Beardsley Zoo employee uninjured after being struck by lightning, zoo says
The Connecticut Beardsley Zoo said a staff member was struck by lightning at work on Tuesday afternoon as strong thunderstorms moved through the area.
The employee was maneuvering a chain-link fence when lightning struck and the employee experienced contact from the electrical discharge.
“Out of an abundance of caution the employee went to the local hospital for evaluation,” said Rowena White, a member of the zoo’s communications team.
The person is doing well and was not seriously injured, the zoo said.
A flash flood warning was issued and a tornado watch was in effect in Fairfield County at the time. The tornado watch will continue in Fairfield County until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
“The safety of staff, guests, and animals remains our highest priority,” White said. “The Zoo continues to monitor weather conditions and follows established weather safety protocols.”
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