New Details About Gas Leak Near CT's Beardsley Zoo In Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport was closed Friday due to a gas leak, officials announced.

The leak was reported at about 11:25 a.m. Officials described the closure as temporary, but the zoo is not expected to reopen on Friday.

"Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is temporarily closed for the day," officials wrote on Facebook. "Southern CT Gas Company has reported a gas leak in their lines in the proximity of zoo grounds and is currently working on the matter."

No injuries were reported, according to Tiadora Josef, Bridgeport's Director of Public Information.

"Fire crews arrived on-scene to find a worker struck a high-pressure gas line, causing a small leak," Josef wrote in a statement. "The area was secured, the zoo evacuated, and Firefighters deployed a precautionary hose line while metering the area. The gas company arrived with several crews who were able to shut down the gas line."

Firefighters left the scene about an hour after arriving, while gas company crews continued their work.

The zoo is advising patrons to make new arrangements to visit the facility in the future.

"AARP attendees: AARP will be in touch with further communications on next steps," officials wrote. "All other Zoo guests and visitors that purchased tickets in advance should contact info@beardsleyzoo.org for your new tickets and future plans to visit.

"We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding, as we take safety precautions as our main priority."