Local News

Despite rumors, no one looted penguins from the New England Aquarium

"Our animals are safe."

BOSTON, MA - 6/24/2014: Adult Little Blue Penguins on exhibit at the New England Aquarium. Baby penguins that have recently hatched at the New England Aquarium and the biologists who lead a team that have been very successful in breeding penguins and helping sustain some of the endangered populations around the world. The baby penguins getting weighed, being fed and chilling with their parents outside of the actual habitat, since they are newborn. (David L Ryan/Globe Staff Photo) SECTION: LIFESTYLE TOPIC babypenguins(1) David L. Ryan / The Boston Globe

By John Waller

June 1, 2020

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Amid Sunday’s late-night violence and looting in downtown Boston, rumors began to circulate on social media that someone had broken into the New England Aquarium and stolen penguins.

The rumors came after authorities conducted a welfare check at the aquarium. However, aquarium officials said Monday that a report of an attempted break-in turned out to be false and “our animals are safe.”

Thanks to everyone who has asked about the wellbeing of our animals after last night. Our animals are safe. Boston Police performed a welfare check after a reported attempted break-in, however that report was false.Please be safe and thank you for all your support.

— New England Aquarium (@NEAQ) June 1, 2020