Atlanta zoo backtracks on its gun ban after two months, allows visitors to carry firearms

An Atlanta zoo backtracked its gun ban amid the threat of legal action from Second Amendment groups and will now allow visitors to carry firearms on its property. 

"Zoo Atlanta continues to believe that its decision to prohibit carrying of guns onto Zoo Atlanta grounds is legally supportable and in the best interest of safety. At this time, however, Zoo Atlanta is choosing not to undergo the major distraction and expense of litigation, but will instead give public officials an opportunity to consider and address this issue," Zoo Atlanta officials said Tuesday in a statement to Channel 2 Action News.

The announcement comes just weeks after the zoo announced in September that guns were banned on the premises "in an effort to enhance and protect the safety of our team members, guests, and the animals in our care."