At least five zoos across the U.S. have received an active shooter or bomb threat since Friday, though local authorities have cleared all five sites.
WASHINGTON — At least five zoos across the U.S. have received reports since Friday about an active shooter or bomb threat, though all facilities have been cleared by local authorities.
Three of the zoos that received the reports were in Ohio. Two other similar reports were called in at zoos in Kentucky and in Arizona.
The calls apparently started on Friday and continued through Sunday.
Toledo, Ohio
The Toledo Zoo was evacuated Friday morning after the zoo received a bomb threat, according to Toledo police.
A spokesperson with the police department told WTOL 11 that the zoo received a call about a bomb threat and possible shots fired around 10:30 a.m. local time.
No shooters or bombs were discovered during the investigation. Police there said no injuries were reported, and nobody was taken into custody in connection with that call.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Phoenix Zoo received a similar call Friday, prompting the zoo to evacuate more than 2,000 guests and 500 staff members who were on duty.
The Phoenix Zoo CEO told 12News that they received a call around noon local time from someone claiming there was a bomb on the property.
Authorities said police did a sweep of the property, but no explosive device was found.
Louisville, Kentucky
The Louisville Zoo briefly evacuated Friday morning as well after receiving a similar call.
According to WHAS, the zoo was given the all-clear by police, who did a sweep of the area after a bomb threat was reported around 9 a.m. local time. Gate reopened about two hours later.
The evacuation lasted about two hours.
Columbus, Ohio
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium received a call Saturday afternoon about an active shooter and bomb threat.
A spokesperson with the zoo told WBNS that the threat was received through its security dispatcher around 2:20 p.m. local time.
All staff and visitors were safely evacuated from the zoo, which remained closed for the remainder of the day.
Law enforcement investigated the area, but no suspicious items were found, and the zoo was determined to be safe.
The local sheriff’s office said they believed it was a swatting call but treated the situation no differently than they would an active threat.
Akron, Ohio
On Sunday, the Akron Zoo received a call about a bomb threat.
A zoo spokesperson told WKYC that a bomb threat was called shortly before 11 local time and that all visitors and employees were evacuated from the facility.
As of 1:40 p.m. Eastern, police were still actively investigating the facility.
The spokesperson acknowledged the call was consistent with other zoos receiving similar threats.
This story is developing and may be updated.