CRIME & LAW

Multiple U.S. Zoos Evacuated After Reported Bomb Threats

PUBLISHED May 1, 2026, 11:14 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 100%

Sources: 7

Louisville, Ky., Toledo, Ohio and Phoenix, Ariz. experienced coordinated public-safety responses Friday after bomb threats prompted evacuations at their zoos; Louisville reported a call to LMPD around 9 a.m., Toledo police said a threat arrived about 10:30 a.m., and Phoenix officials reported a noon threat, with guests and staff cleared from each facility. Officials said no injuries were reported, animals were secured, and bomb squads were dispatched; Louisville received an all-clear and reopened at 11 a.m., Toledo remained closed while police searched and blocked entrances around 11 a.m., and Phoenix closed for the rest of the day as investigations and searches continued.

By Adyan K. | JQJO News

Aggregated From:

WHAS 11 Louisville CBS 8 - San Diego News

Timeline of Events

Around 9:00 a.m. — Louisville Zoo receives bomb threat; LMPD notified and evacuation to Joe Creason Park begins.
Around 10:30 a.m. — Toledo Zoo receives bomb threat and possible shots-fired report; visitors and students evacuated safely.
By 11:00 a.m. — Toledo police block Anthony Wayne Trail entrance; bomb squad en route; zoo remains closed.
Around noon — Phoenix Zoo receives bomb threat; guests and staff evacuated and the facility closed for the remainder of the day.
After initial responses — Louisville receives all-clear and reopens; investigations and searches continue in other jurisdictions with no devices reported.

News Intelligence

This isn't just about zoos. It's about public safety. These threats disrupt daily life and can cause fear. It's a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings. If you see something unusual, report it to authorities.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7

Who Benefited

Emergency responders, zoo security teams, and public safety agencies benefited by exercising response protocols and coordinating cross-jurisdictional communications during the incidents.

Who Impacted

Zoo visitors, employees, nearby schools and local traffic suffered disruptions, temporary closures, and operational impacts as facilities were evacuated and secured.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 7
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Emergency responders, zoo security teams, and public safety agencies benefited by exercising response protocols and coordinating cross-jurisdictional communications during the incidents.

Who Impacted

Zoo visitors, employees, nearby schools and local traffic suffered disruptions, temporary closures, and operational impacts as facilities were evacuated and secured.