Beardsley Zoo to reopen Wednesday after temporary closure prompted by threatening calls
Zoo officials say emergency protocols were activated after a series of threatening calls, though no credible threat was found.
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Bridgeport’s Beardsley Zoo will reopen for normal visiting hours on Wednesday after a temporary closure triggered by a series of threatening calls, according to zoo officials.
On Tuesday, the zoo enacted precautionary safety measures after receiving the calls, including a temporary lock‑in and lock‑out procedure. Officials said they coordinated closely with the Bridgeport Police Department and local emergency management teams while the protocols were in place.
The zoo remained closed while those measures were completed. Operations inside the zoo continued under standard safety procedures to protect staff and animals.
Authorities say recent guidance from law enforcement agencies points to an increase in hoax threats, often referred to as “swatting,” targeting public spaces such as zoos. While no credible threats have been confirmed, officials emphasized that each report requires a full public‑safety response.
“Our priority is always the safety and well‑being of our visitors, staff, and animals,” said Beardsley Zoo CEO Dr. Jim Wharton. “We are following all appropriate protocols and working in coordination with our public safety partners.”
