The Adventure Aquarium, located in Camden, New Jersey, officially introduced one of their latest residents on Tuesday after recently welcoming “Scrappy,” the 53rd African Penguin chick born at the aquarium.
Born on Nov. 21 of last year to parents Mushu (No. 44) and Hubert (No. 47), the chick, now officially known as Scrappy, is the couple's second, and was the focus of a public, in-person vote that was held over two weeks, from Jan. 5 to 19.
The vote was held through a donation contest, with all proceeds benefiting AZA SAFE African Penguins and The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
The name "Scrappy" was one of four options, all following the theme of "sidekicks and dragons," after mother Mushu, and all chosen by the Birds & Mammals team at Adventure Aquarium. The other potential names were Flounder, Toothless and Zero.
Scrappy's birth marks a significant milestone for his species, the African Penguin, which was reclassified as critically endangered in October 2024.
The African Penguin population has suffered largely due to habitat loss and environmental changes. Experts have also warned that the species could be functionally extinct by 2035 without continued conservation action.
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Adventure Aquarium also participates in the AZA Species Survival Plan, which helps ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations in human care.
Currently, Scrappy is expected to join the colony this spring, as he develops waterproof feathers and weather conditions allow.
Guests interested in more information, including ongoing updates on Scrappy, milestones and behind-the-scenes looks as he grows, are encouraged to follow Adventure Aquarium at instagram.com/adventureaquarium.
