Audubon Aquarium Announces Names of New Penguin Chicks

There are two new endangered African penguins in the colony at Audubon Aquarium. The newcomers hatched at the downtown New Orleans attraction earlier this year and are now swimming, eating, and spending time with the rest of the 21 birds that make up the Aquarium’s penguin colony.

Each chick was named with a nod to his or her parents. “Gouda” is the first ever offspring of Ritz and Saltine, so the crackers and cheese name was selected for him. “Calypso” is the daughter of Ocio and Hubig, and sister to Moon and Titan, who are also in the Aquarium’s colony. Staying with the Greek mythology and Saturn moons themes, the name Calypso was chosen for this youngster.

“Having two new chicks join our colony is an important step for this species in human care,” said Bill Robles, Curator of Birds at Audubon Aquarium. “Not only are African penguins endangered, but their numbers continue to decline. They are in danger of becoming extinct in the wild if these current trends continue.”

Gouda hatched in the nest and was cared for by his parents for several weeks before the penguin team took over his care. Calypso hatched in the Aquarium’s incubator and was hand-raised from birth. Both birds were given special swimming lessons to get them ready for life in the penguin colony and were gradually introduced to the rest of the birds.

Guests can spot the youngsters by their grey feathers. When penguin chicks hatch, they are covered in fluffy grey down, but as they get older, they lose the fluff and develop their grey feathers. They will stay grey for about a year before getting their traditional black and white feathers.