On Thursday afternoon, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro was forced to close early after a false bomb threat and a claim that an armed person was on the premises. The emergency call came in at about 2:40 p.m. to the Randolph County 911 Communication Center, originating from the zoo’s own communications hub.
Evacuation and response
Zoo officials quickly alerted visitors, prompting the orderly evacuation of approximately 1,200 guests. Asheboro Police Department officers, together with Zoo Police, assisted in guiding patrons to safety and securing the grounds.
After the evacuation was completed, investigators determined the incident was a “swatting” call – a prank designed to provoke a large law‑enforcement response. No bomb was found, and there were no injuries reported.
Zoo’s next steps
In a Facebook post, the North Carolina Zoo announced that it would remain closed for the remainder of Thursday. The facility expects to resume normal operating hours on Friday, allowing families to return for the remainder of the weekend.
Law‑enforcement officials continue to investigate the source of the hoax call. The swift coordination between the zoo’s staff and local police helped ensure public safety and a smooth evacuation, demonstrating the community’s preparedness for emergency situations.
What residents should know
Visitors planning to attend the zoo later this week should check the zoo’s official website or social‑media channels for updates on opening times. The zoo encourages anyone with information about the false threat to contact Asheboro Police Department.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
