Families at West Midland Safari Park watch in horror as buffalo kills zebra in ‘freak accident’

The Congo buffalo and zebra were said to be 'fighting over hay' when the frightening incident happened

Families were shocked as they witnessed a zebra gored to death by a buffalo at a Worcestershire tourist attraction.

Parents reported a zebra being attacked and impaled on a Congo buffalo’s horn at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley earlier this month.

The incident is said to have been sparked by animals ‘fighting over hay’ in a shared enclosure, with children witnessing the horror unfold.

Congo buffalo use their horns to fight and for protection,and the zebra fell victim.

A witness told The Sun : “Keepers were feeding the animals at the same time.

"A fight broke out and the cattle got its horn under the zebra.

“Nobody could believe what they were watching.”

The park described the incident as a ‘freak accident’ and said the incident left staff upset.

A West Midland Safari Park spokesperson said, “We can confirm that on Saturday, September 5 an unexpected and very rare incident involving our Congo buffalo and plains zebra took place inside the park’s reserve.

“The freak accident occurred when the buffalo’s horn caught the zebra’s tummy. Sadly, and despite the very quick reactions of our wildlife team, the zebra involved has unfortunately passed away as a result of the injury she sustained.

“We are extremely saddened by the incident and are providing staff with any support they need.

“At no point was there any risk to the safety and well-being of our guests.”

The incident came a day another drama at the Worcestershire safari park when a boat flipped over on the Wild River Rafting ride on September 6.

Eyewitness Georgia Hodgkiss from Sutton Coldfield told Worcestershire Live : “"I heard a screeching sound and then a bang and saw this girl come out of the water. It looked like the boat she was in had completely overturned.

"There was an older woman who may have been a grandmother,a mum and two teenage girls.

"A woman sat down and she looked quite bad. I think she had a bit of a panic attack and looked a bit worse for wear.

“The staff closed the ride and got everyone out of the queue.

"It’s such a tame ride for something like that to happen on."