STAFF at Colchester Zoo are mourning the loss of the last zeedonk at the zoo.

STAFF at Colchester Zoo are mourning the loss of the last zeedonk at the zoo.

Shadow the zeedonk was put to sleep this morning at the age of 34 as her health was deteriorating to a point which was going to compromise her welfare.

Three zeedonks were born at Colchester Zoo in the early 1970s following the result of an accidental mating between a male Chapman's zebra and a female ass.

Anthony Tropeano, zoological director, said: “Shadow was a very popular and obviously an extremely unique animal.

“She will be sadly missed by her keepers and the visitors that knew her so well”.