The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated May 5 after an active shooter threat − the second safety scare at the zoo in recent days.
Zoo officials said in a Facebook post that a threat was reported by phone around 9:54 a.m. May 5 at the zoo’s call center.
“Out of an abundance of caution,” the zoo said, staff and guests were evacuated in coordination with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.
All guests, staff and animals are safe, according to the zoo.
The zoo will remain closed for the rest of the day as authorities assess the situation. Deputies responded and were on site working with zoo security to maintain a secured perimeter.
The incident follows a May 2 swatting call that prompted a similar evacuation after a reported bomb and active shooter threat. Authorities later found no credible threat, and the zoo reopened the next day.
Similar threats have been reported at zoos across the country in recent days including include Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Denver and Phoenix.
Columbus Zoo evacuated May 2 after bomb threat
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated May 2 after receiving a swatting call reporting a bomb and active shooter threat around 2:18 p.m.
Law enforcement searched the grounds and found no credible threat, and the zoo reopened the following day with normal hours.
Zoo officials later said visitors impacted by the evacuation could request ticket transfers or refunds due to the disruption.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident, which was part of a string of similar false threats reported at zoos across the country.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo evacuated again after active shooter threat
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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