Zookeepers arrested in elephant beating

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TWYCROSS, England, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Three zookeepers were fired and then arrested after allegedly beating an elephant at the Twycross Zoo in England, officials confirmed.

The zookeepers were reprimanded after allegedly being caught on surveillance video striking a 28-year-old Asian elephant named Tonzi with bamboo canes in her pen, The Sun reported.

They were fired for "a gross breach of the zoo's policies" after an investigation.

"Bosses became concerned after spooling through security cameras. It appeared Tonzi was beaten by the keepers," a zoo official said Tuesday. "Apparently the keepers were taking it in turns to hit her with bamboo canes. There were no marks left on the animal so it wasn't immediately obvious she had been abused. Everyone at the zoo has been told to stay quiet about what has happened."

Leicestershire Police confirmed Tuesday the suspects have been arrested and questioned.

"We have an investigation in connection with the unnecessary suffering of an elephant at Twycross Zoo. The incident took place last month," a spokesman said. "Three males were arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries."