San Francisco Zoo controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
City commission criticism of facility safety
The Animal Control and Welfare Commission described the zoo as outdated, dilapidated, and unsafe and recommended an audit and comprehensive redesign. The zoo's compliance with minimum USDA and AZA standards remained a point of contrast.
2019
Public-records and lease-compliance dispute
The city's Sunshine Ordinance Task Force found the San Francisco Zoological Society in violation of public-records requirements after it did not adequately answer a records request. The dispute also referenced alleged lease violations.
2018
Hasani hydraulic-door incident
A hydraulic door malfunction allowed the gorilla Hasani to partially open it. Keepers safely controlled the situation, but prior repairs and fluid leakage raised concerns about maintenance.
2017
Bernardo euthanasia dispute
Keepers and management disagreed over the timing of euthanasia for a seriously ill patas monkey. The executive director said proper procedures had been observed.
2015
Radio monitoring allegations
Employees alleged that management could listen to staff conversations through radio microphones. Management denied using the equipment for surveillance.
2014
Death of Kabibe in hydraulic door accident
The young gorilla Kabibe died when she moved beneath a closing hydraulic door during an animal transfer. The zoo paid a federal fine and acknowledged failures in procedure.
2011
Banana-Sam theft
A squirrel monkey was stolen after intruders cut enclosure netting. The animal was recovered in a nearby park.
2007
Tatiana tiger escape and visitor death
After previously injuring a keeper, Tatiana escaped on Christmas Day and killed one visitor and injured two others. Police killed the tiger. The episode produced regulatory findings and renewed scrutiny of enclosure security.