A male zebra has died following an incident with a rhino at Colchester Zoo's mixed species African habitat today.
The incident occurred in the zoo's Kingdom of the Wild enclosure, which houses multiple African species living together.
The Essex attraction confirmed the death of the zebra in a statement, noting they are focusing their immediate attention on the other animals in the shared habitat.
The incident took place at approximately 2pm GMT, according to zoo officials.
A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said they are currently "directing our resources to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat are settled".
The zoo emphasised they will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days to ensure the wellbeing of the remaining animals.
The Kingdom of the Wild habitat is one of a few areas where different species interact as they would in their natural environment.
The shared enclosure is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhinos, ostrich, crowned cranes and greater kudu.
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The mixed species habitat was completed in 2001, creating a savannah-style environment for its diverse residents.
A spokesman for the zoo said: "We are devastated by this loss and thank you for your understanding and support at this time."
"These sorts of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days," the spokesman added.
Colchester Zoo first welcomed rhinos to its grounds in 1972, marking the beginning of its commitment to housing the creatures.
The zoo, which opened its doors in 1963, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023.
Last year, the attraction revealed plans for further expansion, announcing a multi-million pound project to build a new African lion habitat.
The Kingdom of the Wild mixed species habitat has been a key feature of the zoo since its completion in 2001.
Find Out More...
The incident occurred in the zoo's Kingdom of the Wild enclosure, which houses multiple African species living together.
The Essex attraction confirmed the death of the zebra in a statement, noting they are focusing their immediate attention on the other animals in the shared habitat.
The incident took place at approximately 2pm GMT, according to zoo officials.
A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said they are currently "directing our resources to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat are settled".
The zoo emphasised they will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days to ensure the wellbeing of the remaining animals.
The Kingdom of the Wild habitat is one of a few areas where different species interact as they would in their natural environment.
The shared enclosure is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhinos, ostrich, crowned cranes and greater kudu.
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The mixed species habitat was completed in 2001, creating a savannah-style environment for its diverse residents.
A spokesman for the zoo said: "We are devastated by this loss and thank you for your understanding and support at this time."
"These sorts of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days," the spokesman added.
Colchester Zoo first welcomed rhinos to its grounds in 1972, marking the beginning of its commitment to housing the creatures.
The zoo, which opened its doors in 1963, celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023.
Last year, the attraction revealed plans for further expansion, announcing a multi-million pound project to build a new African lion habitat.
The Kingdom of the Wild mixed species habitat has been a key feature of the zoo since its completion in 2001.
Find Out More...