Good Morning! I spent hours last night saving comments from the Petition to print for the Meeting tonight. I wanted to print the whole Petition but thankfully we have over 800 Signatures! and it was way too long for a handout. There were also so many wonderful comments that I had to narrow them down to four pages, using a pretty small font size to even get to four pages only! Thank you so much to everyone who Signed and left a Comment. Every comment is wonderful and valued. If the Chimps could read, I'm sure they would feel your love. Reviewing them this morning, I sit her sobbing. I want to post the ones I will be presenting tonight to the Commission. Again they are all wonderful, it was just a matter of space that I had to narrow the list. After the Petition closes, I will try to post every comment made! Thank you all again! Let's Get Our Chimps A New Home in SF!
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Comments taken from the online Petition - San Francisco Zoo - Don’t Kick Chimps Out!
T May, CAFeb 25, 23:07 # 801
This is an opportunity to teach the young about valuing old age animals and people, and you are blowing it, plus you are disrespecting the staff, on top of being insensitive about the animals about whom it is obvious you don't give a damn. It seems that Zoo Director Tanya Peterson should be working for a park, not for a zoo.
Kathryn Woodhouse, CAFeb 25, 22:34 # 791
I am shocked and saddened that these chimpanzees are being treated this way. They deserve better, and should be living out the rest of their lives in the only home they know that is far overdue for upgrades. Don't torture these innocent animals by moving them across the country because of mistakes made by zoo officials.
H GONZALEZ, CAFeb 25, 21:37 # 779
This is their home, please don't let them take the chimps!
Sharon Beals, CAFeb 25, 21:20 # 769
Please do right by these creatures. Keep them here, and improve their home. It will only make the zoo more important to us, and spare the zoo so much negative p;r.
Lara Fabans, CAFeb 25, 21:12 # 762
Let them live out their natural lives in the only home they've had, please. It's the humane thing to do.
Leann Sofilos, CAFeb 25, 20:54 # 752
Please let them stay and give them the new home that was promised.
Bridget Oates, CAFeb 25, 20:40 # 750
Please let these three elderly chimps stay in the peaceful home they have known for 45 years with the people they have come to trust.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 20:40 # 749
This is absolutely disgusting to move these Senior Chimps. Please let them retire in peace. There is no way they will make that trip to Florida with all the stress this is their only HOME. Shame on the Zoo for even thinking of this.
Patti Meyer, CAFeb 25, 20:23 # 743
These chimps are senior citizens and deserve to "retire" in the home they have lived in for so long.
Leanne Wilson, CAFeb 25, 20:23 # 741
We don't need sculptures at the Zoo, we need animals to learn from and share with our kids. Please don't move our chimps!! Spend the money on expanding this exhibit and adding to the social group. It will add more visitors to the park! Thank You.
Sunny Powel, 25, 20:12 # 738
Without our voice, these chimps will end up being shipped from the only home they have known. ABSOLUTELY NOT. San Francisco Zoo don't treat our older animals like they are an inconveince.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 20:12 # 737
My family are zoo members and have been visitors for years. We were heart broken after we heard about Kabibe. So after what happened to her I would think the SF zoo would not want any more bad press. If these chimps were younger that would be one thing but given their age and that this is there only home that they have known. How much I love the Zoo I would have to rethink having a membership. The elinor friend playground is awesome but this is a zoo not a neighborhood park. Fix this please!
john Kindorf, CAFeb 25, 19:55 # 733
please allow these intelligent, wonderful animals to stay in there home
R. Locher, CAFeb 25, 19:51 # 728
Why not take better care of these three who have provided so much joy to all of us across the bay area? It is cruel to move them at their fragile age.
Karen Costa, CAFeb 25, 19:31 # 707
When I heard this story on Ch.7 news, I knew I just had to write.I have fond memories of being witness to the uncanny bond my friend Julie Rickrode had to these chimps, especially Maggie.She and her mother Claire spent many hours at the zoo, and were sponsers of the chimps back in the 70's.She and I would go to the zoo together, and as we were walking down the path that leads to the Chimp's habitat, Maggie and Julie would start their "conversation" together. Maggie would become soooo animated every time she saw Julie coming! It was truly amazing! One time,we had the great privilege of going "behind the scenes" where I was able to take pictures of Maggie up close for Julie...I'll never forget it. Sadly, Julie is no longer with us, so I am speaking for her as well as myself. I know she would be appalled to find this out about their plight. Do the right thing and improve their habitat!!!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 19:05 # 693
The lack of compassion and understanding for these amazing animals is mind blowing. SO much money rolling into SF and none for this. Disgusting. It is a sad message you send even as you try to spin it. shame on you.
