African Painted Puppy Killed In Florida Zoo Malfunction

MIAMI, FL — An African painted puppy at Zoo Miami was killed when a sliding door malfunctioned at the animal's enclosure, according to zoo officials.

"Zoo Miami is mourning the tragic loss of a juvenile African painted dog this morning following equipment failure that subsequently led to a door collapsing on the animal, killing it instantly," said a statement released Monday.

The female puppy was one of five born on Jan. 23 at the zoo. "During a routine transfer of the pack, which includes both parents and the five juveniles, for an as-of-yet-unknown-reason, a cable that supported a solid metal guillotine door separated and the door then fell on the animal, causing instant death."

The zoo's Facebook page received a number of comments from people who expressed sympathy over the loss as well as people calling for better equipment inspections.

Terry Mraz posted video of the pack playing on Sunday, one day before the pup's death.

Holding areas for most of the carnivores, omnivores and primates at the zoo include a series of enclosures connected by a system of hallways, Zoo officials explained.

"Giving access through the hallways is done remotely by animal science personnel using pulleys and cables to lift and lower guillotine doors, allowing the staff to regulate access between the animals in the holding areas as well as access to and from the exhibit habitat," officials said.

Zoo officials stressed that the doors only provide access within the animal habitat and do not lead to any public viewing areas.

"There is a thorough investigation underway to determine the exact cause of the failure which includes careful inspections of all similar equipment throughout the zoo," officials added.