African pygmy goats poisoned at Warrington zoo

African pygmy goats poisoned at Warrington zoo

Two African pygmy goats have been killed at a children's zoo in Warrington after they were poisoned with rhododendron leaves.

Cheshire Police are investigating after Mirabel and Adele, who were just 12 months old, died and several of the herd were left seriously ill after eating the plant.

Walton Hall and Gardens Children's Zoo called in police following the break-in on Sunday night. 

A goat called Jet remains in a critical condition while Arwen, Blueberry, Amber and Coal are expected to survive having been gravely ill.

The goats, pictured at the zoo when they were born a year ago, were poisoned with rhododendron leaves by intruders on Sunday night 

A spokesman for the zoo said: 'We are very sorry to say two of our goats have died after they were poisoned with rhododendron leaves.

'It appears that someone has broken into the zoo and fed the leaves to the animals.

'While we hope this wasn't done with malice, the result is the same.

'We've lost two of our well-loved animals and several more are ill.

'We would stress that nobody should feed the animals at the zoo as they have very specific diets and this can have serious consequences.

'The matter is now in the hands of the police.' 

The killings provoked outrage after the zoo posted the tragic news on its Facebook page. 

African Pygmy goats are a popular domestic pet and the newborn kids at the zoo had black, white and brown markings and all have the same father

Margaret Chriscoli posted: 'I have just come back from taking my grandchildren to your lovely children's zoo and it is very upsetting to hear that news.

'I hope that the other goats recover quickly and the culprits found.'

'I just hope the police get these horrible nasty people who did this to the poor goats', Sarah Haydn said. 

Brenda Massey added: 'That is terrible...those poor animals and how upsetting for you all.

'I know how much you care for your animals. I hope those responsible will be found.' 

Rhododendron leaves and their dangers

Rhododendron are found primarily in the northern hemisphere.

They were brought to the British Isles in the late 18th Century. 

Their flowers and nectar can be toxic to humans and animals.

Besides rhododendrons, some of the other common ornamental plants that can be toxic, and even deadly, to animals are azaleas, cycad palms, oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley and castor bean. 

Rhododendron ponticum grows a leaf canopy so dense it blocks out sunlight. 

Police are now appealing for witnesses after the incident.

They said the offenders are though t to have climbed a fence to get into the zoo sometime between 8pm and 10pm on July 23 and a rhododendron bush had been thrown into the goats' enclosure.

Inspector Neil Drum said: 'It's very sad to see that the mindless actions of the offenders who gained entry to the zoo while it was closed to the public has resulted in serious illness and deaths of these harmless animals. 

'We would appeal to the conscience of anyone who knows who the culprits are, please contact police so that we can find those responsible.'

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 544.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

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