JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It took nearly 24 hours for a Jacksonville Zoo security supervisor to notify police that a “suspicious person” had approached two children at the Zoo, according to an incident report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The JSO report, obtained by News4JAX on Tuesday, details the claims a Jacksonville mother made on Facebook, saying a man tried to kidnap her daughter during a field trip.
According to the report, JSO was alerted around 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, by the Zoo’s security supervisor that the incidents had been reported to the Zoo the previous day.
The supervisor said that around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, a man had approached two separate groups of children at the Zoo’s Play Park. He said Zoo staff were notified around 2 p.m. Friday.
The supervisor said the first person who reported the suspicious person left the zoo before staff could get contact information for them.
The second report came from a mom who said her daughter told her about the man, and then she and other parents tried looking for the suspicious person but could not find him.
The child described the person as a bald man who appeared to be between 25 and 45 years old; about 5 feet, 2 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall; with a medium build and complexion; weighing 140 to 180 pounds.
He was last seen wearing a black shirt with light colored blue jeans and white shoes and was carrying a black backpack.
The Zoo security supervisor told JSO his team searched the Zoo for the man but didn’t find him.
Other portions of the JSO report are redacted.
JSO said the information report is in a closed status pending any further leads from the Zoo or possible witnesses.
The zoo sent a statement to News4JAX about the reports, saying that it takes the safety of all guests seriously.
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.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
News4JAX asked the zoo for comment about JSO’s note in the report that the incidents were not reported to police until the following day.
The zoo did say it is increasing Park Ranger patrols throughout the park and the Play Park area.
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