It is a maybe IMO, still because there are different reports. If it was too low then the zoo will and should have to accept responsibility. I'm sceptical though. It could happen but don't they have government inspections? How could this have been an oversite all these years? We may see a combination where regs weren't met and the young men were on the wrong side of the fence too. I don't know. Time will tell, I guess.
No. There are no government inspections -- even though the SF zoo is likely a municipal operation. The authorizing body is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The AZA reviews plans and authorizes certification for a zoo to keep a certain animal. But they do not inspect. Government inspectors have no idea what the standards are/should be and have no idea what to look for.
My adamancy on this issue is a function of having worked with and knowing several zoo managements. By and large, they are a closed profession, a self-serving bureaucracy that will not make waves -- even when something isn't up to standard.
Think government agency.
Circuses take much better care of their animals.
Try adamance.