POWELL — After two threats forced evacuations at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in less than a week, many visitors were left wondering what happens behind the scenes during those emergencies.
Delaware Source spoke with Delaware County Sheriff Jeff Balzer and Columbus Zoo officials about the response process, the ongoing investigation and the operational impact of these incidents.
Both threats, which occurred May 2 and May 5, were ultimately cleared, according to a joint statement from the zoo and sheriff’s office. No guests, employees or animals were harmed.
The zoo reopened Wednesday with an increased law enforcement presence. The sheriff’s office is also reviewing protocols for best practices, as is standard following any large-scale incident.
“The safety of our guests, staff, and animals guides every decision we make,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo.
“We’re grateful for the continued partnership of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and our law enforcement partners, as well as the cooperation of our guests and the professionalism of our team.”
How many guests were affected?
Columbus Zoo Vice President of Communications and Marketing Nicolle Gómez Racey said roughly 1,200 guests were inside the park during the May 5 evacuation.
She estimated between 2,200 and 3,000 people were inside the zoo during the May 2 incident.
Why does this keep happening?
Balzer said investigators have not determined a motive behind the threats.
“Persons who commit these type of crimes are often seeking attention and may have other underlying issues,” he said.
Balzer also confirmed the sheriff’s office received information from the Ohio Homeland Security Terrorism & Crime Center (STACC) regarding similar situations in Ohio and across the country.
Delaware Source reached out to the Toledo Zoo, Akron Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo regarding recent threats or evacuations at their facilities. None responded as of publication time.
The sheriff’s office is working with federal partners to investigate both incidents and find and charge suspects.
“9-1-1 swatting calls are dangerous hoaxes that take resources away from real emergencies, put lives at risk, and cause unnecessary panic in our community,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook following Tuesday’s incident.
How are threats like this handled?
Balzer declined to outline specific security procedures but said the sheriff’s office works closely with zoo staff and other first responders to assess threats and protect the public.
The decision to evacuate, close or shelter in place is ultimately made by the venue, Balzer said, though law enforcement provides guidance during the response.
Racey said the zoo’s internal safety and security teams play a major role when threats occur.
“Our dispatch center is supervised by our security team, so they help assess a threat,” she said.
“They’re the ones who call the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. Our rangers are all from that department, so they’re very instrumental and run drills constantly on these types of scenarios.”
What happens to the animals during a threat?
Racey said emergency sweeps focus on public-facing areas, and neither the sheriff’s office nor the zoo’s rangers enter the animal enclosures.
“They’re only sweeping public-facing areas where, if someone wanted to hide a bomb or whatever the case may be, it would not be in an animal enclosure because [the public] doesn’t have access to it,” she said.
“They’re sweeping the public areas that people have access to like bathrooms, the benches, in bushes and trees, stuff like that.”
In the event of an emergency situation, whether animals are moved indoors or remain in their habitats depends on the nature of the emergency.
“Our animal care teams follow established emergency response protocols designed with animal wellbeing and safety as a core priority in every situation,” Racey said.
“In some cases, the safest course of action is for trained teams to shelter in place with animals or manage them in their existing habitats rather than moving them during an active emergency.”
How much money does the zoo lose during these incidents?
The zoo declined to share specific revenue figures tied to the closures but acknowledged both incidents resulted in some lost admissions and on-site sales revenue.
However, Racey said both evacuations occurred during lower-attendance periods.
Saturday’s incident happened just a few hours before closing, while Tuesday’s threat occurred on a day when attendance was already expected to be lower because of weather and the time of year.
“As part of our annual planning, we account for unforeseen operational disruptions, so the overall financial impact is manageable,” Racey said.
Can visitors get refunds or replacement tickets?
The Columbus Zoo said guests whose visits were interrupted by the May 2 or May 5 evacuations can request a refund or exchange their tickets for another date using this online reimbursement form.
According to the zoo’s website, guests may also exchange tickets at the zoo’s Will-Call Desk near the main gate.
Guests may also email info@columbuszoo.org with their order number or the name and email address used for the purchase.
Zoo officials asked guests for patience as staff work through a high volume of requests. Refunds or replacement tickets may take seven to 10 business days to process.
Tickets purchased through Kroger are only eligible for replacement tickets, according to the zoo.