End Neglect and Unsafe Conditions at the San Francisco Zoo
617 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
The San Francisco Zoo’s shocking neglect endangers animals, staff, and visitors alike—call for humane reforms that can transform this crumbling institution.
The San Francisco Zoo, once a beloved city attraction, is facing serious scrutiny for unsafe conditions. Recent reports from the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission reveal a grim reality, with animals in cramped, outdated enclosures and staff working under dangerous conditions. This situation poses risks to both animals and visitors, prompting urgent calls for reform.
Crumbling Enclosures and Animal Welfare Failures
The Commission’s findings paint a disturbing picture. Many of the zoo’s enclosures haven’t seen upgrades in decades. Some, like the lion and gorilla habitats, have issues so severe that animals are unable to receive adequate care. Rodent infestations plague certain areas, and basic necessities, such as running water, are lacking in habitats like the kangaroo exhibit1. The report describes the lion enclosure as nearly 90 years old, with minimal safety measures, while the gorilla habitat is prone to flooding. In such conditions, animals cannot thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.
A Danger to Visitors and Employees Alike
Animal welfare issues are just one aspect of the problem. Zoo employees and visitors are also at risk. The zoo has experienced tragic incidents in the past, including a fatal tiger escape that exposed significant security flaws. Yet today, safety measures remain minimal, and outdated facilities fail to meet modern standards. Staff work in environments overrun by rodents, while certain animal enclosures barely meet minimum safety requirements set by regulatory bodies2.
The zoo’s leadership argues that it meets the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ standards. However, critics point out that barely meeting these standards is not enough. Animal activists and city officials argue that the zoo’s management has failed to address core issues and lacks a long-term plan for necessary improvements.
Misplaced Priorities: The Panda Controversy
Despite the zoo’s many challenges, the mayor of San Francisco has been vocal about bringing pandas to the facility. While the mayor’s office claims pandas could catalyze needed improvements, critics argue that this high-profile endeavor diverts resources from critical upgrades. Pandas require specific care and a habitat that can support their needs, and activists believe that introducing them into the current zoo environment would be both irresponsible and cruel3.
The Commission recommends a full audit to assess whether the zoo is equipped to house additional animals at this time. Without a strategic overhaul, the zoo may be unable to provide the level of care pandas would need, potentially compromising the welfare of the animals already struggling in substandard conditions.
Take Action for a Safer, More Humane Future
The time for action is now. A comprehensive audit and immediate upgrades are essential to ensure that the San Francisco Zoo can offer a safe and enriching environment for animals and visitors alike. City officials and animal rights advocates are calling on the mayor, the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission, and the San Francisco Zoological Society to prioritize the welfare of current animals and the safety of staff.
Join us in urging them to make these critical changes. Sign the petition to demand a safer, more compassionate future for the San Francisco Zoo.
- Joe Kukura, SFist (11 October 2024), "Blistering New Report Describes SF Zoo as Unsafe for Visitors and Animals."
- Jocelyn Moran, NBC Bay Area (11 October 2024), "Report Finds San Francisco Zoo 'Extremely Outdated,' Unsafe for Animals."
- Madilynne Medina, SFGate (11 October 2024), "'Imposing and Dreadful': Report Alleges SF Zoo is Unsafe."
- Suzanne Phan, ABC7 (11 October 2024), "SF Zoo Slammed in Scathing Report that Claims It is Unsafe for Animals, Employees, and Visitors."
- Crystal Bailey, Yahoo News (11 October 2024), "San Francisco Zoo Unsafe for Visitors and Animals, According to Scathing Report."
The Petition:
To the Mayor of the City of San Francisco, the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission, and the CEO of the San Francisco Zoological Society,
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by the findings detailed in the recent report on conditions at the San Francisco Zoo. Descriptions of the zoo as “dilapidated” and “unsafe” reflect a significant departure from the standards expected of a city institution responsible for the welfare of animals and the safety of visitors and staff. Animals deserve enclosures that allow them to exhibit natural behaviors, access appropriate shelter, and receive the care they need to thrive. Staff, in turn, need safe working conditions to provide this care without undue risk to themselves or the animals.
Rodent infestations, lack of running water in animal enclosures, and poorly maintained infrastructure are unacceptable conditions that put animals, employees, and visitors at risk. As compassionate citizens, we must insist that no additional animals be introduced into this environment until these issues are fully addressed. Moreover, we urge you to ensure immediate, meaningful action to bring the zoo up to humane standards, both for the animals currently housed there and the people who visit and work within its grounds.
If swift improvements cannot be achieved, a complete overhaul of the zoo’s management and leadership is necessary. Our city’s zoo should reflect the values of compassion and care, not neglect and mismanagement.
Taking these steps to ensure adequate living conditions for animals and a safe environment for all will promote a brighter future for the zoo. Let us work together to create an institution that prioritizes animal welfare, supports staff well-being, and proudly represents our city’s commitment to humane and responsible stewardship.
Sincerely,
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