Rooney and Gerrard: Penguins named after footballers

Tue 15 Apr 2014

A baby penguin weighting just 87 grams has hatched in Chester Zoo.

Rooney, named after England forward Wayne, was one of the first Humboldt penguins to hatch at the zoo this year.

The penguin keepers are naming this year’s clutch after past and present superstars of the football World Cup.

Chester Zoo funds a penguins conservation initiative Credit: Chester Zoo

A baby penguin makes its way out of the egg. Credit: Chester Zoo

Rooney has already been joined by Gerrard, named after current England captain Steven, Banks, after 1966 World Cup winning goalkeeper Gordon, and Moore after 1966 World Cup winning captain Bobby.

Baby Humboldt penguin Credit: Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo funds conservation initiatives in the penguins’ homeland to help them in their natural habitat, where they are faced with many pressures including over fishing of their food and habitat loss.

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