KEY POINTS:
It was a sad day at Wellington Zoo today, as popular attraction Zardi the Zebra was found dead in her enclosure.
Her death shocked and saddened staff, who said Zardi looked fine when they left last night.
Zoo spokesman Ben Pocock said it seemed like she had died from severe pneumonia, but it would take a few days for post mortem results to confirm that.
"Our vet staff are confident that the recent bout of cold weather in Wellington has not been a factor in her death.
"There were no outward signs she was not feeling well."
Zardi was 11. She came to Wellington from Hamilton Zoo in 1998.
She is survived by her enclosure-mate, Molly.
Mr Bocock said it was unlikely Molly would get a new friend, as she was too old to be moved and there were no other zebras available in New Zealand.
Zebra imports from Australia are restricted due to last year's outbreak of equine flu there.
- NZPA
