24 October,2016 07:44 PM IST | | Ranjeet Jadhav
After the death of one penguin, Byculla zoo authorities are closely monitoring the health of the other penguins and will be testing all food samples given to the exotic birds.
The Humboldt penguins when they were brought to Byculla zoo in July
Following the death of one of the eight Humboldt penguins at the Byculla zoo yesterday, the authorities are now not only closely monitoring the health of the other penguins, but will be testing all food samples given to the exotic birds.
Director of Byculla zoo Sanjay Tripathi said, "The death of the penguin is unfortunate because all necessary care and measures had been taken. We don't want anything to go wrong with the rest of the birds now, so our team of experts is closely monitoring their movements and health."
It should be noted that at present, Humboldt penguins have been kept in the quarantine facility. After Sunday's incident, the authorities have also become more cautious about the food that is fed to them along with the water. "We have been giving them the best food available in the market and we will also be sending their food samples for testing to the laboratory."
Sources told mid-day that the penguins were fed a diet of sardines, eel, and Indian Mackerel among other things. A veterinarian said that testing water samples and food is very important as these can be sources of disease. "The zoo should see to it that the penguins are given best diet. The authorities should not give them fish available at the local market."
