Knoxville zoo

[duncan1371]

UPDATE: I was back there this Sunday and sure enough no sign still. I reckon that means that it wasn't just a one day fluke. So from here on out I'll be carrying on as usual.



So I was at the knoxville zoo this Sunday to see Santa with the kids and I always lock my gun up in the car because of the gun buster sign that they had hanging at the entrance where they scan your ticket.

Well we go up to get our membership card scanned and low and behold no sign. I don't know what changed but I am really happy about it. Anyone have any insight or knowing my luck it was just a fluke.

Just wanted to throw this out there and see what yall thought Edited December 21, 2015 by duncan1371

[peejman]

Interesting, we go pretty regularly as well.  Boo at the Zoo was the last time we were there and the sign was still up.  I know the zoo is part of Chilhowee park and there's the whole controversy about whether they can legally post the place with the new guns in parks laws.  Perhaps they've consulted with their lawyers and were advised to comply with the law.  I'd be quite surprised if they voluntarily  removed the posting given the general attitude of the Knoxville administration.

[duncan1371]

I agree I was just interested. Probably a fluke. Edited December 16, 2015 by duncan1371

[click23]

I was there this past Saturday, and as the OP stated the sign is no longer there.  I suspect this is to do with the lawsuit involving Chilhowee Park and the issued opinion of the state Attorney General with regard to the "parks" law.

[click23]

I was back there this weekend and still no gun buster, but there is now a large sign that is next to ticket booth, it might have been there before but since we are members we do not go through the ticket line and I just happened to see it.  It was a list of zoo rules, and at the bottom it stated something to the effect of "firearms are prohibited".

[JAB]

I was back there this weekend and still no gun buster, but there is now a large sign that is next to ticket booth, it might have been there before but since we are members we do not go through the ticket line and I just happened to see it.  It was a list of zoo rules, and at the bottom it stated something to the effect of "firearms are prohibited".

 

Yea, I saw that when I went recently.  I don't make decisions for others nor do I give legal advice so don't blame me if you (the collective 'you', not referring specifically to click23) run into problems but I don't consider that to be a legal posting that applies to HCP holders - especially in light of the state law allowing HCP holders to carry in parks.  I have spent time, effort and money on carrying legally and it pisses me off when places like this try to 'post', even when it isn't legal, just because someone on the board or whatever happens to be a hoplophobe.  The 'rule' also isn't 'posted prominently' at the entrances.  In fact, I only saw it because someone who was with me noticed it otherwise I would never even have seen it, at all.  I will just say that the giraffes didn't wand me nor did the river otters frisk me and that concealed means concealed.

Edited April 15, 2016 by JAB

[Pops T]

Any updates?

 

I'm in the area couple time a year (Sevierville, to see family) and race at The Rocck RC track.

Haven't been to track since I started CCW.

 

[click23]

I was back there at the on the 25th of last month and saw this sign on the new fence where the old handicap parking lot was, this is a good 100 feet from the main entrance.  No sign at the main entrance other than the note at the bottom of the zoo rules sign.  

 

I guess they welcome open carry then!!!

Edited July 13, 2016 by click23

[300winmag]

The no guns signs at parks and similar properties do not apply to people with handgun carry permits.  

[click23]

39 minutes ago, 300winmag said:

The no guns signs at parks and similar properties do not apply to people with handgun carry permits.  

That's what the law says, but the Knoxville Zoo is a private entity(I know that does not matter per the law) actually sits in Chilhowee Park.  The city of Knoxville's position is that Chilhowee Park is not a park, but rather a "public assembly, entertainment and education venue", and assert that they can prohibit firearms.  There is a lawsuit going on right now.  

 

See:

http://wate.com/2015/09/11/no-guns-at-chillhowee-park-despite-guns-in-parks-law/

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/loudon-resident-backed-by-nrasues-knoxville-over-chilhowee-park-gun-ban-ep-1309348238-353421031.html

https://www.scribd.com/doc/310693710/Knoxville-Parks-Updated-Complaint-4-20-16

[300winmag]

Knoxville can call Chilhowee Park another name but it is still a park and even has park in its name.  The park carry law says that you can carry in parks and similar properties.  I'd conceal and be glad to know that I'm legal and also to avoid someone asking me to leave.

[chances R]

7 hours ago, click23 said:

I was back there at the on the 25th of last month and saw this sign on the new fence where the old handicap parking lot was, this is a good 100 feet from the main entrance.  No sign at the main entrance other than the note at the bottom of the zoo rules sign.  

 

I guess they welcome open carry then!!!

Sort of like the "Trespassers will be shot" sign.....neither legal or effective.

[JayC]

21 hours ago, click23 said:

That's what the law says, but the Knoxville Zoo is a private entity(I know that does not matter per the law) actually sits in Chilhowee Park.  The city of Knoxville's position is that Chilhowee Park is not a park, but rather a "public assembly, entertainment and education venue", and assert that they can prohibit firearms.  There is a lawsuit going on right now.  

 

See:

http://wate.com/2015/09/11/no-guns-at-chillhowee-park-despite-guns-in-parks-law/

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/loudon-resident-backed-by-nrasues-knoxville-over-chilhowee-park-gun-ban-ep-1309348238-353421031.html

https://www.scribd.com/doc/310693710/Knoxville-Parks-Updated-Complaint-4-20-16

I'd just wait until the lawsuit is settled, because the Knoxville Zoo sits on property owned by the city and is almost for sure considered a 'Park' under the law.  It might take another year to get this resolved but once it is, a lot more places will be open to carry where they're trying to play these games.

[peejman]

Resolved in a year?  It'll be a year before its back in court so they can delay it again.  The only thing that'll force it is some knucklehead getting charged.  

[A.J. Holst]

The want to make sure we don't have the Right to Arm Bears