Denver Zoo closed after someone threatened to crash into a "CBS Denver Zoo"

DENVER (CBS4) – The Denver Zoo has been closed for over an hour Tuesday due to a security threat. Zoo officials first described the security threat as credible, but police and zoo officials said the threat was not credible.

Police officials said a threat had been called in the zoo and that they would have been threatened by someone considering crashing a plane at the zoo.

They add that they have been in contact with several airports, but it is unclear what information they gathered from these conversations.

Visitors to the zoo have been evacuated from the property, but 23rd Avenue East and the roads leading from City Park are reopening.

"We had only little information, but it was about a pilot claiming that he was going to crash in or near the zoo. So they evacuated everyone and kept pushing us further and further, "said Karalee McMillan, visiting the zoo with her daughters.

Bert Vescolani, the new president and CEO of the Denver Zoo, said nearly 1,000 guests have been evacuated.

The zoo is updated to indicate that it will be open during normal business hours on Wednesday.

Below is their statement Tuesday night:

Just past 3pm This afternoon we received a call from an unidentified individual who was threatening to fly a plane to the Denver Zoo. We immediately contacted the Denver police and other government agencies, organized the evacuation of all guests and staff on site and transferred the animals to a safe place. The Denver police quickly responded to secure the ground and investigate the threat. Less than two hours later, around 4:45 pm, the Denver police determined that the threat was not credible and allowed the zoo's customers to return to their vehicle to leave. The threat investigation is underway.

Our top priority is the safety and comfort of our guests, our staff and the animals. We take all threats very seriously, and review and apply our procedures consistently to meet the highest security standards. Denver police reopened 23rd Avenue. and the Denver Zoo will open tomorrow at regular times (9 am to 5 pm).