Phoenix Zoo evacuated after bomb threat that police suspect was a swatting call

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Zoo was evacuated Friday after a bomb threat that police said may have been a “swatting” call.

Officers responded to the zoo around noon. Staff had already evacuated the area as a precaution, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Officers searched the zoo with staff. No explosive devices were found, police said.

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— Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) May 1, 2026

“Preliminary information suggests this may have been a swatting call,” Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez said in a media advisory just after 1:30 p.m. “Officers are still on the scene, documenting the incident and working with staff to help reopen the zoo.”

A “swatting” call is a false report made to emergency services with the intent of drawing a large police response. The hoax calls typically involve fabricated claims of bombs, hostages, shootings or other threats.

Similar threats were reportedly made today at the Toledo Zoo and the Louisville Zoo.

The zoo will remain closed Friday and reopen at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the threat to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO.

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