Columbus Zoo and Aquarium evacuated Saturday afternoon due to safety threat

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated after zoo officials said they received an alleged bomb and active shooter threat Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the zoo said the threat was received through its security dispatcher around 2:20 p.m. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office was notified immediately and arrived soon after.

The zoo safely evacuated all visitors and staff. It remained closed for the rest of the day.

In an 8 p.m. update, the zoo said no suspicious items were found and the zoo had been confirmed safe.

The spokesperson indicated that similar threats had been reported at several other zoos across the country in recent days.

A Delaware County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said they believe it was a swatting call, but treated the situation no differently than they would an active threat.

Read more: WBNS