Latest news with #SanFranciscoZoo
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Zoo CEO branded 'as bad as Joe Exotic' booted after secret plot to import pandas from China outraged staff
A San Francisco zookeeper who was branded as bad as the imprisoned Tiger King, Joe Exotic, has been axed from her job to the joy of her employees. Tanya Peterson has announced she will step down from her job as the CEO of the San Francisco Zoo after several scandals and a campaign to oust her from the top spot. 'Leading this zoo has been one of the great honors of my life,' she said in a statement, according to The San Francisco Standard. 'I have been committed to leading the SF Zoo through some of its most transformative and, unfortunately, some of its most challenging moments.' Peterson has been leading the zoo since 2008 and has weathered several controversies, including concerns over animal and worker safety. She also lost 20 percent of her staff between 2019 and 2023, including nine managers who had between 10 and 50 years of experience, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Peterson got off to challenging start, stepping into the role fresh off the heels of a death at zoo after a 300-pound Siberian tiger got out of its exhibit on Christmas Day and killed a visitor and injured two others in 2007. Since then, more animal shave also escaped their cages, endangering zookeepers, and some animals, like a baby gorilla and penguin, have died under Peterson's leadership. Last month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is set to freeze the zoo's $4million in city funding until it turns in an audit for its finances, The Los Angeles Times reported. The board approved the audit last year after the zoo received negative press about mismanagement and animal care and it wanted to see how the establishment was operating. The the zoo's union, Teamsters 856, also issued a vote of no confidence in Peterson in October. It was the second one she has received since 2014, when the first was issued due to half finished projects at the zoo. Ahead of the vote, Peterson let slip about a secret meeting she was about to have with the Chinese Consulate about bringing pandas to San Francisco allegedly in an attempt to leverage her position. Only two other zoos have pandas: San Diego and the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Peterson allegedly told the Board of Supervisors that if she were to be let go, the zoo might not get the pandas. When former Mayor London Breed announced it publicly in April, zookeepers had no idea and were worried the zoo didn't have what was needed to care for the pandas. The pandas are projected to cost the establishment an estimated $25million to accommodate. The pandas are expected to arrive at the coastal zoo by the end of 2026, and Peterson played a large role in helping Breed get the animals from China. The zoo will have up safety measures before their arrival after a bear almost mauled a zookeeper in May 2022. The zookeeper was working inside the enclosure and had thought he had locked Kiona up properly, but the door misfunctioned, allowing her to get out and unexpectedly approach him. When he tried to escape, the bear followed him. He narrowly made it to safety. In 2014, a baby gorilla was crushed by a door inside her enclosure. The animals were being moved to their nighttime area when Kabibe darted underneath the door as it was closing. Experts said both instances could have been avoided if the zoo had enacted proper safety measures. Peterson has also been under siege from lawmakers. Earlier this month, current Mayor Daniel Lurie pushed for her to leave her post. And now that she's finally out, employees are overjoyed. 'I haven't seen this level of positivity and excitement ever,' Stephanie Carpenter, a reptile keeper, told The Los Angeles Times. Travis Shields, a former carnivore curator, told The Times: 'I don't think [keepers] care who comes next. It can't be any worse unless Joe Exotic comes in - and he's still in prison.' Now, the $25million panda project might be in peril, as Peterson's departure leaves it hanging in a gray area. 'They're holding their breath,' a former manager, who was not identified, told The Times. The new CEO, who has not been appointed, will have to figure out how to raise the money - something Peterson was very good at, according to employees. 'She's a good fundraiser, I'll give her that,' an San Francisco Recreation and Park Commissioner Larry Mazzola Jr. told The Times. Lurie and the board will appoint the new executive. 'I look forward to working with the board and the new leadership to improve our zoo,' he said in a statement. He also looks forward to bringing pandas to town.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Somersaulting red panda dies at California zoo
A red panda known for his somersaults has died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take him in for observations. In a social media post announcing his death on Friday the zoo said he started to also exhibit balance issues and episodes became more frequent and lasted longer. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after the zoo announced his death. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 per cent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cute red panda beloved by children for its somersaults inside California zoo suddenly dies
