POWELL, Ohio, May 5, 2026, 13:12 EDT
For the second time in just four days, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shut down on Tuesday, clearing out both visitors and employees after a phone call warned of a possible active-shooter threat. Law enforcement and zoo security later gave the all-clear at 11:40 a.m., but the zoo decided to stay closed for the rest of the day.
This isn’t just a random incident. Zoos across the U.S. have faced a wave of hoax bomb and shooter threats in recent days, with authorities labeling the pattern as swatting — fake emergency calls designed to prompt police action.
The FBI’s Cleveland office acknowledged it was tracking threats against “a number of zoos and other entities” and coordinating with law enforcement partners to assess the situation, exchange details, and investigate. The agency asked anyone with suspicious information to contact the FBI or local police. Cleveland19
The Columbus Zoo reported getting the call at 9:54 a.m. Tuesday. Leadership—coordinating with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office—called for an evacuation, citing “an abundance of caution.” According to the zoo, everyone, including guests, employees and animals, remained safe. Spectrum News 1
Deputies stayed at the scene as zoo security locked down the perimeter, according to WSYX. The zoo said it stuck to its usual safety procedures while officials evaluated what was going on.
The disruption Saturday played out on a larger scale: a bomb and active-shooter threat hit the Columbus Zoo at 2:18 p.m., prompting an evacuation of about 3,000 visitors. Afterward, officials from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police, and Columbus police swept the grounds but turned up nothing suspicious. “We did the right thing,” Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Schmid told ABC 6, explaining the decision to evacuate. WSYX
Pressure has hit other Ohio zoos too. The Akron Zoo had to clear out on Sunday after police got a bomb and active-shooter threat, according to Cleveland 19. Officers and fire crews went through, found nothing out of place. “They responded very quickly,” said Elena Bell, Akron Zoo’s Director of Marketing and Events. Cleveland19
After reports of a threat, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was evacuated Sunday. Zoo communications director Jacqueline Gerling said staff emptied the grounds as a precaution. The expectation, she added, was to reopen the following day.
On Tuesday, the wave reached outside Ohio. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo shut down following what a city official described as “a series of threatening calls.” CEO Jim Wharton said their top concern was “the safety and well-being” of visitors, staff, and animals. Connecticut Post
Even if a threat turns out to be bogus, authorities have no choice but to respond as if it’s genuine right away. Hesitating could mean a packed venue remains vulnerable. Move too quickly, though, and officers may clear out a park, show up armed, and alarm families before anyone knows what’s really happening.
No reopening for the Columbus Zoo on Tuesday. The zoo said it would provide updates when there’s more to share.
