Penguins put on Prozac to counter cold, rainy British zoo climate

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Penguins put on Prozac to counter cold, rainy British zoo climate

By Cheryl K. Chumley - The Washington Times Friday, February 7, 2014

Penguins in a British zoo have become so embittered by the cold and dreary weather conditions that they have to take antidepressants — “uppers” — to properly function, sanctuary workers said.

The Wild Humboldt penguins from the coastal regions of South American can’t take the captive climate conditions in their Scarborough surroundings, complete with lashing wind and rain, The U.K. Guardian reported. Their struggles to adapt have led Sea Life Centre officials to start treating them with medications, including antidepressants.

I'll have that link to the Guardian presently.

ETA: Rain-lashed penguins at Scarborough sanctuary given antidepressants

Penguins native to South America prescribed pick-me-ups to try to raise spirits after weeks of relentless wind and rain

theguardian.com, Thursday 6 February 2014 13.57 EST

Penguins in a British sanctuary are so fed up with the miserable winter weather they are being given antidepressants.

Wild Humboldt penguins are used to withstanding inhospitable weather in the coastal areas of South America, but those living in captivity in Scarborough are struggling with the constant wind and rain lashing the country.

Staff at the Sea Life Centre there have become so concerned they have started to administer the medication as a pick-me-up.

The centre's display curator Lyndsey Crawford told the Guzelian news agency: "Humboldts in the wild on the coast of Peru and Chile can be subjected to some pretty wild extremes of weather. What they don't get though is weeks of almost daily downpours and high winds.

[joeybee12]

1. Poor babies! nt