04/23/2024
Keep your self and the ones you love protected in this crazy ass world
At approximately 3 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, a white Hyundai Elantra was stolen from the Columbus Zoo’s parking lot. The Zoo’s Security and Guest Relations teams continue to work with the Delaware County, OHIO, Sheriff's Office to provide details, as well as support to the family who owned the vehicle.
The incident was first noticed by a guest sitting in a car in the Zoo’s parking lot. The guest witnessed four masked individuals running along the rows of parked cars, pulling on car doors to see if they were unlocked while another individual in a car stayed close to them. Believing the witness saw a weapon at a suspect's waistband, the witness moved their car to safety while blaring their horn to alert other guests, and called 911. At least two other calls were also placed to the Zoo’s Guest Relations and Security teams to report similar observations, including information that a car appeared to have been stolen.
The Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the Zoo and took witness statements while the Zoo’s Security team reviewed camera footage for additional details. Surveillance video was provided to the Sheriff’s Office. After the Zoo closed to guests at 5 p.m., the stolen car was confirmed when a family was unable to locate their vehicle.
Safety for our guests, staff, and the animals remains a top priority at the Columbus Zoo, including the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay parking lots. A full-time in-house security team monitors parking lot activity both with cameras and with continuous patrol of the area. This team also works closely with the Sheriff’s office to handle any criminal activity that may occur. As an addition to daily proactive safety measures and response plans, the Columbus Zoo is also currently implementing the EVOLV security system at the main entrance. This investment will further enhance the safety and security of all visitors with advanced threat detection and screening technology.
This situation is under investigation by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Zoo’s team continues to work closely with the Sheriff’s Office to provide any additional information and assistance. The Zoo and Sheriff’s Office are grateful to the witnesses who stepped forward to report the incident and provide helpful details. The Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that good safety tips include:
✔️ Be vigilant of your surroundings
✔️ Lock your vehicles
✔️ Keep valuables out of sight
✔️ Report any suspicious activity once you are in a safe place to do so
If anyone has any additional information, please contact the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office at (740) 833-2800 or Sgt. Lee at [email protected]
