Four penguins die from avian malaria at northeastern Japan zoo

The mosquito-borne disease, which does not infect humans, can develop rapidly and prove fatal, sometimes without noticeable symptoms.

The deaths occurred at Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai between July 9 and 19, beginning with a male penguin named Aramasa. According to the zoo, none of the birds showed signs of illness until the day before they died.

The zoo asked Iwate University to determine the cause of the deaths. Following the findings, officials said there are currently no plans to introduce new penguins.

Instead, the zoo intends to improve the enclosure to reduce mosquito breeding, including by redesigning areas where standing water can accumulate, before eventually reopening the penguin exhibit.

Humboldt penguins are native to the Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile. Adapted to milder climates than Antarctic penguin species, they are commonly kept in zoos across Japan.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that three lions died at Tokyo’s Tama Zoo after a series of illnesses led to the suspension of the lion exhibit and the Lion Bus service.