> At a Glance
> – A third African penguin chick hatched at New Jersey’s Adventure Aquarium on Nov. 21
> – The chick is the 53rd penguin born at the facility, joining siblings Oscar and Duffy
> – Visitors can vote on four name choices through Jan. 19 via donation boxes
> – Why it matters: Proceeds support African penguin conservation as the species faces possible extinction by 2035
Adventure Aquarium is celebrating another penguin chick just weeks after announcing two December hatchings, bringing its African penguin colony to three new additions this season.
The Newest Arrival
The chick-born to parents Mushu and Hubert-brings the aquarium’s total hatchings to 53. Zookeepers say the baby is thriving and will soon join the colony on exhibit.
- Hatch date: Nov. 21
- Parents: Mushu and Hubert
- Siblings: Oscar and Duffy (hatched December)
Name This Penguin
Aquarium guests can help choose the chick’s name by donating in labeled boxes placed around the facility. The four finalists are:
- Scrappy
- Zero
- Flounder
- Toothless
Voting runs through Jan. 19; every dollar counts as one vote.
Conservation Impact
All contest proceeds benefit:
- AZA SAFE African Penguins
- The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds
African penguins are now classified as critically endangered because of habitat loss and environmental pressures. Native to southwestern Africa, these birds can consume up to 20% of their body weight in a single feeding.
Without intervention, conservationists warn the species could be functionally extinct by 2035.
Key Takeaways
- Adventure Aquarium welcomed its 53rd penguin chick on Nov. 21
- Public naming contest supports African penguin conservation
- Species listed as critically endangered; extinction risk by 2035 without action
The three new hatchings mark a hopeful milestone for a species racing against time.