Dwight Barry, CAFeb 25, 19:02 # 690
People - have a heart! We are but a chromosome or two away from our "Chimp" brothers and sisters. Remember "Planet of the Apes?" Build these Chimps a new habitat right here in San Francisco and show a little class.
Eugene Granovsky, CAFeb 25, 19:01 # 687
No more sculpture gardens and playgrounds unless they for the animals. Keep the chimps at home! I am a member of the zoological society and have been for over 25 years and this really annoys me.
Lynn Fonseca, CAFeb 25, 19:01 # 684
I am a SF zoo member and anthropologist with a primatologist back ground. I am saddened and outraged that these elderly chimps would be removed from their home (such as it is). It will be a death sentence. Please allow them to stay until their natural deaths.
haron Knott, CAFeb 25, 18:53 # 675
I think it's horrible that they want to move the chimps from their home that they have had for decades. They can spend money on a sculpture garden, but not for the chimps. Who goes to a zoo to see a sculpture garden? You go to see the animals.
Elaine Maloney, CAFeb 25, 18:49 # 660
This is an opportunity to teach the young about valuing old age animals and people, and you are blowing it, plus you are disrespecting the staff, on top of being insensitive about the animals about whom it is obvious you don't give a damn. It seems that Zoo Director Tanya Peterson should be working for a park, not for a zoo.
Kathryn Woodhouse, CAFeb 25, 22:34 # 791
I am shocked and saddened that these chimpanzees are being treated this way. They deserve better, and should be living out the rest of their lives in the only home they know that is far overdue for upgrades. Don't torture these innocent animals by moving them across the country because of mistakes made by zoo officials.
H GONZALEZ, CAFeb 25, 21:37 # 779
This is their home, please don't let them take the chimps!
Sharon Beals, CAFeb 25, 21:20 # 769
Please do right by these creatures. Keep them here, and improve their home. It will only make the zoo more important to us, and spare the zoo so much negative p;r.
Lara Fabans, CAFeb 25, 21:12 # 762
Let them live out their natural lives in the only home they've had, please. It's the humane thing to do.
Leann Sofilos, CAFeb 25, 20:54 # 752
Please let them stay and give them the new home that was promised.
Bridget Oates, CAFeb 25, 20:40 # 750
Please let these three elderly chimps stay in the peaceful home they have known for 45 years with the people they have come to trust.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 20:40 # 749
This is absolutely disgusting to move these Senior Chimps. Please let them retire in peace. There is no way they will make that trip to Florida with all the stress this is their only HOME. Shame on the Zoo for even thinking of this.
Patti Meyer, CAFeb 25, 20:23 # 743
These chimps are senior citizens and deserve to "retire" in the home they have lived in for so long.
Leanne Wilson, CAFeb 25, 20:23 # 741
We don't need sculptures at the Zoo, we need animals to learn from and share with our kids. Please don't move our chimps!! Spend the money on expanding this exhibit and adding to the social group. It will add more visitors to the park! Thank You.
Sunny Powel, 25, 20:12 # 738
Without our voice, these chimps will end up being shipped from the only home they have known. ABSOLUTELY NOT. San Francisco Zoo don't treat our older animals like they are an inconveince.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 20:12 # 737
My family are zoo members and have been visitors for years. We were heart broken after we heard about Kabibe. So after what happened to her I would think the SF zoo would not want any more bad press. If these chimps were younger that would be one thing but given their age and that this is there only home that they have known. How much I love the Zoo I would have to rethink having a membership. The elinor friend playground is awesome but this is a zoo not a neighborhood park. Fix this please!
john Kindorf, CAFeb 25, 19:55 # 733
please allow these intelligent, wonderful animals to stay in there home
R. Locher, CAFeb 25, 19:51 # 728
Why not take better care of these three who have provided so much joy to all of us across the bay area? It is cruel to move them at their fragile age.
Karen Costa, CAFeb 25, 19:31 # 707
When I heard this story on Ch.7 news, I knew I just had to write.I have fond memories of being witness to the uncanny bond my friend Julie Rickrode had to these chimps, especially Maggie.She and her mother Claire spent many hours at the zoo, and were sponsers of the chimps back in the 70's.She and I would go to the zoo together, and as we were walking down the path that leads to the Chimp's habitat, Maggie and Julie would start their "conversation" together. Maggie would become soooo animated every time she saw Julie coming! It was truly amazing! One time,we had the great privilege of going "behind the scenes" where I was able to take pictures of Maggie up close for Julie...I'll never forget it. Sadly, Julie is no longer with us, so I am speaking for her as well as myself. I know she would be appalled to find this out about their plight. Do the right thing and improve their habitat!!!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 19:05 # 693
The lack of compassion and understanding for these amazing animals is mind blowing. SO much money rolling into SF and none for this. Disgusting. It is a sad message you send even as you try to spin it. shame on you.
