San Diego police investigated a potential threat at the San Diego Zoo on Sunday, but officers found no evidence of danger, officials said.
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Police received a call regarding the threat around 1:10 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the Balboa Park attraction and joined units already working at the zoo to investigate the threat.
“They checked the area as well as surveillance footage for any indication of a suspect. Nothing was located,” San Diego police said on Instagram.
A male caller had phoned the California City Police Department in Kern County shortly after 1 p.m. and had threatened to shoot people and animals near the lion enclosure, said police Officer Sarah Foster. San Diego police were notified of the threat a short time later, Foster said.
She said zoo visitors were moved away from the lion enclosure. Police checked surveillance cameras, but no unusual activity was noted. Visitors were allowed back into the area shortly after 1:45 p.m.
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Zoo officials said in a statement that police had determined the threat was “a hoax.”
“The safety and well-being of our wildlife, team members, and guests remain our highest priority,” the zoo said. “We appreciate the understanding and support of our community during this time.”
Department officials said police were maintaining a presence at the zoo.
Hoax calls involving alleged bomb threats and claims of active shooters have prompted evacuations and closures at several zoos around the U.S. in recent months, including incidents at several zoos in Ohio in early May. Zoos in Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida and Arizona also have reported receiving threats.
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Staff writer Karen Kucher contributed to this report.
