7 penguins die from unknown cause at Florida aquarium
Officials at a Florida aquarium are looking for answers after seven penguins died suddenly.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa announced last week that seven African penguins had died but the cause was not known.
“It is with heavy hearts that The Florida Aquarium announces the passing of seven of our African penguins,” the aquarium said in a statement. “At this time the cause of death is unknown and under examination … The Aquarium’s remaining penguins are receiving around the clock observation and care, and we remain cautiously optimistic.”
“It’s never easy to communicate the loss of a species ambassador especially one as iconic as our African penguins,” said aquarium said. “These are especially trying times for The Florida Aquarium. As the team puts all their resources into the investigation and the continued care of all the animals, we respectfully ask for your patience.”
The facility admitted it may never learn why the penguins died.
“While initial necropsy (animal autopsy) results were inconclusive, the Aquarium’s veterinary team is conducting further medical tests and evaluations to determine a possible cause,” the aquarium said. “Unfortunately, we may never know the cause of death.”
The aquarium has had a colony of African penguins since 2006.
