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

A zebra has died following what has been described as an incident with a rhino in their shared enclosure at one of Britain's top zoos.

Visitors including children are said to have watched in horror this afternoon at the confrontation between the two animals at Colchester Zoo in Essex.

The zoo which welcomes one million visitors each year and is the third most popular in England said it was 'devastated' over the loss of the zebra.

The tragedy happened in an outside enclosure for mixed African species including zebras, rhinos, ostriches and giraffes which normally mix together amicably.

A Facebook user who was at the zoo, posted on its Facebook page: 'So sad to read this. We were at the zoo today. Literally just seen the rhinos and zebras chasing as we headed inside.

'We were asked to make our way to the exit to clear the area, not having a clue what had happened. Staff were amazing and acted very professionally under such awful circumstances. Our thoughts are with you all.'

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

'There was one particular rhino that wouldn't leave an ostrich alone and I thought he looked annoyed at the time! Thank goodness my little grandson didn't witness it! So very sad for all involved.'

A third person visitor said: 'I was there and witnessed it. Awful to watch I'm very upset.'

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

'At this time we are directing our resources to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat are settled.

'These sorts of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days.

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

The zoo's website states that its Kingdom of the Wild area was opened in 2001 with an indoor zone and outdoor paddock.

It adds: 'This habitat is one of the few areas where you can see a range of different animals interacting as they would do out in the wild.

'You will have the chance to see reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane and greater kudu enjoying their savannah environment.

'The inside area is also home to pygmy hippo, a variety of reptiles, birds, and fish species. There is also a lovely view from the balcony overlooking our outdoor paddock.'

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