The penguin attraction at Longleat Safari Park has been closed after a “large amount” of birds died in a "devastating" malaria outbreak.
A number of the park's Humboldt penguins passed away due to an outbreak of the strain of avian malaria, which is spread via mosquitoes.
A number of the park's Humboldt penguins passed away due to an outbreak of the strain of avian malaria, which is spread via mosquitoes.
Although the number of birds affected has not been confirmed, a statement released by the park said the deaths have led to “problems with the remaining group.”
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said it was with “great sadness” that he had to make the announcement about the colony, which includes many birds that have been hand-reared.
“Although our penguins are a tough bunch this has subsequently led to problems with the remaining group, leading to a very distressing time for everyone involved in their care,” he said.
“Our team of keepers is absolutely devastated - they have looked after the penguins each and every day, with most of the penguins having been hand-reared by the team since hatching.”
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said it was with “great sadness” that he had to make the announcement about the colony, which includes many birds that have been hand-reared.
“Although our penguins are a tough bunch this has subsequently led to problems with the remaining group, leading to a very distressing time for everyone involved in their care,” he said.
“Our team of keepers is absolutely devastated - they have looked after the penguins each and every day, with most of the penguins having been hand-reared by the team since hatching.”
Mr. Beasley stressed that the disease does not affect humans. The attraction, which is believed to be home to around 20 penguins, has instead been closed to give the team space to look after the remaining animals, he said, and “to allow the heartbroken keepers time themselves to get through this terrible experience.”
Humboldt penguins are originally from South America and are commonly found in Peru and Chile, where they nest on rocky outcrops at the coast.
Due to their diminishing numbers, Chile and Peru have established refuges for Humboldt penguins. In 1995 a 30-year ban on capturing and hunting them was also enacted.
Humboldt penguins are originally from South America and are commonly found in Peru and Chile, where they nest on rocky outcrops at the coast.
Due to their diminishing numbers, Chile and Peru have established refuges for Humboldt penguins. In 1995 a 30-year ban on capturing and hunting them was also enacted.
In August 2012, six penguins died following an outbreak at London Zoo. Dr. Stephen Larcombe, a researcher of animal diseases at the University of Glasgow, said the "ancient" disease was not uncommon and had been recorded in penguin colonies as early as the 1920s.
He told The Telegraph: "Penguins are one of the very few bird families that are susceptible because on an evolutionary timescale they have never been exposed to it.
"It’s only been since people have deliberately started moving them across the world that they have been exposed."
source
He told The Telegraph: "Penguins are one of the very few bird families that are susceptible because on an evolutionary timescale they have never been exposed to it.
"It’s only been since people have deliberately started moving them across the world that they have been exposed."
source
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