Malaria kills 50 penguins

KEEPERS at a British zoo have been left heartbroken after an outbreak of avian malaria killed 50 penguins.

Dudley Zoo – which previously had 69 humboldt penguins – has lost 70 per cent of its colony to the disease despite the best efforts of vets.

Avian malaria is caused by infected mosquitoes and changes in the weather.

Zoo director Derek Grove said: ‘We are all heartbroken with the huge loss in Penguin Bay and it’s been an especially distressing time for our bird team who have devoted years to their care.’

he added: ‘Their dedication and tireless efforts to care for our penguins over recent weeks has been exemplary.’

The zoo had started out with just five hand-reared chicks in 1991 and went on to have one of the largest self-sustained colonies in the UK.