Pandas in Zoos: Nothing is Black and White

The San Francisco Zoo is going through some tough times. photo: AdobeStock

Whenever the subject of zoos comes up – which is a lot if you’re on the Animal Commission – I’m reminded of this quote: “The only creature on earth whose natural habitat is a zoo is the zookeeper.” 

Now please don’t take those words as a slam against those who work in zoos. Most, if not all, of the zookeepers I’ve met are compassionate people who really care for animals and are immensely concerned for their well-being. But it is a reminder that zoos exist primarily for the enjoyment of people, not for the care of animals. 

There are some exemplary zoos at which there is a true emphasis on the well-being of animals. Unfortunately, many other zoos are run by ethically questionable directors or bewildered organizations in which compassion for animals – as well as employees – is often not a priority.

It would be nearly impossible for anyone in San Francisco to have missed the recent headlines regarding the San Francisco Zoo that have appeared these last few months. These highlighted the zoo’s failure to respond to city auditors in a timely manner (and when documentation was finally given to the auditors, the financials provided did not align with the zoo’s publicly available audited financials…oops!); the withholding of zoo funding by the Board of Supervisors due to the zoo’s noncompliance with the audit; the internal drama of the San Francisco Zoological Society, including the resignation of a number of board members; and finally, the resignation of San Francisco Zoo Executive Director and CEO Tanya Peterson following a lot of childish back and forth (one day she’s resigning, the next day she’s not, etc.). 

Although the departure of Tanya Peterson is just one step toward addressing the zoo’s many problems, it is a huge one that cannot be overemphasized. It’s also impossible to overemphasize the hard work of countless residents and community advocates who helped to make this happen. These include Justin Barker of SF Zoo Watch; Fleur Dawes and Brittany Michelson of In Defense of Animals; Taciana Santiago of Panda Voices; and, of course, former animal commissioner and former Joint Zoo Committee animal welfare advisor Jane Tobin. (Speaking of SF Zoo Watch, be sure to check out its Substack newsletter. It’s a great resource for zoo-related updates and news).

There are also a number of other individuals, including current and former employees of the San Francisco Zoo, who assisted in so many ways but who wish to remain anonymous. It definitely took a village to bring attention to the zoo’s problems and it’s been inspiring to witness the time, energy, and compassion of the community in helping to close out one of the San Francisco Zoo’s most harrowing and embarrassing periods. 

Zoo issues were on the Animal Commission’s agenda at our recent July meeting, which included a highly informative presentation, “Pandas in Zoos: Issues and Challenges.” Provided by Panda Voices, an international organization dedicated to advocating for and monitoring the welfare of captive pandas, including those in zoos, the presentation covered many noteworthy points. It also raised a critical question: everyone loves pandas, but does that mean every city and country should keep pandas in their zoos? 

The Panda Voices presentation pointed out the risks to pandas when they are removed from their natural environment, including an account of the recent tragic death of LeLe, a panda on loan to the Memphis Zoo who died due to inadequate care. Even more heartbreaking, the Memphis Zoo dismissed LeLe’s behavior while suffering as “silly behavior to make people laugh.” Just another sad reminder that zoos exist for the enjoyment of people, not for the care of animals.

In the coming months, the Animal Commission will continue its discussions about the San Francisco Zoo and the giant pandas that are slated to return there next year. Please join us at our August meeting when the Department of Animal Care and Control will provide shelter updates and present its Quarterly Report for April – June 2025.

See you at City Hall!

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The next meeting of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare is at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 14, Room 408 at City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102). Information about remote access to meetings is available at sf.gov/animalcommission. Agendas are published 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Please be aware that the views and opinions expressed in this column are those of Commissioner Torres and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Commission of Animal Control and Welfare.