Zoo Idaho

Zoo Idaho at Ross Park in Pocatello remained closed Monday following an empty bomb threat to the facility, the latest target in nationwide wave of similar incidents.

POCATELLO — Zoo Idaho became the latest target Sunday in a wave of hoax bomb threats that has now swept across more than 40 zoos in 11 states — a coordinated scare with no explosives and, so far, no answers.

Authorities confirmed the threat at Zoo Idaho in Ross Park was phoned in Sunday morning, sending Pocatello police rushing to evacuate the zoo as officers combed the grounds for a possible explosive device. Visitors and staff were cleared from the zoo out of an abundance of caution, and as of Sunday afternoon, no bomb had been found.

The Pocatello Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, is investigating the incident, according to a news release issued Monday by the city. There is no information indicating a credible threat to the public, the release said.

Zoo Idaho remained closed Monday as the investigation continued. The zoo is expected to reopen for regular business hours Tuesday, June 30, the city said.

“The safety of our residents and visitors will always come first,” Mayor Mark Dahlquist said in the release. “I’m grateful to the Zoo Idaho staff, the Pocatello Police Department, and the FBI. Thank you to our community for your patience and understanding as they worked through this investigation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Zoo Idaho on Tuesday.”

Sunday morning’s threat didn’t just empty the zoo. It caused the cancellation of Sunday’s Pocatello Municipal Band concert at the Ross Park bandshell. The concert has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. July 5.

Zoo Idaho is now the newest name on a growing list. More than 40 zoos across the Western and Southern United States and the Midwest have been hit with the same kind of bomb threat in recent weeks, according to law enforcement. Every single one has come up empty — no devices, no explosives, nothing but disrupted weekends and rattled communities. The FBI has joined the investigation, but as of Sunday no arrests had been made.

Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.

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