POWELL, OH
A bomb threat at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on May 5th prompted a large-scale evacuation Tuesday morning, impacting visitors, staff, and local school groups — including a field trip involving fifth-grade students from Meadowbrook Elementary.
According to an official message sent to families, the students were at the zoo when the threat was reported earlier in the day. Law enforcement responded immediately, and the facility was evacuated as a precaution.
School officials confirmed that all students and chaperones were accounted for and safe, and were being transported back to the school.
Zoo officials later confirmed the incident, stating that at approximately 9:54 a.m., a threat was called into the zoo’s call center. In coordination with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, leadership made the decision to evacuate all guests and staff out of an abundance of caution.
Authorities say the threat is believed to be an unverified or “copycat” hoax, part of a troubling trend affecting public attractions across the country in recent days.
The zoo announced it would remain closed for the remainder of the day (May 5, 2026) while law enforcement continues to assess the situation and secure the property.
Officials confirmed:
- All guests, staff, and animals are safe
- Law enforcement remains on-site
- Security protocols were followed immediately
- Updates will be released as more information becomes available
This marks at least the second reported threat at the zoo in recent days, raising concerns about repeated hoax incidents targeting public venues.
