A gruesome discovery was made at the Rostock Zoo on Tuesday morning. A caretaker found a dead Humboldt penguin – with a severed head – during the daily cleaning of the enclosure at the penguin facility. Next to the dead animal was a stone with several blood adhesions. The police are investigating.
The sharp cut on the animal’s head rules out an attack by another animal, zoo officials said. It is also checked whether the place where the decapitated penguin was found was actually the place where the animal would have been housed.
Dörte Lemke, spokeswoman for the Rostock Police Inspectorate, confirmed the criminal investigation in the case: “Due to the situation in which the Humboldt penguin was found, it cannot be excluded at this time that the animal died as a result of external influences. Securing evidence at the zoo site is currently being carried out by the Rostock police.” There is also a presumption of violation.
Motive unknown
A motive for the heinous act is not apparent. The animal’s carcass has since been taken to the State Bureau of Agriculture for further examination. A result of the investigation is still pending.
„Award for best European zoo“
With 6,500 animals, including 500 different species, Zoo Rostock is the largest animal park in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In addition, the zoo has received the “Best European Zoo Award” several times. No further attacks on the animals or ill-treatment by third parties have been recorded in recent years. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the slain penguin species is classified as an endangered species.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
