A Name for a New Humboldt

Who is black and white and has a new name? Our Humboldt penguin chick! Meet male ‘Lomas’!

Lomas was named after the coastal city of Puerto de Lomas in Peru, part of the Humboldt penguin’s native range. Wild Humboldt penguin populations have declined significantly in recent decades due to overfishing, guano harvesting, climate change, and human encroachment. Every successful hatch in human care helps support the survival of the species and raises awareness about the challenges they face.

A big thank you to our valued donors who participated in the naming vote and helped choose Lomas’ name!

We checked in with our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team to see how this young chick is doing. They report that Lomas is observant and quick to learn, carefully watching the world around him. On one of his first days outside the burrow, he approached his care team for a morning pill fish, though he still relies on his parents for feeding.

You can spot Lomas confidently swimming in the outdoor pool at Penguin Plunge. Stop by to greet him on your next visit!