Zebra mauled to death by rhino in UK zoo horror as children watched on

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

A zebra has been mauled to death by a rhino in a horror fight at a UK zoo. Visitors including children watched on as the grim rammy amongst the animals took place.

Staff at Colchester Zoo in Essex are said to be "devastated" by brutal incident. As the Mirror reports efforts are being made to calm other animals in the enclosure. The tragedy happened in an area that housed mixed African species, including zebras, rhinos, ostritches and giraffes, which reportedly mix well together.

Colchester Zoo issued a statement saying: "At approximately 2pm today (10th Jan) 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."

Comments have since flooded in on the zoo's Facebook page with many sending their thoughts to the keepers who had to deal with the incident.

One person who was at the zoo today told what happened. They said: "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."

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Another wrote: "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."

There were many other comments with one stating: “What an awful thing to happen. I’m so sorry for all the staff at the zoo and hope you are all ok.” And a further said: “This must have been awful to witness and deal with I’m so sorry. Thinking of all the zoo keepers.”

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

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.