For the first time ever, a major city is considering transitioning a city-owned zoo to focus on taking in rescued animals, including exotic animals, wild animals and some domestic farm animals. If ordinance 080818 introduced by Supervisor Chris Daly is successful, San Francisco will create the first-ever major rescue zoo in the world.

Daly's ordinance calls for transitioning the troubled institution to the nation's first major rescue zoo that prioritizes animal welfare and offers a refuge to exotic and other animals in need. The rescue zoo concept is an extension of the successful grizzly bear exhibit advocated by the San Francisco Zoological Society board, in which the zoo's rescue of two bear cubs was widely embraced by the public. 

The proposed ordinance reflects the recommendations of the city's Animal Control and Advisory Commission, which evaluated the zoo's animal welfare record and identified serious deficiencies. The Commission's decision was based on the fact that the San Francisco Zoo's animal welfare problems are longstanding. Despite the expenditure of $80 million on capital improvements, many of the zoo's animals remain in outdated and inhumane conditions that have been called "Third World" by zoo experts.

In 1997, San Francisco voters passed a nearly $50 million bond to improve conditions for animals at the zoo. Yet, a decade later, the same problems still persist. The Christmas Day tiger mauling, which cost the tiger Tatiana her life, serves as a tragic reminder of the zoo's lack of attention to animal welfare. Had the zoo prioritized animal welfare, Tatiana and the other animals would have long ago been moved from their 1940's-era concrete grottos to modern, safe and spacious enclosures.

The city of San Francisco needs a zoo that reflects the city's commitment to progressive leadership and humanitarian values. Creating the world's first major rescue zoo would fit perfectly with this goal, while also meeting a pressing need for placement of exotic animals and wildlife in need of permanent homes. A zoo that provides a refuge for animals in need and gives them the best possible quality of life and lifetime care, will serve as a model zoo for the humane treatment of animals, promoting understanding, respect and compassion for the creatures with who we share the planet.

Please Take Action to ask members of the San Francisco Rules Committee to co-sponsor Daly's ordinance. To have the most impact, personalize the sample letter and include a few words about any ties that you have to San Francisco or the San Francisco Zoo (i.e. San Francisco resident/voter, lived in SF, visited SF Zoo, worked at a zoo, etc.).
 
For more information please visit www.RescueSFZoo.com.