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Our Humboldt penguin chick is a girl!
You may have heard the news already or even met our new penguin chick out and about in the Penguins of the Pacific habitat, but we are excited to announce the chick is a girl! She was hatched on March 14 to parents Lilly and Mariano who were very nurturing behind-the-scenes. The chick developed pneumonia not long after being born and required extensive treatment to keep her alive. She received nebulizer treatments three times a day for over a month along with antibiotic injections, tube feeding, and eventually assisted feedings from animal care staff. Our zookeepers and veterinary staff worked hard to help her grow into the thriving chick she is today.
We are thrilled that the treatments were successful and thankful for the top-notch care she received. The chick became fledged on June 4 and has learned to eat fish on her own.
The animal care staff notes that the chick is doing very well and loves the water in the Penguins of the Pacific habitat. She has been drawing the other penguins into the water with her excitement and has been seen interacting with guests who get up close to the glass.
Juvenile Humboldt penguin chicks can be distinguished from adults based on coloration. They are light grey below and dark grey above. They do not get their black and white coloration or stripes until their first molt at around one year old. Chicks are nearly adult size when they fledge and will continue to gain weight and muscle as they mature.
Help us name our Humboldt chick!
Vote for your favorite name! Zookeepers have selected three names based on pie flavors since our chick was born on Pi Day: Cherry, Peach, or Rhubarb (Roo). By participating in the voting, you can also enter to win our Penguin Prize Package giveaway, which includes a Penguins of the Pacific tote bag, a penguin plush, and a Party Animal Package consisting of four Milwaukee County Zoo tickets and four tickets to the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. The Zoo will announce the winning penguin name on July 21.
Buy online to save and visit our newest Humboldt penguin soon!
Sweepstakes Terms: No Purchase Necessary! Open to all US residents only. Must be 18+ to vote. One vote per day now through July 20, 2025. The winning penguin name will be announced via social channels on July 21, 2025. Three (3) Penguin Prize Package winners will be randomly selected and will be notified via email. We will not contact you via social media. Each Penguin Prize Package includes: Four Party Animal Package Tickets which includes four (4) Zoo admission tickets and four (4) 2025 WI State Fair Tickets; one (1) penguin plush; one (1) Penguins of the Pacific tote bag; and one (1) penguin painting. This contest is not endorsed by Meta or X.
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