The NEW Zoo has announced the winning names of its recent penguin naming contest.
The winning names, Gilbert and Linus, received 78% of the total votes.
During the months of January and February, zoo fans were invited to “cast a vote” for their favorite set of names by making a donation to African penguin conservation. Every dollar donated equaled one vote.
The name Gilbert was selected by zookeepers in honor of the zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Tracey Gilbert. Affectionately known around the NEW Zoo as “Dr. G,” she has served as the veterinarian here for nearly 30 years.
Zookeepers have chosen to give the name Gilbert to the older, calmer Chick No. 1 (pictured above right). The younger of the two chicks (pictured above left), who is a bit more active and feisty, will be known as Linus.
African penguins are an endangered species that has lost nearly 90% of the population in the last 100 years. All the donations made during the Naming Contest will directly support conservation efforts of African penguins in the wild.
Learn more about African penguin conservation efforts by clicking HERE.
