500 dead penguins washed up on Brazilian beaches

Brazilian scientists are investigating what has led to more than 500 dead penguins being found on beaches in the last week.

Autopsies are being carried out on some of the birds, which washed up on the beaches of Rio Grande do Sul state, in the south of the country.

Biologists at the Centre of Coastal and Marine Studies said the penguins appeared to have been well-fed, with no apparent injuries and no oil on their bodies.

Similar incidents in the past have been blamed on shifting ocean currents and colder temperatures.

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