baby boy howler is getting big!

my pal nica took these great photos yesterday, of the new baby howler, bamba and his big sisters, lupe and baya, hanging with each other! her camera has a stronger zoom than mine, so she gladly donated them to share here. thankx nica!

yesteryday's lovely big cats

captured some nice ones of the big cats yesterday in between visiting the friends and crime bustin'! ... more lions kisses! amanzi is just all over her sweetie jahari. i was right at the window and love this mass of mane and tongue! ... tony and his reflection in his pond. i love refelctions, shadows, ect. ... padang walking towards me against the bamboo. i love when i can get fav foliage in snaps!

january birthdays!

camilla and tunya weren't the only residents celebrating birthdays this month. i appologize to all the residents whose birthdays were not individually posted here. some i was there on the day or day about and blew a wish out to you. some i missed. i'm sorry. ... i have a birthday celebration plan that i pitched to the zoo director but got no reply. having been a small unofficial part of both cobby and padang's birthdays in 2009, there was proof that the public likes birthday celebrations. i hope at some point i can help the zoo remember and celebrate all the residents birthdays, because not only should no one's birthday go unrecognized, without these special animals, there would be no zoo.

january birthdays

1st- elly, sureshot, kachina, kiona, sassafras
3rd- monifa
4th- amanzi
26th- camilla, tunya

if you want to know when your favorite residents birthday is, please check the calendar tab on the supplement photo site. i will be updating it with all the birthday info i have, at least a month in advance.

happy birthday camilla and tunya!

celebrating her first birthday today! camilla was the first of two reticulated giraffe calf's born in 2009. she is the daughter of mama bititi and papa sam. her half brother niklas (his mama is carolina) was born three months after her, but she is still the tiniest giraffe on the savannah. ... january 26 also marks african lion tunya's thirteenth birthday! tunya came to the sfzoo as a cub in 1997. he currently is rooming solo, rotating the enclosure with his new companion, sukari. they will be cohabitating as soon as the keepers feel they are ready. ... happy birthday to you both! i wish the weather was better for a visit! hope you both get some special bday treats! ... photo of sam giving five day old camilla a kiss! ... one of my fav early photos of tunya i took on my birthday!

love is in the air!

the sun was shining at the zoo today and the friends were out enjoying it. ... got this snap of jahari showing amanzi some love! she actually initiated it but out of a series of three, this was the best capture (you can see her tongue tucking in after giving him a kiss)! sooo cute! ... tallulah was wrapped in a blanket sleeping in the sun with cobby beside her. it even looked like they were holding hands! i took some pix, but with the new path barriers the zoo has constructed, they are just too far away :( i suspect these two are sweet on each other as i once witnessed her take his chin in her hand, lean over and kiss him! sooo sweet! i was so taken with it that i missed getting a pic of it, but that's what memories are for and the zoo friends provide many moments to remember.

friends laying low during the storm

the zoo posted yesterday via twitter that the chimps "were inside under blankets watching the movie shark tales." i asked if "they have the attention spam to watch a movie all the way thru?" and "if they talk to each other during the movie?" the zoo answered this today, "Cobby was watching the movie, Tallulah was reading the others were snacking." thankx to the zoo for this info! paints a very cute picture in my mind! i wish i could have seen this scene. these friends are so special. ... the zoo also noted that they are painting and playing with other enrichment items.

more photos of the friends

if you wanna rock like my kitten (seen here approving the new photo site!), please make sure to follow the link on the left sidebar to view more of my photos of the zoo friends. these are photos that i previously had on different photo hosting sites and i have now combined them onto one page, that is titled to reflect the blog name. ... i will also add pix weekly from my visits as well as some gems from the past. ... if anyone has online photo albums of your sfzoo visit(s) and would like to be linked from my photo site, please provide me the link by leaving a message in the visitor comment section on the photo site. ... hope everyone enjoys this supplemental feature to my blog!

update on harry the penguin

Ill zoo penguin's health holding steady
By: Katie Worth Examiner Staff Writer

January 16, 2010

The San Francisco Zoo's Magellanic penguin Harry, left, became ill in December with a very serious respiratory infection. Harry the Penguin’s health has neither deteriorated nor improved in recent weeks, San Francisco Zoo officials reported. The Magellanic penguin – who famously left his longtime same-sex partner Pepper last year in favor of female penguin Linda – became ill in December with a very serious respiratory infection. The zoo removed both Harry and Linda to their Avian Conservation Center for treatment, since the non-contagious disease is frequently fatal for the waddling birds.

