Lafayette, Indiana-Columbia Park Zoo recently announced that six of their nine African penguins have died after fighting avian malaria.
"Avian malaria is one of the most important causes of penguin deaths, with a mortality rate as high as 50-90%," Zoo Director Neil Dell said in a press release. "Despite the best efforts of our veterinarians and staff, who provided clock care to manage anti-malaria drugs and other intensive care measures, we could not stop the progression of the infection."
According to the press release, this parasitic disease is caused by a "plasmodium" and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the press release, the disease only affects birds and will not spread to humans or other zoo animals.
Starting on October 24, the African penguin named Flash began to show symptoms of disease, which prompted veterinarians to conduct tests and inspections. Despite the great efforts of the veterinarian team, Fleish's condition deteriorated rapidly and was found dead by the animal care staff on the morning of October 28 four days later.
After an autopsy (animal autopsy) of Flash, a blood test showed positive for Plasmodium.
"We have been consulting with veterinary experts at some of the country's major zoos to ensure that we are doing everything possible to treat our birds as best as possible," said Caitlin Laffery, assistant director of the zoo. "We are fortunate to work in an industry where knowledge and expertise are so freely shared, and we have resources like Purdue University's Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in our backyard."
After Flesch's death, the remaining eight penguins began to show symptoms of illness. Since Flash, five more penguins have died, namely Raspberry, Zing, Chartreuse, Fozzie and Zip. The most recent deceased, Zip, was found dead by animal care staff at the Columbia Park Zoo on November 28.
According to the release, symptoms of avian malaria include weakness, lethargy and loss of appetite. Treatment of the disease includes anti-malarial drugs, fluid and nutritional support, and preventive treatment.
The remaining three penguins Shazam, Sagely and Donner are currently in critical condition.
"We have been working around the clock to save as many birds as possible," said zookeeper Heather Woody. "This happened to our animal care team after months of hard work and preparation. It made us feel very sad, but our focus now must be on doing everything we can to help our penguins."
Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic, the Penguin Bay exhibition opened in Columbia Park on July 30 after several postponements. According to the news released, Dell stated that Columbia Park Zoo is working with the original design team of the Penguin Bay exhibition to further incorporate preventive measures for the exhibition.
Zoo staff are continuing to consult with experts to take other precautions to avoid contact.
"We know that at this unbelievably sad moment, the community will share the grief with us. The entire zoo staff has invested in the penguin colony and deeply felt the departure of each penguin," Dell said.
The support card of the zoo staff can be sent to the postal address of the zoo: 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904.
Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for Journal & Courier. Email her mtroup@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2