An adorable 12-year-old red panda, known for his somersaults has suddenly died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take a closer look at him. He soon started to also exhibit balance issues as episodes became more frequent and lasted longer, the zoo said in a social media post announcing his tragic death Friday. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos displaying his unique antics, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after zoo announcing he passed away. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 percent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
CEO of San Francisco Zoo announces retirement amid turmoil
The longtime chief of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announced her retirement Tuesday night, just days after Mayor Daniel Lurie called for her departure. Tanya Peterson told the San Francisco Zoological Society board's executive committee that she will be retiring Aug. 1. "She thanked the board and employees and animals at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, saying it has been an honor to serve the loyal constituents of this amazing community," according to a statement from spokesperson Sam Singer. "She made the decision on her own because she believed it was the right thing to do on behalf of the institution," Singer said. Hired in 2008, Peterson and the zoo had come under fire recently in the wake of a report detailing animal welfare and staff safety concerns. And while a recent inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture found the zoo was compliant with federal animal welfare regulations, the animal rights groups In Defense of Animals, SF Zoo Watch and Panda Voices have repeatedly called for Peterson's ouster "following year of negligence, mismanagement, preventable animal deaths, obstructing accountability, and misuse of public resources." One of Peterson's most visible recent efforts was to champion the zoo's possible acquisition of a pair of giant pandas from China by April 2026 -- a plan Lurie signaled would move forward without her. "Under new, stable leadership, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to reach new heights. I want to thank Tanya Peterson for her service to the zoo and our city," Lurie said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the board and the new leadership to improve our zoo and fulfill the rare and exciting opportunity to bring pandas to our city."
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Embattled San Francisco Zoo CEO refuses to step down
Mayor Daniel Lurie has joined a growing chorus of voices calling for new leadership at the San Francisco Zoo, citing stability concerns at the cherished city institution. "I am confident that stable, permanent leadership will strengthen the zoo and our city's ability to welcome pandas, and the zoo board's decision to identify a new COO and develop a plan to name a new CEO represents real steps in the right direction," Lurie said in a statement released Friday. However, Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson has made it clear she has no intention of resigning. "She has always said that she would resign if it was in the best interest of the zoo," said zoo spokesperson Sam Singer. "But no one has asked her to resign, nor has she offered her resignation. She's plowing full speed ahead to try to bring the giant pandas to San Francisco." The debate over leadership comes amid tensions between zoo management and employees. The union representing many zoo workers recently passed a vote of "no confidence" in Peterson's leadership, citing concerns about safety conditions for visitors, staff, and animals. Critics have pointed directly to Peterson, who has served as CEO for 17 years, as a central figure in the zoo's problems. Some members of the zoo board have reportedly made attempts to remove her, but so far, those efforts have failed. And those board members resigned. Officially, only the board has the authority to remove Peterson. "She's got the skin of an elephant. This doesn't bother her at all. It's like water off her back. She's going to keep doing what's right for the kids and families in San Francisco," Singer added. On Sunday, at the city's Pride celebration, Mayor Lurie declined to answer specific questions about efforts to oust Peterson, saying only, "We're going to talk to the zoo board in the coming days. More to come on that one." Meanwhile, many zoo visitors remain unaware of the political turmoil behind the scenes. "The zoo is always the same and always fun," said Drew Bernier, a father of two young children who makes monthly visits with his family from San Bruno. "We love the zoo. We've got a guest pass. We have the kiddos, one and a half and three and a half [years old]." Bernier said their experiences at the zoo have been consistently positive. "I've never felt not safe at the zoo," he said. "You wouldn't know that there's anything outside that's creating tension." Despite the calls for change, the zoo continues its efforts to grow and improve. Most recently, it hired Cassandra Costello as its new Chief Operating Officer. Peterson is reportedly focused on one of her marquee projects: bringing a pair of giant pandas from China to San Francisco next year.
