Reasons Cited for Firing of Zoo Director

The general manager of the city Recreation and Parks Department testified Wednesday that he fired Zoo Director Warren Thomas for poor management and refusal to accept advice.

Thomas, fired from his $73,000-a-year job in June, 1986, was temporarily reinstated six months later by U.S. District Judge William Rea and is fighting in Rea’s court to retain his post.

James Hadaway, general manager of the Recreation and Parks Department, testified Wednesday that Thomas failed to make sure subordinates properly complied with the paper work procedures for animal transfers and exceeded his operating budget despite being ordered to cut back.

Under questioning from Deputy City Atty. David Hotchkiss, Hadaway testified that Thomas refused to accept his advice and failed to correct the animal transfer procedures.

Hadaway said he finally confronted Thomas, telling him, “It has come to my attention that you’ve told your staff to pay no attention to what I say. Warren, you recognize you serve at my pleasure.”

Hadaway said Thomas paused, and then responded, “Don’t rattle my cage.”

Thomas, 56, was fired after 13 years as zoo director based on what city personnel officials said were a series of improprieties, ranging from appropriating zoo supplies for his own use to using racial epithets.

After he was exonerated by a city-appointed panel of seven of the original 12 charges cited in the termination, Thomas sued the city, seeking permanent reinstatement, back pay and unspecified compensatory damages.

At issue is whether Thomas, who was not a regular Civil Service employee, could be fired without a full hearing to rebut charges against him.

The trial, which began Oct. 23, is expected to go to Rea today after Hotchkiss presents his closing arguments.