Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Kansas City Zoo saddened by loss of penguin chick

Posted: Jul 01, 2014 
The first Humboldt penguin chick born at the Kansas City Zoo passed away Monday due to kidney failure. (Kansas City Zoo via Facebook)
 
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) - 

The first Humboldt penguin chick born at the Kansas City Zoo passed away Monday due to kidney failure.

Staff members were caring for the 37-day-old chick behind the scenes after the penguin's parents were unable to provide the necessary nutrients for it to grow big and strong.

Zoo officials said the chick was placed in an incubator and was being medicated.

While being monitored, staff members discovered that the chick had respiratory problems along with kidney complications. "We were extremely lucky to have first-time parents have a fertile egg successfully hatch in this new environment. This is very rare under these circumstances," said Kansas City Zoo Executive Director Randy Wisthoff.

Wisthoff said he was saddened by the death but hopeful for future offspring. "It is always sad to have an animal pass away. To have active breeding of many pairs in the first year of an exhibit opening is promising," he said.

source

No comments: