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)
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!
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