Renowned SF Zoo Penguin Keeper Quits Because Of Dispute

[Sequoia]

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Zoo has lost its renowned penguin keeper after she disagreed with a veterinarian about how to treat her flock for chlamydia.

Jane Tollini, who quit March 12, spent more than 20 years transforming a wayward bunch of Magellanic penguins into the most prolific captive colony in the world. She also received worldwide media attention when the birds embarked on a frenzied 6,200-mile mock migration around their pool in January 2003.

Tollini, 57, also pioneered a Valentine's Day sex tour about animal mating habits that's been copied by zoos throughout North America.

She said she quit after a dispute with head vet Freeland Dunker about how to treat the penguins for chlamydia, a contagious bacterial infection that's not sexually transmitted in birds. Three birds died of the disease and nine others died from related heart failure and renal disease.

"This is the first case of chlamydia I know of for penguins in captivity or in the wild," Dunker told the San Francisco Chronicle, adding that he did extensive research. "We basically have something new here. We could have lost the whole colony."

However, Tollini said the drug's temporary side effects were devastating, including anorexia and eye problems tied to light sensitivity. She favored more discussion, a wait-and-see strategy and the use of Baytril, a gentler medication.

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http://www.ktvu.com/news/4594510/detail.html

Those birds would not be there if it weren't for her. Bring her back.