US National Zoo given 'all clear' after bomb threat prompts evacuation

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US National Zoo was given an "all-clear" Tuesday after a bomb threat was received that prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of guests and staff members, according to the zoo.

Following an investigation, police "confirmed no evidence of a threat was found," and gave the zoo an "all-clear," it said in a statement. The zoo will remain closed Tuesday and will reopen Wednesday.

Police in the nation's capital confirmed in a statement that the "Explosive Ordinance Disposal Squad conducted a precautionary sweep of the zoo," but found no explosive devices in the sprawling 163-acre facility.

The zoo includes several indoor and outdoor exhibits, boasting wildlife across hundreds of species.