COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Wednesday that a zebra in the Heart of Africa region recently died after initial findings say she collided with a gate.

Paula was discovered by her care team in one of the outdoor yards after the accident in her habitat, the zoo said in a Facebook post .

Zebras are a “flight species” that are easily startled, according to the zoo.

“Paula was cherished for her spirited personality and the joy she brought to guests and staff alike,” the zoo wrote. “Her passing is a difficult loss for all of us, especially the Heart of Africa animal care team who worked so closely with her every day.”

The zoo has implemented new visual barriers and other safeguards after the “tragic accident,” according to the post.

There were no signs of outsi

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