Horror at British zoo after rhino kills zebra in front of terrified children
- Were YOU at the zoo? Email ryan.prosser@mailonline.co.uk
A zebra has been mauled to death by a rhino in their shared enclosure at one of Britain’s top zoos. Families who saw the situation unfold were horrified.
Visitors, including young children, are said to have watched in horror as the two animals collided at Colchester Zoo in Essex this afternoon.
The zoo, which welcomes a million visitors a year and is the third most popular in England, said it was ‘devastated’ by the loss of the zebra.
The tragedy occurred at an outdoor enclosure for mixed African species, including zebras, rhinos, ostriches and giraffes, which normally interact amicably.
A Facebook user who was at the zoo wrote on his Facebook page: ‘So sad to read this. We were at the zoo today. I literally just saw the rhinos and zebras that were chasing as we went in.
‘We were asked to go to the exit to clear the area, with no idea what had happened. The staff were wonderful and acted very professionally under such terrible circumstances. Our thoughts are with you all.”
Another comment read: ‘I was there about 30 minutes before this happened with my daughter and my three year old grandson!!
‘There was one particular rhino that wouldn’t leave an ostrich alone and I thought he looked annoyed at the time! Thank goodness my grandson didn’t witness it! So sad for everyone involved.”
Zebras and rhinos in Colchester Zoo’s mixed African species outdoor enclosure. A zebra was killed in a confrontation with a rhino on Friday, the zoo confirmed
A third visitor said: ‘I was there and witnessed it. Terrible to see, I’m very upset.’
A statement from the zoo said: ‘Today around 2pm there was an incident in our African mixed species habitat between a rhino and our male zebra and unfortunately the zebra died.
“Right now we are focusing our resources on ensuring the rest of the animals in the habitat become established.
‘These types of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days.
‘We are devastated by this loss and thank you for your understanding and support at this time.’
The zoo’s website states that the Kingdom of the Wild area opened in 2001 with an indoor area and an outdoor meadow.
The zoo said Friday it was “devastated” by the incident, which took place in the Kingdom of the Wild area
It adds: ‘This habitat is one of the few areas where you can see a range of different animals interacting with each other as they would in the wild.
‘You will have the chance to see reticulated giraffes, maleless zebras, white rhinos, ostriches, crowned cranes and greater kudu enjoying their savannah environment.
‘The inland area is also home to pygmy hippos, a variety of reptiles, birds and fish species. There is also a beautiful view from the balcony overlooking our outdoor pasture.’
The zoo opened in 1963 and has kept a number of rhinos since 1972.