Zoos across country face multiple bomb threats on Friday morning

Zoos across the United States were targeted by a series of bomb threats on Friday, 1 May 2026, leading to widespread evacuations and emergency police responses.

In Kentucky, the Louisville Zoo was cleared around 9:30am after a reported threat. The facility stated on social media, noting, "Due to a safety threat, the zoo is being evacuated following a reported bomb threat. All animals are secure."

Approximately 250 people, including members of a walking club, were moved to Joe Creason Park before the Louisville Metro Police Department gave the "all clear" at 10:22 a.m.

Simultaneously, the Toledo Zoo in Ohio received a call via security dispatch involving a bomb and an active shooter threat.

Sgt. Mohamad Nasser with the Toledo Police Department confirmed that tactical units and the Northwest Ohio bomb squad were deployed to perform a sweep of the area.

While no injuries were reported and the threat was determined to be false, the zoo remained closed for the day.

In Arizona, the Phoenix Zoo was also targeted around noon, resulting in the evacuation of over 2,000 guests and 500 staff members.

The Phoenix Police Department informed PEOPLE that "preliminary information suggests this may have been a swatting call."

The targeted institutions have confirmed that all animals and personnel remained safe throughout the incidents.

Following thorough sweeps by law enforcement, the Louisville Zoo reopened later that Friday, while both the Toledo and Phoenix Zoos remained closed until Saturday. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the origins of these coordinated disruptions.