Beardsley Zoo employee uninjured after being struck by lightning, zoo says
NBC Connecticut
Last updated: July 22, 2026
A Beardsley Zoo employee was struck by lightning on Tuesday afternoon while at work. The incident occurred during a period of strong thunderstorms moving through the region. The employee was unharmed and taken to the hospital for precautionary evaluation.
- Incident Details: The employee was handling a chain-link fence when the lightning strike occurred. They experienced direct contact with the electrical discharge. Fortunately, the employee sustained no injuries as a result of the incident.
- Zoo's Response: Out of an abundance of caution, zoo officials decided to have the employee transported to a local hospital for a thorough medical evaluation. The Beardsley Zoo confirmed the employee's uninjured status following the lightning strike.