Keepers at a British zoo have been left heartbroken after an outbreak of avian malaria killed 50 penguins.
Dudley Zoo – which beforehand had 69 Humboldt penguins – has misplaced 70 per cent of its colony to the illness regardless of the most effective efforts of vets.
Avian malaria is brought on by contaminated mosquitoes and modifications within the climate.
Keepers at a British zoo have been left heartbroken after an outbreak of avian malaria killed 50 penguins. Dudley Zoo – which beforehand had 69 Humboldt penguins – has misplaced 70 per cent of its colony to the illness regardless of the most effective efforts of vets. (File picture of penguins on the zoo)
Zoo director Derek Grove mentioned: ‘We’re all heartbroken with the massive loss in Penguin Bay and it has been an particularly distressing time for our chicken staff who’ve devoted years to their care.’
He added: ‘Their dedication and tireless efforts to take care of our penguins over latest weeks has been exemplary.’
The West Midlands zoo had began out with simply 5 hand-reared chicks in 1991 and went on to have one of many largest self-sustained colonies within the UK.
Zoo director Derek Grove mentioned: ‘We’re all heartbroken with the massive loss in Penguin Bay and it has been an particularly distressing time for our chicken staff who’ve devoted years to their care.’ (Inventory picture of the penguins on the zoo, within the West Midlands)