Bomb threats have repeatedly shut down Zoo Miami over the past few days, scattering visitors, triggering full law-enforcement sweeps and leaving staff rattled. Ron Magill, the zoo’s longtime communications director and one of South Florida’s most recognizable animal advocates, said the calls have shaken employees and guests alike.
In an interview with CBS News, Magill publicly addressed the threats and called them “an extremely serious offense.” The outlet reported that the bomb scares forced officials to close the zoo multiple times in recent days while investigators carried out full security sweeps of the property.
Magill has served as Zoo Miami’s communications director for decades and earlier this year announced his retirement from Miami-Dade County, a reminder of why his words still carry extra weight in South Florida. NBC 6 South Florida previously highlighted his long tenure, media presence and status as a local fixture.
Law enforcement response
Miami-Dade deputies and fire-rescue units have repeatedly rolled up to the zoo to run precautionary sweeps, calling in bomb-sniffing dogs during at least one response, according to WSVN. Openings were delayed, staffers and guests were evacuated and officers methodically searched buildings and public areas for anything suspicious.
Legal consequences for hoax callers
In Florida, phoning in a fake bomb threat is not a prank, it is a felony. State law treats making a false report about the placement of a bomb as a second-degree felony, spelled out in Florida Statute 790.163. Lawmakers have also moved in recent years to stiffen penalties for so-called “swatting” and bogus emergency calls, boosting potential sentences and allowing agencies to seek reimbursement for response costs, according to state law coverage. ClickOrlando has outlined those changes.
Visitor disruptions and local impact
The repeated sweeps have upended plans for families, tourists and school groups, leading to delayed openings and scrapped outings. Earlier coverage of similar incidents described visitors stuck in the parking lot while crews combed the grounds. Local 10 also noted zoo social media posts that told the public there was “no immediate threat” once the property had been cleared.
Investigators are still working the case and have asked anyone with information to contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers. Zoo officials say they will keep the public updated as they learn more, and Magill’s public condemnation underscores how seriously the team is taking the disruption. As CBS News reported, authorities continue to review the threatening calls while the zoo tries to limit impacts on its animals and day-to-day programming.
