POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium community is mourning the loss of a zebra that died after the animal collided with part of its outdoor habitat.

In a social media post, the zoo wrote that Paula, a zebra in the Heart of Africa area of the zoo, died after initial findings showed she collided with a gate in the outdoor habitat, suffering fatal injuries.

"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 described zebras as a "flight species," saying they can startle easily. To help prevent future accidents, the zoo said new visual barriers and safeguards have b

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