- By Bill Lee | Special to The Examiner |
- Aug 8, 2024 Updated 5 mins ago (SFExaminer.com)
The San Francisco Zoo stands on the precipice of a monumental achievement: the forthcoming arrival of giant pandas. Skeptics of this feat are likely unaware of the zoo’s proven successes and strong operational capabilities.
As a former city administrator, I can personally vouch for the San Francisco Zoo’s adeptness at navigating the intricate dynamics of public-private partnerships.
In the early 1990s, San Francisco handed over the reins of a deteriorating facility to the San Francisco Zoological Society. This decision came fraught with challenges, including strained union relationships and the integration of city employees.
Yet the zoo has flourished into a treasured community asset, primed for the remarkable opportunity of hosting giant pandas.
Recent news articles casting aspersions on the zoo are disheartening. However, a review of public reports and other data concerning the zoo’s safety record is enlightening.
For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s unannounced inspection reports of the zoo’s animal exhibits have consistently found them compliant. Meeting minutes from San Francisco’s Joint Zoo Committee — which includes distinguished members like Dr. Joseph Spinelli — attest to the zoo’s robust safety measures.
Notably, despite housing nearly 2,000 animals, the Zoo didn’t lose a single one to COVID-19. Furthermore, despite severe atmospheric storms in the Bay Area, no significant injuries to animals or humans were reported.
Under the last 16 years of astute leadership from Executive Director Tanya Peterson, the zoo has achieved remarkable milestones. Whether securing multimillion-dollar capital gifts or maintaining continuous accreditations, Peterson has been a transformative force.
She introduced the concept of animal wellness to the zoo, culminating in the establishment of the Wellness & Conservation Center named after the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. I recall traveling with Peterson to China for a trip to Shanghai alongside Feinstein, who reminisced about the giant pandas’ first visit to San Francisco following the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Inspired by Feinstein’s reflections, Peterson tirelessly worked to bring this dream to fruition, making multiple trips to China to lay the groundwork for this historic opportunity.
The warming world is shrinking pandas’ natural habitat, causing severe heat stress and threatening the species’ survival. San Francisco Zoo — cooled by fog, ocean breezes and a temperate climate — is an ideal sanctuary for the pandas.
Their diet consists of 99% bamboo, and San Francisco Zoo’s mild winters and oceanic influence make it well-suited to growing bamboo varieties that wouldn’t grow in other parts of the U.S. or the world.
Pandas have long symbolized goodwill and diplomacy, a tradition dating back to China’s Tang dynasty. Their presence in San Francisco will strengthen international bonds and foster cultural exchange and understanding within our diverse community. With nearly a quarter of San Francisco’s population being Chinese American — the largest representation in any U.S. city of more than 500,000 people — this initiative resonates deeply.
I commend Peterson and the zoo’s management for their extraordinary leadership amidst financial constraints. Despite limited city funding, Peterson’s unwavering dedication has ensured the zoo’s mission thrives, safeguarding its inhabitants and enriching visitor experiences. Her relentless efforts to bring the pandas to our community are commendable, reflecting her expertise in fundraising and managing the logistics required for this endeavor.
The arrival of giant pandas in San Francisco is not merely an economic boon; it is a testament to our commitment to conservation and global cooperation. Let us embrace this extraordinary gift and continue to support initiatives that enhance the welfare of these beloved creatures and our community at large.
Bill Lee worked for the City and County of San Francisco in a variety of roles for more than 28 years, including more than 10 years as city administrator under three different mayors.
