Haematological and clinical biochemistry findings in captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti).

Haematological and clinical biochemistry values were determined in 15 healthy Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) captured at Isla de Cachagua, V Region, Chile and maintained at the Metropolitan Zoo of Santiago, Chile. Blood samples were obtained at 3 days and 3, 7 and 15 weeks post-capture. The confinement did not affect the red blood cell parameters (RBC, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCHC, P<0.05). Slight changes in the absolute number of heterophils and lymphocytes were observed. Albumin, fibrinogen and glucose values did not change while total plasma proteins and globulin increased significantly (P<0.05) between 3 and 7 weeks post-capture. Aspartate aminotransferase increased (P<0.05) between 3 days and 15 weeks post-capture. The haematological and blood chemistry values of the Humboldt penguins showed some differences compared to the values for other species of penguins reported in the literature.