Louisville Zoo reopens after police give 'all clear' following bomb threat

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police responded Friday morning to a bomb threat the Louisville Zoo.

According to zoo spokesperson Kyle Shepherd, the threat came in around 8:47 a.m.

Zoo employees and guests were evacuated. Police were called to sweep the grounds. About 11 a.m., LMPD gave the "all clear" and the Zoo announced that the park would open at noon.

"Our top priority is the safety of our guests, staff and animals," zoo director Dan Maloney said in a written statement. "We are relieved that the Zoo was cleared, and we were able to reopen. We’re grateful to the LMPD, especially the 6th Division under Major Vance, for their speedy response and for always being such good friends of the Zoo."

Shepherd said field trip arrivals had to be delayed, and some groups had to wait out the situation across the street at Joe Creason Park.

The zoo education staff called others who were scheduled for visits to let them know the zoo may open later. The zoo normally opens to the public at 10 a.m.