A young antelope has been shot dead by an unknown gunman in a suspected late-night attack at a major European zoo.

The shocking incident unfolded at Schonbrunn Zoo in Vienna, Austria, in the early hours of 29th March, when a keeper discovered the rare blackbuck animal lying lifeless in its enclosure.

A veterinary examination quickly revealed the suspected cause of death – a gunshot wound – prompting police to launch an urgent investigation.

Officers believe the fatal shot was fired from outside the enclosure, possibly from an area near the zoo’s Rhino Bistro or nearby parkland.

Detectives from Vienna’s criminal police unit specialising in environmental crimes are now hunting for the person responsible, amid fears the shooter may have used night-vision equipment.

A police spokesperson confirmed there were both entry and exit wounds, indicating a projectile had passed through the animal, although the weapon used has not yet been identified.

Investigators have so far failed to recover the bullet despite searches with metal detectors, and are reviewing CCTV footage from the zoo.

Zoo director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck said the safety of both visitors and animals was the top priority, adding that night patrols have now been increased and additional security measures put in place.

The killing is particularly tragic as the species is rare, and one of the antelopes in the enclosure had only recently been born earlier in March.

The blackbuck antelope, also known as the Indian antelope, is a slender, fast-running species native to India and Nepal.

It is known for its striking contrast in colouring, with males displaying dark brown to black coats and long, spiralled horns, while females are lighter and hornless.

Although the species was once widespread, today only small and scattered herds are found living in protected areas after their numbers declined sharply due to excessive hunting, deforestation, and habitat destruction.

Police are treating the case as suspected animal cruelty and are appealing for information as they work to track down whoever carried out the disturbing act.