EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has been placed on temporary administrative leave.
This comes after a series of controversies at the El Paso Zoo during the past couple of years.
El Paso Matters originally reported that Montisano had been placed on leave.
The City of El Paso confirmed to KTSM that Montisano is currently on administrative leave but did not say why.
“As a matter of policey, the City of El Paso does not comment further on personnel matters,” the City said in a short statement sent to KTSM.
Back in March, a former El Paso Zoo employee filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed by her direct supervisor while the zoo director and a human resources employee did nothing.
In March 2024, the City of El Paso also cut ties with the El Paso Zoological Society when it decided not to renew the contract with the nonprofit’s contract. The nonprofit had worked with the El Paso Zoo for more than 60 years with educational programs, operational support and memberships.
Earlier this year, the zoo also lost its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. That followed the zoo’s five-year review.
While the AZA Accreditation Commission cited “deferred maintenance” in older guest areas of the facility, no concerns were raised regarding animal care, the City said at the time.
Assistant Zoo Director Gary Lunsford is temporarily overseeing operations at the zoo, the City said.
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