To view graphic version of this page, refresh this page (F5)

Skip to page body
City and County of San Francisco
Commission of Animal Control & Welfare Archived Meetings

Meeting Information


2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 

San Francisco Zoo / Transitioning/ Commissioner Hemphill  3/5/2008

 

After spending some time at the SF Zoo, it soon  becomes clear that there are some animal issues that need to be addressed. The human amenities have been updated and appear to be greatly appreciated by zoo visitors, but the animal enclosures are often small and some are barren. There are animals like the pacing polar bear who are clearly distressed. There are many animals who come from tropical climates to a zoo located on a windy cool coast. Sometimes the zoo has more the feel of being an amusement park rather than a safe place for animals. It is time to begin to look at the conditions of the animals and see what positive changes can be made. Visitor improvements are in place.

 

Zoos have a role in  teaching  people to value the natural world and its animal inhabitants. There are many species at risk, but zoos will not be able to be an “ark” for all of them.  There is a need to educate about wildlife, internationally, nationally and right here in San Francisco. The store at the zoo entrance sells toys for children, but appeared to sell or present little animal educational or reference material for adults. The Zoo could be an interpretive center for Bay Area/ California wildlife for tourists, as well as providing information on animals found elsewhere in the world, the zoo inhabitants. Tourists who are informed might travel to Point Reyes to see the Tule Elk. Or, after visiting the zoo, travel to nearby Stow Lake to see the Great Blue Herons nesting.  Only minutes away is Ocean  beach teeming with birds, migrant and resident, Pier 39 with the sea lions, and San Francisco Bay itself is a wonderful resource. To take advantage of these destinations, one has to be informed about them. This chance to be involved at a local level would appear to be a missed opportunity, a failure to generate concern for animals. A person who is an advocate for local wildlife will  likely also be a supporter for protecting animals from elsewhere in the world, the animals that the zoo holds.  Local outreach by zoo docents at other locations could bring more visitors to the Zoo.

 

San Francisco has no local  wildlife rehabilitation center, unlike surrounding counties. This would be reasonable project for the Zoo to take on and could draw visitors. Many of the wildlife treated at the Zoo could be returned to the wild while some, unable to survive outside, could become educational for visitors.

 

There are some signs explaining about the animals, but generally little information is conveyed. If the adults are going to answer questions for themselves or their children, there needs to be more educational material. This lack of material seems to reflect an attitude toward the animals, a lack of interest.

 

The zoo also has an important role in generating respect for the animals. The new signs in place are an improvement, but for years, the attitudes of visitors have often been about laughing at the animals. The zoo needs to emphasize this aspect to visitors. It needs to be specified on the visitor guide.