CALGARY ZOO MOURNS LOSS OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS

Calgary, AB – The Calgary Zoo is deeply saddened to share news of the deaths of seven Humboldt penguins discovered this morning in Penguin Plunge.

“This is devastating news,” says Jamie Dorgan, Director Animal Care, Calgary Zoo. “We have launched a full investigation so we can try to understand what happened and prevent further incidents like this from happening again.”

The birds were in their back holding area, which is regularly used to house the penguins. The zoo’s Veterinary Team has completed necropsies on all the birds and the results have determined the birds died as a result of drowning.

There were a total of 22 birds within the Humboldt colony. Three other species live in Penguin Plunge including kings, gentoos and rockhopper penguins.

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Jamie Dorgan is available for interviews after 3 p.m.

Contact:

Trish Exton-Parder                     Larissa Mark
Lead, Media Relations             Manager, Communications
Calgary Zoo                             Calgary Zoo
Phone: 403.232.9381                 Phone: 403.294.7677
Mobile: 403.371.9075                Mobile: 403.998.0478
[email protected]          [email protected]