Malaysia’s national zoo found itself in hot water today after images of rats scurrying about inside a penguin enclosure surfaced online and drew criticism.
One of the photos showed rats surrounding a metal container and one of them sticking its head into it. According to Li, it contained sardines and anchovies that were meant for the penguins. Neither the video nor photos showed zookeepers on the ground. The national zoo, also known as Zoo Negara, has yet to respond publicly about this.
“We hope everyone gives us a chance to improve on this situation. An official statement will be released by the management to media outlets shortly,” it said. The penguins are identified as the South American Humboldts. According to the zoo’s website, there are eight penguins in the enclosure, transported all the way from the Czech Republic Zoo as part of a captive breeding program.