A bomb threat abruptly cleared out visitors and staff from the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford on Sunday, with sheriff's deputies sweeping the property before authorities determined the call did not appear to be credible. After the all-clear, zoo officials said they expect to be back to normal Monday, with standard summer hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Authorities respond and clear the scene
According to WESH, zoo staff worked alongside the Seminole County Sheriff's Office to evacuate guests and secure the grounds while deputies conducted a sweep of the property. The sheriff's office later told zoo leaders the threat "was not credible," the outlet reported.
Zoo status and visitor information
The Central Florida Zoo's website lists daily summer hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and gives the Sanford address as 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. The zoo says it plans to be open Monday during its standard hours. For the latest updates on operations, visitors are directed to the Central Florida Zoo.
Part of a national pattern of hoax calls
The evacuation in Sanford comes amid a recent series of hoax bomb and active-shooter calls that have led to closures or evacuations at zoos across the country, according to the Associated Press. Federal officials and the FBI have warned that these "swatting" hoaxes pull emergency responders away from real crises, put the public at risk and can bring serious criminal charges for those responsible.
What visitors should expect
Anyone planning a trip to the zoo is urged to check the zoo's website or social media channels for any late-breaking changes and to be prepared for a visible law-enforcement presence as follow-up work continues. The zoo's official channels carry the most current information on hours, tickets and special events.
Legal and safety implications
Bomb threats and swatting incidents are treated as serious crimes, and the Associated Press reports that the FBI is tracking an uptick in such cases nationwide. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the call to contact the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
