Update: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated and closed on Saturday after receiving a bomb threat.
Zoo officials said the alert came in at 2:18 p.m. through a security dispatcher, prompting an immediate response from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arrived on site within roughly 10 minutes.
Out of an abundance of caution, officials ordered a full evacuation of the park, which was hosting an estimated 3,000 visitors at the time. Law enforcement officers quickly began clearing guests and staff from the grounds.
A coordinated sweep of the grounds was carried out by multiple agencies, including the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department, and the Columbus Division of Police. Authorities later confirmed that no suspicious items or evidence of explosives were found, and the zoo was declared safe.
The zoo remained closed for the rest of the day as a precaution while the investigation continues.
Speaking to ABC 6, Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Schmid said, "Well, we did the right thing, and they did the right thing. I mean, we evacuated the students, everyone out of the zoo. They came to a location where their parents could pick them up, so that's probably the best thing you do in a situation like that."
Also Read: Gatlinburg Ripley's aquarium: Bomb threat prompts evacuation in Tennessee; first details
{{/usCountry}}Also Read: Gatlinburg Ripley's aquarium: Bomb threat prompts evacuation in Tennessee; first details
{{/usCountry}}Initial report: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated on Saturday following a possible bomb threat, according to reports on the Citizen app. Initial information suggests that authorities cleared the area as a precaution after the threat was reported. Visitors were seen leaving the premises as officials responded and worked to secure the scene.
The exact nature of the threat has not yet been confirmed. Police are currently investigating and determining whether it is credible. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Some unverified claims circulating on social media suggested the situation involved an active shooter. However, these reports have not been substantiated, and authorities have not confirmed any such incident.
Witness reports
Several witnesses shared their experiences online.
One person wrote on Facebook, "Well we had a great day at the Columbus Zoo until they made everyone practically run to the exit because they were evacuating! Possible bomb threat?"
Another added, "Just fyi Columbus zoo is being evacuated for a eminent threat! Thank god we were not inside the zoo when it happened and had only gotten to the gate."
A third witness reported, "Just trying to have a nice relaxing trip to the zoo today when the Zoo was emergency evacuated for a severe threat! Columbus Zoo and Aquarium what is going on?"