North Carolina Zoo evacuation after false bomb threat, Digi Mart USA News (Asheboro, North Carolina): A bomb threat and a report of an armed person with a rifle forced the evacuation of the North Carolina Zoo on Thursday, November 5. About 1,200 people visiting the zoo had to leave while Asheboro Police and security staff inspected all facilities.
The call reached the Randolph County 911 emergency service at about 2:40 p.m. According to the Asheboro Police Department, the caller said a bomb had been placed at the zoo and that the person responsible was armed with a rifle on the premises.
Officers, together with zoo police and other employees, coordinated the evacuation of visitors. After inspecting the facilities, authorities found no explosives and no armed person.
Police consider the incident a case of swatting, a false emergency alert designed to trigger the deployment of police and other emergency response services. Authorities later said the incident coincides with similar threats recently reported at zoos and parks in other localities.
The zoo confirmed that no one was injured and that all animals were safe. It also said the threat did not represent a credible danger and that the inspection confirmed the site was safe.
The closure remained in place for the rest of Thursday, but the North Carolina Zoo announced it will reopen Friday, November 6, on its regular schedule. Visitors who had tickets for Thursday can contact the zoo directly to ask about refund options.
The Asheboro Police Department is leading the investigation. The zoo thanked its employees and emergency services for their rapid response and reiterated that the safety of visitors, staff and animals is its priority.
