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What killed 500-plus penguins? How scientists solved the mystery

Oct 29, 2026 · Gabrielle Emanuel

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

What killed 500-plus penguins? How scientists solved the mystery
A small group of Adélie penguins return to their colony. A mega-colony of these penguins was hit by a big die-off in early 2024.
A small group of Adélie penguins return to their colony. A mega-colony of these penguins was hit by a big die-off in early 2024.

The penguins that perished lived on the Danger Islands in Antarctica. The prime suspect was avian flu. Researchers were surprised by what they found.

(Image credit: Ralph Vanstreels)

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