SF's GGP Bison

[Guest guest]

There is a meeting by SFRPD next Wed. and the bison habitat in GGP is on the

agenda (#8 - see below).

 

Does anyone know if any AR/AW groups are going to speak during the public

comment period for removing the bison in GGP and re-homing them in a more

appropriate location, like a sanctuary in a much more hospitable,

natural/native habitat? I know it would be a huge challenge - so many

people seem to enjoy keeping them captive and on display as " mascots " . I

could not find one AR/AW group that had any information about them at all.

 

These bison are not meant to live on the coast with our damp weather - as

far as I understand it, this has caused a lot of potentially

life-threatening health problems for members of the heard (including, but

not limited to bovine tuberculosis, the physiological damage of foraging in

a non-native habitat (http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/nrm/bisonphysiology.htm

http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/nrm/bisonbehaviour.htm) - as well as the

psychological damage of living in such a small enclosure, where their

natural behaviors are suppressed). I just think it's exploitive and

inhumane to have them in GGP as a tourist attraction. It would be really

wonderful to see them returned to their natural habitat, but a sanctuary

would be great, if one exists.

 

I don't know very much about bison or the possibilities for safe relocation

anywhere in the US - but a sanctuary in, say, North Dakota, Wyoming or

Kansas would be ideal, wouldn't it? (More info on the bison in GGP here:

http://www.bwfly.com/watchbison/) All I know is that a small pen on SF's

lush & foggy coast is NOT the proper place to keep bison, meant to roam for

miles on arid plains.

 

Kasie

 

********************************************************

 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

RECREATION, PARKS AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2003

2:00 P.M.

 

CITY HALL, ROOM 416

 

<snip>

 

7. GOLDEN GATE PARK BISON PADDOCK

Discussion and possible action to approve the conceptual improvement plan

for the Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park. (ACTION ITEM)

 

<snip>

 

9. PUBLIC COMMENT

At this time members of the public may address the Committee on items that

are the subject matter jurisdiction of the

Recreation, Parks and Planning Committee.

 

10. ADJOURNMENT

 

PLEASE NOTE: If any of the Recreation, Parks and Planning Agenda items

receive approval at the Committee meeting, they will be calendared for

consideration

before the Recreation and Park Commission. The Commission will meet on

Thursday,

February 20, 2003 beginning at 2:00 p.m., City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B.

Goodlett Place,

Room 416. For further information regarding the Recreation and Park

Commission Meeting, please contact (415) 831-2750.