Zoo Negara Questioned After Rats Were Filmed Roaming Penguin Enclosure
"If there are rats inside, it means that it isn't cold inside. What a terrible living condition for the penguins."
By Tamara Jayne — 12 Aug 2020, 11:22 AM
Recent footage of rats running around a penguin enclosure in Zoo Negara has gone viral
Facebook user Li Junhao shared a post yesterday, 11 August, which showed photos and a video of rats scurrying around the enclosure.
"It really hurts to see the hopeless look of a penguin who is isolated and helpless [in] Zoo Negara in Malaysia," reads his caption.
He told SAYS that the incident took place at around 5pm on Monday, 10 August, just as the zoo was about to close for the day.
In the post, the rats seem to be munching food out of a tray believed to belong to the penguins
Humboldt penguins come from South America and live off of sardines and anchovies.
They live along the shores of Peru and Chile and have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years.
According to National Geographic, they also feed on fish, shrimp, and squid.
The Facebook post, which has been shared over 3,500 times at the time of writing, sparked outrage online as many tagged Zoo Negara in the comments
Some people pointed to the possibility that the penguin enclosure was not cold enough, making it easier for the rats to stay inside.
"Isn't it cold inside, how can a mouse be in there?"
"If there are rats inside, it means that it isn't cold inside. What a terrible living condition for the penguins."
Meanwhile, others commented that it is sad to see the penguins live in such a state despite all the previous donations that were given to Zoo Negara.
SAYS has contacted the zoo for comment and has yet to receive a response.
However, according to several people's comments, the zoo replied that it is working to address the issue.
