All-Clear Issued After ‘Potential Threat’ Resolved at Brookfield Zoo

AN incident at the Brookfield Zoo has prompted a closure with customers told to shelter in place after reports of a ‘potential threat.’

UPDATE 8:06 p.m. All zoogoers and staff have now safely exited the zoo, and we thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this time. We will be hosting a media briefing outside the South Gate at 8:30 p.m.

Update: Brookfield Police and Brookfield Zoo Police continue to sweep the premises and are releasing zoogoers, building by building. If you are on site, please remain patient until law enforcement release you. We will share more information as soon as we receive it.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m. Visitors and employees are being allowed to leave in groups as police clear buildings. Police are escorting people to their vehicles in groups. Some areas of the zoo have still not been officially cleared and remain locked down.

The Highland Park massacre that occurred yesterday left seven people dead and more than two dozen more injured. The zoo is located around 45 minutes from where the incident took place.

Through its social media pages, the Brookfield Zoo posts updates.

According to one of the most recent updates provided by the zoo, “Late this afternoon Brookfield Zoo received word of a potential danger to the zoo.”

“The zoo is currently closed, but many visitors are still taking refuge on the grounds.

A “possible threat” was reported to Brookfield Zoo on Tuesday, but no further details were given.

As per Brookfield Zoo Facebook page: Late this afternoon, Brookfield Zoo received notice of a potential threat at the zoo. The zoo is now closed however many zoogoers are still sheltering in place on site. @Brookfield Police Department is working with Brookfield Zoo Police to actively investigate the situation throughout the park and surrounding area. Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that guests on site remain sheltered in place until law enforcement provides the all clear.

“The Brookfield Police Department is aggressively investigating the situation throughout the park and the surrounding area in collaboration with the Brookfield Zoo Police.