Hail Kills Emu at Dickerson Park Zoo
Incident Date:
04/28/2026
Location:
Springfield, MO - USA
Facility Name:
Dickerson Park Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Emu, rhea
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Just before noon massive hail hit Republic, Mo. and portions of Springfield.
The Dickerson Park Zoo state they sustained significant damage from the hail storm on Tuesday, April 28. While no guests or staff were injured, the zoo announced: “Zoo staff is sad to report the death of one animal: a 21-year-old female emu. A male rhea is under veterinary care at this time. All other animals are safe.”
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: