Families watched on in horror as a zebra was gored to death by a Congo buffalo at a UK safari park.
Parents say the female zebra was impaled by the animal during a fight over hay.
Bosses at the West Midland Safari Park described the death as "a freak accident".
Congo buffalo use their huge horns for fighting and protection and are highly dangerous to other animals.
Devastated staff who tried to save the zebra are being offered support.
A source at the park near Bewdley, Worcs, 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.
Earlier this month, a family of four were rescued from the water after their boat capsized on a river rapid ride at the popular theme park - three years after a schoolgirl died in a similar accident.
It is understood a gran, a mum and two children were injured when a rubber boat flipped over on the Wild River Rafting attraction.
Emergency crews dashed to the location at 2.30pm after the family plunged into the water.
Eyewitness Georgia Hodgkiss, 22, watched in horror as the boat capsized as she waited in the queue for the ride.
She said: "I couldn't quite believe what was going on.
"I heard a loud noise like a screech almost and I turned and couldn't really tell at first what was going on and then I saw these girls coming out from underneath absolutely drenched looking quite confused.
A West Midland Safari Park spokesperson said: “We can confirm that on Saturday 5 September an unexpected and very rare incident involving our Congo buffalo and plains zebra took place inside the Park’s reserve.
“These two species live together in a mixed exhibit and at no point were any safety gates left open. 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 wellbeing of our guests.”
