County board to investigate allegations at zoo

A retired judge, hired by the Dane County Board, will probe allegations against Vilas Zoo management regarding racism, retaliation against employees who speak out, and animal neglect, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. The board supervisors voted 25–7 to allocate $50,000 toward an independent investigation. Earlier this spring, Black zookeepers quit and accused the zoo management of discrimination and of decisions that led to the death and injury of animals. The judge will have the ability to consider the allegations including racism, retaliation, and unequal discipline. After allegations of discrimination were made this spring, the zoo began working with the Office of Equity and Inclusion to implement a diversity and equity plan. The plan will be monitored and also assessed after a year.