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Committee narrows behested‑payment waiver for panda hosting after vocal public opposition over zoo safety
Summary
The committee approved amendments narrowing who may solicit donations and clarifying that funds raised for panda preparations will go to the San Francisco Zoological Society, after public commenters and supervisors raised safety and welfare concerns about bringing pandas to the aging zoo. The amended resolution will be forwarded to the Board with a positive recommendation.
The Government Audit and Oversight Committee on June 6 approved amendments to a resolution that would allow city offices to solicit private donations to support hosting giant pandas at the San Francisco Zoo, and moved the item to the Board of Supervisors with a positive committee recommendation.
Chair Preston framed the measure narrowly as oversight of fundraising, not as an endorsement of the zoo’s broader operations. He summarized amendments circulated in coordination with the Mayor’s Office intended to address earlier committee questions and public concerns. The amendments narrow which people and entities may solicit donations, require disclosure of known interested‑party relationships, broaden allowable uses to include necessary capital improvements tied to the panda project and other safety or animal‑care investments, and specify that funds will be directed to the San Francisco Zoological Society.
Tom Paulino of the Mayor’s Office noted coordination with city staff and thanked the committee for moving the item forward. The public comment period drew several speakers urging the committee to cancel the panda plan because of alleged historical neglect at the zoo and risk to animal welfare. Fleur Dawes, director of communications and international partnerships at In Defense of Animals representing SF Zoo Watch, said she delivered a petition of 6,000 signatures urging cancellation and cited multiple past incidents, including escapes and animal deaths, to argue the zoo is ill‑equipped to host pandas. Melissa Flower of Panda Voices questioned the zoo’s capacity to source required bamboo and provide specialized care.
Chair Preston said the resolution’s purpose is to ensure transparency if the Mayor’s Office and city departments solicit donations and that the amendments increase public oversight consistent with the behested‑payment law. After public comment, Chair Preston moved to amend and forward the item; Vice Chair Stephanie, Member Chan and Chair Preston voted 'Aye' and the motion passed.
The committee record states the item will be forwarded to the Board as a committee report on June 11, 2024.
