One donor declared that he would stop contributing to the San Francisco Zoo until the panda exhibit project was completed.
Longtime supporter John McNellis told CBS News Bay Area, “We are going to withhold contributions until we have a new administration at the zoo.”
For the past 20 years, McNellis, a philanthropist and real estate developer, has been contributing to the San Francisco Zoo.
“In the late ’60s, I think I went to the zoo for the very first time and I fell in love with it,” McNellis recalled. “We’ve become one of its most major donors.”
Along with his own enjoyment, he noticed that the zoo made it possible for visitors to witness wild animals up close without having to pay to travel to far-off places.
“Not everyone has the financial means to travel to Alaska or Africa to witness large wildlife. Additionally, the rate at which these animals are going extinct is concerning. Therefore, I hope—and I believe many others do as well—that zoos foster this connection with wild animals,” he continued.
However, McNellis claimed that the zoo has gotten worse over time and is in dire need of renovation. He was dissatisfied with the zoo’s approach when he learned that it had been approved to invest $25 million in a panda project.
“The rating on Yelp is 3.4. We all know that’s a D-, I believe. I read over a few of the comments, and I believe one guy really hit the mark. “This is the most dilapidated and unkempt zoo I have ever seen,” he observed. “McNellis said.”
One of the pet projects of former Mayor London Breed was bringing the giant pandas to the San Francisco Zoo.
“A large number of empty exhibits. “There are fewer animals there now than there used to be, despite the numerous future exhibits that have been promised for years,” he remarked.
McNellis is perplexed as to why the zoo is concentrating on attracting a multimillion-dollar project rather than investing funds in updating the infrastructure.
According to zoo officials, efforts are on to bring two pandas from Chengdu to live beside the lions in an exhibit.
In order to learn how to conserve these pandas, China wants to sell them, in my opinion. Former San Francisco City Administrator Bill Lee told CBS News Bay Area that they are an endangered species.
The zoo was represented by Lee. Pandas will increase tourism in the city, he claimed.
The three-month stay of the pandas in 1984 brought in 1.4 million tourists. “The highest in the San Francisco Zoo’s history,” Lee remarked.
The San Francisco Zoological Society is in charge of operating the city-owned zoo. According to Lee, the zoo has been receiving $4 million annually from the city to support its infrastructure.
“For the past 20 years, the city has essentially been starving the zoo. The administration of the zoo is in a difficult situation. McNellis stated, “They don’t have enough money to run the zoo as it should be.”
He went on to say that the funds ought to be used to upgrade the zoo’s infrastructure rather than the panda project.
Spending must be done on buildings, walkways, landscaping, and all of the overgrown trees. “Honestly, the poor zoo looks shabby,” McNellis remarked. “Bringing in pandas today to our zoo would be exhibiting the Mona Lisa in an old, cracked, leaking barn.”
The San Francisco Zoo has faced several challenges. The Leaping Lemur Caf on site was most recently closed in January due to rodent infestation.
The zoo came under fire in October when the San Francisco Animal Control and Welfare Commission’s audit report declared the establishment to be antiquated and dangerous for both animals and guests. Additionally, they stated that it would be irresponsible to proceed with the panda project until the facilities are upgraded, as the exhibits are getting close to 94 years old.
However, zoo employees released a recent USDA inspection report from early January to CBS News Bay Area, demonstrating that the zoo conforms with federal regulations.
“A lot of infrastructure problems exist, but they have little to do with pandas. With the pandas arriving, I think they’ll have more money to distribute to every area of the zoo,” Lee stated.
Additionally, he stated that the panda project is not being funded by the donations made by McNellis. The amount of money the zoo has raised toward its $25 million objective has not been made public.
“This funding for the pandas is separate funding and it’s coming from different sources,” Lee stated.
Zoo authorities stated they will proceed with the project even though they are aware that McNellis will no longer be contributing to the facility.
The anticipated date of the pandas’ arrival in San Francisco has not yet been confirmed.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.