http://www.wjla.com/articles/2015/04/national-zoo-opens-for-annual-family-day-with-increased-security-112943.html

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2015/03/national-zoo-increases-security-after-spring-violence-in-recent-years-112754.html

WASHINGTON (WJLA) – Family Day at the National Zoo was created with parents and children in mind. But in recent years the Easter Monday event has been hijacked by fights, shootings and stabbings.

So, this year there will be increased security. Zoo officials say at a minimum there will be bag checks.
Community activists are starting Project Safe Zoo. On Monday night at the Big Chair Bar and Grill in Southeast Washington, Project Safe Zoo participants held one of their final meetings before the big April 6 event. During Project Safe Zoo, dozens of adults will fan out across zoo grounds in identifiable shirts and encourage young people to stay positive and steer clear of trouble.

"The main thing is mediating any type of conflict or situations that might occur during that day with our youth in the city,” said participant Jeff Gallman.

Organizers say in years past some have come to this event to settle old scores. The expectation is that this year's event will return to its family-friendly roots.
“So, we are going to go there to let them know it’s alright to socialize, but you have to respect the history and all the dignity of this event. Just there to mentor them not to make a wrong decision. Sometimes that’s all it takes. And we’re there to do the right things for the right reasons to get the right results,” said organizer Ron Moten.

Moten says the group will also monitor social media during the event to see if young people rally in a negative way. If they do, participants will try to stop it.



WASHINGTON (WJLA) - Police and security officers had a busy day Monday at the National Zoo.

Easter Monday is traditionally the zoo's "Family Day" event - one of the biggest attendance draws of the year.

But after outbursts of violence in recent years, the zoo stepped up security on Monday. Visitors underwent bag checks and security screenings at the entrances. Zoo officials said they also reserved the right to limit the number of visitors entering the zoo if it got too crowded.

Dozens of community activists also fanned out across the park in an effort called "Project Safe Zoo" to help police keep an eye on the crowds and encourage teenagers to behave.





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