LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 08/01/06 -- Disgusted at the latest reports of the
unnecessary death of a male chimpanzee at the Los Angeles Zoo, Last Chance
for Animals (LCA), an LA-based animal advocacy organization, calls for
Mayor Villaraigosa to dismiss LA Zoo Director John Lewis.
Judeo, a 25-year old chimpanzee, was bitten by a rattlesnake that fell into
his enclosure at approximately 1pm last Wednesday. Zoo officials claim the
chimp was promptly given antivenin but later died. However, according to
the Los Angeles Daily News, a whistleblower at the zoo claims keepers were
aware Judeo was bitten at 1pm, but failed to act until approximately 3pm,
despite reports that Judeo had "a bad case of the shakes." However, instead
of calling a veterinarian, keepers called the "Reptile House" -- the zoo's
home for snakes and lizards. Even then, instead of administering antivenin,
the whistleblower reports Judeo was merely given over-the-counter Benadryl.
"The level of mismanagement at the LA Zoo is incomprehensible. When Gita
the elephant died, the zoo's official account of the events of her death
was proven false after a zoo employee came forward with the real story. Now
another employee is coming forward regarding Judeo. If the whistleblower is
correct, we have a serious problem on our hands and LA city officials need
to re-evaluate John Lewis' employment with the city," stated LCA President
Chris DeRose.
When the real story about Gita's death was uncovered, zoo officials put all
the blame on one employee -- a woman they later "allowed to resign."
Backing up zoo officials, Councilmember Tom LaBonge, whose district
includes the zoo, responded by stating, "When a public employee misses such
an important call, their services to the city should be re-evaluated." LCA
asserts that John Lewis should be held up to the same standards.
"We are sick and tired of John Lewis not taking responsibility for the
problems at the LA Zoo. Judeo received inadequate care and someone needs to
be held accountable. That someone is John Lewis," stated Lisa Beal, LCA
Campaigns Director.
Chris DeRose and Lisa Beal are available for comment. Please call (310) 271-
6096 x27.
Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a national animal rights organization based
in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.
Contact:
Lisa Beal
Campaigns Director, LCA
(818) 681-3672 lisa@lcanimal.org
About Aaron Reed Aaron Reed is an assistant professor specializing in software architecture and design and .NET development at Neumont University in Salt Lake City, UT. He has worked professionally in the industry for over 12 years as a lead architect/designer, development manager, and VP of development. When he isn't spending time reading up on the latest in software development, Aaron loves spending time with his beautiful wife and three children.
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