Akron Zoo, Cleveland Zoo cleared due to threats

Two Northeast Ohio zoos were evacuated Sunday after receiving threats, the latest in a string of what authorities have described as “swatting” incidents.  Both the Akron Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo were evacuated after receiving false bomb and active shooter threats. Officials for both zoos said the incidents are part of a growing trend that are targeting zoos across the country.   Around 10:50 a.m. Sunday, the Akron Zoo received a bomb and active shooter threat, according to a news release from the zoo.  All guests and staff were immediately evacuated. Police performed a comprehensive sweep of the park and nothing suspicious was found, the release stated.  The zoo was closed for the remainder of Sunday and will reopen to the public on Monday, May 4.  Around 1:40 p.m. Sunday, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo had also received a threat “similar to those reported at other zoos across the country”.  The zoo was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.  Similar threats have been made at several zoos across the country recently, including the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Saturday and the Toledo Zoo on Friday.