Emu stabbed to death in Bundaberg zoo

AN emu has been stabbed to death at a central Queensland Zoo.

Police are investigating the suspicious death of the bird, which happened at Bundaberg's Alexandra Park and Zoo on Tuesday night.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty described the scene as vicious.

"Somebody snuck into the zoo. It was in an enclosure and they've just gone in and stabbed the animal," Mr Beatty said.

"Something very similar to this happened about 10 years ago."

Mr Beatty said the zoo had moved an ostrich from its enclosure, fearing for its safety.

"If they catch the offenders, we're going to offer help in any way with the prosecution, because the police can charge them under the Animal Care and Protection Act."

The incident comes as the RSPCA struggles with a spate of sadistic attacks on animals including koalas, kangaroos, magpies, dogs and goats in Queensland.

"It's just been a horror year for us, just one thing after another," Mr Beatty said.