Three major U.S. zoos — in Louisville, Toledo and Phoenix — were evacuated this week after receiving bomb threats. Police swept each site; no explosives were found and no injuries were reported. Louisville was given an all-clear about an hour after evacuation, Toledo deployed tactical units and a bomb squad, and Phoenix’s incident may have been a swatting call. All incidents are under investigation.
Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuations at Three Major U.S. Zoos; No Explosives Found
Image of the Phoenix ZooCredit: google maps
Three major U.S. zoos were forced to evacuate staff and visitors this week after receiving bomb threats. Law enforcement agencies swept each facility, found no explosives and reported no injuries. Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the calls, and at least one may have been a swatting incident.
Louisville Zoo (Kentucky)
The Louisville Zoo was evacuated at about 9:30 a.m. after staff received a reported bomb threat. Although the zoo does not open to the public until 10:00 a.m., a free walking club was meeting early and local reports said roughly 250 people were on site at the time. Visitors were directed to Joe Creason Park while officers conducted a search.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) gave an all-clear at approximately 10:22 a.m. and the zoo announced plans to open its gates at 11:00 a.m. LMPD said the evacuation was carried out "out of an abundance of caution," that no credible threat or injuries were identified, and that its investigation remains ongoing.
Toledo Zoo (Ohio)
Early the same morning, the Toledo Zoo received calls reporting a potential bomb threat and alleged gunshots. Police officers — including tactical units and K9 teams — responded quickly; the Northwest Ohio Bomb Squad was also called in. Officials confirmed there were no injuries and no suspects in custody.
The zoo reported that security dispatch notified police and officers were on scene within about 10 minutes. The zoo remained closed for the rest of the day while authorities completed a thorough sweep. A follow-up statement said the threat was determined to be false and that the zoo planned to reopen on May 2.
Phoenix Zoo (Arizona)
The Phoenix Zoo also reported a bomb threat and evacuated more than 2,000 guests and roughly 500 staff members. Staff had begun clearing the grounds before officers arrived; police and zoo personnel completed a combined search and located no explosive devices. Preliminary information from Phoenix police suggested the call may have been a swatting incident.
The zoo thanked visitors for cooperating during the evacuation and said it would remain closed for the remainder of that day, with plans to reopen the following morning.
What Authorities Are Saying
Across all three incidents, police performed precautionary sweeps and took standard safety measures. No explosives were discovered and no injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing, and agencies are treating some of the calls as possible false alarms or swatting attempts.
Note: Officials continue to urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact local law enforcement.
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