COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced more than 100 guns and more than 200 knives have been detected since the zoo updated its security measures in August.
In March, the zoo announced an investment of $1.4 million for the EVOLV security system at its front entrance. The same system is installed at the Zoombezi Bay entrance.
Since August, zoo security and the EVOLV systems have detected 102 guns and 230 knives. Even though its weapons policy has been in place for years, the zoo said those numbers aren't necessarily surprising given that the new system is designed to improve detection.
The director of security and safety at the zoo said that the reaction to the detection system has been positive so far.
If a weapon is detected, security officers will pull that person to the side and explain their weapons policy. People have the option to return the weapon to their car and come back to the park after.
"If guests have concerns and if they have concerns about coming through the machine, our team out there is knowledgeable on the system, on what can and can't come through and they're more than happy to answer any questions and help anybody out that comes through," said Steven Langton, the director of security and safety at the zoo.
Zoo officials say the same system was installed at Zoombezi Bay a few years ago. After success at the water park, the zoo decided to put the metal detectors outside of the zoo entrance. Based on data from the three years they have been active at the park, zoo officials expect numbers to go down as more people understand the policy.
"I don't think we'll have these triple digit numbers as we continue, and as we look into 2025 again as more word gets out, people get used to the system being there. I think those numbers will definitely go down," Langton said.
There are "no weapons" signs on the parking booths when guests enter the parking lot and on the tram stations. Langton said they plan on posting more signs in the parking lot before Wildlights begins.