Police in Ireland are investigating after a penguin was stolen
from Dublin Zoo on Thursday, only to be discovered waddling through
the city's streets.
The female penguin, named Kelli, is thought to have been taken
as part of a prank when a group of men broke into the zoo -- but
police are taking a dim view of the situation and say those
responsible could face criminal charges.
"The Gardai (police) are investigating an incident in which a
penguin was taken from Dublin Zoo shortly after 8:00 am (0700 GMT)
this morning," a police spokesman said.
"It's believed a number of men took this penguin, however it was
subsequently found" in a street a few kilometres (miles) away, he
added.
"The investigations are continuing as to who these people are
and the penguin has been returned to its rightful home," police
said. The penguin was unharmed during the incident.
Media reports claimed the men smuggled the 10-year-old penguin
away from the zoo by bundling it into a bag and taking a taxi. They
are said to have told the taxi driver it was a rabbit.