A bomb threat forced the evacuation of Zoo Idaho in Pocatello on Monday morning, prompting police to respond and shutting down the facility for the remainder of the day, according to city officials.
The Pocatello Police Department was called to the scene and launched an active investigation into the reported threat. All visitors and staff were successfully evacuated without reported injuries. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the area while the investigation remained ongoing.
Zoo and Nearby Events Cancelled
Zoo Idaho, located within Ross Park, was closed for the entirety of Monday, June 29. The closure also affected a scheduled community event in the area — the Pocatello Municipal Band’s evening concert at the Ross Park Bandshell was cancelled as a direct result of the situation.
City officials indicated they planned to work on rescheduling the band concert for a future date, though no new date had been announced as of Monday.
Public Safety Response
Law enforcement’s swift response allowed the zoo to be cleared quickly, with no visitors or staff reported to have been harmed during the evacuation. The Pocatello Police Department continued its investigation into the source and credibility of the threat throughout the day.
Threats of this nature place significant strain on local public safety resources. Across Idaho, emergency services have faced growing demands as population increases put pressure on first responders statewide — a challenge well documented in communities from Pocatello to Idaho Falls, where ambulance services have raised concerns about funding gaps amid rising call volumes.
Bonneville County and East Idaho residents traveling to or planning visits to Zoo Idaho on Monday were advised to postpone their trips and monitor official channels for updates on when the facility would reopen.
What Comes Next
The Pocatello Police Department is expected to continue its investigation and determine the origin of the threat. Zoo Idaho has not yet announced a reopening schedule or confirmed whether normal operations will resume Tuesday. City officials have said they are committed to rescheduling the Pocatello Municipal Band concert, which draws community members to Ross Park each summer season.
Residents seeking updates should follow the City of Pocatello’s official communications and Zoo Idaho’s public announcements for the latest information on reopening and any rescheduled events. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Pocatello Police Department directly.
For additional public safety coverage across Idaho, visit Idaho News.