'Pepe' the penguin roams free at Brookfield Zoo

By Frank Mathie
 August 07, 2012

August 7, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- ''Pepe'' the penguin weighs just 6 pounds and stands less than 2 feet tall and yet he has been promoted to ambassador at Brookfield Zoo. ABC7's Frank Mathie says it's a new position created for this very special little bird. 

On not too crowded days, guests can enjoy seeing Pepe, a 5-month-old Humboldt penguin on the walkway at Brookfield Zoo's The Living Coast exhibit. By having Pepe serve as ambassador animal, Chicago Zoological Society staff hope to make a connection with the public that will inspire guests to want to learn more about Pepe's endangered counterparts in the wild.

This unusual zoo story is taking place in Brookfield's Living Coast - Rocky Shores habitat. It features Pepe, a five-month-old Humboldt penguin who is learning to roam freely with the zoo visitors, especially the kids.
There are no bars and no glass between Pepe and new pals.
"We're just starting his training," said Tim Snyder, curator of birds and reptiles. "He will be visiting with the guests and special events at the zoo, giving him training and getting him used to the people."
The whole idea is for Ambassador Pepe to teach conservation about his critically endangered species from the coast of Peru.
What better way to teach than to get up close and personal to get Pepe to be one of us?
"He actually thinks he's one of the people," said Snyder. "He'll walk through there, visit with people. And he gets time to visit his penguin pals but he likes to be with people."
Pepe hatched five months ago, weighing in at about 2 ounces. Officials decided to raise him by hand and that's why he's so used to people ... and why he likes the kids and the kids like him.
Pepe only roams free once or twice a week, when the crowds are small and Pepe is in a fun-loving mood.

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