Zebra dies after 'incident' with rhino at zoo

A spokesperson for the zoo said such incidents were "extremely rare" (picture from Colchester Zoo in 2023)

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

Colchester Zoo said the incident took place at about 14:00 GMT at the mixed species African habitat between the rhino and a male zebra.

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

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

Rhinos and zebras share the same outdoor enclosure at Colchester Zoo

The zoo said it was "directing our resources" to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat were settled.

One person writing on Facebook said they were at the zoo at the time and saw "the rhinos and zebras chasing as we headed inside".

They said they were asked to make their way to the exit "not having a clue what had happened".

"Staff were amazing and acted very professionally under such awful circumstances," they added.

The African savannah-like habitat is home to a white rhino (picture from Colchester Zoo in 2021)

The African habitat - which was built in 2001 - is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane and a greater kudu.

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

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

Otto sired six calves, including Dara - its most recent offspring - who was born in January 2023.

Last year, the zoo revealed multi-million pound plans to build a new African lion habitat.

Colchester Zoo opened in 1963 and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023.

The African habitat at Colchester is home to zebra and southern white rhino, amongst other animals (pictured in January 2023)