El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano 'no longer employed with City'

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — The City of El Paso announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, that Joe Montisano is no longer the director of the El Paso Zoo.

Here is the complete statement from the City of El Paso:

“We can confirm that Joe Montisano is no longer with the City of El Paso. We want to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Montisano, the best in his future endeavors.

“To ensure continuity of service, Assistant Director Gary Lunsford will serve as the interim director.

“As with all director of positions, the position for the zoo will be open for recruitment.”

This comes after a series of controversies with Montisano. In September, Montisano was placed on administrative leave, but the City did not disclose why.

In March, El Paso Matters reported that a former El Paso Zoo employee filed a s