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Global warming blamed for baby penguins’ death
Published 29 July, 2008, 09:34
Hundreds of baby penguins swept by strong ocean currents from the icy shores of Antarctica and Patagonia are being washed up, both dead and alive, on tropical beaches in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo. Some experts are blaming global warming, while opportunists have begun selling the birds for up to $US 320.
More than 400 penguins, most of them young, have been found dead on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro state over the past two months, the Associated Press reports, quoting Eduardo Pimenta, superintendent for the state coastal protection and environment agency in the resort city of Cabo Frio.
A veterinarian at the Niteroi Zoo in Rio de Janeiro treats a rescued penguin (Photo by RICARDO MORAES/AP)
He said while it is common to find some penguins – both dead and alive – swept by strong ocean currents from the Strait of Magellan, there have been more this year than at any time in recent memory.
The so-called ‘Magellanic’ penguins began appearing in late June – they travelled about 2,500 miles from their native southern Patagonia.
Biologist Erli Costa of Rio de Janeiro's Federal University believes global warming is to blame.
“I think we're seeing more young and sick penguins because of global warming, which affects ocean currents and creates more cyclones, making the seas rougher,” Mr Costa said.
Penguins rescued off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil recuperate in the zoo of Niteroi (Photo by JACK CHANG/MCT)
Others are divided over the possible cause. Some say it is pollution, others argue it is overfishing that had forced penguins to swim further from shore to find food and got caught in strong ocean currents.
Specialists ask Brazilians who have found penguins on the beach not to try treating the birds themselves, and to seek professional help.
In particular, they say penguins should be put into warmth, and strictly prohibit applying ice and fridges, as some people do, believing they will thus create a customary environment for the birds.
They also do not advise to feed and wash penguins without specialists.
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