Poor recordkeeping contributes to animals' deaths.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: Up front: news, trends & analysis - National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

An independent study of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., has revealed problems with animal care, recordkeeping, and pest control. The interim report, part of a year-long study done for the U.S. Congress by the National Academy of Sciences, says the zoo has fallen behind on ensuring its animals have annual exams and other preventative care and has failed to follow its own policies and procedures.

The summary states that the zoo's recordkeeping is so poor that some veterinary records had been altered "weeks and years" after animals were treated. The summary flagged shortcomings in the zoo's animal nutrition program, saying it has not coordinated efforts between its nutrition, keeper, and veterinary staffs and has failed to regularly evaluate diets.

The science panel said pest control efforts have shown signs of improvement but remain inadequate and may potentially threaten the animal collection, employees, and visitors.

Zoo director Lucy H. Spelman, who said she would resign her position at the end of the year, said veterinarians fell behind on examinations and testing because they were short staffed. The staffing issue has been corrected, she said, and the zoo is taking steps to improve nutrition, pest control, and recordkeeping.

The report marks the fourth time in the past year that problems with the zoo's operations have been flagged in an independent review. An audit released in...