CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — A bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Cape May County Park & Zoo late Monday afternoon, prompting a large law enforcement response and a search by four bomb-sniffing dogs before authorities declared the grounds clear.
The threat was received by the county's 911 center shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, according to Cape May County officials.
The Cape May County Sheriff's Office and Middle Township Police Department responded, and visitors and employees were evacuated while the zoo's animals were secured.
Four K-9 teams then searched the zoo and surrounding park.
No explosive device or other threat was found, and authorities ultimately gave the property the all-clear.
“The safety of our visitors, our staff, and the animals in our care is always the first priority,” Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio said.
“Thanks to the Sheriff's Office, Middle Township Police, and the K-9 teams, we can tell the public the grounds have been searched and deemed all clear.”
Another search planned Tuesday morning
Although Monday's search found nothing, county officials said law enforcement planned to conduct another sweep of the property Tuesday morning as an additional precaution.
The zoo is expected to operate normally following that search. Its regular schedule currently lists zoo hours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The timing of Monday's threat meant many visitors were already making their way toward the exits as the zoo approached its normal 4:30 p.m. closing time, according to published reports.
The county has not reported any injuries connected to the incident.
Officials point to threats at other zoos
Cape May County officials said similar false bomb threats have disrupted zoos elsewhere around the country during 2026.
Authorities stressed that threats of this nature are treated as legitimate until law enforcement can search the property and determine it is safe.
Officials have not publicly identified a suspect or disclosed additional details about the person who made Monday's threat.
It also was not immediately clear whether investigators believe the Cape May County threat is connected in any way to threats made against other zoos.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to contact the Cape May County Sheriff's Office or Middle Township Police Department.
The Cape May County Park & Zoo, located at 707 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House, is a free county-operated attraction and is normally open every day except Christmas.
South Jersey NewsBeat will update this story once officials confirm the results of Tuesday morning's additional security sweep and the zoo's reopening.
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Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
