Child Killed In Pittsburgh Zoo Exhibit

A child was killed at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Sunday after falling into the African painted dogs exhibit and was mauled, according to the Post-Gazette.

WTAE reporter Ashlie Hardway tweeted that her sources say a mother was holding her 3-year-old son up to see the African painted dogs and he leaned forward and fell in.

The Post-Gazette reports that a police officer shot and killed at least one of the animals.

African painted dogs are an endangered species, according to the zoo's website.

The boy's identity has not been released.

The Pittsburgh Zoo posted the following on its Facebook page:

"It is with heavy hearts we report that a tragic accident occurred this morning at 11:45 a.m. when a young child fell into the African painted dog exhibit area and was killed. The accident is under investigation by both the Zoo and the Pittsburgh Police Department. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium will remain closed until further notice."

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