A young Humboldt penguin that had been stolen from a zoo in the southwest German city of Mannheim has been found dead.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the death and are looking for possible witnesses, police spokesman Michael Klump said.
The animal’s body, which could be identified by the number 53 on its wing, was found on Thursday near a car park in Mannheim, he said.
Police said the unknown thief probably dropped the penguin near the car park.
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It was not clear whether the bird was already dead at the time.
The zoo’s director called the death of penguin number 53, who was reported stolen on Saturday, was the worst possible outcome.
Joachim Koeltzsch said: "All of us are shocked about the death."
AP