Sunday morning at the Akron Zoo went sideways when a bomb threat forced a full evacuation and a sudden shutdown for the rest of the day. Staff received the threat at about 10:50 a.m., then escorted guests out of the park while first responders moved in to secure and sweep the grounds.
In a statement, the zoo said it had activated emergency-management procedures and that Akron Police and Akron Fire were on site assessing the situation, according to Cleveland 19. News 5 Cleveland reported that the zoo will remain closed for the day and that updates will be shared as they come in.
Zoos across the U.S. hit by similar threats
The call in Akron landed in the middle of a tense weekend for zoos around the country, with similar warnings forcing evacuations at other parks. The Toledo Zoo and the Louisville Zoo were cleared on Friday and the Columbus Zoo followed on Saturday. Those facilities ordered sweeps and temporary closures while bomb squads and K-9 teams searched the grounds, as local outlets documented. Reporting on those incidents is available from 13ABC/WTVG, WLKY and 13ABC.
Investigators probe possible 'swatting' hoaxes
Police in Phoenix and other jurisdictions said some of the calls may be "swatting" - hoax reports intended to draw a heavy armed response - and emphasized that each tip must be treated as legitimate until it is cleared. Investigators are reviewing call records and conducting criminal inquiries as they sweep affected sites, according to KJZZ.
The Akron Zoo said it will post updates and visitor information on its official channels. People with questions are being urged to check the zoo's website and local media for the latest as authorities complete their searches. For official visitor information, see the Akron Zoo.
