A tragic incident befell Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tennessee, when a rare antelope named Leif died after choking on a plastic cap from a squeezable pouch. The 7-year-old Sitatunga's untimely demise has left zoo staff and visitors heartbroken (CBS News, NBC News).

Leif's distress was first noticed over the weekend by a zookeeper who observed the animal acting oddly, with fluid leaking from his mouth. Despite immediate attention, attempts to save Leif were unsuccessful (CBS News, NBC News).

Brights Zoo, which specializes in housing rare and endangered species, conducts thorough bag checks and prohibits squeezable pouches precisely because their packaging poses significant risks to the animals. However, in this instance, a plastic cap still managed to find its way into the enclosure, leading to this unfortunate accident (CBS News, NBC News).

Zoo director David Bright expressed his sorrow over the incident and stated that no one has come forward with information regarding how the cap ended up in Leif's enclosure. This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges zoos face in enforcing rules that are designed to protect the animals. Director Bright emphasized the importance of visitor compliance with zoo policies to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future (CBS News).

Leif's mate has been seen wandering the enclosure, seemingly searching for him since his death, adding another layer of sadness to the incident (CBS News). Known for his calm demeanor and less skittish behavior compared to other antelopes, Leif was a beloved member of the zoo community. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo, antelopes like Leif can live up to 22 years in human care, making his early demise all the more poignant (NBC News).

The zoo permits guests to enjoy snacks in their cars or designated picnic areas, allowing them to re-enter the zoo afterward. This policy aims to minimize the risk of harmful items being brought into the animal enclosures (CBS News, NBC News). Despite these measures, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to these guidelines.

Public reaction has been swift, with many taking to social media to express their outrage over the breaking of zoo rules that led to Leif's death. Calls for stricter enforcement of existing policies and perhaps the introduction of new measures to better safeguard the animals are now gaining momentum (NBC News).

David Bright and his team at the zoo are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are reinforcing their commitment to animal safety (CBS News). The loss of Leif has had a profound impact on the zoo community, who remember him as a gentle and serene creature.

As the zoo continues to mourn the loss of Leif, it is urging visitors to adhere strictly to the rules in place to protect the animals. The incident underscores the shared responsibility between the zoo and its visitors in ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals in their care.