Penguin at SeaWorld Turns 40 Years Old

Best Friend, a male macaroni penguin at SeaWorld San Diego, recently celebrated his 40th birthday, making him one of the oldest penguins in captivity. The average lifespan for a macaroni penguin is 15 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity, making Best Friend a rarity. SeaWorld’s team of zoological specialists, including Katie Belnick, attribute his longevity to the exceptional care he receives at the park. Belnick and her colleagues at the Penguin Encounter noted that less than 1% of penguins reach the age of 40. While Best Friend is currently the oldest penguin at SeaWorld, he is not the record holder – an emperor penguin reached the age of 49 a few years ago. The team at SeaWorld sees caring for these penguins as a way to promote conservation and educate the public about these species. Best Friend’s milestone birthday is seen as a significant achievement and a testament to the quality of care provided at SeaWorld San Diego.

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