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Denver Zoo Launches New Community Outreach Program After Death

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver Zoo is launching a new community outreach program. It follows the death of a man who died in a scuffle with police.

Alonzo Ashley died last month. The zoo called police, saying Ashley attacked security guards. Police say they had to use a Taser to subdue him. Several first responders were also hurt.

Alonzo Ashley
Alonzo Ashley with his girlfriend Elina (credit: CBS)

The coroner's office is still waiting on toxicology tests to determine how Ashley died.

Along side community activists the zoo announced a new program to reach more of the community, beyond the children.

"We've been talking about how the zoo as a community can be home for mentoring programs, and skills development for job training, and all sorts of other job training, and all sorts of other opportunities to grow a voice and grow skills so they can have successful lives," said Craig Piper, Denver Zoo CEO.

The funeral for Ashley was Tuesday.

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