Photo: New England Aquarium
African penguins at the New England Aquarium will live well into their golden years on a new, private island. Six of its geriatric birds, who range in age from 14 to 34, are settling into the island, which is separate from the main penguin colony. More than half of the penguin colony has met or surpassed their typical life expectancy of 10 to 15 years in the wild. Among the residents are Harlequin and Durban, both age 32, who have been a pair since 2000 and raised eight chicks together. Other retirees include Boulders, 34, who is showing symptoms of arthritis, and Isis, 29, who has struggled socially as she’s aged. Joining them are Lambert, 32, who has a history of cataracts, and his younger mate Dyer, who is 14. “We think of this island like assisted living, where we’re helping the birds be more comfortable in a calmer environment,” said Diana Major, Manager of Penguins.
|
|
More:
