JSO investigates suspicious person approaching children at Jacksonville zoo

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it is investigating two separate complaints of a “suspicious person approaching children” in the Play Park area of the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Friday.

The zoo sent a statement to News4Jax about the reports.

On October 23, we received a report of a suspicious person approaching children in the Play Park area. Our Park Rangers responded immediately and began investigating. We have notified the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office of the incident. The safety of our guests is our highest priority, and we are increasing Park Ranger presence throughout the Zoo, including in the Play Park area. We encourage guests to report any suspicious behavior or safety concerns to a Park Ranger or Zoo staff member immediately.

The Sheriff’s Office isn’t officially calling the incident an attempted kidnapping.

Duval County Public Schools told News4Jax that the incident did not involve the district or any school-sponsored activites.

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This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.