Birch Aquarium Announces Passing of Little Blue Penguin 'Azulito'

SAN DIEGO, CA — Azulito, a nearly 11-year-old Little Blue Penguin, died earlier this month, according to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

Azulito was one of several Little Blue Penguins featured in the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit.

Aquarium representatives said Azulito died Aug. 8 from what's believed to have been natural causes. With a typical life expectancy of seven to 10 years for Little Blue Penguins, Azulito was considered geriatric but was otherwise in good health, according to a recent physical exam.

"Azulito was an important member of the colony who brought all of us joy with his curious personality," Assistant Curator of Birds Kayla Strate said in a statement. "It is never easy to lose a member of our animal family, so thank you for your support and caring. It's a privilege to have these animals in our care and to tell their stories. Thank you for being a part of his journey."

Azulito came to the aquarium in 2021 from Australia. His name, which means "little blue" in Spanish, was the result of a public naming contest conducted in 2022.

Little Blue Penguins, which are native to coastal Australia and New Zealand, are the smallest species of penguin in the world. Their exhibit at Birch includes a 2,900-square-foot habitat, an 18,000-gallon pool, and sandy beach and native plants that mimic the coast of their native habitat.

City News Service