Dwight Barry, CAFeb 25, 19:02 # 690
People - have a heart! We are but a chromosome or two away from our "Chimp" brothers and sisters. Remember "Planet of the Apes?" Build these Chimps a new habitat right here in San Francisco and show a little class.
Eugene Granovsky, CAFeb 25, 19:01 # 687
No more sculpture gardens and playgrounds unless they for the animals. Keep the chimps at home! I am a member of the zoological society and have been for over 25 years and this really annoys me.
Lynn Fonseca, CAFeb 25, 19:01 # 684
I am a SF zoo member and anthropologist with a primatologist back ground. I am saddened and outraged that these elderly chimps would be removed from their home (such as it is). It will be a death sentence. Please allow them to stay until their natural deaths.
haron Knott, CAFeb 25, 18:53 # 675
I think it's horrible that they want to move the chimps from their home that they have had for decades. They can spend money on a sculpture garden, but not for the chimps. Who goes to a zoo to see a sculpture garden? You go to see the animals.
Elaine Maloney, CAFeb 25, 18:49 # 660
I have grown up in San Francisco and LOVE visiting those chimps... 29 years old and been to the zoo MANY times. If you think its acceptable to SHIP off chimps while building a sculpture garden with millions, you are clearly NOT the zoo I thought you were. If you lose these three chimps, you will also lose a family of fans, and I PROMISE to NEVER give money, never visit and go to Oakland. Which says a lot since the zoo is literally down the street from me.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 18:40 # 642
Please don't move them they have been an asset for the zoo for years ... They deserve better in their senior years than to be shipped away. Terrible way to treat these animals!!!!
Sergio Schubert, CAFeb 25, 18:22 # 639
Let them live out the rest of their lives in peace in the only home they've known you horrible monsters.
Devi Rich, MDFeb 25, 16:34 # 625
As a native San Franciscan, I implore you to continue caring for these chimps. The SF Zoo has been their home for decades - to uproot them would be the epitome of cruelty and selfishness. If it is a funding issue, I'm sure the good people of SF would contribute to their care. PLEASE reconsider, and let them stay!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 14:39 # 618
How can you even think of moving those chimps. They have lived there almost their entire lives and now you think oh well they won't care or be impacted on the move. You don't even belong running the zoo if that is your thinking.
Rhonda Schroeder, CAFeb 25, 14:16 # 614
These chimps are too old to have to experience such a huge trauma and change to their lives. They likely won't survive, is that the goal? Allow them to live their final days together and in peace. Respectfully, Rhonda Schroeder
Yovanna Peck, CAFeb 25, 12:57 # 601
I am an ex-S.F. Animal Keeper and I remember that the same inhumane fate was going to befall "Ellie" the very old and "hard-working" (you know what I mean!) female Rhino. It is cruel to take elderly animals and relocate them supposedly for the good of the species, causing them fear and yes, sadness. Cobby, Minnie and Maggie deserve protection. We stole them as little babies, no doubt killing their mothers so MANY years ago, in order to be "entertained" by them. Now at least let them stay at their home until they die of old age. It is the only decent thing we can do for them.
Diane Palacio, CAFeb 25, 12:09 # 595
Keep the 3 chimps together at the S.F. Zoo and build a new area for them as promised. Misappropriation of funds is not acceptable.
harriet menon, CAFeb 25, 11:52 # 593
This is outrageous! The chimps should be allowed to live out their lives peacefully. Find a way to make this happen. Show us that a zoo really does care!
Carol Keith, MIFeb 25, 10:34 # 578
After living and existing with each other,these chimps have become acclimated to their surroundings,however bad they are.To move them to what sounds like a busy,noisey environment could and most likely will cause such anxiety that they could suffer severe health problems resulting in death.They are used to their caretakers and their surroundings,so to move them at this age is giving them the death sentence!Spend some money on these beloved tourist attractions and forget about the playgrounds,etc.They don't belong in any zoo but they do deserve to live their final days in the place they have become accustomed to.Please don;t move them!
Libby Edwards, NYFeb 25, 10:15 # 575
As a former SF resident, I am appalled to think that these elderly chimps would be moved. I would think a special fundraising campaign to expand their habitat should be the first priority--not stressing out elderly chimps with a major relocation!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 09:19 # 557
Please STOP the move. These beautiful animals need to live out their lives in the only home they know
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 09:01 # 555
The idea of moving these old chimps makes me sad and angry. Please do whatever it takes to allow them to live out their lives in their San Francisco home.
