AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 6, 2026
North Carolina Zoo Closes Early Following Security Threats
The North Carolina Zoo was forced to close early on Thursday after receiving a false bomb threat and reports of an armed individual. About 1,200 visitors were evacuated from the facility as authorities responded to the emergency.
Details of the Incident
According to the Asheboro Police Department, the Randolph County 911 Communication Center was contacted at approximately 2:40 p.m. by the North Carolina Zoo Communications Center. The caller reported that a bomb had been planted in the zoo and claimed responsibility, stating they were armed with a rifle.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Asheboro police, in coordination with the zoo's own security personnel, responded immediately to the threat. The decision was made to evacuate all visitors and staff to ensure public safety. Approximately 1,200 people were safely evacuated from the zoo premises during the operation.
Determination as a Swatting Incident
After the evacuation and initial investigation, authorities determined that the reports were false and classified the event as a "swatting" call. Swatting refers to the act of making a hoax call to emergency services with the intent of provoking a large emergency response to a fabricated incident.
Zoo Closure and Reopening Plans
In a public update on Facebook, the North Carolina Zoo announced that it would remain closed for the rest of Thursday. Officials stated they expect to return to normal operating hours on Friday. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the swatting call is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details about suspects or possible motives. The incident raised concerns about the impact of false emergency reports on public safety and emergency resources.
Source: wral.com.
