Hoax calls prompt evacuations, closures at several US zoos
Hoaxes involving bomb threats and even active shooter allegations have prompted evacuations and closures at several zoos across the United States in recent days, disrupting family plans and straining public safety resources in some cities.
No explosives or real hazards were found in the latest series of incidents that authorities are calling crushing incidents.
The FBI considers this a growing national problem. In addition to diverting resources, such calls can cost thousands of dollars per incident, endanger first responders and the public, and result in federal charges.
In the latest case, police swept the Akron Zoo in northeast Ohio on Sunday after a threat led to the evacuation of visitors. Officials gave the green light, but zoo directors opted to close for the rest of the day.
Hours later, police were seen stationed outside the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as visitors were evacuated due to a threat. Some visitors took to social media, expressing anger at having to leave.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in central Ohio was evacuated Saturday. Zoo President and CEO Tom Schmid told TV station WCMH that because of similar threats at other zoos, employees completed a safety drill last week and a drill Saturday morning that helped them prepare for the emergency evacuation.
“This has become part of life throughout the country and the world,” Schmid said, highlighting the increase in such threats. “So we need to make sure that we are vigilant. »
Threats have also been reported against zoos in Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and Arizona.
Last year, dozens of scam calls on college campuses across the United States resulted in canceled classes, campus lockdowns and, in some cases, students hiding under their desks only to later discover they were being run over.
Last week, federal prosecutors announced charges against a minor following a series of swatting calls targeting universities and other institutions in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in August 2025. According to prosecutors, the defendant identified himself as a member of the “Purgatory” cybercrime group.
The FBI has recorded thousands of swatting incidents since creating a national database in 2023. Targets have included schools, public institutions and celebrities.
“Crushing is sometimes an act of revenge or a prank. It is a serious crime that has potentially dangerous consequences,” the agency said in a statement on Sunday. “Law enforcement personnel have been injured in crush incidents, and victims have been treated for injuries such as heart attacks following such events. »
