Visitors and staff at the Phoenix Zoo were evacuated Friday afternoon after a bomb threat triggered a large police response, authorities confirmed.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers were dispatched to the zoo around noon. By the time they arrived, staff had already cleared the grounds as a safety precaution. Law enforcement then conducted a thorough search of the property alongside zoo personnel. No explosive devices were discovered.
Officials say early indications point to the incident being a “swatting” call — a false emergency report designed to provoke a significant police response. These hoaxes often involve fabricated claims such as bombs, active shooters, or hostage situations.
In a media update, police noted that officers remained on-site into the afternoon to document the incident and assist zoo staff with reopening procedures. Despite the all-clear, the zoo announced it would remain closed for the rest of the day, with plans to reopen Saturday morning.
Authorities are also examining whether the threat is connected to similar incidents reported the same day at zoos in other parts of the country, including in Ohio and Kentucky.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Silent Witness as investigators continue efforts to identify the source of the call.
