A zebra has been shot dead after escaping from a circus in Germany.

Two of the animals managed to get out of their cages. One was captured and returned to the Circus Barlay which had stopped at the north-eastern town of Tessin in Germany yesterday.

But the other – called Pumba – ran onto the nearby A20 motorway, causing an accident as two cars swerved to avoid each other. Neither of the drivers were injured.

Shot

After police made failed attempts to capture Pumba, an officer from Animal Rescue Services shot the animal. Local city authorities claimed the zebra was shot from 60 meters away, and could not be tranquillised.

But witnesses denied the animal was so far away – telling German outlet Die Welt that the zebra was shot from a distance of around 10 meters.

“There was no danger. He was exhausted, his head was down,” local resident Petra Melchin said.