Poorly penguin at Scots zoo rushed to animal hospital in ice barrel

A penguin at a Scots zoo had to be rushed to an animal hospital via an ice barrel after suffering from a brain infection.

Alfie, a king penguin at Edinburgh Zoo, was taken to the Hospital for Small Animals in January after keepers noticed he was acting differently. His symptoms started with him refusing his food before going on to isolate himself from the rest of the penguin king group.

The keepers called the vet team immediately and drew some blood for testing. But only a few days later Alfie experienced his first neurological episode and was moved to the penguin isolation area so he wouldn’t injure himself in the pool.

Despite being put on medication, he suffered episodes almost every day and continued to refuse food. When he started vomiting, keepers rushed him to the on-site vet hospital for radiographs and an endoscopy exam.

They also reached out to specialists at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Dr Joao De Frias, a Lecturer in Neurology and Neurosurgery, recommended staff to take Alfie to the Hospital for Small Animals for CT and MRI scans.

During transport, he was given a low dose of sedative and placed inside a barrel with ice so he could be kept nice and cool. A GoPro was also used so he could be easily monitored.

After his scans, Alfie was diagnosed with a suspected infectious meningoencephalitis - which was a large infection of his brain. He immediately started treatment as keepers had to assist in feeding him while he was ill.

As he started to feel better and as his health improved, Alfie was allowed daily visits from other king penguins to lift his spirits. Penguin friend Sir Nils visited him often.

Thankfully, Alfie’s neurologic episodes stopped and his appetite returned. He was soon given full access to Penguins Rock again.

Edinburgh Zoo said his return was a touching moment as all of the other king penguins came to welcome him back. Now, three months later, Alfie is recovering well.

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