Gunfire damaged two windows and an entrance door to downtown's Audubon Insectarium early Saturday morning, a spokesperson for the nature institute confirmed.
The New Orleans Police Department was on scene investigating damage to the newly renovated Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, where bullets shattered glass into the building and cracked a window inside the butterfly garden, spokesperson Melissa Lee said.
The NOPD released a statement Saturday afternoon saying that one man was injured in the spray of gunfire that took place near the complex on Canal Street. Police said the victim initially reported a location in New Orleans East, which was inaccurate. The shooting took place shortly after midnight Saturday near the insectarium, the NOPD said.
There were no other injuries reported in the shooting's aftermath, and Lee said no animals were injured.
"The butterflies are fine," she said. "They're all okay."
But Audubon did push back a planned early opening for members by about half an hour, Lee said. The insectarium was to open at 8 a.m. but didn't do so until 8:30 a.m.
"It was an unusual start to a Saturday for sure, but everybody seems to be having a good time," Lee said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
