Police are investigating after three baby goats were fed poisonous leaves at a Cheshire zoo.

Mirabel, Adele and Jet, who were cared for at Walton Hall Zoo in Warrington, died after they were given deadly rhododendron leaves during a late night break-in.

The three African Pygmy goats were all less than 12 months old, which meant they weren’t strong enough to survive the poison.

Older goats at the zoo Arwen, Blueberry, Amber and Coal have been left seriously ill but are recovering, the zoo confirmed.

Crooks scaled a fence to break into Walton Hall Gardens in Higher Walton between 8pm and 10pm on Sunday evening.

The poisonous leaves were thrown into the goat enclosure by the intruders, which proved deadly for the young trio.

Devastated zoo staff have been heart-broken by the attack.

(Image: Darren Moston)

A spokesman for the petting zoo spoke of their sadness that they lost three of their ‘well-loved animals’.

He said: “We are very sorry to say that three of our goats have died after they were poisoned with rhododendron leaves.

“It appears that someone has broken into the zoo and fed the leaves to the animals.

“While we hope this wasn’t done with malice the result is the same and we’ve lost three of our well-loved animals and several more are ill.

“We would stress that nobody should feed the animals at the zoo as they have very specific diets and this can have serious consequences. The matter is now in the hands of the police.”

And emotional tributes were paid to the goats on the zoo’s Facebook page.

Stacey Robinson said: “That is awful poor goats hope the remaining goats make a speedy recovery xxx run free over rainbow bridge beautiful babies xxx.”

Ruthie Boo added: “So so sorry. So evil: we love it there. You must be so upset and angry hope the ill ones recover. Hope the police can do something xx”

(Image: Darren Moston)

Kate Williams said: “That’s awful and my thoughts go to the staff and volunteers who care for the goats too xxx”

Laura Elizabeth Charleston said: “That’s terrible. I’m so sorry. Please remember that you gave them the best life possible and you made them so happy xxx”

Inspector Neil Drum, from Cheshire Police , warned of the consequences of the ‘mindless actions’ of those involved.

He said: “It’s very sad to see that the mindless actions of the offenders who gained entry to the zoo while it was closed to the public has resulted in serious illness and deaths of these harmless animals.

"We would appeal to the conscience of anyone who knows who the culprits are, please contact police so that we can find those responsible.”

A description of those responsible has not yet been released.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 544 of 24 July 2017.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.