The bird, named Ash, was performing at Colchester Zoo in Essex when she was thought to have become frightened by a noise or camera flash.

She flew out of the arena and hit a window, but was then so dazed that she ended up in the lion's enclosure.

As zoo visitors looked on, the lions devoured the owl for their dinner. Lots of people were very upset.

Ash was one of many owls that had been bred in captivity at the zoo and staff are expected to miss her greatly.