After controversy erupted when the Audubon Nature Institute announced it was canceling "Blue at the Zoo," an event to show appreciation to police officers, the institute Friday announced it is planning a new event to show appreciation to law enforcement.
Audubon announced earlier this month that it decided not to hold the promotion, which offered discounted admission to anyone wearing blue as a show of support for police, saying "this event could be unintentionally divisive."
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That led to a backlash that the institute acknowledged in a letter from Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman to zoo supporters on Friday.
"Audubon has heard from many members of our community that our participation in and cancellation of 'Blue at the Zoo' has caused pain in our community and was unsupportive of the hardworking people of our police department who put their lives on the line to protect and serve this community," Forman said "This was never our intention."
The organization is now working with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation on a new event "that will show appreciation for our local police officers, promote positive engagement between children and police at the Zoo and link the missions of both organizations," but did not specify what that might be.
"We are currently working on final details and will update you as soon as the date is finalized. We are also working on long-term meaningful partnership opportunities between NOPD and Audubon," said Forman.
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