Columbus Zoo and Aquarium evacuated Saturday afternoon due to safety threat

POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated after zoo officers mentioned they acquired an alleged bomb and energetic shooter threat Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the zoo mentioned the threat was acquired by its safety dispatcher round 2:20 pm The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was notified instantly and arrived quickly after.

The zoo safely evacuated all guests and employees. It remained closed for the remainder of the day.

In an 8 pm replace, the zoo mentioned no suspicious objects had been discovered and the zoo had been confirmed protected.

The spokesperson indicated that comparable threats had been reported at a number of different zoos throughout the nation in current days.

A Delaware County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson mentioned they consider it was a swatting name, however handled the scenario no otherwise than they might an energetic threat.

The zoo mentioned it would reopen with regular operations at 9 am on Sunday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, today’s evacuation was the right step, and we’re proud of the calm, coordinated response from our team and partners that kept guests, staff, and animals safe,” the zoo mentioned.

The zoo was assisted by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department and the Columbus Division of Police.