The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated Saturday after officials received a safety threat. Authorities confirmed there is no active threat at this time.
According to a Columbus Zoo media release, officials received a report of an active shooter and bomb threat at approximately 2:18 p.m. through a security dispatcher. Staff quickly evacuated the zoo following the call.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and arrived within about 10 minutes, according to the release.
The Sheriff’s Office believes the incident was a swatting call and not a credible threat. Deputies remain on scene as the investigation continues, and authorities have not identified a suspect or motive at this time.
All guests, staff, and animals are safe. Although law enforcement cleared the Zoo around 5 p.m., officials decided to keep it closed for the remainder of the day. Zoo employees have since returned inside to care for the animals.
“We swept the zoo. We found no traces of any bombs of any kind,” President and CEO for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Tom Schmid, said.
Schmid noted that recent threats at zoos across the country prompted staff to conduct a safety drill earlier in the week, followed by another exercise the morning of the incident.
“This is part of life now around the country, around the world,” Schmid said. “And so threats like this, we’re seeing more and more threats. And so we have to make sure we’re vigilant. And we are certainly doing that here at the Columbus Zoo.”
Schmid said the emergency evacuation proceeded smoothly and according to plan, with approximately 5,000 people at the Zoo throughout the day.
“I think that preparedness really helped us execute the plan today. Really, really efficiently and safely,” Schmid added.
The Zoo will offer free admission to guests who were there Saturday so they can return at a later date.
In an update around 8 p.m. Saturday, officials confirmed that no suspicious items were discovered. The Zoo is set to reopen Sunday, May 3 at 9 a.m.
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