Apr 22, 2011
The two endangered Humboldt penguin chicks that were born at the Akron Zoo in January now have names after nearly 1,500 people voted. The male chick is named Pez and the female is now Niña. The Zoo is also offering an opportunity for the public to help feed and care for Pez and Niña through their Care for a Critter Program.
The naming contest ran from March 30-April 15, 2011 and people could vote for two of the four names that were narrowed down by the penguin zoo keepers. Pez received 523 votes and Niña received 388. Pez is Spanish for fish, which is the penguins' main diet and Niña is Spanish for little girl.
One person who entered the right combination was drawn at random and won a behind-the-scenes tour of the penguin exhibit for up to four people.
The Zoo is offering a one-year sponsorship of Pez and Niña from levels ranging from $35 and more. Depending on the donation, people may receive a photo of the chicks, certificate of sponsorship, a fact sheet, a plush penguin, tickets to the Zoo and a behind-the-scenes tour of the penguin exhibit. To sponsor a penguin, people can call the Akron Zoo at (330) 375-2550 ext. 7231 or information is on the Zoo's website at www.akronzoo.org. The monies raised from the Zoo's Care for a Critter Program help feed and care for the animals.
Pez hatched on January 8, 2011 and Niña arrived January 11, 2011. That is the earliest that chicks have ever hatched at the Zoo. It is also the first time in the Zoo's history that two chicks have been reared by the same parents at one time. Pez and Niña are now on exhibit at the Akron Zoo.
The Humboldt penguin is currently an endangered species. This is due primarily to commercial harvesting of guano for agricultural fertilizer. Without nesting locations, the Humboldt penguins are in serious danger of extinction. Some estimates indicate the possibility of extinction in the wild in the next 10 years. The Akron Zoo houses these penguins as part of the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). Through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, SSP's are a proactive approach to preventing extinction. SSP's were formed back in 1981 to help ensure the survival of endangered species. SSP's are managed by the AZA, of which the Akron Zoo is an accredited member.
Humboldt penguins are warm climate penguins, unlike their Antarctic relatives. They are commonly found in more temperate climates like Peru and Chile.
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