A busy Saturday at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul turned tense when a reported bomb threat forced a full evacuation, cutting short family outings and weekend programs at one of the city’s most popular destinations.
Zoo staff reported that a bomb had been planted somewhere on the grounds, triggering an immediate response. Guests and nonessential staff were escorted off the property while zookeepers focused on securing the animals and police moved in to sweep the area.
A zoo spokesperson told KSTP that officials called 911 as soon as the report came in and began working closely with St. Paul police. "The safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and animals remains our highest priority," the spokesperson said. All guests and nonessential staff were cleared from the grounds while authorities worked the scene.
Part of a wider pattern
The scare at Como Park did not happen in a vacuum. The incident comes amid a recent string of hoax bomb and active-shooter calls that have led to evacuations at zoos across the country, according to The Associated Press. Federal officials say so-called swatting is an escalating national problem, and prosecutors have already pursued cases tied to similar hoaxes.
Police and public-safety steps
St. Paul police responded to the zoo and coordinated with staff as standard emergency procedures were put into place, the zoo said, according to KSTP. Authorities had not immediately released information on whether any device was found. For broader updates on active incidents and press materials, the department directs the public to the St. Paul Police Department newsroom.
Legal consequences
Even when no device is discovered, false threats that spark large emergency responses can bring serious trouble. Making such hoax calls can result in significant criminal penalties, including federal charges in high-profile swatting cases, reporting shows. Prosecutors and the FBI have repeatedly warned that these threats endanger both the public and first responders and can lead to federal prosecution, per The Associated Press.
Anyone planning a visit is urged to check the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory website for official updates as authorities release more information. The site carries contact numbers and a same-day calendar for visitors tracking program schedules and reopening details.
