San Francisco Zoo Crisis: Animal Welfare Commission Exposes Failures
Animal Welfare Commission Exposes Failures as the Zoo Scrambles to Defend Itself
I never thought advocating for animals at the SF Zoo would feel like starring in a reality TV show about zoo politics, but here we are. Today, the San Francisco Animal Welfare Commission presented a scathing report on the failures of the San Francisco Zoo to the Joint Zoo Commission, and let me tell you—it’s about time.
This report isn’t just a laundry list of what’s broken; it’s a roadmap to fix what’s been neglected for far too long. For years, mismanagement, unsafe conditions, and misplaced priorities have put animals, staff, and visitors at risk. We’re talking about everything from crumbling enclosures to tragic deaths—yet somehow, the big idea from leadership is to bring giant pandas to share night quarters with lions. If this feels like a bad episode of Parks and Rec, it’s because it is.
The Zoo on the Defensive
I’ve been deep in this fight for a while now, and I’ll admit, it hasn’t been boring. Today, while ABC 7 was interviewing me, a pack of zoo docents came after me in the hallway, wagging their fingers and demanding to know why I’d dare criticize their beloved zoo. One brandished a photo of the zoo’s langur exhibit—ironically one of the poorest habitats cited in the report—calling out, “You’re complaining about this? How dare you!” I didn’t realize I’d stumbled into an episode of Docents Gone Wild: Hallway Justice, but apparently, I’m guilty of having standards.
Meanwhile, zoo management is also on the defensive, scrambling to greenwash decades of mismanagement. They’ve celebrated band-aid fixes, hoping these minimal efforts will distract from the deeper issues. Sure, they’ve slapped on a fresh coat of paint and made token upgrades to a few 95-year-old exhibits—but let’s be real: these surface-level changes are no substitute for real reform.
They’ve been trying to present these minimal efforts as evidence of progress, but anyone paying attention can see through the facade. The animals deserve better, and so does the public.
Moments like these bring to mind the famous quote: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” Right now, they’re fighting us—which tells me that victory is within reach.
With the positive momentum and favorable coverage of our campaign, I truly believe that success is achievable:
A Blueprint for Reform
Today’s recommendations report, prepared in consultation with current and former zoo staff and backed by In Defense of Animals, SF Zoo Watch, and Panda Voices, is exactly what the zoo—and the city—needs. Let me break it down for you:
Update the 1993 MOU: This outdated agreement gives the zoo a free pass to do as it pleases. It’s time to introduce real accountability with non-voting advisors like veterinarians and welfare experts.
Reject the Panda Plan: Don’t get me wrong, I love pandas as much as anyone, but this boondoggle is a distraction. The zoo should focus on fixing its crumbling infrastructure and taking care of the animals already here.
Fix What’s Broken: From 100-year-old buildings to unsafe enclosures, the zoo is falling apart. Animals, staff, and visitors deserve better.
Rescue, Don’t Breed: Transition the zoo into a rescue and rehabilitation model instead of doubling down on breeding programs.
Establish Oversight: Create an independent commission focused on animal welfare to ensure these problems don’t keep happening.
These are common-sense solutions, but getting them implemented is like convincing a cat to take a bath—messy, loud, and full of claws.
Pandas vs. Priorities
Let’s talk about the panda plan for a second. At a time when San Francisco is grappling with an $800 million budget shortfall, Mayor Breed’s scheme to bring giant pandas to the zoo is both a financial and ethical disaster in the making. Sure, pandas are undeniably adorable, but the costs are staggering, and the proposed exhibit—rumored to be a repurposed big cat enclosure—is entirely unsuitable. Pandas are highly sensitive animals; placing them near predators is like trying to sleep through a rock concert. On top of that, the dark realities of China’s Panda Program cast serious ethical concerns over the entire endeavor.
Meanwhile, the zoo is falling apart. Enclosures are unsafe, staff are overworked, and animals are dying. Tragically, in the last few months alone, we’ve seen deaths linked to mold infections, unsafe doors, and predation because enclosures weren’t secure.
When Enough Is Enough
The stories of neglect are endless, but the one that sticks with me is the 97% of zoo union workers who voted no confidence in CEO Tanya Peterson. Imagine nearly every worker saying, “We can’t do our jobs because of leadership,” and nothing changing.
But here’s the thing: the backlash we’re facing—the docents wagging their fingers, the op-eds talking about our “anti-zoo agenda”— tells me we’re on the right track. Change is uncomfortable, and that’s exactly why it’s necessary.
You Can Help
The Board of Supervisors has called for a comprehensive performance and management audit of the zoo. In response, the SF Zoo is rallying its troops, going on the defensive, and actively trying to block the independent audit.
Now more than ever, public pressure is critical. This audit is a crucial first step toward accountability and meaningful change at the zoo. We need every voice to speak up and demand better. Contact the SF Government Audit and Oversight Committee at (415) 554-7750 or email Monique Crayton at monique.crayton@sfgov.org to show your support for an independent audit of the zoo. A simple message of support can make all the difference.
If you’re inspired, insist on these Key Audit Areas:
Animal Welfare: Assess living conditions, veterinary care, and decisions like the proposed panda exhibit.
Leadership & Staffing: Evaluate management’s performance, staff morale, and workplace practices.
Infrastructure & Safety: Inspect enclosures, safety protocols, and deferred maintenance.
Financial Management: Ensure transparency in budgeting and spending.
Lease Compliance: Review the zoo’s adherence to its lease obligations and master plan.
Governance: Examine oversight and explore alternative management models.
Modern Practices: Compare SF Zoo’s operations with progressive, humane models like Oakland and Detroit Zoos.
At its core, this fight isn’t just about pandas, tigers, or penguins—it’s about ensuring the zoo reflects the values of our city. It’s about demanding a place where animals are treated with dignity, staff feel safe, and visitors leave inspired—not heartbroken. Together, we can push for the change that’s long overdue.
Let’s make it happen.