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Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Oil-Slicked Penguins Wash Ashore Dead in Argentina


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An environmentalist washes a penguin with fresh water and soap to remove oil from its feathers in Piriápolis, Uruguay, on May 11, 2006. At least 150 penguins covered with oil have been found on several Uruguayan beaches in recent weeks.

The appearance of oiled birds in the region is an annual occurrence, due to chronically oily waters, experts say. But hundreds more dead, oiled penguins have washed ashore on the beaches of southern Argentina, the apparent victims of a mystery spill, news agencies reported on May 11.

Photograph by Andres Stapff/Reuters