Zoo Staff

* As a primatologist who has participated in the Behavioral Enrichment and Jane Goodall chimpanzee programs at the L.A. Zoo since 1985, I am disturbed by articles and commentaries in The Times which inadvertently malign and undermine the dedicated effort of animal care givers and staff who are constrained to feed, clean and care for animals under exceedingly adverse conditions. They are not starving or mistreating the animals in their charge.

While a history of administrative gridlock and a substandard physical facility may be responsible for the demise of the L.A. Zoo, we must support those dedicated keepers who, in conjunction with behavioral enrichment volunteers, continue their effort to counteract the substandard facility at the L.A. Zoo.

ERNA TOBACK

University of Sterling, Scotland