Yesterday, a male zebra died at Colchester Zoo following an incident with a rhino. The tragedy occurred at the mixed species African habitat around 2:00pm GMT. A spokesperson for the zoo stated that “these sorts of incidents are extremely rare and we will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days.” The zoo is currently “directing our resources” to ensure the remaining animals in the shared habitat are settled.
Concerned witnesses took to Facebook to share their accounts of the event. One individual stated that they witnessed “the rhinos and zebras chasing as we headed inside.” They also added that “staff were amazing and acted very professionally under such awful circumstances.” While details of the incident remain unknown, the zoo expressed their devastation and gratitude for the public’s support.
Colchester Zoo’s African habitat includes a variety of animals, such as reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane, and greater kudu. The zoo is home to the near-threatened southern white rhinos, where seven calves have been born since 1972. In March 2024, a white rhino named Otto passed away at the zoo. Otto sired six calves, including its most recent offspring, Dara, born in January 2023.
Last year, the zoo announced plans to build a new African lion habitat worth millions of pounds. The zoo is a popular attraction and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023
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