Death of Prized Zebra Leave Abilene Zoo "in Shock"

ABILENE, TX-- Workers at the Abilene Zoo are mourning the unexpected death of a beloved zebra, according to a report from KTXS.

At about 10 a.m. on Saturday, the 13-year-old zebra named Kabibi died due to health complications from suspected pneumonia and anemia. The zoo is currently awaiting necropsy results.

“It was very sudden and we are in shock,” said Dr. Stephanie Carle. “We noticed the mother zebra was showing signs of discomfort Friday evening. We administered medication to help ease the pain, but Kabibi’s symptoms worsened overnight and she passed suddenly during an examination on Saturday morning.”

Staff is currently hand-rearing Kabibi's infant foal which was born on Nov. 5. According to the zoo, the mother and daughter have been "closely monitored" over the last two weeks.

"We appreciate your support for our team during this extremely difficult time and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available," the zoo said in a news release.