Paignton Zoo puts down two zebras due to deteriorating health

Two female zebras have been put down at Paignton Zoo due to deteriorating health conditions, the organisation has announced.

The zoo said it had made the “difficult decision” to euthanise, Taru, 22, and Leila, 11.

Taru had cancer that stopped responding to treatment, while Leila had a rare blood-clotting condition affecting her quality of life, staff said.

Taru, born at Paignton Zoo, and Leila, born in the Czech Republic, were inseparable companions and their loss was “deeply felt”, they added.

“We made this incredibly difficult decision with the animals’ welfare as our absolute priority,” said the zoo’s spokesperson.

“Taru and Leila were much-loved by visitors and staff alike.”