The controversy over Memphis Zoo using the Greensward for overflow parking continued Saturday as protesters kept zoo visitors from parking on the grass.
On a warm sunny start to Easter weekend people turned to Overton Park to enjoy the outdoors and take part in an egg hunt on the Greensward. It was the same day as an organized demonstration to encourage zoo visitors to park away from the grass.
However, when the eggs were nowhere to found before the actual event organizers looked at the zoo.
“We’re very disappointed to wake up this morning to find the zoo had collected and thrown away all the eggs that we donated,” said Chloe Evans who donated to the egg hunt.
After the egg hunt was apparently scrambled protesters said zoo workers placed parking cones as far back as Rainbow Lake.
Upset protesters started to moved the cones and began chanting “Save our park.” Some laid on the ground to prevent zoo visitors from parking on the grass. Memphis Police responded to the scene and said approximately 200 protesters were there. There were no arrests and an immediate compromise was made.
“They agreed to start moving the cones back. They agreed to take them back about half of the Greensward and we forced them to keep their word and just take up a third. We’ve been encouraging folks to park elsewhere,” said Emma Tutor a Greensward advocate.
A Zoo spokesperson issued a statement saying:
“The Zoo did not take any Easter eggs. this is one of a series of stunts planned for this holiday weekend to make the Zoo look like a bully – we are attending mediation and trying to work out a solution in the best interest of everyone.”
Congressman Steve Cohen was also out in the Saturday to help mediate.
This ongoing controversy has local businesses now pulling out of the Zoo Rendevous fundraiser.
Saturday Cafe Eclectic issued a statement on Facebook saying they will not participate the event until a solution is reached. Previously, the culinary school, L’Ecole Culinaire, also announced they would not participate either until a “viable parking solution is found.”
