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Best Friend, a male macaroni penguin at SeaWorld San Diego, recently celebrated his 40th birthday, a rare milestone for his species. The average lifespan for a macaroni penguin is 15 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity, making Best Friend a true rarity. The fact that he has lived so long is a testament to the care provided by the staff at SeaWorld and their dedication to conservation and animal welfare.
Katie Belnick, a zoological specialist for birds at SeaWorld, expressed her joy at being able to care for Best Friend and watch him grow older. She noted that fewer than 1% of penguins live to see 40, making this milestone even more special. While Best Friend is currently the oldest penguin at SeaWorld, he is not the record holder, with an emperor penguin reaching 49 years old a few years ago.
The staff at SeaWorld see Best Friend and other animals at the Penguin Encounter as ambassadors for their species, helping to raise awareness about conservation and the importance of protecting these animals. Belnick emphasized the importance of providing excellent care for these animals to ensure they live long and healthy lives. Despite his age, Best Friend still looks “dashing” according to Belnick, and continues to bring joy to all who have the privilege of seeing him at SeaWorld San Diego.
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