Colchester Zoo zebra dies after incident with rhino

A zebra has died at a zoo following an incident involving a rhino, a spokesperson stated.

Colchester Zoo stated the incident befell at about 14:00 GMT on the blended species African habitat between the rhino and a male zebra.

“These types of incidents are extraordinarily uncommon and we’ll proceed to watch the state of affairs over the subsequent few days,” added the spokesperson.

“We’re devastated by this loss and thanks in your understanding and assist right now.”

The zoo stated it was “directing our sources” to verify the remainder of the animals within the habitat have been settled.

One particular person writing on Fb stated they have been on the zoo on the time and noticed “the rhinos and zebras chasing as we headed inside”.

They stated they have been requested to make their option to the exit “not having a clue what had occurred”.

“Workers have been superb and acted very professionally beneath such terrible circumstances,” they added.

The African habitat – which was inbuilt 2001 – is dwelling to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, topped crane and a higher kudu.

Colchester is dwelling to the near-threatened southern white rhinos and the attraction says seven calves have been born for the reason that first of the species arrived in 1972.

In March 2024, Otto the white rhino died at the zoo.

Otto sired six calves, together with Dara – its most up-to-date offspring – who was born in January 2023.

Final yr, the zoo revealed multi-million pound plans to construct a new African lion habitat.

Colchester Zoo opened in 1963 and celebrated its sixtieth anniversary in 2023.