former) Enrichment Toys around him! I love it! The Dill idea really rocked as grass! Lee also made a great one, with a clay sculpture of Wishbone and a Beehive! It has little Bee's fluttering about the Hive and Flowers. Finished with a big fancy Tulle Bow! It looked great! We looked great! Alot of people stopped us to ask about our "hats", as well passers-by would shout out "Great Hats"!

No matter what, given an event, we try to celebrate our Zoo Friends and show up festive! And for this cause, festive and raising awareness was a winning combination!

Photos: Me wearing my Fascinator in front of Wishbone's Grotto. Wishy in the background eating an apple while sitting next to his piece of sod. Lee's Fascinator up-close :)

I took a Video clip of Wishbone wishing for more grass and getting a snack. We love precious Wishy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr2khpBdVZ8

AND if you haven't signed the petition yet, please join the over 650 who have and do so today! Remember your name can be withheld! http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/project-get-wishbone-grass-andean-bear-lives-on-concrete/

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

UNTIL , has inched its way in. Literally!

wish box with a couple inches of sod?

So, a friend of mine sent me this photo, taken Monday (6.6.11). This wooden box has been in Wishbone's Grotto for at least a year and has some wood chips and play items in it. The Keeper's often put some of his food and Acacia browse (shown) in it. He sits both in and out and snacks.

If you take a look at the upper left hand corner of the photo, there is curiously what looks like a few inches of sod thrown in. I'm not quite sure what to make of this. I have to admit my first reaction is to laugh as my mind doesn't put it past the Zoo to think this can be considered "Getting Wishbone Grass." I surely hope this is some kind of sampling, that was left over from a test they have done in preparation for landscaping some kind of grassy play are for him. Because the only thing that could play on this amount of grass is his big toe!

Project Get Wishbone Grass is meant to get the Zoo to bring a decent sized grass area to his existing concrete Grotto. It should at least cover 1/4-1/3 of the ground area. In my opinion the ideal place for it would be the opposite corner to his nest area. Either how it is constructed in the Grizzly Grotto, or even a slightly raised area, with a mesh bottom for drainage purposes. A few inches of sod thrown in his box is not acceptable, as a solve to this issue.

A BIG Thank You to all who have signed the Petition. If you haven't, please visit the site and sign! It only takes a few minutes, to help bring awareness to an issue that could bring Wishbone a lifetime of comfort!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/project-get-wishbone-grass-andean-bear-lives-on-concrete/

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

The final post on this situation, until...

I wanted to make a post to conclude this series, since the way the blogs are set-up, they post the last first.

Please note to get all the details of this plight, please at least start by reading the second post, Project Get Wishbone Grass, which details what the situation is.

I have made a petition for this situation, as a friend pointed out, if I'm goign to call it a "Project" it needs goal backing. Please help in this goal by signing the petition. Its not for me, its for Wishbone! ... Note that the Petition site asks for an address, but you can make one up. I don't expect anyone to use their physical address online.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/project-get-wishbone-grass-andean-bear-lives-on-concrete/

Thank you, and let's hope the San Francisco Zoo Management hears the plea of not only our voices, but of Wishbone's by proxy.

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Past Efforts Fade

I want to post two snips of articles that pertain to this issue. These articles noted that the Meadow Grotto that is between the two Polar Bears Ulu and Pike was intended to be used by all the Andean Bears and Polar Bears on rotation. That would be great if that was still in practice. Why did these efforts fade? No public attention? Laziness? OR as stated in a published comment by former (!) VP Bob Jenkins, "Its what they know and are used to" !!! Unbelievable!

The photo I took of Annie and Wishbone is from 2007, I don't know how often they were rotated into the Meadow after it was made in 2002, but I have not seen them in in there since I have been visiting on a regular basis, over three years now. As well, I rarely see Pike getting to use the Meadow. The last time was for the Christmas Snow Day Media event. Otherwise, she too lives on concrete. Her concrete home is the Grotto's next to the Meadow, so her situation is an easy fix, just open the gate. Although I think both Polar Bear Grotto's that are exclusively concrete, could also use a grass patch on their concrete floors, for when they are alternating the use of the Meadow, there is a Meadow between them, so their situation isn't as dire as the Andean Bear, who is two Grotto's away from the Meadow and has not seen it in years. His experience on Grass is akin to someone who lives in the desert taking a once in a lifetime vacation to the beach.

Ideally, Wishbone, Ulu and Pike would rotate the Meadow AND each have a small patch of grass in their concrete grotto's.

Snip taken from the full article (4.17.02) that appears here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/04/17/BA175482.DTL

"Uulu, 21, had lived all her life at the zoo on concrete in one of the zoo's Depression-era bear grottoes. Last year, after the death of a Kodiak bear, the zoo decided to replace the concrete in the Kodiak grotto with thick grass and clover and to let Uulu share it with two other polar bears and the zoo's two spectacled bears."

