Zebra Dies in Rare Rhino Encounter at Colchester Zoo

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A male zebra met a tragic end following a confrontation with a rhino at Colchester Zoo's mixed-species African habitat enclosure.

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Eyewitness Edward Bull, 44, described the incident as "random" while visiting with his 18-month-old son at the Essex-based zoo.

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Staff quickly directed visitors away from the Kingdom of the Wild area after the incident occurred around 2 PM.

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The mixed-species habitat, established in 2001, houses several African species including reticulated giraffes, southern white rhinos, ostriches, crowned cranes and greater kudus.

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Colchester Zoo's management announced immediate measures to ensure the wellbeing of remaining animals in the habitat following the rare incident.

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Visitors praised the zoo staff's professional handling of the situation, maintaining calm while managing both animal welfare and guest safety.

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The Essex-based facility welcomes approximately one million visitors annually since its opening in 1963.

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Colchester Zoo's southern white rhino conservation efforts have resulted in seven successful calf births since the species' introduction in 1972.

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The incident follows the recent passing of Otto, a white rhino at the facility, who sired six calves including Dara, born in January 2023.

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