Fort Worth Zoo

[RPB]

My conclusion is:
If you're there as PART of a school outing, then no, you can't carry.

Otherwise, yes, you can, but you may be the test case and need bond or a lawyer.

I chose to carry.

I'm sure the zoo thinks it's enforceable, and I'm sure they have a lawyer who told them it is.

On a semi-related topic, I went back and forth with the knucklehead who runs the Original Fort Worth Gun Show about how they cannot enforce the signs at Will Rogers and he assured me his attorney has informed them that they can. I disagree, I think the law is clear, and I think I could conceal past an off duty cop at the door, but I'd rather just keep my money in my pocket and patronize a gun dealer that respects my rights.

I'd love to ask the Fort Worth Zoo attorney if he thinks the State Capital is off limits when schools have field trips there, and what happens to those already in line in the CHL Express lane when the school kids arrive ...

[1s1k52]

thanks for providing the mariner rings that is some pretty cool crap. I walked around for a minute and didn't see much of a sign or one at all. When I was being instructed I was told the sign HAS TO BE VISIBLE. Considering they only have one entrance I would think the sign should be the first thing you see. Police presence? umm I guess if the over weight people riding around on bikes with no firearms that said "security" on their shirt? Nothing against people that are older than me (27) or people on the heavier side but my personal opinion is saying there was no police presence. I saw one younger guy atleast 10 times on a bike that was carrying what looked to be a full size Glock and he when he wasnt making his rounds he was tied up giving directions to people who could not read a made made for a 4th grade reading level.

We had fun overall despite most the animals sleeping. We visit each zoo (dallas and ft worth) once or twice a year a piece. there are pros and cons to both zoos.

On the level of sign postage I will forever think not posting at every entrance is a pain and should almost be treated as no posting at all wish the law followed me on that one..

[lrpettit]

old thread, any updates with the ft worth zoo?

i might be going on friday....

would rather carry as i belive you can take the dart rail there? the dart rail is fun but it is also and can be accompanied by "punks"


no returning to the vehicle if i take the dart rail...


anyt definite answer?

I would check out the commentary at http://www.texas3006.com
Supposedly it is city owned property that would invalidate the sign. But there is also a question about school groups commonly being there.
If you carry, I would suggest it be very well concealed unless you're willing to be a test case. If you can get me on your jury I'll find you not guilty!

So no, like many areas of law affecting CHL, there is no "definitive" answer.

[MeMelYup]

School groups would not have effect. The place is not a registered teaching/school facility. The only way school groups would effect carrying is if you were part of the group.

[lrpettit]

School groups would not have effect. The place is not a registered teaching/school facility. The only way school groups would effect carrying is if you were part of the group.

I 100% agree with you.
However if the director of the Fort Worth Zoo calls in a MWAG call and says the zoo is posted with a 30.06 sign out front and there are school groups on the premises for a school sponsored function and that he wants you (someone from that horrible Dallas area) arrested, I think there is a good chance you're going for a ride. I think you'll beat the rap but go for the ride. It's not right but I would consider the possibility before I carried there. I hate to be intimidated by idiots but I also don't have hours of time to waste dealing with them when it can be avoided.

Keep in mind, this is the same police force that shot the 70 year old man in his own garage after responding to a burglary at the wrong house!

If you're going to carry which sounds to me like it is legal, I would make sure it's deeply concealed to prevent getting thrown out or taken for a ride.

Legislation to make them take down the illegal sign is sorely needed!

[RoyGBiv]

School groups would not have effect. The place is not a registered teaching/school facility. The only way school groups would effect carrying is if you were part of the group.

I 100% agree with you.
However if the director of the Fort Worth Zoo calls in a MWAG call and says the zoo is posted with a 30.06 sign out front and there are school groups on the premises for a school sponsored function and that he wants you (someone from that horrible Dallas area) arrested, I think there is a good chance you're going for a ride. I think you'll beat the rap but go for the ride. It's not right but I would consider the possibility before I carried there. I hate to be intimidated by idiots but I also don't have hours of time to waste dealing with them when it can be avoided.

Keep in mind, this is the same police force that shot the 70 year old man in his own garage after responding to a burglary at the wrong house!

If you're going to carry which sounds to me like it is legal, I would make sure it's deeply concealed to prevent getting thrown out or taken for a ride.

Legislation to make them take down the illegal sign is sorely needed!

I think lrpettit is spot on. Just my opinion. IANAL.

FWIW, I carry when visiting the zoo. I feel pretty safe that if I become a test case any charges would be short lived.
The property is VERY CLEARLY owned by the City of FTW and is NOT, in my opinion, "school premises".
Just because school kids might be visiting on a class trip still does not make it school premises.
Do I need to leave the McDonalds when a schoolbus-load of football players comes in on their way to a game? No. Same thing.

For me, end of debate.

Concealed means concealed.

[Wes]

I carried last time I was there, right past the sign. My girlfriend even stopped me and handed me the car keys. I explained it later but to me, a place like this if its concealed well enough no one should know. If your worried, take extra precautions to make sure it is. If I am forced to use it and then I'm called for it, well, I'll gladly take the ride, at least me and my family are safe.

[bizarrenormality]

School groups would not have effect. The place is not a registered teaching/school facility. The only way school groups would effect carrying is if you were part of the group.

I 100% agree with you.
However if the director of the Fort Worth Zoo calls in a MWAG call

Then you did a really, really bad job concealing.

Just saying.

[RottenApple]

I looked up 1989 colonial on the tarrant county website. Ot says the owner is ft wt zoo assn... is that aka the city?

No. The Fort Worth Zoological Association is not the owner. They are a non-profit organization that manages the zoo under a contract with the city.