A THIRD goat has died at Walton Hall and Gardens Children's Zoo after intruders poisoned the animals during a break in on Sunday.

Zoo keepers were left shocked following the deaths of  African pygmy goats Mirabel and Adele after eating rhododendron leaves.

But it has now been confirmed that 12 month old Jet has also died.

Police continue to investigate the animal poisoning after the suspects climbed over a fence at the popular tourist attraction between 8pm and 10pm on Sunday.

A rhododendron bush was then thrown into the goats’ enclosure by the offenders – a plant which can be lethal to African pygmy goats if consumed.

Arwen, Blueberry, Amber and Coal are recovering but they have been seriously ill following the incident, according to staff at the zoo.

A spokesman for Walton Hall and Gardens said: “We are very sorry to say that two 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 two 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.”

Detectives have launched an appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Inspector Neil Drum, from Warrington Police, 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 the deaths of two of these harmless animals. 

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

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 544 of July 24 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.