Melbourne Zoo keepers are devastated after 14 penguins were mauled to death by a fox.

The bodies were found on Wednesday morning after a fox broke into the exhibit overnight.

The surviving 15 penguins have been moved to a secure area until it is confirmed that the fox has left the Zoo, or been caught.

Zoo staff had set traps for the fox after suspecting one had entered the Zoo sometime over the past week.

Additional measures are now being taken to further fox-proof gates at the zoo.