“Though that was never the intent, Audubon Nature Institute made the decision to cancel the event,” the zoo said, WWL-TV reported. “Audubon will continue to work with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation to find ways to support the New Orleans Police Department.”
NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson on Wednesday called the cancellation a disappointment.
“I was disheartened as a result of that decision,” he told WWL-TV. “This has turned into an ugly situation, but it is not a result of them not supporting us. They had to make a decision. We understand it.
“Anyone looking at the issue objectively would see that our department is the model for the implementation of the Constitutional policing reforms the public is demanding,” he said. “Despite the cancellation of this event, we will continue to find ways to work with our community to build a stronger relationship and be the department they deserve.”
Organizers had originally intended to offer the discounts at the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium between May 11-16 through its “Blue at the Zoo” campaign in order to “promote and foster positive interactive experiences” with police in New Orleans.
A New Orleans zoo canceled a six-day event intended to help build a positive relationship between the police and the community after some said it would be “unintentionally divisive.”