DeLeo Predicts Lawmakers Will Restore Zoo Budget Cuts

House Speaker Robert DeLeo predicted Beacon Hill lawmakers will override Gov. Deval Patrick's veto and restore $4 million in funding for the Franklin Park and Stone zoos.

"With the amount of support — of calls -- that I've gotten from the membership, I dare say this is one of those items that I think will be overridden," DeLeo said Monday.

The public reacted with outrage over the news after zoo officials said the governor's veto could force the zoos to close and some of the animals might have to be euthanized.

Patrick labeled that remark inaccurate and incendiary.