Zoo Atlanta abruptly cleared out on Saturday after staff received a bomb threat that sent visitors and employees off the grounds while police swept the property. Bomb teams completed a full search, found nothing and officers ultimately determined the call was a hoax. No injuries were reported.
Zoo statement
In a statement to CBS Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta said it received the threat late Saturday afternoon and evacuated all guests and team members "out of an extreme abundance of caution." Officials have not released further information about the nature of the call or any updates on a possible investigation.
Police sweep and on-site response
Units from the Atlanta Police Department responded and were seen working with bomb-sniffing dogs as officers carried out a step-by-step search of exhibits and facilities. A Channel 2 photographer captured a heavy police presence outside Savannah Hall while staff and visitors were escorted to safety, WSB-TV reported.
Part of a wider wave of hoax calls
The scare at Zoo Atlanta comes amid a run of hoax calls this month that have triggered evacuations and temporary closures at zoos and other public institutions around the country. The FBI considers swatting an "increasing national problem" and warns that false reports can put first responders in danger, cost communities thousands of dollars and at times lead to federal charges, The Associated Press reported.
Staff, visitors and safety drills
An anonymous Zoo Atlanta employee told CBS Atlanta that staff had recently created a code for bomb threats and did not expect to have to use it, underscoring how quickly safety protocols have evolved. Visitors at the gate said they were turned away and saw staff seated outside the zoo while officers worked inside, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
What investigators say and next steps
Atlanta police said the call was determined to be false and investigators are still reviewing where it came from. No suspects have been named, according to WSB-TV. Federal prosecutors have pursued swatting cases in recent months, and The Associated Press notes that repeat or wide ranging hoax campaigns can draw federal attention and carry serious penalties, officials say.
