El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano placed on temporary administrative leave by city

By Elida S. Perez, El Paso Matters El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano has been placed on administrative leave this week, though city officials won’t discuss the reason. An email from assistant director Gary Lunsford sent Sept. 22 to zoo management with the subject head of “temporary oversight” said Montisano is on temporary administrative leave, but did not cite the reason.

“As Director reports and team managers, you should be aware that Joe is on temporary administrative leave, and I don’t believe he will have access to his work email or cell  phone until he returns. In his absence, I am at your service to facilitate decisions and signatures that would normally fall under his purview. When I have more information  about his return, I will let you know,” Lunsford said in the email, provid