Eleven penguins were killed by crafty foxes who managed to break in to London zooA trail of destruction was left at London Zoo after urban foxes crept in and killed almost a dozen penguins.
Keepers at the north west London site discovered the bloodbath when they arrived to open up for the day.
During the killing spree the foxes targeted South African and rockhopper penguins.
Council officials carried out an inspection of the site last year and faulty fencing was blamed for the break in.
The report which was obtained by The Independent under the Freedom Of Information act also revealed fox traps had been removed from the site.
The incident took place on March, 18 last year.
A spokesman for the zoo said: 'Keepers believe a vehicle exiting the car park adjacent to the enclosure may have unknowingly damaged the perimeter fence, which pressed against and snapped an electric wire inside the enclosure.
'This left a short section of fence without an electric deterrent.'
'The penguin enclosure had been in use for five years prior to this and there had been no previous incidents of foxes gaining access,' the spokesman added.
But further attacks have since taken place, suggesting the problem is ongoing.
The newspaper also asked owners of the zoo ZSL how many animals had been killed by foxes since 2007.
Keepers at London Zoo arrived at work to find a trail of destruction left by the urban foxesIn total 11 penguins, one flamingo, two South American mara (rodents) and a free range chicken have all been killed.
Foxes are not typically well known for hunting in packs. Many live in small family groups, and are opportunistic feeders that hunt live prey.
They use a pouncing technique practised from an early age, they are usually able to kill their prey quickly.
London Zoo is currently home to 41 penguins and is the oldest scientific zoo in the world.
It first opened its doors in April 1828.
source: dailymail
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