Zoo Worker Hospitalized After Lightning Strike in Bridgeport

WHO:

WTNH - An employee at Beardsley Zoo was involved in the incident.

CT Post - Bridgeport officials provided updates on the employee's condition.

WHAT:

WTNH - The employee was hospitalized for evaluation after a lightning strike occurred in the area they were working.

CT Post - The employee was not seriously injured and is doing well.

WHERE:

WTNH - The incident took place at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

WHEN:

WTNH - The lightning strike occurred during daily routine operations in the afternoon on a Tuesday.

WHY:

WTNH - The lightning strike happened while the employee was maneuvering a chain-link fence.

HOW:

WTNH - The employee was evaluated at a hospital following the lightning strike incident.

(UPDATED July 22, 2026 11:35 UTC)

An employee at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was hospitalized for evaluation after being struck by lightning while maneuvering a chain-link fence during routine operations. Fortunately, officials report that the employee was not seriously injured and is doing well. Updates from local authorities indicate that the incident occurred in the afternoon on a Tuesday.