The animals will live in a “smart home” with “advanced, automated control systems,” the letters state, and researchers will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to monitor their behavior to identify stress or health issues. “Once developed by the San Francisco Zoo, these technologies could be used to assist in research monitoring wild Giant Panda populations, further supporting Chinese conservation efforts in the Giant Panda’s natural habitat,” Breed wrote.
In the letter to Benioff, whose company Salesforce is a pillar of the city’s economy as the largest private employer and host of the Dreamforce conference, Breed mentions the CEO’s wife by name.
“I know you and Lynne have already been great benefactors to our Zoo, so I know you know what great work they do and how much joy they bring to San Franciscans and visitors alike,” Breed wrote.
She also offered Benioff and Altman the chance to help with the naming process.
“Maybe we could even talk to the Chinese government about giving you the opportunity to have input on the names of the Giant Pandas!!” she wrote.
Similar fundraising request letters were sent to Greg Sarris, chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, and Dominic Ng, CEO of East West Bank, though without mention of the panda technology. They also declined to donate, the mayor’s office said.
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