Etiology
Staff noted that Pierre had no problems molting prior to his hydroxyzine treatments. Ever since the treatments had begun, they had removed him from the medication for as long as half a year at a time to verify that the medicine was indeed working.
Because the vest was worn during a one of these periods when Pierre was not on his treatments, it is unknown whether the hydroxyzine was the actual cause of the molting problem. Another hypothesis was that Pierre was burning extra calories, causing irregularities.
Following his recovery in April 2008, staff placed him back on his treatments. Although it was acknowledged that the experiment was not properly conducted, since there were two variables at once, staff agreed that it was for the better, since Pierre was clearly needing warmth.
Six weeks after his vestment, Pierre showed signs of recovery, and the vest was removed.
Pierre regained his respect from the rest of his colony as the leader, overseeing 19 fellow penguins.
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