Home Australia Horror at British zoo after rhino kills zebra in front of terrified children

Horror at British zoo after rhino kills zebra in front of terrified children

0 comments
Zebras and rhinos in the mixed African species outdoor enclosure at Colchester Zoo. A zebra died in a confrontation with a rhino on Friday, the zoo confirmed
  • Were YOU at the zoo? Email ryan.prosser@mailonline.co.uk

A zebra was mauled to death by a rhino in its shared enclosure at one of Britain’s major zoos, horrifying families who watched the situation unfold.

Visitors, including young children, are said to have watched in horror this afternoon as the two animals clashed at Colchester Zoo in Essex.

The zoo, which welcomes a million visitors each year and is the third most popular in England, said it was “devastated” by the loss of the zebra.

The tragedy occurred in an outdoor enclosure for mixed African species, including zebras, rhinos, ostriches and giraffes, which normally mingle amicably.

One Facebook user who was at the zoo posted on their Facebook page: “So sad to read this. We were at the zoo today. I literally just saw the rhinos and zebras chasing us as we walked in.

‘We were asked to head to the exit to clear the area, having no idea what had happened. The staff were amazing and acted very professionally in such terrible circumstances. Our thoughts are with you all.’

Another comment read: ‘I was there with my daughter and three year old grandson about 30 minutes before this happened!!

‘There was one rhino in particular who wouldn’t leave an ostrich alone and I thought he looked upset at the time! Thank goodness my grandson didn’t witness it! “It’s very sad for everyone involved.”

Zebras and rhinos in the mixed African species outdoor enclosure at Colchester Zoo. A zebra died in a confrontation with a rhino on Friday, the zoo confirmed

A third visitor said: ‘I was there and witnessed it. It’s horrible to see, I’m very upset.’

A statement from the zoo said: “At approximately 2pm today there was an incident in our African mixed species habitat between a rhino and our male zebra and sadly the zebra has died.”

‘Right now we are directing our resources to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat are settled.

“These types of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days.

“We are devastated by this loss and thank you for your understanding and support at this time.”

The zoo’s website indicates that its Kingdom of the Wild area opened in 2001 with an indoor area and an outdoor meadow.

The zoo said it was

The zoo said it was “devastated” by Friday’s incident, which occurred in its Nature Kingdom area.

He adds: “This habitat is one of the few areas where you can see a variety of different animals interacting as they would in the wild.

‘You will have the opportunity to see reticulated giraffes, maneless zebras, white rhinos, ostriches, crowned cranes and kudu enjoying their savannah surroundings.

‘The inner area is also home to pygmy hippos, a variety of reptile, bird and fish species. There is also a lovely view from the balcony overlooking our outdoor meadow.’

The zoo opened in 1963 and has housed several rhinos since 1972.

You may also like