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!

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

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 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!

Welcome - Mission of this Blog

If you are happening on to this blog without having knowledge of my connection to the San Francisco Zoo, please visit www.sanfranciscozoocrime.blogspot.com if you are interested in more background information.

Also note, that this blog goes hand in hand with one titled, San Francisco Zoo FAILS, www.sanfranciscozoofails.blogspot.com The missions are a bit different, but the subject matter is the same. To bring public awareness to things I believe are just not right. ... There may be some duplicate wording in the Welcome posts on the both these blogs. That is so they can stand alone if someone read them independently.

For a good part of the past two years I had an open (and seemingly welcomed) correspondence with the Director of the San Francisco Zoo, Tanya Peterson, to submit ideas, comments and concerns. That has since changed, but my dedication to the Animals there has not. I love my Zoo friends as you can see if you visit any of my sites dedicated to them. I have provided links on the right hand side bar. Please visit them and learn more about the wonderful Animals who call the Zoo home. Then patron the Zoo and see them in person.

As a frequent visitor, there is often curious things that go on at the Zoo. There was a time, prior to the events of the past couple months, where I could ask a number of people on Staff questions, where now that is not something I feel comfortable doing.

There are many things I find curious, based on an emotional level to which I am tied to the Animals that call the Zoo home. I am not an animal care professional, I am just someone one, who cares about animals PERIOD. I do not think that holding a job in animal care means you know all. I would hope it would, but I've learned it does not. I believe I have spent more time on Zoo grounds than any other visitor., in the past three years. After suffering a loss, I pretty much lived and breathed the Zoo. I have done more research than probably most of the Staff. Via my blogs and sharing information with Visitors in person, I have probably done more outreach as well. I have ID's behavior issues, new body marks, and other useful things to the Animal Staff, because I have watched the Animals so much I am familiar enough to do so. I ask valid questions of Staff and learn from them. That said, I can also spot short comings and as I call them, and I now call them FAILS.

Everything you will read in the posts on the blog are solely my opinion, hence I will often use the words, "I believe". I will post fact as fact when it is, I will note "allegedly" if its hearsay.

This blog will be dedicated to one specific situation. A desperate situation in my opinion.

I never thought I would make things a public concern, but maybe its necessary. My goal is not to find fault with the San Francisco Zoo Management, but in the past I have offered ideas and comments, some that fall under constructive criticism, all ignored. The Keeper and Vet Staff do an amazing job of caring for the Animals. The Management, in my opinion, not so much.

I have spent extensive time on the Zoo grounds, so I have been privy to much information. Of course my concerns stem from the perspective of the Visitor and they are based on an emotional level most of the time. This does not mean they aren't logical or invalid.

Prior to this blog I have tried to convey my thoughts and concerns within Zoo walls, but that has not worked. I have contacted the Zoo Director and other VIPs, the later with no reaction.

Sadly my only conclusion is no one at higher levels within the Zoo Management, Zoological Society Board, Park and Recreation, or the City of San Francisco, care about what goes on at the Zoo. Preferring to let things ride status quo. I could understand this if the Zoo was the best that it could be, but its not. Its a great place that needs much fine tuning. Unfortunately to me (as a Visitor) it appears the Zoo is a pet project for Society types, and other than the Keepers and Vets, no one seems to really to care. The Keepers and Vets do their jobs in caring for the Animals, but their hands are tied above that by those above them.

It is my hope that someday Management starts listening to those who actually care for and work with the Animals everyday. They don't seem to understand that without the Animals who live there, they would not have jobs there. A Zoo is a Zoo because there are Animals.