Head of San Francisco Zoo resigns

SAN FRANCISCO, June 7 (UPI) -- San Francisco Zoo Executive Director Manuel Mollinedo has quit after a fatal tiger attack and staff morale crisis, the San Francisco Zoological Society says.

The society announced that since an escaped tiger killed a teenager at the zoo last December, Mollinedo had been criticized for his handling of the incident and for the ensuing decline in employee morale at the tourist locale, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday.

A statement from the San Francisco Zoological Society, which oversees the city's zoo operations, said Mollinedo has plans to retire after a successful career as head of the zoo.

"The board greatly appreciates his efforts and wishes him well in his retirement," the society said.

The Chronicle said Mollinedo assumed the zoo's top post in 2004 and was credited by supporters with helping the zoo maintain its national accreditation.

A release from the zoological society said during his years as the head of the zoo, visitor attendance increased to a point where more than 1 million people visited in 2007.