Investigative News Report Shows Further Evidence of San Francisco Zoo's Animal Welfare Failures

KCBS Reports Tiger In Fatal Mauling Was Underfed; "Frantic For Food"

San Francisco, Calif.—An investigative report released today by KCBS radio reveals that the tiger Tatiana, who was shot on Christmas Day 2007 after escaping from her enclosure at the San Francisco Zoo and fatally mauling a zoo visitor, had lost 50 pounds in her two years at the zoo and was "frantic for food," according to zookeeper records.

In Defense of Animals (IDA) charged that the shocking revelations are further evidence of the zoo's fundamental and chronic animal welfare deficiencies that include a consistent failure to ensure the well-being of the animals in its charge.

"Animal welfare problems are at the heart of the San Francisco Zoo's troubles," said IDA spokesperson Deniz Bolbol. "Had animal welfare been a priority, Tatiana would never have been underfed to the point where she lost nearly a fifth of her body weight, and she and the other big cats would long ago have been removed from their 1940's era, concrete grottos and housed in safe, spacious and naturalistic enclosures."

IDA said the revelation adds to the case for new leadership and direction at the San Francisco Zoo. IDA called on the zoo to undertake an open process, involving animal welfare advocates and other concerned community members, in the search for a new zoo director. The organization is also seeking passage of an ordinance, introduced on June 10 by San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, calling for transformation of the zoo to a rescue facility and establishing an oversight commission for animal welfare issues at the zoo.

"The San Francisco Zoo must choose a new director with a proven track record and concern for animal welfare," Bolbol concluded. "Too many animals like Tatiana have suffered and died prematurely at the zoo. It's time for animal welfare to become the priority at the San Francisco Zoo."

Animal welfare problems continue at the zoo despite the expenditure of nearly $50 million over the past 10 years on capitol improvements. Most of this money was spent on visitor amenities, while many of the animals languish in outdated, unsafe, and inhumane enclosures. Earlier this month, the zoo announced that Director Manuel Mollinedo, who presided over many of the zoo's animal controversies, was taking an early retirement.