WASHINGTON — Authorities have received reports of an active shooter or bomb threat at at least five zoos across the U.S. since Friday, but local officials have cleared all of the facilities.
Three of the affected zoos are located in Ohio, while similar threats were also reported at zoos in Kentucky and Arizona.
The calls reportedly began on Friday and continued through Sunday.
Toledo, Ohio
Officials evacuated the Toledo Zoo on Friday morning after it received a bomb threat, according to Toledo police.
A spokesperson for the police department told WTOL 11 that the zoo got a call reporting a bomb threat and possible gunfire around 10:30 a.m. local time.
Investigators found no evidence of a shooter or any explosives. Police said no injuries were reported, and no one was taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Zoo received a similar call on Friday, leading officials to evacuate more than 2,000 guests and 500 staff members who were on duty.
The zoo’s CEO told 12News that someone called around noon local time claiming there was a bomb on the property.
Authorities said officers searched the grounds, but they did not find any explosive device.
Louisville, Kentucky
The Louisville Zoo also carried out a brief evacuation on Friday morning after receiving a similar call.
According to WHAS, police gave the zoo the all-clear after sweeping the area following a bomb threat reported around 9 a.m. local time. Officials reopened the gates about two hours later.
The evacuation lasted roughly two hours.
Columbus, Ohio
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received a call on Saturday afternoon reporting an active shooter and a bomb threat.
A zoo spokesperson told WBNS that the threat came through its security dispatcher around 2:20 p.m. local time.
Officials safely evacuated all staff and visitors, and the zoo stayed closed for the rest of the day.
Law enforcement searched the area but found no suspicious items and later confirmed the zoo was safe.
The local sheriff’s office said they believe the incident was a swatting call, though they handled it the same way they would a real threat.
Akron, Ohio
On Sunday, the Akron Zoo received a call reporting a bomb threat.
A zoo spokesperson told WKYC that the call came in shortly before 11 a.m. local time, prompting officials to evacuate all visitors and employees from the facility.
As of 1:40 p.m. Eastern, police were still actively investigating the site.
The spokesperson noted that the call appeared consistent with similar threats reported at other zoos.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was evacuated on Sunday after receiving a threat similar to others reported across the country.
According to WKYC, zoo officials said they proactively cleared the facility out of an abundance of caution to protect the safety of guests and staff.
Officials added that they are working with local law enforcement as the investigation continues.