Resources
The San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission's Recommendation
The City's advisory Animal Welfare Control and Welfare Commission held hearings on animal welfare issues at the city-owned zoo and issued their findings and recommendations.
Read the text of the ordinance introduced to establish the San Francisco Zoo as a rescue facility and establish an animal welfare oversight committee.
Why Should San Francisco Zoo become a rescue zoo?
What would a rescue zoo look like?
Doesn’t San Francisco Zoo already rescue animals?
Are there any models for a rescue zoo in the U.S.?
What about the zoo’s endangered species breeding programs?
Won’t the change to a rescue-based zoo impact fundraising abilities?
Why Should San Francisco Zoo become a rescue zoo?
San Francisco is a world class city whose zoo should be an international model for humane care and treatment of animals. By adopting a mission of providing a home for the many exotic and wildlife species in need of placement, the Zoo will first and foremost be there to meet the needs of animals. Currently on the Zoo’s 100-acre property animal enclosures are cramped and comprise less than 15-20 percent of the property; most of the property is for human usage. By committing to large naturalistic enclosures that will provide animals with bulk of the zoo’s property and the best quality of life possible, the zoo will be teaching an important lesson in respect and caring for the natural world and the animals who inhabit it.
A rescue zoo would better reflect San Francisco’s humanitarian values. Currently, these values are not reflected in the city’s Zoo, which maintains the majority of animals in outdated and inhumane enclosures, many of which are decades old. For too long, the zoo has failed to prioritize animal welfare. Although visitor amenities have improved, animals languish in conditions that were recently termed “Third World” by international zoo experts.
What would a rescue zoo look like?
Due to the large numbers of lions, tigers, bears, cougars, primates and other exotic animals in need of placement from a variety of sources (private ownership situations, confiscations from federal and state wildlife authorities, medical research labs), a rescue zoo will look no different from any other zoo. However, our city’s commitment to providing the animals in our care with the best possible quality of life will mean that the San Francisco Zoo’s enclosures will be large, naturalistic and state-of-the-art in terms of meeting the needs of the species housed in them.
Doesn’t San Francisco Zoo already rescue animals?
Yes, while the San Francisco has rescued a number of animals it’s time to build upon this popular practice. San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to lead the zoo industry and raise the standard for zoos worldwide. Focusing on rescued animals will firmly establish that the San Francisco Zoo is truly for the animals; this in turn will provide the opportunity to tell both specie stories and the specific animal histories thus doubling the educational impact. In addition, by focusing on rescued animals the zoo will send a loud message that we are here to help animals, not just breed and use them for display.
Are there any models for a rescue zoo in the U.S.?
Yes, there are at least two rescue zoos in the U.S.: the city-owned Folsom Zoo in California (http://www.folsom.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation/zoo/default.asp) and the private Austin Zoo in Texas (www.austinzoo.org). Because these zoos operate on a much smaller scale, both in terms of available space and budget, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to take these models and establish a visionary and state-of-the-art facility that embodies the same values.
What about the zoo’s endangered species breeding programs?
Under the ordinance introduced by San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, endangered species currently being bred under the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program will be exempted from the rescue requirements.
Won’t the change to a rescue-based zoo impact fundraising abilities?
The Zoo can raise funds for rescued animals just as it currently does for animals purchased from other zoos. A rescue zoo could actually enhance fundraising abilities, as the individual stories behind rescued animals are often compelling and draw intense public support. A great example is the Zoo’s grizzly bear exhibit, which is very popular with the public.
Will a rescue zoo cost more?
Expenses for a rescue zoo should not affect the Zoo’s budget. The Zoo would save money currently spent to purchase animals. Achieving the animal welfare improvements inherent to the rescue zoo approach does not have to involve increased funding. In fact, the Zoo could do a much better job of allocating resources toward quality of life improvement for animals and away from unnecessary and frivolous expenditures such as the nearly $1 million in improvements for the carousel.
Prepared by In Defense of Animals, July, 2008