Gun Laws Quickly Reversed At Popular Atlanta Attraction

In the face of legal action from Second Amendment organizations, an Atlanta zoo reversed its gun ban and will now permit visitors to carry firearms on its grounds.

“Zoo Atlanta continues to believe that its decision to prohibit carrying of guns onto Zoo Atlanta grounds is legally supportable and in the best interest of safety. At this time, however, Zoo Atlanta is choosing not to undergo the major distraction and expense of litigation, but will instead give public officials an opportunity to consider and address this issue,” Zoo Atlanta officials said in a statement.

The announcement comes not long after the zoo announced that guns were banned on the premises “in an effort to enhance and protect the safety of our team members, guests, and the animals in our care.”

The zoo said the policy change allowing visitors to carry firearms is effective immediately.

“In the meantime, and effective immediately, Zoo Atlanta’s weapons policy will revert to its original form, which allows guests to carry weapons as permitted by law. Zoo Atlanta recognizes and maintains the right to pursue further analysis of this policy.”

The zoo withheld the names of the people or groups that questioned the validity of the area’s September ban on firearms.

Atlanta cannot ban firearms from being on public property due to a 2014 Georgia law. The city owns Grant Park, where the zoo is located.

Recently, a local man has been fighting restrictions on the possession of weapons in certain parts of the city, including the Atlanta Botanical Garden. According to Channel 2 Action News, it is unclear whether the same man is responsible for the zoo’s decision to retract its September guidance.