Penguin found decapitated in car park after being stolen from German zoo
Police launch hunt for perpetrators after Humboldt's body displayed on fence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A penguin has been found decapitated near a car park after being stolen from a German zoo.
The young bird went missing from the Luisenpark in Mannheim on Saturday, sparking a police investigation.
A passer-by found the penguin’s body on Thursday morning, mounted on a fence on the edge of a nearby car park.
A spokesperson for Mannheim Police told The Independent the Humboldt’s head had been removed.
Investigators are now hunting for the perpetrators, having found no evidence the penguin could have escaped its enclosure alone or been attacked by a wild animal.
The penguin, identified by the number 53 on its wing, is being examined by veterinary surgeons before the results are passed to the commissioner for animal protection.
“Mannheim prosecutor's office has opened an investigation against unknown persons,” a spokesperson said, launching a police appeal for witnesses.
Joachim Költzsch, the director of Luisenpark, said: “The incident with our missing penguin could not have had a more tragic outcome.
“Our employees and visitors had an emotional attachment to the animal.
“All of us, especially the zookeepers who took care of the animal every day, are shaken by the death and also by the way such little respect was given for a living creature.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments