PENGUINS at Marwell Zoo have died from bird flu, it has been confirmed.

The Hampshire attraction posted on FAcebook to announce the sad death of a 'number of our penguins'.

It is now working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to ensure biosecurity measures are in place.

A statement said: "We were informed (on Monday) that a number of our penguins had tested positive for avian influenza.

"Unfortunately, these birds died as a result of their illness.

"We are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure all necessary biosecurity measures are in place."

The zoo remains open as usual but the tropical house and walk-through aviaries are not open.

Last month the zoo announced snow leopard Indeever had died. The 14-year-old had arrived at the zoo aged two from Zurich in 2010.

READ MORE: Marwell Zoo: Death of snow leopard announced

The statement added: "At this time, guests will be unable to access our Energy For Life: Tropical House and walkthrough aviaries so that we can help to keep our other birds safe.

"Our flamingos have been brought under a covered area of their enclosure, and the penguins are off-show.

"We have already been taking precautions, including foot dips for guests, and these will continue to be in place while we investigate."

It added: "Thanks as always to our dedicated animal and veterinary teams for working so hard to ensure the health and wellbeing of our animals."