Ellen Floyd, CAFeb 25, 08:16 # 541
Please build the new facility for the chimps. We owe them love and respect.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 25, 08:00 # 535
these chimps are our responsibility. everything about this move is wrong for these animals.
Phyllis Winter, CAFeb 25, 07:39 # 529
It's very traumatizing to have to adjust to a new home at their advanced ages. Please let them age at what they think is home!
Vicki Helgenberg, PAFeb 25, 04:57 # 516
That really is a disgrace. Dumping out the Seniors, the Family, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Leave them there and let the Public learn of the goodness of your hearts. Then maybe the Public will learn something from that.
Donna Tai, CAFeb 25, 03:00 # 509
I am 60, relatively younger than these chimps and would be devastated to be moved in with a large noisy bunch of strangers and the noise of kid rides. As a medical professional I saw many elderly people totally lose their wellbeing and go downhill mentally and physically just because they had to move to an unfamiliar environment. This is nothing but cruelty and callousness by San Francisco zoo. How about a zoo boycott as money seems to be their main concern?
Melinda Rosenaur, CAFeb 25, 01:21 # 503
Please keep these precious chimpanzees right where they are at the San Francisco Zoo. This is the only home they have ever known. It would be a grave injustice to send them to Florida where they may be uncomfortable and unable to fit in well with other chimpanzees they don't know. These chimpanzees are a beloved fixture at the San Francisco Zoo and as such should be treated with the utmost love and respect. Do the right thing San Francisco, and upgrade and make the necessary changes to their enclosure to make it desirable for them to stay in San Francisco. Please make the only right choice for them and let them stay at their home at the San Francisco Zoo. We the people are counting on you to make the right choice for these chimpanzees, and have them stay in San Francisco!
Kimberly Pudliner, CAFeb 25, 00:20 # 495
The SF Zoo should take pride in having some of the oldest, if not the oldest, chimps and advertise as such. Their home at the zoo should be upgraded and refreshed, rather than uprooting them from their home and causing potential anxiety or worse.
jeanne stuart-chilcote, CAFeb 25, 00:14 # 494
We love all animals and they love us back 10 fold. I have only been to zoo's a few times with my Aunt, due to my Dad had said it was not right to take them out of their habitat and now I am 50 and I have not gone back to the zoo. I really want to. This tugged at my heart. I hope we can persuade Google or many other company's to donate money to make a better home for our chimps in our beloved animals! I feel if Robin Williams was still alive he would do something to help! Everyone loved Robin and if even each person that enjoyed him would donate $1 or 5 dollars we could have over a million dollars to help, but I know we will need much more money. Wealthy people, I pray you open your check books and maybe do it as a memorial to Robin Williams. Just a thought. I give thanks to Kim Forwood and abc Channel 7 news! Sincerely, Jeanne Stuart-Chilcote
Name not displayed, CAFeb 24, 23:53 # 487
We must always take care of our elderly! Keep them home and together, shipping them off could be the beginning of the end. Build them a new space here!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 24, 23:45 # 480
I am a Native Second Generation San Franciscan and these chimps have been her since I was born. This is EXTREMELY DEVASTATING that you would just get rid of these chimps from the only home they have ever known!!!!!! To split them up and to confuse them at there age by just shipping them off for whatever reasons you feel is "best" for them or their population is disgusting!!!! It needs to stop NOW!!!!
Annika Gustafsson, CAFeb 24, 23:44 # 479
Didn't realize that these were the same guys I saw as a kid. Let them stay where they are now and fix their home. How much money must be stolen for other purposes? Let's be their voice!
Name not displayed, CAFeb 24, 23:37 # 474
The chimps have been there since I was a kid. The zoo management should spend the money to upgrade their facilities to take care of "their senior citizens" and not send them away. It's criminal to spend money on a rock garden and not on their own residents.
Name not displayed, CAFeb 22, 21:54 # 438
The zoo depends on support from visitors and donors and should say SOMEthing to them about what their plans are instead of moving these long-time dependent residents out in the dark of night if that's what they're planning. That they've not denied any of this nor explained anything at all is disquieting. There is too much secrecy involved and a strong hint of not caring about animals that have just grown too old to be a revenue enhancer. We recently experienced not enough care shown there, despite accident records, that affected a young gorilla's life. What's needed are assurances that any plans guarantee the well-being of the chimps when the zoo did not use voter-approved funding that was earmarked to improve their living situation at this zoo. Are those who oversee zoo management disinterested in what happens with the animals?
Name not displayed, CAFeb 15, 15:12 # 83
Tonya, you will kill the chimps if you displace them from their home after all these years. Do you not have any empathy for the animals your policies affect? This is typical of the new San Francisco. We're even gentrifying the zoo! Unbelievable
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