Revealed: Colchester Zoo zebra ‘was disembowelled and distressed’ after fatal rhino attack as visitors claims they ‘heard gunshots’ following assault as dramatic pictures emerge showing animals catastrophic injuries

A zebra was ‘eviscerated and in distress’ after being fatally gored by a rhino at Colchester Zoo yesterday, a visitor has claimed.

The tragedy unfolded at an outdoor enclosure for mixed African species, including zebras, rhinos, ostriches and giraffes, which normally interact amicably.

Tim Miller, 66, from Essex, was visiting the wildlife park with his children and grandchildren on Friday before the unfortunate incident occurred.

Thirty minutes after the bloody “accident” occurred, he heard what he thought were several gunshots.

‘We [he and his family] We were literally walking by and we heard what sounded like several gunshots,” he told MailOnline.

‘It was actually inevitable. All those animals have been walking around together for a few years, so there is no lesson to be learned. I think it was purely an accident.”

On that fateful day, Grandfather decided to visit the mixed enclosure alone to take photos when he saw the rhinos “playfully chasing and bumping each other.”

But what initially seemed to start as a spirited interaction between the duo quickly turned ‘less than playful’, with other animals taking ‘evasive action’, before the zebra was reportedly disemboweled.

Dramatic footage of the incident has emerged showing the extent of the zebra’s catastrophic injuries after it was beaten to death.

“Funnily enough, I think I saw more blood at the zoo yesterday than on safaris,” Miller told MailOnline.

‘I saw these rhinos playing, or whatever you initially think it is, and it became less and less playful.

‘The big male rhino got picked up by the little juvenile and I think he had had enough.

‘I didn’t actually see the incident happen, but suddenly this zebra was running around. It dislodged from the intestines and got worse as I ran.”

The events between the rhino head-butting and the zebra’s fatal attack remain unclear, but the avid photographer believes it was an accident.

“The other animals, the kudus and the ostriches, were running around and getting out of the way, but this one zebra just didn’t get out of the way fast enough.

‘I wouldn’t have said the rhino specifically attacked him. They all got a little irritated and it’s surprising how fast they move too.”

Photos have emerged of the rhino in question showing blood on the 15 to 18 centimeters at the top of its horn.

Mr Miller’s family were in the nighttime environment and were not aware the incident had occurred until afterwards, but were reluctant to reveal anything about the bloody attack.

“I came back to where they were, I just said something happened out there, I didn’t even go into detail,” he said.

‘I was a bit shocked that something had happened, because you can imagine the animals getting hit here and there, but the seriousness of what happened was a surprise.

‘There weren’t many people in the park because luckily it was chilly, because it wasn’t a pretty sight and everyone who was there had children with them.’

The father also praised staff for their quick response to what he described as ‘an unfortunate accident’.

“They worked just as quickly because you can’t go in because all the other animals were quite excited, even though they’re just herbivores.

“They can do a lot of damage, so you can’t do anything other than what they actually did. Everyone seemed very professional in the way they handled it.”

MailOnline has contacted Colchester Zoo for comment.

Mr Miller’s family were in the nighttime environment and were not aware the incident had occurred until afterwards, but were reluctant to reveal anything about the bloody attack.

“I came back to where they were, I just said something happened out there, I didn’t even go into detail,” he said.

‘I was a bit shocked that something had happened, as you can imagine the animals taking a hit here and there, but the severity of what happened was a surprise.

“There weren’t many people in the park because luckily it was cold because it wasn’t a pretty sight and everyone who was there had children with them.”

Edward Bull, 44, witnessed ‘the very sad’ death of the zebra at Colchester Zoo yesterday afternoon when it was mauled to death by a rhino in its shared enclosure.

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 attack seemed random and just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Bull told MailOnline of the unfortunate incident.

But the father was quick to praise the “great” zoo staff, who he said acted quickly and with the utmost professionalism.

He disclosed that there were “only a few spectators” and said the situation was “all very peaceful, mainly thanks to the professionalism of the zoo staff.”

“They acted very quickly to divert visitors away and ensure the zebra got the best environment,” he added.

‘[It was] sorry but no problem. We really enjoyed our day and it was impressive to see the professionalism of the park and staff.”

Another visitor took to Facebook to express his sadness after the zebra’s death yesterday at one of Britain’s top zoos.

‘We were at the zoo today. I literally saw the rhinos and zebras chasing us as we went in,” they said in a Facebook post.

Following Mr Bull’s testimony about staff’s quick response, they revealed they had been asked to move to an exit to clear the area.

‘[We did] no idea what had happened. The staff were wonderful and acted very professionally under such terrible circumstances. Our thoughts are with you all.”

Another spectator who was at the zoo with their daughter and grandson, three, said they had visited the enclosure just 30 minutes before the horrific ordeal.

‘There was one particular rhino that wouldn’t leave an ostrich alone and I thought he looked annoyed at the time!

They added: ‘Thank God my grandson didn’t witness it! So sad for everyone involved.”

One person who claimed to have seen the ordeal said it was ‘terrible to watch’, before adding: ‘I’m very upset.’

Colchester Zoo released a statement, saying: ‘Today around 2pm there was an incident in our African mixed species habitat between a rhino and our male zebra and unfortunately the zebra has 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.

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.

‘From the balcony you also have a beautiful view of our outdoor meadow.’

The zoo opened in 1963 and has kept a number of rhinos since 1972.