What the Experts Say
International zoo experts visit the San Francisco Zoo and discuss a few of the animal welfare issues at the Zoo.
Les Schobert, a 30-year zoo veteran, formal general curator North Carolina and Los Angeles Zoos.
"[In 1987,] I toured the S F Zoo extensively with zoo personnel. Sadly, with very few exceptions, little has changed at the zoo since that time (20 years ago)."
"Most of the new and renovated areas were in the public areas not in the animal areas."
For Mr. Schobert's full statement, please click here.
Peter Stroud, 27 years of zoo industry experience, including zoo management and development as former Senior Curator Melbourne Zoo and Former Director of Werribee Open Range Zoo in Australia.
”The design of the savannah exhibit is highly problematic and serious questions are raised about the management of the animals within it. A lack of understanding of animal behaviour and animal needs is evident both in the design and operation of this exhibit.”
“This exhibit complex [Indian Rhinoceros, Baird's Tapir, Hippopotamus, Grey Seal] is reminiscent of facilities found in some impoverished eastern European Zoos of the Soviet Era.”
”They [polar bears, chimpanzees and grey seal] are likely to be suffering from the effects of prolonged captivity in quite inadequate and injurious conditions.”
For Mr. Stroud's full statement, please click here.
Dr. Robert Atkinson, former Curator of Woburn Safari Park, U.K. and Head of Wildlife Department for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
"I am saddened, surprised and disappointed that the San Francisco Zoo is, in many respects, just average, and in many respects less than average, I have seen far better zoos and I do not mean those with more money."