Penguin at SeaWorld Celebrates Its 40th Birthday

Best Friend, a male macaroni penguin at SeaWorld San Diego, recently celebrated his 40th birthday, making him a rare and special animal as most macaroni penguins only live up to 15 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity. Belnick, a zoological specialist for birds at SeaWorld, mentioned that less than 1% of penguins reach the age of 40. Best Friend was hatched in San Diego in 1984, and his longevity is a testament to the excellent care and conservation efforts at SeaWorld. Belnick and her coworkers at the Penguin Encounter are dedicated to providing the best care for their animals and using them as ambassadors for their species. While Best Friend is currently the oldest penguin at SeaWorld, there was an emperor penguin that lived until 49 years old a few years ago. The team at SeaWorld is proud of their achievements in caring for these animals and is committed to continuing their conservation efforts. Best Friend’s milestone birthday is a cause for celebration and a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving wildlife.

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