Michigan City zoo director suspended

Alleged party results in disciplinary action.

October 20, 2011|By STAN MADDUX Tribune Correspondent

MICHIGAN CITY — The director of Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City has been disciplined for allegedly having a party at the zoo after it was closed.

Among the violations cited against Johnny Martinez were concessions like ice cream and slushies being eaten without being paid for and not picking up the litter.

Originally, Martinez was suspended for five days but that was increased to 20 days Wednesday by the Michigan City Park Board.

The decision came at the recommendation of parks superintendent Jan Orlich, who submitted a written statement to the board.

In her statement, Orlich said ''quite a bit'' of concessions were consumed and not paid for'' during the September party.

She also said the grounds were littered with empty slushee cups, ice cream wrappers and empty Gatorade and water bottles.

The doors on the primate house also were left open during the night, allowing the temperature in the building equipped with a furnace to fall into the lower 60's.

Park Board president Phillip Freese said he talked to Martinez, but he would not say the type of alleged party that was thrown.

Freese said the suspension strikes a fair balance because Martinez could have been fired, but his work over the years has been outstanding and there was a desire to keep him on staff.

''He's done a tremendous job. Anybody that has visited lately would be impressed with the displays that are there, the improvements and the cleanliness,'' Freese said.

Attempts to reach Martinez were unsuccessful.

The zoo, established in 1928, has undergone a series of major upgrades the last several years in an effort to make the facility more of a regional attraction.

Now on the drawing board is an upcoming renovation to the popular Monkey Island, which was closed the past summer due to safety concerns.

Freese said Orlich had the authority to suspend Martinez for up to five days.

The 15 additional days was the decision of the board at the request of Orlich.

"We supported her recommendation," said Freese.

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