Malaria kills zoo penguins

Six Humboldt penguins died in an outbreak of malaria at London Zoo, it was revealed yesterday. The birds contracted the avian strain of the disease from mosquitoes in August.

Keepers had increased the birds' anti-malaria medication amid fears that this summer's wet and muggy weather had created perfect conditions for the insects to thrive.

A spokeswoman for the zoo said the remaining penguins "all appear healthy and well".

The avian strain of the deadly disease cannot be passed from bird to bird, or from bird to human. Speaking of the remaining penguins, the spokeswoman said: "All the penguins appear healthy and well."