The situation was dicey at first, but Avian curator Harrison Edell reports that it has stabilized.
“Harry’s white blood cell count indicates that we haven’t lost ground, but that we’re not out of the woods,” he said. “His body weight has plateaued … his appetite seems good, and we will continue to treat him with antibiotics.” Edell said Harry will be treated until his white blood cell count improves and x-rays prove that he has truly conquered the illness.
Meanwhile, partner Linda is fine – if a little attached to her sick companion, Edell said.
“Linda’s doing well, and prefers to remain within two feet of Harry at all times,” he said.

news article source http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Ill-zoo-penguins-health-holding-steady-81895322.html
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Ill-zoo-penguins-health-holding-steady-81895322.html#ixzz0cztRBrmL

i found this last night online. a brief update was made by the zoo via twitter to another tweeter, but my request regarding a status of both harry and the ostrich have gone unanswered. continued best wishes to both of them.

fall for cublets!

Burung

Kami Sambol

Burung and Kami Sambol

in corresponding with machelle from the akron zoo, she sent me a pic from halloween. i love animals and pumpkins, the boo at the zoo events are always a favorite of mine. i asked her if she had anymore with pumpkins and she sent me these great snaps of our boys! there's even some cute tongue action! they are too adorable. i love seeing still hanging out together. ... at the time, i had looked at online sources including flickr and never found any, so these exclusives are a treat! thankx again machelle, you rock!

FINALLY!!! new law on motion to protect the zoo friends!

Zoo taunters face harsher dues

By: Mike Aldax
January 11, 2010

Unpunished: Supervisor Sean Elsbernd introduced new legislation after charges were dismissed against a man who entered a grizzly bear enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo. (AP file photo)

After several incidents in which patrons of the San Francisco Zoo have either taunted the wildlife or snuck into enclosures containing dangerous animals, a city lawmaker is proposing to tighten laws and increase penalties for those who foolishly mingle with The City’s animals.

Supervisor Sean Elsbernd’s proposal adds language to an existing law that prohibits entrance into habitats and enclosures, including the bison paddock in Golden Gate Park. The new law would specify that taunting or endangering animals in any city park is not allowed and would also heighten maximum fines for violations from $500 to $1,000.

The lawmaker introduced the legislation after a man who snuck into the grizzly bear enclosure Sept. 26 not only managed to escape with his life, but also without punishment. A Superior Court judge tossed out a misdemeanor trespassing charge against the 21-year-old man after his public defender argued that he did not intend to stay in the enclosure.

“Turns out that you can’t be charged with criminal trespass unless you occupy or otherwise live [in the space],” said Bob Jenkins, the zoo’s vice president of institutional advancement.

Never mind that the trespasser had to be rescued, which endangered zookeepers and the bears, Jenkins said.

Shocked by the ruling, Elsbernd said the legislative branch needed to step in and “correct problems presented by the judicial branch.”

The current city law does not do enough to deter or hold accountable those who stupidly mingle with wildlife, Elsbernd said.

The problem is not new, particularly at San Francisco Zoo.

No one can forget the 2007 Christmas Day tiger attack in which one of the animals leapt from its grotto and mauled three victims, killing one. Rumors swirled that the tiger had been taunted prior to the attack.

The following year, a patron was caught tossing acorns at a rhinoceros. And later that year, a man was caught climbing the fence of the black rhino enclosure.

And those are only incidents in which violators were caught.

The incidents “indicate a need to make sure we have ordinances on the books that allow for appropriate penalties,” said Jim Lazarus, president of the Recreation and Park Commission.

Elsbernd’s ordinance “makes [entering into zoo enclosures] outright illegal,” and “confirms that it is a misdemeanor and accentuates the penalties,” Jenkins said.

“It’s specific to the city of San Francisco and eliminates any confusion,” he said.

