‘Penguin at SeaWorld Marks Milestone 40th Birthday’

SeaWorld San Diego’s male macaroni penguin, Best Friend, recently celebrated his 40th birthday, a rare milestone for his species. While the average macaroni penguin typically lives around 15 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity, Best Friend’s longevity is a testament to the exceptional care he receives at SeaWorld. Belnick, a zoological specialist for birds at SeaWorld, emphasized the importance of conservation efforts and using ambassador animals like Best Friend to raise awareness about endangered species. Best Friend is now SeaWorld’s oldest penguin, but the park had an emperor penguin that lived to be 49 years old. The staff at the Penguin Encounter are thrilled to see Best Friend reach such an impressive age and continue to provide him with the best care possible. This milestone serves as a reminder of the dedication and commitment of SeaWorld San Diego’s staff to the well-being and conservation of their animal residents.

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