A former Toledo Zoo curator who took responsibility for the death of an endangered sloth bear will receive more than $11,000 in severance pay.
Tim French, the zoo's former curator of large mammals, signed a severance agreement Jan. 10 that calls for him to receive three months' pay in exchange for his resignation. The resignation is considered effective Dec. 13, 2000, according to the agreement.
In addition to severance, the zoo agreed to pay Mr. French for 176 hours of vacation time he had accumulated. That comes to about $3,800.
An endangered sloth bear named Medusa, on loan from the Detroit Zoo, was found dead at the Toledo Zoo Dec. 4.
The bear died of dehydration after Toledo Zoo officials apparently erred by isolating her and withholding food and water for three weeks. Officials have said they believed that was standard protocol for that type of bear species while it's in captivity but said they later found out it is not.
Mr. French's latest salary was $45,563, Andi Norman, a zoo spokeswoman, said.
The agreement gave Mr. French seven days to revoke it. It was signed by him Jan. 10 and by William Dennler, the zoo's executive director, Jan. 12.
“It's all said and done now,” Ms. Norman said.
She said zoo officials declined further comment because of the confidential nature of personnel matters. Mr. French said last night he had no comment.
“I think the agreement speaks for itself,” his attorney, Kevin Greenfield, said. He declined further comment.
The zoo, meanwhile, continues to be investigated by federal authorities for decisions related to the sloth bear's death.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture started investigating the zoo in late December for possible violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
The maximum penalties include revocation of the zoo's license, as well as fines of up to $2,750 per count per day, according to Jim Rogers, a USDA spokesman in suburban Washington.
Mr. Rogers declined comment on the investigation, other than to say it is ongoing and will not be affected by the agreement between Mr. French and the zoo.
First Published January 20, 2001, 5:31 p.m.