Zoo Exhibit Platform To Be Removed
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The district attorney visited the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium today, as part of his investigation following the death of Maddox Derkosh last month.
District Attorney Stephen Zappala toured the zoo African painted dogs exhibit with Zoo President and CEO Barbara Baker for about two hours Thursday.
They ultimately decided to remove the exhibit's platform.
"To that end, Dr. Baker advised the District Attorney that out of respect for the community and for the Derkosh family, the observation platform of the exhibit at issue would be removed," according to a statement released by Zappala's office.
Zoo officials said it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," part of the zoo's statement read.
Last week, Zappala also said he would not pursue any criminal charges against Derkosh's mother, who was with him when he fell into the exhibit Nov. 4.
"I haven't found anything that would indicate that any crime has been committed by the mother," he said.
However, Zappala said he was concerned after KDKA obtained a zoo memo, dated in October, saying it would eliminate security guards Monday through Friday.
Zappala said the investigation into the zoo could bring changes to the structure at the zoo, or even criminal charges.
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