WASHINGTON — It’s an annual tradition for many families to spend their Easter Monday at the Smithsonian National Zoo, but recent violence has prompted increased security for the family day.
On a beautiful spring day, many families who arrived early and were met with shorter lines didn’t mind waiting to get through the security checkpoint at the main gate.
“It wasn’t that bad. I had to open my backpack, but it wasn’t a hassle at all,” says Jaden Washington, attending the family day for the first time with his mother and sister.
Visiting the National Zoo has been a tradition for African American families since 1891, the zoo says. But after gunshots wounded two teens on Connecticut Avenue about an hour after the end of the family event, last year, zoo officials and community activists wanted to ensure the day remained safe.
Temporary fencing has been erected to funnel visitors to security checkpoints, where screeners are checking bags, purses, and briefcases, and scan people with metal detectors.
Multiple police, on horses and otherwise, at National Zoo entrance, bag checkpoint #Eastermonday https://t.co/6Bou3GalHq
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) April 6, 2015
“Everyone has been great, everyone has been compliant,” says zoo spokeswoman Pamela Baker-Masson. Baker-Masson says the security measures at the zoo are now similar to procedures at other Washington landmarks, like Smithsonian museums.
A security checkpoint is set up at the main gates of the @NationalZoo to ensure safety on traditional Easter Monday. pic.twitter.com/JN4Zq2kPs4
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) April 6, 2015
Several dozen adult volunteers plan to participate in “Operation Safe Zoo,” acting as good role models, but not law enforcers.
Two other attacks have happened at the zoo in the past 14 Easter Mondays. Seven people were shot and injured outside the zoo in 2000, and one teen was stabbed in 2011.
