Director of Topeka's troubled zoo retires

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The director of the Topeka Zoo is retiring as the city begins an intense review of its operations in the wake of 11 animal deaths.

Fifty-four-year-old Mike Coker has been the zoo's director since late 2001. The city announced his retirement on Tuesday.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that city performance manager Dennis Taylor will take over Coker's duties while a permanent director is sought.

Coker has been grappling with growing controversy over the quality of care for the zoo's animals and his public openness about animal deaths.

Eleven animals have died since 2006, and federal officials cited the zoo for regulatory noncompliance in the deaths.

An inspection team from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums completed a review of the Topeka Zoo last week. Its report is expected in the next several weeks.

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Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com