The legislation is expected to be heard by the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee as early as next month

article source
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Zoo-taunters-face-harsher-dues-81113462.html

Thank you to Sean Elsbernd! Finally someone with some sense to realize the laws were crap regarding protecting these animals. I am a frequent Zoo visitor (at least three times a week)and am constantly approaching people and calling security on people who are disturbing the animals. Who are these people and why do they come to an animal park if they are going to harass the residents? Its disgusting. The outcome of the trial re the grissly incident was outrageous. That judge and jury need a mental and moral adjustment. Those innocent sister bears could have lost their lives becuz of some evil idiot. if only this law could be retroactive.

get well harry!

i read last eve that harry the penguin is very ill. please say a prayer and send good wishes his way! my thoughts are with you harry! ... harry made the news in 2009 for being in a same sex relationship with pepper, then changing his mind and relationing with linda! i guess everyone loves them some harry! get well soon, they are probably missing you on the island! ... updated 1.13.10 news from the zoo via twitter "Not out of the woods yet, but appetite and energy level are normal & we continue to see day-to-day improvement!" yea harry! get well soon! ... i have also read that one of the ostriches has been sick. my tweet for an update has gone unanswered. will update when there is one. send good wishes to all animals, even those who aren't ill zoo friends, but a special wish for those who are.

cublets first snow adventure!

if you are a fan of skylar and bali's cubs and have been following their adventures in life, here are photos of these beautiful babies enjoying their first snow fall in their new home at the akron zoo! my favorites are the one with all three of them with their heads on each other. incredibly precious! and the one of a cublet peeking out at the snow at what could be snow at first sight! .so cute! i miss these boys! ... photos are courtesy of machelle, guest services assistant manager extraordinaire! ... if you are on facebook, please visit the akron zoo site and become a fan and follow the cubs journey. akron zoo also uses a cublet as their twitter profile pic!

black and white lions?

today felt like a black and white day, even though it was sunny out. i first took some pix of my kitten and then went to the zoo and took some pic of bigger cats! ... amanzi and jahari look out from the grotto as they spot keeper barb passing by. tunya was full of yawns as he lounged in the sun waiting to go into the lion house and catch a glimpse of his new girlfriend. the last one of tunya is my fav. he just looks so cute, like a big sleepy ragdoll and those cute ears!

winter on the farm!

the last day of the zoo's winter goes wild event brought mini snomen and presents to the barnyard buddies! this was the first time the goats and sheep have gotten this type of enrichment so when they were first let out for their morning stampede from their night quarters to the yard, they looked at the obstacle course of goods and was like "whoa, what is that?" then they took off in little groups to investigate. it was very cute! i love these friends and it was fun to see them experience something new. ... gandolf and merlin (alpacas) watch as the sheeps and goats run toward the yard. ginger went right for a mini snoman. she seemed to really like eating the snow! the pic is cute, but i had the flash on accidentally so its a little brighter than is best, but it still captures her moment! her daughter nutmeg had at a couple boxes and walked away with some green and blue paint on her horns abit peacock-ish! that giraffe box with a goats head in it was made by a friend who attended the make enrichment event on member's morning!

updates

please check the posts "new lioness in the house" and "kimani update". i have added to them since the original posting.

kimani update

after 4 unsuccessful attempts to get info via email from the tautphaus park zoo where kimani went to, i called them. the gal said "they do not give out info on the animals?!?!?" but i got some info on kimani (and sukari-see new lioness in the house post for update) ... kimani was just out of quarantine (odd since she left us on nov 18th and our quarantine is 30 days. anyway, today was her first day on exhibit and "everything is fine." i was hoping to get a bit more than that and try for another update at a later time, but i don't think that's going to happen. hopefully they will communicate with the keepers at the sfzoo periodically so her fans can monitor her progress and take joy in any offspring news! ... she has yet to see her new beau who is sukari's former husband, a younger male named dahoma. ... i have made a contact via flickr with a gal who's hometown zoo is the t-park and next time she makes a visit she said she will get pix for me (and you!). thankx denise! ... i hope kimani is happy in her new home and has many cute babies with dahoma! ... update 12.31.09 added photo of dahoma. born (in a litter of five, two girls and three boys) at henry villas zoo in october 2004, his name means long life in swahili. he moved to t-park zoo at just over a year old to be their resident females (sukari) mate. please see the post, new lioness in the house for info on his and sukari's cubs.

