A zoo is NOT a not-for-profit organization. As such, it has to do what it see fits to keep the zoo up and running, even if it means that it have to turn to fake animals. No. This is not anything like the fiasco over at a zoo in Egypt. That one was hilarious. This one involves a small zoo in the Telford, UK, called Exotic Zoo, and they are open about using fake penguins.
Obviously, the presence of plastic penguins is not by choice. They are a small zoo at the mercy of circumstance, and this circumstance is the nationwide shortage of penguins. You heard that right. Shortage of penguins. I have never thought these terms would be use by a zoo and neither have I ever imagine it being applied to animals, but the fact is, it is happening right now because of an unfortunate outbreak of avian malaria.
The outbreak has wiped out a lot of penguins, said zoo owner Scott Adams. Larger zoos affected by this outbreak are rushing to replenish the penguins and therefore, resulting in a national shortage of penguins that would mean smaller zoos like Exotic Zoo will be unable to secure the animals. Zoos are no different from the business world.
A bigger zoo will have the financial muscle to flex, reputation and better connection and sources, which would means a higher chance of securing whatever the zoo is after. So, smaller outfit like Exotic Zoo has to take the backseat. But the problem is, running up to the expected arrival of the penguins, Exotic Zoo has committed nearly £60,000 (about US$77,000) to set up a habitat for the birds and even sent staff on penguin keeper course.
All have been done, but the zoo have no birds to show. Instead of passing off fake penguins as real penguins and hoping no one would take notice (sound familiar?), Exotic Zoo wants everyone to know they are fakes and they are not intentional; they are just victim of unforeseen circumstances. Now, that’s good PR there, don’t you think?
Anywho, the zoo is still on a look out for captive bred penguins and so, if you have any to spare, they’d be happy to look at them.
Images: James Ward/Cater News.
Source: Caters News Agency.
