LATEST: The broken and neglected San Francisco Zoo is no place for giant pandas
The truth about San Francisco Zoo —
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The broken and neglected San Francisco Zoo is no place for giant pandas
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Orangutan endured dismal conditions for two years
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Former Employee: Animals suffering because of management
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Employee Exodus between 2019 and late 2023
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Keepers Safety at Risk with close calls with Grizzly and Gorilla
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Zoo in violation of laws, breach of contract
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Former Employee: Toxic & dishonest leadership
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A kangaroo and two wallaroos attacked and killed by Puma
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Endangered Lemur stolen from SF Zoo
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Endangered rhino dies on loan to San Diego Zoo
- Joint Zoo Committee Notes, 2018
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Management delay euthanasia decisions
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Former Employee: A Dumpster fire
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A Baby Gorilla killed by a mechanic gate.
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Management accused of spying on staff.
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Vandals steal squirrel monkey
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Zoo Director has no experience running a zoo.
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SF Zoo Animals live in squalor
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17-year-old Dies after being mauled by a tiger.
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Tiger killed in a hail of police gunfire.
San Francisco, We Have a Problem.
The San Francisco Zoo is broken. Let’s change that.
It’s Time for New Management.
The City must end it’s contract with the Zoological Society and find a new organization to run the zoo. Current management has failed the animals and SF citizens for almost two decades. San Francisco deserved a zoo that puts animals first and management that is transparent, accountable, and honest.
Excellence In Zoo Management.
The city must establish a Zoo Oversight Commission. As a city named after the patron saint of animals, the inhabitants of the SF zoo deserve nothing less than exemplary care, cutting-edge facilities, and dedicated advocates. This commission will ensure that zoo management upholds the highest standards of animal welfare.
A Refuge - Not a Way Station.
Transition the zoo to a rescue and rehabilitation facility. It’s time for San Francisco Zoo to cease its monthly trading of animals and end breeding programs that do not restore of wild populations. Instead, it should offer a forever home to animals, protect habitats and contribute to genuine conservation efforts.
100% Transparency.
The zoo must stop breaking the law and follow-through on its lease agreement. Currently, in violation of city, state laws, and city contracts — San Francisco Zoo management is currently failing their legal obligation to provide citizens with records when requested. The zoo must collaborate with citizens and media by providing records.
For Animals. For Conservation. For Your Safety.
Imagine a future where San Francisco Zoo was a real conservation hub. A place where families could take their kids without the risk of animal escapes. Where animals were treated with dignity and respect.
Today, San Francisco Zoo makes big promises about its commitment to animal welfare, when for the last 15 years, facts prove otherwise. In the last few years alone, they failed to protect their animals from thieves, wild predators, kept great apes in dismal conditions and exposed their staff and potentially public to dangerous animals.
They declare they are at the forefront of conserving wildlife, while virtually contributing no money to conservation causes.
The San Francisco Zoo has no strategy for conserving wildlife and does very little to meet the needs of their animals — leaving them to suffer in inadequate and substandard conditions.
It’s time the San Francisco Zoo joins the 21st century or closes its doors for good.
Here’s how we build a zoo that reflects our values of compassion and kindness.
The City of San Francisco must:
- End its contract with the SF Zoological Society and build a new management team that puts animals first.
- Establish an animal welfare commission with management oversight powers to design a zoo animal bill of rights.
- Transition to a rescue zoo and commit to animals for their lifetime.
- Hire a staff dedicated to who fulfill records requests, prioritize transparency and collaborate with citizens.
- Build programs that directly contribute to real conservation efforts, protect species and their wild habitats.