Local
Jacksonville Zoo increases ranger patrols after reports involving children
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating two complaints about a suspicious person approaching children in the zoo’s Play Park on Oct. 23. The zoo says it has increased ranger patrols; JSO has not characterized the incident as an attempted kidnapping.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is investigating two separate complaints about a suspicious person approaching children in the Play Park at the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the zoo said Monday, Oct. 26.
The reports were made Oct. 23. Zoo park rangers responded and began investigating, then notified JSO, according to a statement from the zoo. The zoo said it is increasing ranger presence throughout the grounds, including in the Play Park.
“The safety of our guests is our highest priority,” the zoo said, urging visitors to alert a ranger or zoo employee if they see suspicious behavior or have a safety concern.
JSO has not officially described the incident as an attempted kidnapping. Duval County Public Schools said the matter did not involve the school district or a school-sponsored activity.
The available information does not identify the person involved or detail what happened in either complaint.