‘It was within the improper place on the improper time’: Family describe second Colchester zoo rhino attacked Zebra in deadly incident while their 18-month-old son watched on

A family man has described the moment a zebra was viciously attacked by a rhino whilst they visited the zoo with their 18-month-old son. 

Edward Bull, 44, witnessed ‘the very sad’ death of the zebra at Colchester Zoo earlier this afternoon when it was mauled to death by a rhino in its shared enclosure.  

The zoo, which welcomes one million visitors each year and is the third most popular in England, said it was ‘devastated’ over the loss of the zebra.

The tragedy unfolded in an outside enclosure for mixed African species including zebras, rhinos, ostriches and giraffes whom normally mix together amicably.

‘The attack seemed random and just wrong place at the wrong time,’ Mr Bull told MailOnline regarding the unfortunate incident. 

But the father was quick to praise ‘amazing’ zoo staff who he explained acted quickly and with utmost professionalism. 

Divulging that there were ‘only a few onlookers’, he said the situation was ‘all very calm mainly due to the professionalism of the zoo staff.’ 

‘They acted very quickly to move away any visitors and ensure the zebra was given the best surroundings,’ he added.

Edward Bull, 44, (pictured with his wife and son) witnessed ‘the very sad’ death of the zebra at Colchester Zoo earlier this afternoon where the animal was brutally attacked by a rhno

‘The attack seemed random and just wrong place at the wrong time,’ Mr Bull told MailOnline (pictured: Rhinos at the enclosure today)

He also spoke of the quick action and professionalism of Colchester Zoo staff in helping both visitors and the animal (pictured: Zebra and rhinos at the wildlife park on January 10)

‘[It was] sad but not a problem. We really enjoyed out day and seeing the professionalism of the park and its staff was impressive.’ 

Another visitor took to Facebook to speak of their sadness following the death of the zebra at one of Britain’s top zoo’s today. 

‘We were at the zoo today. Literally just seen the rhinos and zebras chasing as we headed inside,’ they said in a Facebook post. 

Echoing Mr Bull’s testimony of the staff’s quick response, they revealed they had been asked to make their way to an exit to clear the area.  

‘[We did] not have a clue what had happened. Staff were amazing and acted very professionally under such awful circumstances. Our thoughts are with you all.’

Another onlooker who was at the zoo with their daughter and grandson, three, said they had been to see the enclosure only 30 minutes before the horrifying ordeal. 

‘There was one particular rhino that wouldn’t leave an ostrich alone and I thought he looked annoyed at the time! 

They added: ‘Thank goodness my little grandson didn’t witness it! So very sad for all involved.’

‘They acted very quickly to move away any visitors and ensure the zebra was given the best surroundings,’ he added

Zebras and rhinos in the outside enclosure for mixed African species at Colchester Zoo (pictured on a seperate day)

A zebra was killed in a standoff with a rhino today, the Essex zoo – which is among the best in the country – confirmed (pictured: Zebra and rhinos side by side in the enclosure on another day)

One person who claimed to have seen the ordeal said it was ‘awful to watch’, before adding: ‘I’m very upset.’

Colchester Zoo released a statement, which read: ‘At approximately 2pm today there was an incident in our mixed species African habitat between a rhino and our male zebra and sadly the zebra has died.

‘At this time we are directing our resources to make sure the rest of the animals in the habitat are settled.

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

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

The zoo’s website states that its Kingdom of the Wild area was opened in 2001 with an indoor zone and outdoor paddock.

It adds: ‘This habitat is one of the few areas where you can see a range of different animals interacting as they would do out in the wild.

The zoo said it was ‘devastated’ at the incident on Friday, which occurred in its Kingdom of the Wild area

‘You will have the chance to see reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane and greater kudu enjoying their savannah environment.

‘The inside area is also home to pygmy hippo, a variety of reptiles, birds, and fish species. 

‘There is also a lovely view from the balcony overlooking our outdoor paddock.’

The zoo opened in 1963 and has kept a number of rhinos since 1972.