Zoo Semi-Apologizes for Loud Party

Last Friday, the National Zoo hosted a party that so loud it could be heard for blocks. Neighbors complained on the Cleveland Park Listserv and to the Zoo director, pointing out that not only was the noise bad for the neighbors, but it must have been disturbing for the animals.  The Zoo sent a letter to the neighbors, a semi-apology, claiming that the incredibly loud event did "not stress our animals," and that the Zoo won't hold any events past 11pm every again "except in rare and extraordinary circumstances" because "the Zoo must seek revenue generating events."

The Zoo noted that it gave "our outdoor animals the option of staying outside or choosing their indoor shelter." I wonder how the option to stay indoors was presented to the animals. Before the party started?  Once the loud noise began?  Not that it really mattered because this party was so loud that it penetrated homes blocks away.

Here is the text of the Zoo director's letter:

Dear Neighbor,

On behalf of the Smithsonian's National Zoo, I would like to apologize for any disturbance caused to you or your household stemming from our Halloween event, Night of the Living Zoo, held on Friday, October 29, 2010. We pride ourselves on our good standing in the community and regret any inconvenience we may have caused.

I assure you that the event did not stress our animals. Their safety and well-being are our primary concern, and our professional staff and experienced interpreters were present during the event to provide ongoing assessments. As a follow-up, I have requested a specific animal care report to address the neighbor concerns raised this weekend. This report indicated that our animals displayed no signs of stress throughout the weekend. Our diurnal animals remained asleep and nocturnal animals seemed unconcerned by the noise outside. We give our outdoor animals the option of staying outside or choosing their indoor shelter.

Turtle Park Halloween Party Friday

There will be a Halloween party Friday at Turtle Park (also known as Friendship Park) from 5:30pm until 8:30pm. Here are the gory details:

Friday, October 29, 2010

5:30-6:30 Haunted Playground and Costume Parade
6:30-8:30 Halloween Double Feature - Movies on the Green
(It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and Monsters, Inc)

Pizza, Drinks, Bake Sale, and More!
At Turtle Park
45th and Van Ness Streets, NW
Rain date: Saturday, October 30, 11am-noon– parade only

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