Snip taken from the full article (3.9.10) that appears here: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/zoo-tries-avoid-bear-blues

"After touring the grottoes with a carnivore keeper, Stephens and Spinelli recommended that the zoo rotate the bears throughout the exhibits, ..."

The article also makes question of relocating and cost of new enclosures. Neither are needed. I am not an advocate for relocating any of these Animals. They are seniors and have lived here most of their lives. Moving them would be detrimental to their mental and physical health, even within the Zoo itself. There is no need to build new enclosures at this time, when all that is needed is landscaping added to the existing enclosures.

I have to add in light of this, in my opinion its curious and negligent on the part of Sally Stephens who I have made aware of this issue to not bring this up at the Joint Zoo Committee Meeting, which she holds a seat and attends every month. I would have hoped she would be the one to be proactive about this situation. As well in my opinion, she should have been regularly asking for a status update on the Pike's Meadow rotation.

I thought it was the responsibility of Board Members and Committee Members to guide Zoo Management by questioning what they are doing. If not, what is their purpose?

WISHBONE NEEDS GRASS! MAKE IT HAPPEN SAN FRANCISCO ZOO!

Andean Bear Grotto - Letter to VIPs

Andean Bear Grotto

Grizzly Bear Grotto

Lion Grotto past

Lion Grotto present

This is the letter sent to San Francisco Zoological Society Chairman of the Board Nick Podell, San Francisco Zoological Society Board Member David Staton, San Francisco Park and Recreation Committee Member Larry Martin, and San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee. This information was also sent via email to San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Chair Sally Stephens.

I have long had a problem with the Bear Grottos but over the years there has been some major improvements that for the most part I can be satisfied with, even though I think there can be some work done on the two cement Polar Grottos, much like I'm about to describe for the Andean Bear.

Wishbone the Andean Bear is the only Animal living at the Zoo who is exclusively on cement. This is disrespectful, cruel and abuse.

I completely understand there is a funds issue regarding renovations, and would not support a complete overhaul that would displace any of our senior Residents. That said, there is no reason why landscaping modifications can not be made.

I recently saw photos of the new Master Plan. I have great issue with money being spent to start new projects, as well take great offense to adding four children's play areas when there are existing Animal homes that need attention. Note that I have no problem spending money to renovate/construct areas for Animals who need rescuing to avoid euthanasia, like the upcoming Seals. I do have a problem starting Phase Two of the Tropical Building, which would only move Animals who already have decent homes in existing exhibits and I do have a problem with moving forward with the North American project, when the Andean Bear is still on cement.

I have included photos of landscaping type options that would bring soil and grass into his home. The photos are of modifications that were made to the Grizzly Grotto. This may have been in place prior to them arriving, but the bottom line is the Grizzly's have vast grass areas, while the Polar's share an area, and the Andean Bear has none.

This needs to change before anything new is built. This could be done for little money and obviously that money is available. The Zoo takes too long to put things into motion, unless it is of dire need. This is. I read a comment by former VP Bob Jenkins, in part "This is what they know and are used to." Appalling coming from someone who was at such a high level within the Zoo. I take this to mean, they are just letting things stay status quo until the Animal dies. Well, Annie, the female Andean Bear did just that. She died living a life only feeling cement beneath her feet.

The photos show examples of the Grizzly Grotto and of the Andean Bear Grotto in comparison and as a blueprint. Also an old photo of how the Cat Grotto's used to look before landscaping was done and a photo of that same Grotto today. It can be done. It should be done. (end)

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!

Andean Bear Grotto - Letter to Zoo Director

Happy Bears playing on grass!

This is an excerpt from an email I sent to Director Tanya Peterson dated October 15, 2009, in regards to the Andean Bears living on concrete.

(start) ... For sometime, I have thought that Wishbone and Annie would love to have some grassy area. See a picture from when they had access to the field. They look happy and energized by the option, just as it has done for Ulu. I know that moving all the bears around so they have access is probably a chore, but there is a way to bring this to their enclosure. I have thought that adding huge rocks around the raised area to the left and filling it would be the obvious quick fix. I altered my idea when I saw two additions to other enclosures. First the circular platform of grass contained by logs that is in the Big Cat Grotto that housed the cubs OR more recent the faux rock border that has been built in Pike and Andy's home. Something like that would be great. Fill it (and the Polar's) with sand and grass and I think that would bring alot to their lives. I think it would be more beneficial to them than that huge log (ed. note: the huge useless stump standing upright to the left of the enclosure, not the log play area to the right that he likes).

I know it seems I'm on a grass crusade for everyone, but honestly it just seems more natural than mostly concrete and dirt surfaces and it seems like a relatively inexpensive perk! ... (end)

UPDATE 12.8.11

Please view the video on the last post projectgetwishbonegrass.blogspot.com

If you support this crusade, please email San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson - tanyap@sfzoo.org

Thank you!