A new place for aging penguins to chill: New England Aquarium builds an ‘assisted living' island
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The new private island, separate from the main penguin colony, so far accommodates six aging African penguins, who range in age from 14 to 34. The move comes as more than half of the aquarium's penguin colony has met or surpassed the typical life expectancy of their species, which is 10 to 15 years in the wild.
The separation allows aquarium staff to keep a closer eye on the ailing penguins and quickly spot changes that might indicate common challenges older penguins face, including foot injuries and cataracts. Aquarium staff have been workshopping the idea since last year.
'Our goal is to take a proactive approach to managing geriatric animals in an environment that better meets their physical and behavioral needs,' said Kristen McMahon, who oversees the care of more than 50 pinnipeds and penguins at the aquarium.
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At a feeding session Tuesday afternoon, the birds snatched sardines from an aquarium staffer inside the exhibit. Another staff member stood nearby with a clipboard, noting down how many fish each penguin ate to monitor for appetite changes.
Among the penguin retirees are Harlequin, 32, and Durban, 31, who have been a pair since 2000 and raised eight chicks together. Also in the exhibit is Boulders, 34, who is showing symptoms of arthritis, and Isis, 29, who aquarium staff said has struggled socially as she ages. Lambert, 32, with a history of cataracts, and his younger mate, Dyer, 14, have also joined the new community.
Some penguins swam around in the exhibit while others perched on the island, which has added padding to protect their aging feet.
After feeding time, Lambert, who had one of his eyes removed due to cataracts, sat patiently in a staff members' lap as she administered two rounds of eye drops to his remaining eye.
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African penguins are classified as a critically endangered species that face threats from climate change, pollution, and habitat loss. They swim off the rocky coasts of southwestern Africa in Namibia and South Africa and the surrounding islands.
Aquarium staff said the new retirement exhibit not only benefits the aging penguins, but may also serve as a specialized area for any bird in the colony who requires special medical attention.
'Being relaxed is key, and we think the new retirement home will ultimately lead to happier and healthier penguins,' Major said.
Alexa Coultoff can be reached at
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