On Monday, the staff, after cleaning and properly disinfecting the old nest area, had placed sand in the nest and left several sticks in the enclosure.
A week after Mumbai zoo's cutest couple — Molt and Flipper — lost their first chick, their life is not only back to normal, but much to the delight of the caretakers of the penguin enclosure, Molt has already built a new 'love nest' for Flipper.
On Monday, the staff, after cleaning and properly disinfecting the old nest area, had placed sand in the nest and left several sticks in the enclosure. "Molt spent a good amount of time collecting all the sticks and setting it up properly in the nest, and did not stop until he had collected all the sticks he needed.
While it shows that their new nest is ready, it is also a very good indicator that the couple is not depressed or under any trauma, going by the rumours," said a zoo official. The official said that penguins are monogamous, and it won't be surprising if they start breeding soon. The penguin breeding season lasts from March to December.
The first penguin chick that had hatched on August 15 died on August 22. According to the BMC, the chick couldn't make it because of new born anomalies like yolk sac retention and liver dysfunction. Another senior zoo official said that initially Flipper and Molt were refusing to move out of the nest and had to be coaxed out. "After consulting with several experts, it was decided to barricade their nest for two days, and then began the activities to engage them.
They love chasing laser lights and reflection from mirror. We ensured that they were provided with these kinds of fun games throughout the day. The staff used to play with them and monitor them on an hourly basis, which helped in ensuring that they got back to normal," said the official, adding that both Molt and Flipper were eating well and their health check up has shown no signs that can be a cause of concern.
Meanwhile, several animal activists have raised concern, and said that despite seeing the results, breeding at the moment would be a bad idea.
NEW BEGINNING
The new nest is an indicator that the penguin couple is not depressed or under any trauma. The first penguin chick that had hatched on August 15 died on August 22.
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