Grieving ‘Akio’

We’re heartbroken to share that last month, we made the compassionate decision to euthanize our 15-year-old male gentoo penguin ‘Akio’, following a rapid decline in his health.

In 2013, Akio showed clinical signs consistent with aspergillosis, a respiratory fungal infection known to affect penguins. While he responded to treatment at the time, he continued to live with chronic respiratory disease, likely due to lasting damage to his lungs and air sacs caused by the infection. Over the past year, the Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team monitored Akio closely as his respiratory health fluctuated. Despite ongoing treatment and supportive care, his condition worsened, leading to further diagnostics and more intensive medical intervention. After more than a week of dedicated care, Akio’s response to treatment was not sufficient and his breathing continued to deteriorate. With his welfare significantly compromised, the decision was made to euthanize him.

Necropsy findings confirmed severe chronic respiratory disease with scarring, and recurrence of the Aspergillus fungal infection. Secondary changes to his liver and kidneys were also identified. At 15 years old, Akio was a mature adult gentoo penguin, though below the median lifespan for gentoo penguins in human care, which is approximately 29.7 years.

Akio hatched at Sea World Antonio on December 12, 2010, and joined our zoo family in January 2012. In 2017, he and female ‘Una’ welcomed male chick ‘Onyx’. Akio was known for his curious and sociable nature. He was a beloved member of our zoo family and will be deeply missed. Please join us in thinking of our dedicated ACHW team during this difficult time.