Drama in the Duisburg Zoo: Koalas die after bacterial attack!

Drama in the Duisburg Zoo: Koalas die after bacterial attack!

An unexpected incident in the Duisburg Zoo causes excitement and generates many questions among visitors and animal lovers. As derwesten.de is affected, the tropical hall "Rio Negro" is affected by a bacterial death five koalas led. The incident began in September 2024, as technical problems with the filter system of the Seekuhbeckens. The system, which is responsible for 650,000 liters of water, had to be repaired urgently due to a failure of a filter component.

As a result of this technical defect, the concentrations of coliform bacteria rose in the water. These bacteria are usually harmless in natural waters, but can cause health problems for certain tribes, including diarrhea. On September 20 and 23, 2024, a diving relay of the Duisburg fire brigade supported the zoo employees in the repair of the filter system. The pelvis was divided into different areas in order to drain water in a targeted manner and to clean them thoroughly. During the work, the nautical cows were safely converted into other pelvic areas.

The consequences of bacterial infestation

already a month after the repair work, the death of five Koalas tragically occurred, which suffered from serious digestive problems. However, the exact cause of death remains unclear. The Zoo Duisburg excludes a direct connection between the work carried out in the Rio Negro and the diseases of the Koalas.

The problem with coliform bacteria is not limited to Duisburg. Similar challenges occur in different regions. In September 2023, a family in Gamlitz was affected by a drinking ban because coliform bacteria were detected in the water network. With around 15,000 people in the communities such as Ehrenhausen and St. Veit, this meant that the Steiner family had to buy water bottles because the shops were quickly empty. The impractical journey to the drinking water withdrawal and the boiling of the tap water were additional loads for those affected.

like the Kleine Zeitung , the water association ensured that sufficient water supply was guaranteed in kindergartens and educational institutions. Ursula Steiner, one of those affected, emphasizes the great appreciation for clean water. Fortunately, the drinking water in Gamlitz was declared harmless again after more than two weeks.

context and prevention

The problem of coliform bacteria is a well -known topic that occurs in many regions. These bacteria are in connection with other health risks, such as the Environmental Bundesamt . The general hygiene and maintenance of the water supply systems is crucial to protect the health of the population.

The incidents in the Duisburg Zoo and Gamlitz illustrate how important it is to regularly check technical systems and to pay attention to health risks. This applies to animal husbandry in Zoos and for water supply in communities. The sensitization to the quality of the water and preventive measures are essential to avoid similar incidents in the future.