[House] An Update On Our Chimpanzees

[Tanya Peterson, President and Executive Director]

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To the Members of the San Francisco Zoological Society,
Recent media coverage has focused on our beloved chimpanzee family.  I thus thought
it best to provide you some background and an update.
Following the death of chimpanzee family matriarch Tallulah, our accrediting body,
the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), recommended that our three remaining 
chimps be moved to another facility.  The AZA recommendation is based upon what 
it  believes is in the best long term interests for the health, wellbeing, and happiness
of Cobby, Minnie, and Maggie.  Respecting their expertise, we commenced a process
of research and compliance, including visiting the facility, speaking with medical
experts, and so forth.
We also asked architects to design conceptual plans for a new home for the chimpanzees
here at our Zoo.  With today's rising construction costs, a state-of-the art, appropriate
 chimpanzee exhibit costs millions of dollars.  Raising that kind of money and obtaining
the necessary approvals to build on Zoo grounds takes a great deal of time and resources
- perhaps several years -- and we're acutely aware that we may be running out of
 time, especially given the age of our stately male chimpanzee, Cobby. At 57, he
 is one of the oldest living males in captivity, and it speaks volumes about staff's
care of him that he remains in such good health.
Nevertheless, after visiting alternative facilities and speaking to several experts,
I have concluded it is best for our chimpanzees to remain together here in San Francisco.
 This is not a slight on any other institution but arises out of a real concern 
about the stress on Cobby of moving, and adapting, to another chimpanzee group where
other males are present.
Thus, with the support of our amazing Board of Directors, we will continue to augment
and adapt the current home of our chimpanzees as they age gracefully.  Thank you
 to all of you who have written to me and expressed your love and concern for our
chimpanzees.   In order to build a new home for them, we will need to pull together
as a community to raise the funds which this decision will require.  This will be
a fundraising effort larger than any single project which we have attempted in recent
years, and I ask you to help me in making this possible.   We all want what is best
for our chimpanzees; we will have to work together to make that happen.
Warmly,
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Tanya Peterson
President & Executive Director
San Francisco Zoological Society

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