Kangaroo killed in Belfast Zoo

Kangaroo was attacked by wolf-like dog

A two-month old kangaroo has been killed by a dog inside an enclosure at Belfast Zoo.

The police received a call from staff at the zoo on Sunday morning who reported that the dog had killed one kangaroo and was attacking another.

The animal, described as a large "wolf-like creature", was destroyed by police officers at the scene.

The assistant zoo manager, Mark Challis, said the group of kangaroos was traumatised by the incident.

"It doesn't appear at the moment that any adults have been physically attacked by the dog, though we've actually left them to it to calm down.

"It might be some time before the stresses and the traumas come through," Mr Challis said.

Break-in

A penguin was killed at Belfast Zoo in February after a break-in.

Several of the birds were struck in their enclosure with an iron bar.

One penguin was then taken and thrown into the lions' den and killed.