The security tapes also showed that Tom had frequently forgotten to feed Lola altogether, leaving her starving for long periods. Driven by intense hunger, the poor gorilla had eaten the plastic containers along with the food inside, desperately trying to fill her empty stomach. Tom had watched her swell up and suffer, lying to everyone to hide his negligence.
Confronted with the undeniable video evidence, Tom stood silent, unable to offer a single excuse for his actions. The zoo management fired him on the spot, escorting him off the property immediately before handing the footage over to local authorities. The entire staff felt a deep sense of anger, but also relief that the truth was finally out.