Hailstorm Kills 2 Animals, Injures 14 People At CO Zoo

(Editor's note: we have corrected figures in this article to reflect the latest estimates.)

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was overtaken by heavy hail Monday, according to reports, causing immense damage. Visitors sheltered in place for much of the storm.

The zoo itself was damaged, atmospheric scientist Matt Makens tweeted, alongside with most of the cars in the parking lot. KDVR reports the Colorado Springs Fire Department as saying 14 people were injured.

Zoo officials said Motswari, a 13-year-old vulture, and Daisy, a 4-year-old duck, were killed in the hailstorm. Several other animals were injured, as well.

KOAA shared this video of the destructive power of the massive hail.

Christine Barkalow is credited in the video below, showing the power of the hail as it drops into the pool of a bear display. It appears to be nearly baseball-sized, mostly.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department shared the photo below, depicting one of an estimated 270 damaged cars in the parking lot of the zoo.

Article image Google Street View screenshot