Lucy the Elephant Struck by Lightning

Officials say the popular tourist attraction suffered "significant damage" during Sunday's storm.

They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but Margate’s Lucy the Elephant may beg to differ.

That’s because the popular tourist attraction suffered significant damage after being struck by lighting for the second time in four years during a storm Sunday morning, the Press of Atlantic City reports.

Save Lucy executive director Richard Helfant told the newspaper that the damage appeared to affect the electrical and climate control systems, but not the basic structure of the 65-foot-tall historic landmark.

“We are still in the process of assessing the damage, but so far we have lost computers, printers, air conditioning controllers, lighting, and the fire alarm controller,” Helfant told the newspaper.

Lucy is no stranger to weather related injuries. In October of 2009, she had to have her tail repaired, after wind damage caused $45,000 in damage. In May of 2007, a lightning strike caused $162,000 worth of damage to her riding carriage, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

As of Tuesday, the Press of Atlantic City reported that Lucy remained open to tourists, despite the damage. She’ll celebrate her 130th birthday on July 16
 

Contact Us