Akron Zoo evacuated after bomb threat, latest in wave of threats at U.S. zoos

The Akron Zoo in Ohio was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat, the latest in a series of similar threats reported at zoos across the United States in recent weeks, according to officials. Police later determined the threat was false.

The threat was received at about 10:50 a.m. on Sunday, and the zoo activated emergency procedures before evacuating the park. Akron police and firefighters responded to the scene and began checking the property.

The Akron Police Department conducted a comprehensive sweep of the entire park and found nothing suspicious, the zoo said in an update. No injuries were reported among staff or visitors, and all animals are safe.

The zoo remained closed for the rest of the day and is expected to reopen on Monday.

The threat came a day after the Columbus Zoo, also in Ohio, was evacuated after receiving a bomb and shooting threat. No suspicious items were found there, and the zoo was cleared to reopen Sunday.

On Friday, hundreds of guests and staff were evacuated from the Phoenix Zoo after a bomb threat, but no devices were found.

Similar threats have also been reported in recent weeks at the Sacramento Zoo in California, Zoo Miami, the Toledo Zoo and the Memphis Zoo, while a bomb and shooting threat was reported Friday at a mall in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

No suspect or suspects have been identified in connection with the threats, and officials have not said whether all of the incidents are connected.