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Firefighters Seen Evacuating Passengers From Skyfari Ride at Zoo
MENDON, MASSACHUSETTS, JUL 21 – Firefighters safely evacuated 32 passengers after a mechanical brake issue stalled the Skyfari Sky Ride, marking the second rescue incident since 2022, officials said.
- On Monday, July 21, 2025, firefighters evacuated over 30 passengers from the stalled Safari Sky Ride at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts.
- The ride became immobilized because of a mechanical problem, likely involving the emergency brake, leading the Mendon Fire Department to respond with caution.
- Zoo staff coordinated with fire crews using a hydraulic lift to safely remove riders suspended about 30 feet above the zoo's animal enclosures.
- Marketing director Nicholas Keyes noted roughly a third of passengers had exited before firefighters arrived, and operator Betsey Brewer promised free passes and refunds to affected guests.
- The Safari Sky Ride is currently closed as authorities investigate the cause of the malfunction, while the zoo highlighted its commitment to safety measures and expressed appreciation for the emergency responders’ quick actions.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Sky ride malfunction at Southwick's Zoo leaves visitors stuck in midair
MENDON, Mass. (WWLP) - An afternoon of fun took a scary turn when people riding the Skyfari Sky Ride at a Massachusetts zoo got stuck in midair. Lenox public schools selected for one year of cost-free Day of AI program The incident happened on Monday at Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, which is in Worcester County. The Skyfari Sky Ride gives visitors the opportunity to see the zoo from above, riding over the facility's African Plains, deer fores…
Firefighters seen evacuating passengers from Skyfari ride at zoo
By Phil Tenser, Mary Saladna Click here for updates on this story MENDON, Massachusetts (WCVB) — Firefighters were seen helping over 30 passengers evacuate a stalled aerial ride over Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, on Monday. Similar to a ski lift, the ride operates in a triangle route, giving riders an aerial view of exhibits and animals across the sprawling property. Video from Sky5 appeared to show a firefighter helping a child …
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