A severe hail storm hit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Monday, injuring 14 people, hospitalizing five, and killing a duck and a vulture.
The zoo, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is closed due to damaged infrastructure, including windows and skylights, and it is uncertain if it will reopen by Wednesday, according to 9 News. Sixteen animals have been reported injured since the massive hail storm.
The 3,400 patrons of the zoo were bused to nearby Cheyenne Mountain High School for medical examinations. About 300 cars were not in working capacity because of extensive damage from the softball-sized hail, according to 9 News.
Medical attendants set up triage at the entrance of the zoo where nine patrons were treated on site, reports CBS Denver.
It is currently unknown if any additional animals are dead because of the extreme weather. Zoo workers kept as many animals safe as possible, according to 9 News. (RELATED: Zoo Under Attack For Bringing A Bear To Get Ice Cream At Dairy Queen [Video])
A meerkat has been declared missing, but it could just be hiding underground since that’s where its exhibit is, according to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo President and CEO Bob Chastain, 9 News reports.
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