25 flamingos killed by wild fox at Smithsonian's National Zoo

Twenty-five American flamingos and one Northern pintail duck were killed Monday after a wild fox broke into an outdoor flamingo habitat at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Staff at the zoo called the deaths "devastating."

Before the attack, the zoo said it had 74 flamingos secured in their outdoor habitat — a 9,750-square-foot yard with a heated pool and barn. The enclosure is surrounded by mesh, which staff say was intact during the last perimeter check Sunday afternoon. Early Monday morning, staff came to the enclosure and found the dead birds. The fox was still in the enclosure but escaped. 

Three additional flamingos were injured in the attack and are being treated at the zoo's veterinary hospital, according to the zoo. The remaining flamingos were moved to an indoor facility, while the ducks were taken to a covered, secure outdoor space.