Tbilisi flood: Resilient penguin rescued from muddy grave

A penguin has survived 10 days amongst mud and debris following the harrowing Tbilisi flash flood.

The small creature was discovered and rescued today by Georgian military servicemen, who were cleaning the predator cages at Tbilisi Zoo, said Tbilisi Zoo press officer Mzia Sharashidze.

Sharashidze said the penguin did not appear to be injured and has already been transported to a new enclosure.

Before the June 13 flood, Tbilisi Zoo was inhabited by 17 penguins. Ten penguins survived the flood.

Five days ago another penguin was discovered at the Wissol gas station located about one kilometer from the Zoo territory.

When the disastrous flood hit Georgia’s capital 10 days ago, Tbilisi Zoo lost three of its staff and about half (300) of the animals that called Tbilisi Zoo home. Nineteen people also lost their lives in the disaster.

Several animals managed to escape from the flooded zoo territory and all have been recovered except for one tiger and one striped hyena, which still remain unaccounted for.

Georgian servicemen and rescue teams are actively working on the zoo territory to potentially recover the bodies of three people who are still missing and the remains of animals that died in the disaster.

Additionally, the crews are tasked with clearing the site of tonnes of debris and mud from badly damaged animal cages.

Click here for the information on how to donate for the recovery of Tbilisi zoo.