What Can Possibly be Wrong with a Naked Penguin?

Feather-loss disorder has also been observed in African penguins

  Photo credit: Nola Parsons

Unfortunately, a lot.  While the idea of a naked penguin, or any naked animal might seem a little humorous or possibly cute, it is not a good thing.  Baffled experts are trying to figure out what is causing the  "feather-loss disorder" in penguins in the South Atlantic.

This disorder first appeared in 2006, and the penguins afflicted are developmentally stunted and have a higher mortality rate.  The quick rise in this disorder among the penguins, may be attributed to many different causes; researchers have a lot of work to do to pinpoint the exact cause, however, it is a definite sign that the local ecosystem has taken a serious hit.

Many of these odd changes that have been occurring over the past few years, naked penguins, missing bees, sudden deaths of birds, may be coincidences, but it is also possible that the world is going through a massive change; change that we may have no control over and we likely won't enjoy the outcome. 

Is this change the fault of the humans?  Hard to say, it may just be nature, but we should do our best to act as though it is our fault and strive to heal the earth, if we can.

You can read more about this in the original EurekAlert! press release 'Naked' penguins baffle experts.