The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated Saturday afternoon after receiving an active shooter and bomb threat—part of a series of similar incidents reported at zoos across the country.
According to officials, the threat came in around 2:18 p.m. through a security dispatcher. Guests and staff were quickly evacuated, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene within about 10 minutes.
Authorities believe the incident was a “swatting” call, meaning the threat was likely false.
After a full sweep of the Zoo, no suspicious items were found. Roughly 5,000 people had been at the Zoo throughout the day, and all guests, staff, and animals were confirmed safe.
“We swept the zoo. We found no traces of any bombs of any kind,” said Zoo President and CEO Tom Schmid, who noted that recent safety drills helped staff execute the evacuation smoothly.
The incident in Columbus is one of at least five similar threats reported nationwide between Friday and Sunday.
In Ohio alone, both the Toledo Zoo and Akron Zoo also received threats, while the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.
Other zoos impacted include the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, the Phoenix Zoo, and the Louisville Zoo. In each case, authorities conducted sweeps of the facilities and found no credible threats or explosive devices.
Officials say the calls appear to be coordinated and began on Friday, continuing through the weekend.
While investigations are ongoing, no suspects or motives have been identified.
The Columbus Zoo was cleared by law enforcement around 5 p.m. Saturday but remained closed for the rest of the day. Guests who were visiting during the evacuation will receive free return admission.
The Zoo reopened as scheduled on Sunday morning.
