Latest news with #SanFranciscoZoo
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Somersaulting red panda dies at California zoo
A red panda known for his somersaults has died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take him in for observations. In a social media post announcing his death on Friday the zoo said he started to also exhibit balance issues and episodes became more frequent and lasted longer. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after the zoo announced his death. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 per cent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cute red panda beloved by children for its somersaults inside California zoo suddenly dies
An adorable 12-year-old red panda, known for his somersaults has suddenly died at the San Francisco Zoo. The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take a closer look at him. He soon started to also exhibit balance issues as episodes became more frequent and lasted longer, the zoo said in a social media post announcing his tragic death Friday. After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said. 'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read. Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species. The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos displaying his unique antics, the zoo wrote. 'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on. He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine. The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.' The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation. 'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.' Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after zoo announcing he passed away. 'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said. 'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another. Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.' Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss. Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Nearly 50 percent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population. The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer. Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
CBS News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
CEO of San Francisco Zoo announces retirement amid turmoil
The longtime chief of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announced her retirement Tuesday night, just days after Mayor Daniel Lurie called for her departure. Tanya Peterson told the San Francisco Zoological Society board's executive committee that she will be retiring Aug. 1. "She thanked the board and employees and animals at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, saying it has been an honor to serve the loyal constituents of this amazing community," according to a statement from spokesperson Sam Singer. "She made the decision on her own because she believed it was the right thing to do on behalf of the institution," Singer said. Hired in 2008, Peterson and the zoo had come under fire recently in the wake of a report detailing animal welfare and staff safety concerns. And while a recent inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture found the zoo was compliant with federal animal welfare regulations, the animal rights groups In Defense of Animals, SF Zoo Watch and Panda Voices have repeatedly called for Peterson's ouster "following year of negligence, mismanagement, preventable animal deaths, obstructing accountability, and misuse of public resources." One of Peterson's most visible recent efforts was to champion the zoo's possible acquisition of a pair of giant pandas from China by April 2026 -- a plan Lurie signaled would move forward without her. "Under new, stable leadership, the San Francisco Zoo has the opportunity to reach new heights. I want to thank Tanya Peterson for her service to the zoo and our city," Lurie said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the board and the new leadership to improve our zoo and fulfill the rare and exciting opportunity to bring pandas to our city."
CBS News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Embattled San Francisco Zoo CEO refuses to step down
Mayor Daniel Lurie has joined a growing chorus of voices calling for new leadership at the San Francisco Zoo, citing stability concerns at the cherished city institution. "I am confident that stable, permanent leadership will strengthen the zoo and our city's ability to welcome pandas, and the zoo board's decision to identify a new COO and develop a plan to name a new CEO represents real steps in the right direction," Lurie said in a statement released Friday. However, Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson has made it clear she has no intention of resigning. "She has always said that she would resign if it was in the best interest of the zoo," said zoo spokesperson Sam Singer. "But no one has asked her to resign, nor has she offered her resignation. She's plowing full speed ahead to try to bring the giant pandas to San Francisco." The debate over leadership comes amid tensions between zoo management and employees. The union representing many zoo workers recently passed a vote of "no confidence" in Peterson's leadership, citing concerns about safety conditions for visitors, staff, and animals. Critics have pointed directly to Peterson, who has served as CEO for 17 years, as a central figure in the zoo's problems. Some members of the zoo board have reportedly made attempts to remove her, but so far, those efforts have failed. And those board members resigned. Officially, only the board has the authority to remove Peterson. "She's got the skin of an elephant. This doesn't bother her at all. It's like water off her back. She's going to keep doing what's right for the kids and families in San Francisco," Singer added. On Sunday, at the city's Pride celebration, Mayor Lurie declined to answer specific questions about efforts to oust Peterson, saying only, "We're going to talk to the zoo board in the coming days. More to come on that one." Meanwhile, many zoo visitors remain unaware of the political turmoil behind the scenes. "The zoo is always the same and always fun," said Drew Bernier, a father of two young children who makes monthly visits with his family from San Bruno. "We love the zoo. We've got a guest pass. We have the kiddos, one and a half and three and a half [years old]." Bernier said their experiences at the zoo have been consistently positive. "I've never felt not safe at the zoo," he said. "You wouldn't know that there's anything outside that's creating tension." Despite the calls for change, the zoo continues its efforts to grow and improve. Most recently, it hired Cassandra Costello as its new Chief Operating Officer. Peterson is reportedly focused on one of her marquee projects: bringing a pair of giant pandas from China to San Francisco next year.
