“You disregarded our meeting agenda and instead gave us a lengthy presentation on the history of the Zoo,” Goncher said. “After over 90 minutes, I interjected so that we could discuss our agenda items, at which point you informed us that Zoo management would not be cooperating with the audit until further notice.”
Documents submitted by the zoo since then, including an inspection report and the most recent accreditation report by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, have been incomplete and included “extensive redactions,” he said.
Other inspection reports and citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have not been turned in, and some, the zoo said, did not exist.
“[San Francisco Zoological Society] reported no USDA findings for the audit period, but the [Budget and Legislative Analyst’s Office] identified evidence to the contrary,” Goncher said.
He said that between 2020 and 2025, the zoo was cited by the department for deteriorating primate enclosures, a lemur escape, rodent feces and facility issues.
“USDA also issued multiple ‘Teachable Moments’ related to fencing, sanitation, and pest control,” the letter said.
Singer did not respond to direct questions about why the zoo has withheld specific documents cited by the Budget and Legislative Analyst’s Office, or Goncher’s claim that others exist, contrary to the zoo’s statements.
Goncher’s threats to escalate the investigation are the latest in an unfurling controversy at the zoo.
Last month, union leaders said the Zoological Society’s board was attempting to oust Peterson, who they said had lost support from staff and board directors.
Following multiple closed-door meetings, Peterson remained in power, but five directors have since resigned, with one citing issues with Peterson’s employment specifically. Union representative Corey Hallman told KQED that he believes the other resignations were also in “what seems like protest for the dysfunction of the zoological board.”
Still, Singer told KQED last week that Peterson has the “unanimous support” of the board.
