Rostock Zoo
Pathology report confirmed: penguin killed by predator
As a precaution, the Humboldt penguins in Rostock Zoo are housed in the neighboring Pelikan house. photo
© Bernd Wüstneck/dpa
There has long been speculation as to who or what killed the Humboldt penguin in Rostock Zoo. It’s been clear for a long time: it wasn’t a human being. Which animal it actually was, however, will probably remain a mystery.
After the violent death of a penguin in Rostock Zoo, it is now finally clear that a predator has torn the bird. According to the written pathology report from the State Agency for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fisheries (LALLF), the bite marks match an animal, a zoo spokeswoman said Rostock said.
However, it was not determined exactly which animal attacked the penguin. And a final statement on this will probably remain open: “No further analyzes are planned for this,” said the zoo spokeswoman. According to dpa information, it is likely that a fox killed the penguin.
Zookeepers alerted the police
According to the LALLF, the five-year-old animal was examined on Tuesday. That morning, an animal keeper discovered the Humboldt penguin that had been violently killed in the enclosure. Since there were no signs of a fight with a predator, a noticeably smooth cut had been discovered on the neck and in order not to cover up any traces, the police were called, the zoo spokeswoman said on Wednesday. Bite marks discovered afterwards were initially hidden in the plumage.
The police had initially investigated, among other things, on suspicion of trespassing and violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The penguins were taken from the facility as a precaution and have now continued to find shelter in the neighboring Pelikan house. They should stay there until the penguin facility is secured.