National Zoo To Reopen On Wednesday After Bomb Threat Evacuation (Updated)

Animal lovers in DC are breathing a sigh of relief after a bomb threat called into the National Zoo was deemed to be unfounded on Tuesday afternoon.

The National Zoo in DC.
Photo Credit: *Wikimedia Commons/Quadell*

Zak Failla

08/29/2023 3:05 p.m.

The Zoo was evacuated at approximately 12:30 p.m. and closed on Aug. 29 after there was a reported threat emailed to officials, prompting an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.

At approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, the Zoo announced that a sweep of the property by the department's Explosive Ordinance Disposal Squad found no evidence of a credible threat, though the facility will remain closed for the day.

It is scheduled to reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Officials said that any guests who were forced to evacuate may return to the Connecticut Avenue pedestrian or vehicle entrances to retrieve their cars from the parking lot.

As a precaution, officials said that all visitors were evacuated, though all other Smithsonian museums remained open on Tuesday.

Want breaking news in the DMV as it happens, or want to contribute? Join the DMV All Incidents Facebook group.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfax and receive free news updates.