Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Racine Zoo mourns loss of 5-year-old African penguin Nelson
Milana Doné
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Nelson, an African penguin at the Racine Zoo, passed away June 3 following a terminal illness. |
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According to the zoo, Nelson formed more of a bonded relationship with hiskeepers than any of the other penguins. He clung to their shoes and responded to scratches with his own “preening” of the keepers’ fingers.
The zoo said animal care staff recently noticed changes in Nelson’s behavior and appetite that indicated something was wrong.
After exams determined a terminal illness, staff considered quality of life and declining condition. Nelson was euthanized June 3 surrounded by the animal care team, who the zoo said will remember and miss him.
African penguins live along the coast of South Africa and are the only species of penguins that live on the continent.
Their typical lifespan is 15-20 years in the wild and 20-30 years or longer in human care.
From: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/article_a6fdf43b-88e6-4bfe-b2cb-929eec2ba897.html
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