March 5, 2005

To Whom It May Concern,

On February 28, 2005 after over 22 years of providing medical care to the Toledo Zoo's animal collection and the receiving of impeccable job performance evaluations, I was terminated by the Zoo's management. The Zoo however is spinning a different story. At a March 2 Zoo wide meeting and via an e-mail to all staff the following statements were made by the Zoo's management.

"After nearly 23 years of dedicated service to The Toledo Zoo, Dr. Tim Reichard is leaving the Zoo to pursue other opportunities. The Toledo Zoo would like to offer its sincere thanks and appreciation to Tim for his years of service and many contributions to providing the best care for the Zoo's animals. Please join us in wishing Tim the very best in his new endeavors. The Zoo will be seeking a successor to Dr. Tim and that search will begin immediately. In the meantime, Dr. Wynona will oversee veterinary operations at the Zoo."

This letter is to let you know I was fired and am seeking reinstatement through the Toledo Zoo's Board of Directors. The campaign by a few but powerful Zoo individuals to dismiss me began in February 2004 after an inspection of the Zoo by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These inspections are conducted at least annually to ensure the Zoo is in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. To publicly exhibit mammals the Zoo has to annually renew an Exhibitor's License from the USDA and meet the animal care requirements of the Animal Welfare Act. During the February 2004 inspection I expressed some concerns about animal care at the zoo and the freedom of keepers to communicate their animal care concerns to the Zoo veterinarians.

This USDA inspection was followed by the Zoo conducting an internal review of the USDA inspector's visit and their report. The internal reviewers' report contained several falsehoods some directed at me. This was followed by two disciplinary reprimands of me based on trumped up unfounded accusations, a " below expectations" 2004 performance review and finally the request for me to resign on February 1, 2005. I have detailed documentation to refute the false accusations made against me throughout 2004..

I refused to resign and asked the Zoo's management and the Board of Directors to establish a special committee made up of Board Members and Community Members of the Zoo's Animal Care Committee to hear my story. The committee was never convened and I was then terminated.

If you would like further information or would be willing to assist in my efforts for reinstatement please contact me by phone or e-mail.

Sincerely,

Tim Reichard