Help name new penguin chick at Aquarium of Niagara

Penguin chick hatches at Aquarium of Niagara; public can help name newest member of colony 

Aquarium of Niagara Press Release & Photo

The Aquarium of Niagara is pleased to announce the successful incubation and hatching of its first Humboldt penguin chick in three years – and the public can help decide its name!

The chick hatched last month after a roughly 40-day incubation period. The chick weighed 87 grams at its first weigh-in, and its sex will be determined by a blood test later this summer.

The chick is being cared for by its parents, Blanca and PJ Jr., who share rearing duties. This is the fifth chick for the bonded pair who arrived from Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo in 2019. The pair successfully raised Smitty and Jules in 2020 and Cusco and P.T. in 2022.

This chick’s hatching is a victory for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Humboldt penguins, which are designated as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Through the SSP, the Aquarium of Niagara works with other accredited zoos and aquariums to match genetically compatible penguins and ensure a healthy, sustainable population under human care.

Aquarium of Niagara photo

••••••••

“Moments like this highlight an exciting chapter for both our animals and the entire aquarium,” said Chad Fifer, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara. “Our penguins help us connect guests to the importance of protecting aquatic life, and this chick is a powerful symbol of that mission. Its successful hatching reflects the exceptional dedication and expertise of our animal care team.”

The Aquarium of Niagara is seeking public input in choosing a name for the colony’s newest addition. From Friday, May 2, through Thursday, May 16, anyone can pay $1 per vote to select their choice from the following three names, each of which honors the species’ Peruvian roots:

√ Cantuta – The national flower of Peru. This name also honors the chick’s great-grandmother, Rosebud, who hatched at the Aquarium of Niagara in the 1990s.

√ Machu – Inspired by Machu Picchu, the ancient Peruvian citadel. The chick’s brother, Cusco, was named for the nearby Incan capital in 2022.

√ Sesenta – Spanish for “60,” celebrating both Peru’s most widely spoken language and the Aquarium of Niagara’s 60th anniversary.

Aquarium of Niagara photo

••••••••

As a nonprofit organization, the Aquarium of Niagara relies on the support of its constituents to offset the costs associated with providing high-quality animal care. By donating $1 per vote to help name the penguin chick, participants can make a direct contribution toward the well-being of their favorite animals.

“The Humboldt penguins are some of the most charismatic animals at the aquarium and are instantly loved by anyone who sees them,” said Hallie Torre, curator of marine mammals and birds. “We’re excited to offer our community the opportunity to help name and invest in the newest member of the colony.”

Individuals can vote as many times as they like through Thursday, May 16. The winning name will be announced Friday, May 17.

Aquarium of Niagara photo

••••••••

The penguin chick will remain in the nest with its parents for several weeks and is not currently viewable from the public gallery. Fans are encouraged to follow the Aquarium of Niagara’s social media channels to receive regular updates on the chick who is expected to grow rapidly over a short period of time.

This newest chick joins the Aquarium of Niagara’s current colony of 13 adult penguins. The “Penguin Coast” habitat has the capacity to house 24 adult Humboldt penguins.