JT IRREGULARS: 6/7/26

From The Journal Times.com:

Milana Doné

Nelson, an African penguin at the Racine Zoo, passed away June 3 following a terminal illness.

Courtesy of Racine Zoo

RACINE — Nelson, a 5-year-old African penguin who was born at The Racine Zoo on March 6, 2021, and could be recognized by his orange band and hunched back, has died.

Two days after Nelson hatched, he was joined by his twin brother, Ozzy, according to a news release from the zoo.

The zoo described them as a sweet, chaotic pair that sought love, attention and trouble. The penguins continued to recognize each other as brothers even as they grew into adulthood.

When Nelson was a chick, he developed a spinal infection that impacted the growth of his spine and resulted in a hunched posture, the zoo said. Although medical intervention was able to cure his infection, the shape of Nelson’s spine was permanent.

Nelson was able to do everything a normal penguin would, and the zoo prioritized a happy, healthy and comfortable life through special veterinary care, such as acupuncture treatments.

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