Penguin celebrates 31st birthday at zoo

ROSIE the Humboldt penguin marked her 31st birthday yesterday – an amazing milestone for her species and one that was celebrated by staff and visitors at the zoo at Sewerby Hall and Gardens where she lives.

It is thought this “grand old lady” of penguins is the oldest

Humboldt penguin in the world.

Head zookeeper John Pickering said: “I am delighted that we can have visitors in the zoo this year to see Rosie on her big day, unlike on her 30th birthday last year.

“We can’t organise a big event for her under the current circumstances, but we will make sure that she is well cared for on the day and the centre of attention.

“She is a grand old lady – the life expectancy of Humboldt penguins in the wild is 15 to

20. Rosie has been with us since 1990, and has successfully hatched chicks over the years.”