Memphis Zoo president Chuck Brady said he apologized to Memphis Mayor A C Wharton for what was perceived as a “personal attack” on the mayor in a press release issued earlier today.
The earlier statement discussed ongoing parking problems at the zoo and proposals from zoo officials on how to fix them. The statement claimed Wharton’s suggestions to fix the problem would “lead to the demise of the zoo as we know it” and that his “decision to join with the protestors’ mission” would see “thousands” turned away from the zoo and Overton Park.
“The press release addressed proposed solutions to the parking issue, and it has been brought to our attention that the tone of the document was perceived as a personal attack on the mayor,” Brady said in an afternoon statement. “This was never the intention of the zoo. The press release assertion that the mayor misled citizens was incorrect, and we apologize for that.”
In a statement issued after Brady’s apology, Wharton said he was glad the zoo president apologized and that the “tone of the press release was disrespectful and inappropriate.”
“In spite of the personal attack, I will keep the overall best interest of the city foremost and continue to work with zoo officials and supporters to find a satisfactory solution to the parking challenges,” Wharton said.
