Wildlife Inc. As in the 1996 bankruptcy case, government says Cole failed to submit employee tax deductions. Cole hires a Wisconsin firm to design wildlife park and adjacent commercial strip. Applies for bank financing. Officials in Cherry Valley approve request from Cole to annex property, supply water and rebate sales taxes. Register Star publishes two-day series on problems with project and Cole's background.
State launches investigation of zoo finances in response.
Three high-profile members of nonprofit governing board resign. Cole later names five new directors. 2001 Bookstore customer who claims she was attacked by monkey files lawsuit. Five more directors quit. Cole names four replacements.