WACO, Texas — The Cameron Park Zoo (CPZ) in Waco told 6 News one of their penguins is getting treated for melanoma.
Mauri is a 30-year-old African penguin. He was diagnosed with skin cancer before he got to the zoo.
CPZ says they're giving him chemotherapy. His treatments include bi-weekly injections into his tumor and melanoma vaccines at the Veterinary Specialists of North Texas.
They're keeping Mauri's mate, Rita, close to him during treatment "to ensure Mauri's comfort". They say "Rita's presence will help provide the emotional support Mauri needs during transport and treatment".
According to CPZ, melanoma "isn't uncommon" for African penguins, but Mauri is the only one in his waddle to get it so far.
CPZ encourages people to check themselves for skin cancer, and get treated early like Mauri.
You can read the zoo's press release here.
