TOLEDO, Ohio —
Toledo Zoo visitors now have to go through an extra level of security before spending the day with the tigers and bears.
Parents, like Christina Perez, are now greeted by security staff members and metal detectors.
"I was really surprised actually to see that there were metal detectors and I wondered what brought that on," Perez said.
The new security features were implemented in May by the zoo. Perez said she never felt unsafe coming to the zoo, but was concerned to see that there was a change.
"I was really surprised actually to see that there were metal detectors and I wondered what brought that on," Perez said.
"There was no security concern, no security issue," Regina Lester, vice president of safety and security operations for the zoo said. "In fact, again this is just another level of protection for our guests and for our staff here."
Lester said the zoo has over one million visitors per year and it’s the staff's responsibility to ensure safety for visitors and workers.
The security screening is all no-contact. Visitors are required to go through one metal detector and if it goes off, they will be asked to go through another. Bags will also be checked.
The detectors check for any large pieces of metal and are not supposed to delay people's entrance. Coolers are also not allowed into the zoo, which is a policy the zoo has had since 2020.
Lester said there are other areas where people can picnic, including Walbridge Park and the designated picnic areas in the parking lot.
The zoo has a list of prohibited items on its website that people can look at before visiting.
The overall goal of this change is to ensure the safety of everyone.
"We have various levels to ensure the safety and security for all because we want this to be the best possible and enjoyable experience," Lester said.