A zebra died after a rhino unintentionally punctured its stomach, Colchester Zoo said.

More details have been released by the zoo about the incident on Friday, which occurred in its mixed species African habitat.

Two rhinos – Astrid and her son Tayo – were sparring with one another, described by the zoo as “regular and natural behaviour” for the species.

Astrid attempted to move Ziggy the zebra out of the way, but in doing so Ziggy was injured and died a few minutes later.

In a statement on its website, Colchester Zoo said Ziggy had lived happily with other species – including the rhino – in the Kingdom of the Wild habitat since 2017.

He was described by the zoo as “a much loved animal who will be dearly missed”.

Astrid – a southern white rhino – has given birth to two calves at Colchester Zoo, including one in January 2023.

The zoo said the sorts of incidents that occurred on Friday were “extremely rare” and its Animal Care Team would “continue to closely monitor the animals’ behaviour in the coming weeks”.

In its statement, the zoo thanked supporters for their well-wishes, and said its team had dealt with “this very difficult situation extremely professionally”.

The African habitat – which was built in 2001 – is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebras, white rhinos, ostriches, crowned cranes and a greater kudu – a type of antelope.

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