Families out for a laid-back Sunday at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo instead got an unplanned early exit when a reported threat prompted a full evacuation and shutdown of the popular southwest Cleveland attraction. Staff cleared the grounds Sunday afternoon after receiving a threat that officials said was similar to ones that have recently disrupted other parks and attractions. Visitors were escorted off paths and away from exhibits so officers could sweep the property, leaving weekend crowds clustered outside the gates while law enforcement checked the zoo from end to end.
Zoo: Evacuated 'Out of an Abundance of Caution'
In a statement to 19 News, Jacqueline Gerling, the zoo's director of communications, said the decision to evacuate and close for the rest of the day was made "out of an abundance of caution." She noted that the zoo planned to reopen Monday, May 4, and that Cleveland Metroparks is working closely with local authorities while the situation is reviewed. Officials did not immediately release any additional information about the caller or what was said in the reported threat.
Part Of A Regional Wave Of Hoax Threats
The Cleveland evacuation capped a tense weekend in Ohio that saw multiple zoos and attractions hit with similar calls. The Toledo Zoo was evacuated Friday after a bomb threat, and the Columbus Zoo cleared out visitors Saturday following separate bomb and active-shooter reports that triggered full sweeps and temporary closures. WTVG/13abc and other local outlets reported that officials treated every call as potentially real while investigators searched each property.
Law Enforcement Response And 'Swatting' Concerns
Authorities stressed that even when a pattern of false alarms seems to be emerging, every single threat has to be handled as if it is legitimate. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office told News 5 Cleveland that the Columbus Zoo call is being reviewed as a possible swatting incident, and said multiple agencies were involved in coordinating the response. Law enforcement officials and zoo leaders alike warned that bogus reports pull emergency resources away from other needs and can still put people at risk during evacuations and rapid crowd movements.
What Visitors Need To Know
Cleveland Metroparks said it will share operating updates on its website and social media channels and urged anyone planning a visit to check those pages before heading out. Nearby Akron Zoo and other Ohio parks have been giving guidance to ticket holders whose plans were disrupted. Akron has asked visitors with tickets to contact the zoo to reschedule, while other facilities have outlined their refund or return policies for affected guests. For the most current instructions and any changes to operating hours, see the zoo's statements and local coverage from 19 News.
