Hoax telephone calls alleging bomb threats and active shooters led to evacuations and closures at several zoos across the United States over the weekend, authorities said.

The incidents, described by law enforcement as swatting hoaxes, began Friday morning and continued through Sunday. No explosives or other dangers were discovered after thorough sweeps by police and bomb squads.

In Ohio, the wave hit hardest. The Toledo Zoo evacuated visitors Friday morning following a bomb threat. Saturday afternoon, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium cleared its grounds after receiving reports of a bomb and an active shooter on site. Zoo president Tom Schmid credited recent safety drills for enabling a swift response. "This is part of life now around the country, around the world," Schmid told local television station WCMH. "And so we have to make sure we’re vigilant."

On Sunday, the Akron Zoo received a bomb threat around 10:50 a.m., prompting an immediate evacuation. Police and fire officials found nothing suspicious and deemed the threat false, but the zoo remained closed for the day. Hours later, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo evacuated visitors and staff out of caution after a similar call. The facility closed on Sunday and is planned to reopen on Monday.

Outside Ohio, the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky evacuated about 230 people, including 60 staff members, around 9:30 a.m. Friday, after a bomb threat. An all-clear came about 50 minutes later. In Arizona, the Phoenix Zoo cleared visitors around noon Friday following a reported bomb on the property. The site closed early that day but reopened on Saturday after police confirmed no threat.

Threats also targeted zoos in Tennessee, Florida, and other locations, according to reports. Visitors expressed frustration on social media, particularly at the Cleveland Zoo, where families faced sudden disruptions during outings.

The FBI has identified swatting as a growing national issue since launching a database in 2023, logging thousands of cases targeting schools, public venues, and celebrities. "Swatting is sometimes conducted as an act of revenge or a prank. It is a serious crime that has potentially dangerous consequences," the agency stated Sunday. Such calls divert emergency resources, cost thousands per response, and have resulted in injuries to responders and bystanders, including heart attacks.

Authorities are investigating the zoo incidents as part of a possible coordinated effort, with multi-state involvement. No arrests have been announced.