the tale of mishaki and the christmas tree

today's winter treat enrichment was for the black rhino's. the winter gone wild schedule isn't really helpful, since they seem to be changing it daily. black rhino's were supposed to be on sunday and they were switched to today. as well the time was changed. no matter, the male, mishaki aka gene, put on quite a show and it was well worth the wait! he was in the back part of the enclosure zeroing in on his goods and as soon as the gate was opened, he went right to the front and got down to business! he had a christmas tree with fruit and veggies attached to it and more goods on the rocks. he started gobbling right away and after a bit, the tree fell forward towards him and startled him. he gave it a look then went back to eating. he wasn't done but i think he felt that tree needed to be taught a lesson, so he marked it a few times, then started pushing it around with his head. he went over to the keepers for a pat and an ear rub, then back to finish off all the yummies! after that he gave that tree a stomping, peed on it some more, dragged it about more and said "take that!" he had alot of fun with his holiday gift! mishaki, you're adorable!

sukari

sukari was out in the grotto today! she must have made some real progress overnight as far as her comfort level. when i got there she was just getting up onto the ledge above the cave entrance. she settled in and stayed there looking out, just taking it all in. it must be hard being moved from one home to another without any say in the matter, but she looked calm. she makes cute little tongue hangin faces like my kitten and tony! here's some of my famous snaps from tv of video. thankfully i had the video camera or any sighting of her via naked eye or still pix would have been hard to tell much about how she looks. at second sight, her face kinda reminds me of a mountain lion/cougar. really look forward to seeing her out roaming the grotto and eventually interacting with tunya!

new lioness in the house!

the new lioness is out of quarantine and now living in her new home in the lion house. sukari was moved to the lion house last wednesday and spent her first day getting exams and settling in. for now she will only have access to the night quarters in the lion house while she gets used to her new surroundings, keepers, neighbors and companion. her access to the outside grotto exhibit im told will depend on how soon she feels comfortable inside. tiny steps to success! ... her new roommate is intended to be tunya, pending how well they do in howdy gate intro's. right now she is still shy and per the keeper has not ventured far out of her secluded night quarter which at necessary times is used as the nesting box area for pregnant felines and newborns. the cage door to the next cage is open and she can come out into the lion house when she wants and is in the caged area next to tunya, with one cage room between them. ... i went thurs and the lion house was closed, was bummed not to get to see her. today, lion house was open and she was in the nesting area and not visible. i thought i wouldnt get to see her but when i went back over there she was sitting and looking out thru the keepers door and i could see her pretty good! yea! she looks cute and big! i stood there for some time talking low to her saying hi and that we cant wait to meet her and that her keepers are nice and her new boyfriend is a sweetheart ;) she stared at me the whole time. then tunya came in and she looked at him once and then back over at me. after awhile i left so that she would look at tunya. he seems most interested in her! so i think they will be a good match when she gets comfortable. ... i think that our zoo has a unique situation in the lion house, where visitors are closer up than in most zoos. that said i think it may be awhile before she gets used to that. ... i have tried to get more info on her by email to the zoo she came from, but they have not responded to 4 attempts. will keep trying. ... stay tuned for pix as soon as i get some. i took a couple (no flash!) but i know before even looking at them they arent going to be great. heres one, open bigger to see her best. ... i cant wait til shes out in the yard and as happy to be here as we all are to meet her! welcome sukari! ... also see november post, new lioness in town! ... updated 12.30.09 i called the zoo she came from (tautphaus park) and they said "they don't give out any info on the animals?!?!?" odd but i worded stuff in such a way that i got this much, she is not yet 6 yrs old (they said younger than kimani), she was not born there, although the gal said something about oklahoma and mentioned a sister, but would have to "look it up" to be certain. she did breed with a male named dahoma, who was brought in at just over a year old to be her mate. they produced two litters, one female in each litter. she didn't have the info on where those two babies went. i thanked her for this info and i think its all we are going to get. ... updated 12.31.09 the first baby girl born in july 6 2007 and is named mfisha (meaning fighter), the second named ahadi (hope) was born in january 2008. they were both hand raised and moved together to the henry doorly zoo in omaha on a future ssp breeding recommendation. there's a pic of them here http://aokineko.deviantart.com/art/Mfisha-and-Ahdi-116678845 they are cute! and clearly one looks like sukari and one like dahoma.