Zoo evacuated after 'bomb threat' as police swarm the scene
The US Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington was dramatically evacuated today due to a suspected "bomb threat". Police evacuated the Zoo in Northwest DC due to a reported bomb threat this afternoon, authorities said.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department the department's special operations division rushed to the scene.
The Zoo said in a statement: "The Zoo is temporarily closed due to a bomb threat. Reopening information will be posted when it becomes available. All other Smithsonian museums are open. Out of an abundance of caution, staff and visitors have been evacuated as the Metropolitan Police Department investigates."
Thankfully, nothing hazardous was found after the investigation and the all clear has been given. However, the zoo will remain closed today and reopen tomorrow.
The zoo added in an updated statement: "UPDATE: The Zoo was temporarily closed due to a bomb threat. Out of an abundance of caution, staff and visitors were evacuated as the Metropolitan Police Department investigated. Following a thorough sweep, MPD gave the 'all clear' and confirmed no evidence of a threat was found. The Zoo will remain closed today and reopen tomorrow, August 30."
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Visitors and staff were evacuated this morning after the bomb threat was received. It came in around 10.40am, a police spokesperson said.
DC Police said: "MPD is investigating a bomb threat at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The zoo has been evacuated as a precaution. MPD’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal Squad conducted a precautionary sweep of the zoo and found no hazardous materials."
Police officers combed the park and did not find anything suspicious.
The zoo's spokesperson, Pamela Baker-Masson, confirmed the evacuation of visitors and staff and said the zoo was still closed as of 12.30pm local time.
She added: “All the animals are secure."
The zoo can be found on Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park and is home to rare giant pandas. It is one of the major attractions of the America's capital city.
Connecticut Avenue is fully closed due to the evacuation and bomb threat.
Shayna Estulin, news anchor of local radio station WTOP, tweeted: "The National Zoo is being evacuated over an alleged bomb threat."
Local radio WTOP reports: "Connecticut Ave is CLOSED and the Zoo is being evacuated."
DC Police Traffic tweeted: "Police Activity in the 3000 Block of Connecticut Ave, NW. Road Closure: 2900 - 3100 Block of Connecticut Ave, NW is closed until further notice."
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A spokesperson for DC police has said officers are sweeping the zoo, but nothing has been found so far. It is unclear how long the zoo will remain closed for.
The zoo is always free of charge and open 364 days a year. It sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington DC’s Rock Creek Park. Founded in 1889, it is home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. Highlights include giant pandas, Asian elephants, Sumatran tigers, Aldabra tortoises, Panamanian golden frogs, sea lions, orangutans, meet-a-small-mammal demonstrations, and Asian elephant training.
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