New leadership just one aspect of major changes needed at troubled institution

San Francisco, CA. . . . Fixing the troubled San Francisco Zoo will require more than replacing its beleaguered director, In Defense of Animals (IDA) said today. 

IDA is calling for a multi-pronged approach to zoo reform, including a new direction, new oversight to ensure animal welfare and an open process in selecting new leadership for the institution.

“The problems at the San Francisco Zoo go beyond one person,” said Deniz Bolbol, spokesperson for IDA. “The troubles at the zoo preceded the former director, Manuel Mollinedo, and will continue unless there is a fundamental change in the zoo’s direction, management and oversight."

IDA seeks the establishment of a Board of Supervisors-created animal welfare oversight committee and is advocating for transformation of the facility into a rescue zoo, building upon the success of the grizzly bear exhibit. The goal is to create an institution that prioritizes animal welfare. If animal welfare had been a priority, the group says, the majority of animals would not remain in decades old enclosures such as the tiger grotto from which Tatiana escaped in December.

IDA also called for an open process for recruiting a new director that involves local animal welfare advocates and the city’s own Animal Control and Welfare Commission. Previously the San Francisco Zoological Society, which is paid by the city to manage the city-owned zoo, chose directors behind closed doors, without community input in the process.

IDA is an international animal rescue and advocacy organization based in San Rafael, CA. 

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