Chandler police say a zebra is dead after it was hit by a car near the Ostrich Festival.

According to the Chandler Police Department, the zebra was killed when it was hit by an SUV near McQueen and Germann Roads south of the Ostrich Festival.

"I think it's terrible and whoever was responsible for taking care of the animals should have done a better job," said Joice Sample.

It's not known at this time how the gate was left open or who's responsible.

"We really take animal security and safety seriously here. In fact, right now we're actually, we have fencing around that area, but we're actually going to put up double fencing right now as well as additional security cameras because any loss of an animal, that's our pet and it means a lot to us," said Terri Kimble, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce President.

Kimble says a full investigation is underway to find out what went wrong.


People saddened by the news hope this doesn't happen again.

"Keep an eye on the animals. Watch what they're doing. Take good care of them. I hate to see them thrown in a truck and then shipped somewhere for three days and everyone gawks at them and then they ship them in a truck someplace else. I don't really think it's fair, but that's me," Sample said.

Police say the driver of the car suffered minor injuries.