Local News

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ― A committee of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Thursday agreed to forward legislation calling for the transformation of the San Francisco Zoo into a facility for rescued animals to the full board for a vote in September.

The proposed ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Chris Daly, has been strongly opposed by zoo officials, but supported by the city's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare, an advisory body to the board, and animal rights groups such as In Defense of Animals.

By a 2-1 vote, the committee voted to move the ordinance without recommendation to the full board on Sept. 9.

If enacted, the legislation would make the zoo's primary mission the housing of wildlife, domestic and exotic animals rescued from inhumane treatment.

It would also establish a board-appointed oversight committee to advise the supervisors on the transition of the zoo to a rescue facility, which would not become official until the current lease with the city expires in 2013.

Proponents argued it would make San Francisco the first major city to give its zoo a specifically rescue-oriented mission, and serve as a model for other cities worldwide.

Animal Control and Welfare commissioner Phillip Gerrie told the three-member Rules Committee on Thursday that the ordinance was the best option to turn the zoo away from the "slow, sad decline" he said it was now undergoing.

Critics of the zoo have claimed many of the zoo's facilities and enclosure are outdated and inadequate for the proper care of its animals, citing the deaths of elephants and other animals at the zoo in recent years, as well as December's tiger escape during which a zoo visitor was mauled to death and the tiger was subsequently killed.

"This is for the welfare of the animals," Gerrie said.

Tanya Peterson, the zoo's acting director, responded Thursday that "animal welfare is our number-one priority at the San Francisco Zoo."

Peterson added that while she does not want the zoo to be changed into a rescue facility, she was not be opposed to "a portion" of the zoo being used for rescue.

According to Peterson, 100 of the zoo's 752 animals are already rescued animals, including a polar bear and two grizzly bears.

Peterson maintained that the proposed legislation was "not fleshed through" and would require significant zoo resources that could take away from its education and conservation programs. Fundraising for the zoo could also be threatened, she said.

Supervisors Daly and Tom Ammiano voted in favor of sending the ordinance on to the full board, and Supervisor Bevan Dufty voted against.

"I think it's incumbent on the zoo to have a higher calling" then its current one, Ammiano said.

Dufty said he believed there was still "room for common ground" to be reached on the ordinance, but expressed concern the current legislation would "undermine the ability of the zoo to remain a robust institution." He added that oversight issues "still need to be worked out."

The ordinance is now scheduled to be voted on by the full Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9, but until then, discussions may continue between the parties that could allow for the legislation to be amended, Daly said.
Even if passed by the full board, the legislation would have to be signed by Mayor Gavin Newsom. Overturning a mayoral veto would take eight of the 11 supervisors.

Newsom's spokesman Nathan Ballard indicated Thursday that the legislation does not have the mayor's support.

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