San Francisco Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Exclusive: San Francisco Zoo board member resigns over lack of action on CEO
A San Francisco Zoo board member resigned Friday over concerns about the body's indecision on whether to stand behind — or remove — its controversial CEO. Matthew Miller stepped down from the board of the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society, which runs the city-owned zoo, citing its inability to take action on the continued employment of Tanya Peterson, the zoo's executive director and CEO, two sources familiar with the development said. Miller, an attorney, headed the board's risk committee. The board met for several hours on Tuesday at noon and Thursday at 4 p.m., said Corey Hallman of Teamsters Local 856, the representative of the zoo's nearly 100-member union. On May 8, Hallman told the Chronicle that the board was scheduled to deliberate on whether to remove Peterson, its leader for almost 17 years. Zoo spokesperson Sam Singer said that Peterson could not comment on board matters. 'However, she does look forward to moving the San Francisco Zoo forward and welcoming the giant pandas in 2026,' he said in a statement. The meetings come after a power struggle between zoo board chair Melinda Dunn and Peterson surfaced last week, when the Chronicle reported that Dunn had endorsed a plan to gather letters from zoo employees urging Peterson's removal. Peterson responded by revealing she had feuded with Dunn over whether Dunn remained board chair. Peterson said that she had accepted a resignation letter from Dunn, but that Dunn subsequently rescinded it. The debate over Peterson's leadership comes at a critical time for the zoo, which is working with the Chinese government to host a pair of prized giant pandas by early next year — plans that have garnered international attention and support from San Francisco's City Hall. Bill Lee, a former city administrator, is among the dozens of people and groups representing the Chinese community on San Francisco's west side who have signed onto a letter urging the zoo to prioritize hosting pandas as a 'once-in-a-generation moment.' Lee said he and others decided to gather the signatures now because of concerns about the potential change in leadership. He worried that the zoo would lose a key fundraiser if the board removed Peterson. 'They all know if Tanya goes the panda will probably go,' said Lee, who said he traveled to China with Peterson many years ago when the city first explored the idea of hosting pandas. 'She's the only one who has knowledge of it.' Hallman said that he had seen 20 letters from current and former employees as well as community members sent to the zoo board over the past week, urging it to remove Peterson. The debate over zoo leadership caps off a period of protracted controversy at the zoo, in which the San Francisco Zoological Society conducted an investigation into Peterson's leadership and the Board of Supervisors launched an audit of the zoo. Both investigations followed Chronicle reporting in April 2024 on allegations of problems with worker safety and animal welfare at the facility, including a brief chase of a keeper by a grizzly bear in 2023. In addition, the zoo's union issued a vote of no-confidence in Peterson in April 2024, and the city's Animal Control and Welfare Commission released a report — strongly disputed by the zoo — that called the institution 'unsafe for visitors and animals' in October. Attendance at the zoo was down by 11% since September, likely because of negative publicity from the report, zoo chief financial officer Jeff Pace said in April. 'When there's a report that says that the zoo is dangerous to children and people and animals and staff, it drives down attendance,' he said at a public meeting. On Monday, a coalition of animal rights activist groups, led by In Defense of Animals, urged the zoo board to remove Peterson, to stop the project to bring pandas to the zoo and to turn the zoo into a 'compassionate, rescue-focused ecopark.'
