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!

Project Get Wishbone Grass!

Wishbone the Andean Bear (I believe) is the only Animal living at the Zoo who is exclusively on concrete. This is cruel.

I approached this concern, during an open ended correspondence I had with the San Francisco Zoo Director Tanya Peterson. When at the time both Andean Bears (a female was still living) and the Polar Bears (two, Pike and Andy, who has since passed) were living on concrete flooring. That was a year and a half ago and the situation for the male Andean Bear has not changed. There was a slight change for Pike which I will post on later, as her situation is a bit different.

On Thursday March 10, 2011, I sent out packets of information to four San Francisco Zoo VIPs. Those VIPs were, Nick Podell, Chairman of the Board, San Francisco Zoological Society, David Stanton, Board Member, San Francisco Zoological Society, Larry Martin, San Francisco Park and Recreation Commissioner, and San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee.

I had been preparing information on two separate issues I wanted to bring to their attention, prior to my current Membership revoking issue. One of the issues concerned the Andean Bear Grotto cruelness.

The situation in detail is outlined in both letters I sent out. These letters are in two following blog posts. Keeping in a time line, the first is to the Director and the second is to the VIPs. Along with the letters are photos that accompanied. There was no response from Director Peterson when I reached out in 2009 and there has been no reply from any of the VIPs contacted, regarding any of the issues I put forth, my Membership Revoking, Animal Enrichments, or the Andean Bear Grotto cruelness. This information was also recently sent with no responce to Sally Stephens, Chair Commission of Animal Welfare and Control City of San Francisco. Sally Stephens holds a seat at the monthly Joint Zoo Committee Meeting.

It is not my intent for Wishbone to be be removed from the home he has lived in for most of his life, it is my intent to bring attention to his living situation and call for changes to be made in the simplest of form, bringing a small grass surface into his home. This is not an impossible task, nor is it costly. The above ground option that I suggested in the letter to Director Peterson is doable and should be done. I know for a fact that a Keeper tried with Management resistance to get the Andean Bears access to the Grizzly Gulch Meadow. That didn't happen in Wishbone's companion's lifetime. Let's make sure it happens in Wishbone's!

Endear yourself to precious Wishy, in this recent photo series. He is a happy boy, and makes his own fun. I'm sure he would be happier and have alot more fun on a softer surface like grass. Love you Wishy!

http://gooberssfzoofriends.shutterfly.com/6549

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!