Beardsley Zoo closed on Tuesday due to ‘threatening calls'
The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is closed to the public today “out of an abundance of caution” after they received a series of threatening calls, the zoo said.
The zoo is operating under emergency protocols with a temporary lock-in and lock-out procedure, and is closed to the public, according to the organization.
“The Zoo is working closely with the City of Bridgeport Police Department and local emergency management officials to ensure the continued safety of guests, staff, and animals,” officials at the zoo said.
The Bridgeport Police Department said they are investigating the threat.
The incident comes amid a broader rise in hoax emergency calls, commonly referred to as “swatting,” that target zoos, the zoo said.
Law enforcement agencies have noted that while many of these incidents do not involve credible threats, each call is treated seriously and requires a full emergency response.
“Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our visitors, staff, and animals,” said Beardsley Zoo CEO Dr. Jim Wharton in a press release. “We are following all appropriate protocols and working in coordination with our public safety partners.”
The zoo said it will provide updates as soon as they become available.
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