Solongo’s colt born on August 15. Photo by Dolores Reed, NZP.

Just one day after an internal report raised concerns about animal deaths and stretched resources, the National Zoo announced that a rare and endangered horse died Wednesday at its Front Royal facility.

“We are very sad to share that a Przewalski’s colt died today at our Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia,” the Zoo wrote. “We aren’t sure of the details yet, but here’s what we know so far.”

The colt was found in the 2,500 square-foot barn where he lived with his mother and another mare and her filly. The group also has access to a large outdoor yard. The barn houses other Przewalski’s horses as well, but they are separated by a fence in the barn. The colt was last seen during routine rounds yesterday at 2:30 p.m. in fine health.

This morning, keepers found the colt alongside the fence, which was bowed outward. The preliminary necropsy revealed a traumatic fracture of his neck. The colt was born on August 15, 2013.

Two animals who died within the past year while in the Zoo’s care — a gazelle spooked by a Zebra and a pregnant kudu — also broke their necks. The Zoo’s director Dennis Kelly blamed the issues on a staff spread too thin because of budget cuts.

But a statement from the House Administration Committee (which oversees the Smithsonian) to WTOP indicates that they were assured budget cuts wouldn’t affect animal care.

The panel’s ranking Democrat Robert Brady, D-Pa., has scheduled a briefing from Smithsonian officials about complaints in the quality of animal care at the zoo.

In an email statement, Brady says he’s confused about the zoo’s claims that budget cuts were having an impact on the care for the animals since the Smithsonian has assured the House Administration Committee in the past that the animals were not being adversely impacted.