Horror hits Colchester Zoo

Many spectators were left traumatised this weekend at a popular Essex zoo when a barn owl was eaten by a lion.

A demonstration had begun at Colchester Zoo when the bird flew into the lion enclosure. A female lion pawed on the owl before a fellow male pounced and ate the bird. 

The owl, named Ash, was left helpless as the zoo keepers had little to do, except from move away the area of people who were left in shock and horror at the events that uncovered before them. 

Children were left crying and women screaming as Ash was killed, very much interrupting a demonstration that was intended to entertain many at one of the county's top tourist attractions.

Marketing director of the zoo, Alex Downing said: 'We are very sad to report that our little barn owl, Ash, sadly died at the weekend'.