Ohio Zoos Evacuated Amid Wave of Bomb and Active Shooter Threats

Key facts

• Columbus Zoo received a bomb and active shooter threat at 2:20 p.m. Saturday via its security dispatcher.
• of shots fired around 10:30 a.m. Friday.
• at any of the affected zoos.
• Delaware County Sheriff's Office believes the Columbus threat was a swatting call.
• Toledo police dispatched a bomb squad to sweep the entire zoo.
• Akron and Cleveland zoos were also evacuated due to threats.
• Zoos in Denver and Louisville received threatening calls but later resumed operations.
• Columbus Zoo reopened Sunday at 9 a.m.; Toledo Zoo reopened Saturday.

Threats Trigger Mass Evacuations Across Ohio Zoos

A series of bomb and active shooter threats forced the evacuation of multiple zoos across Ohio over the weekend, rattling visitors and prompting a swift law enforcement response. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Toledo Zoo, the Akron Zoo, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo all received threats within days, leading to temporary closures and heightened security. No explosives or weapons were found, and no injuries were reported, but authorities are treating each incident as credible until proven otherwise. The threats come amid a broader pattern of similar incidents at zoos nationwide, with facilities in Denver and Louisville also receiving threatening phone calls. While those zoos later resumed normal operations, the Ohio evacuations underscored the disruptive impact of such hoaxes, often referred to as swatting.

Columbus Zoo Evacuated After Saturday Afternoon Threat

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received an alleged bomb and active shooter threat through its security dispatcher at approximately 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, a zoo spokesperson said. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was notified immediately and arrived on scene shortly thereafter. All visitors and staff were safely evacuated, and the zoo remained closed for the rest of the day. In an 8 p.m. update, the zoo confirmed that no suspicious items were found and the premises had been declared safe. A Delaware County Sheriff's Office spokesperson stated they believe the call was a swatting incident—a hoax intended to provoke a heavy emergency response—but emphasized that they treated the situation no differently than an active threat. The zoo reopened with normal operations at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Toledo Zoo Evacuated Friday Morning; Prom Night Uncertain

Visitors were evacuated from the Toledo Zoo on Friday morning after the zoo received a bomb threat and a report of possible shots fired around 10:30 a.m., and no one was taken into custody. Toledo police confirmed by noon that the area had been rendered safe, with no bombs or shooters found. School buses and students were evacuated safely, and the evacuation proceeded smoothly, police said. The Toledo Police Department's bomb squad was dispatched to sweep the entire zoo. The number of evacuees was not disclosed. The incident also cast doubt on Start High School's prom night, which was scheduled to be held at the zoo that evening. Toledo Public Schools said it was awaiting an update from the zoo. Ultimately, evening events were expected to proceed as scheduled, though the zoo remained closed for the remainder of the day. It reopened Saturday.

Akron and Cleveland Zoos Also Affected; FBI Issues Statement

The Akron Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo were also evacuated after receiving threats, according to reports. The FBI Cleveland office issued a statement regarding the wave of threats, though details of their involvement were not immediately available. The Akron Zoo was evacuated following a bomb and active shooter threat, similar to the incidents in Columbus and Toledo. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo closed early after receiving a threat, and both zoos later reopened after authorities determined there was no danger. The coordinated nature of the threats—occurring within a short time span across multiple zoos—has raised concerns about a possible coordinated hoax campaign.

Nationwide Pattern of Zoo Threats Raises Alarm

The Ohio incidents are part of a broader trend of threats targeting zoos across the United States. Zoos in Denver and Louisville also received threatening phone calls but resumed operations after thorough searches. A spokesperson for the Columbus Zoo indicated that similar threats had been reported at several other zoos in recent days, suggesting a possible copycat or coordinated effort. Authorities are investigating whether the threats are linked, but no arrests have been made. The use of swatting—making false reports to trigger a large emergency response—has become a growing concern for law enforcement, as it diverts resources and causes public panic. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office explicitly labeled the Columbus threat as a probable swatting call.

What Comes Next: Investigations and Reopenings

All affected zoos have reopened or are scheduled to reopen after thorough sweeps confirmed their safety. The Columbus Zoo reopened Sunday at 9 a.m., while the Toledo Zoo reopened Saturday. The Akron and Cleveland zoos also resumed normal operations. However, investigations into the origins of the threats continue, with local police and the FBI involved. No suspects have been identified, and authorities have not disclosed any leads. The incidents have prompted discussions about security protocols at public attractions, including how to balance rapid evacuation with minimizing disruption. For now, the zoos are operating under heightened vigilance, and visitors are being urged to remain alert.

A Disturbing Trend: Swatting and Public Safety

The wave of threats against zoos highlights the vulnerability of large public venues to swatting attacks, which can cause chaos and fear even when no actual danger exists. While no injuries occurred, the evacuations disrupted thousands of visitors and placed significant strain on emergency services. The incidents also raise questions about the psychological and economic toll of such hoaxes. As authorities work to trace the calls and identify perpetrators, the broader implications for public safety and security remain unresolved. The pattern suggests that zoos—often seen as family-friendly spaces—have become targets for those seeking to cause maximum disruption with minimal effort. Until the perpetrators are caught, similar threats may continue to emerge.

The bottom line

• Multiple Ohio zoos were evacuated after receiving bomb and active shooter threats; no explosives or injuries were found.
• The Columbus Zoo threat is believed to be a swatting call, but authorities treated it as a real threat.
• Toledo Zoo's evacuation disrupted a high school prom, though evening events later proceeded.
• Similar threats occurred at zoos in Denver and Louisville, suggesting a nationwide pattern.
• The FBI Cleveland office issued a statement, indicating federal involvement in the investigation.
• All affected zoos have reopened after thorough security sweeps.