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.
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
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
