Lightning risk analysis: Case study of endandgered animals

In January 2012, two highly endangered Mountain Bongo´s were killed by lightning in the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. These animals are on the critically endangered list and therefore as many risks should be mitigated where possible. Understanding and calculating the risk associated with lightning to animals within the enclosure is performed using IEC 62305-2 methods. In addition an alternate method is proposed looking at lightning current parameters and lightning ground flash data to determine a median lethal limit for a particular environment. From this a lethal area percentage for an outdoor environment can be determined. This is found to be approximately 75% for the enclosure. This would indicate that lightning protection measures should be put in place in order to prevent further losses as a result of lightning.