Escaped zebra hit, killed by car in Chandler

A zebra that escaped from Chandler's Ostrich Festival was struck and killed by a car Wednesday morning, Chandler police confirmed.

Sgt. Daniel Mejia, a spokesman for the department, said police responded to a traffic accident involving a vehicle and a zebra about 6 a.m. at McQueen Road just south of Celebration Drive.

The zebra was killed on impact, and the driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Mejia said it was unclear how the zebra got loose.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual event and released a statement saying the zebra belonged to Hendrick's Promotions, which provides animals for the event.

Two of Hendrick's zebras escaped from their pen, according to a chamber statement. One was killed on impact, the statement said, and the other zebra was rounded up and returned to its pen.

Hendrick's and the chamber extended their sympathies to the driver and said they are thankful no one was seriously injured.

Additional security measures were being put in place to ensure the safety of the other animals, the statement said.

The festival includes several attractions with animals, including camel rides, pig races, and a petting zoo featuring "both exotic and domestic" animals.

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