A destructive hailstorm in Missouri led to the tragic death of an emu when softball-sized ice chunks battered the region.
The unfortunate incident occurred at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, where Adam, a female emu, succumbed to the hailstorm that struck around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, as reported by zoo spokesperson Joey Powell to the Daily Mail.
Adam, who was 21 years old, was the only animal to perish during the storm, although a male rhea also sustained injuries. Rheas are similar to ostriches but are smaller and incapable of flight.
Powell detailed that the zoo experienced substantial damage, with vehicles, roofs, and anything made of glass bearing the brunt of the storm’s force.
Despite the heavy damage, the rest of the zoo’s inhabitants remained unharmed. However, the zoo chose to stay closed on Wednesday to address the aftermath.
Reports indicated that the hail measured between 3 and 5 inches in diameter, with a Springfield meteorologist recording hailstones as large as 4 inches, according to USA Today.
The average softball has an approximate diameter of 3.82 inches.
‘Tuesday’s hailstorm is the worst in modern records for both Springfield, MO, and Greene County, MO,’ meteorologist Brandon Beck posted to Facebook. ‘It had the largest measured hail stone (up to 5 inches) and will easily be the costliest.’
Adam, a female emu at the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, died on Tuesday
The 21-year-old emu (pictured) was the only animal killed, but a male rhea was injured as well
Several reports estimated the hail to be between 3 and 5 inches in size. In comparison, a softball has an approximate circumference of 3.82 inches
‘Giant Hail,’ or hail larger than 2.75 inches in diameter, is considered ‘an extreme threat to life and property from severe hail,’ according to The National Weather Service.
Additionally, multiple social media posts showed cars in Greene County with broken windshields and massive roof dents.
There were also reports that gas readers were damaged. Officials warned the public that if they smell gas, they should immediately leave the area, according to USA Today.
Unfortunately, more than 10,000 City Utilities customers lost power after the storm.
However, within two hours, about 6,000 had their energy restored.
Dickerson Park Zoo announced that the emu died on Tuesday, prompting many to share their condolences.
‘So sorry to hear about the loss of the beloved emu. Thankful for every worker and volunteer who worked hard to save the animals in the weather that was worse than expected,’ one person wrote.
Dickerson Zoo spokeswoman, Joey Powell told the Daily Mail that the zoo suffered severe damage to vehicles and roofs, and that anything that was made of glass was destroyed
The zoo announced on Tuesday that the rest of the animals were safe, but the zoo remained closed on Wednesday
‘I know what big hearts your team has and all the lives you touch. From the keepers and vets and staff who work so hard to keep a beautiful facility that way to the volunteers and interns who show up to learn and help, my condolences to each of you.’
‘I am so sorry for the loss of precious Adam and for the damage at the zoo. The weather is getting scarier every day. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who take care of the beautiful animals,’ another added.
‘So sorry! The storm got severe so fast, I know you all did as much as you could to keep the animals safe. Getting animals moved quickly can be very challenging, especially when they already sense bad weather coming. Prayers,’ a third said.
Powell noted that the injured rhea is still under veterinary care.
