National Aviary’s newest penguin named after soon-to-be centenarian
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The National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side held a gender reveal this week for its newest African penguin.
When the top of the egg was removed Tuesday a pink stuffed penguin appeared.
Her name is Marge.
She was named for Aviary board member and donor Rich Caruso’s mother, Margaret who has a special birthday this year.
“My mother is nearing her 100th birthday, and she loves the National Aviary and is looking forward to visiting again to see Marge the penguin once the pandemic ends,” Rich Caruso said in a statement.
Marge hatched on Jan. 3. A DNA feather test was performed and determined the chick is female.
Marge is the eleventh African penguin to hatch at the National Aviary, and the first to hatch to parents Buddy and Holly, according to the Aviary.
At almost three months old, Marge is nearing adult size.
African Penguins are endangered, and their populations are declining, according to the Aviary, which works to conserve such species in conjunction with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The National Aviary’s Penguin Point habitat is home to a colony of African Penguins.
With only about 13,000 pairs remaining in the wild in South Africa, African Penguins have experienced a decline because of human activity at nesting sites, and disasters such as oil spills, according the Aviary.
Marge is expected to make an appearance at the Avian Care Center window from 12:30 to 2 p.m. daily.
The Aviary is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesdays.