GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — John Ball Zoo has announced the passing of one of their Magellanic penguins. Herbie, a longtime resident of the penguin enclosure, was known for his rare white plumage.
Herbie celebrated his 37th birthday just weeks ago. He was a member of the Zoo's penguin flock for almost 20 years.
Herbie came to the John Ball Zoo from SeaWorld San Diego in 2002, where he was a father to two chicks. Once he arrived in Grand Rapids, he fathered four more and became a grandparent.
One of his sons, Friend, is staying at another institution, helping the species in a breeding flock and carrying on Herbie's lineage, JBZ said.
Following his birthday, Herbie's health declined quickly. The Zoo made the difficult decision to perform a humane euthanasia, officials said.
"Herbie will be greatly missed, but we were lucky to have so many years with him," JBZ said in a Facebook post, "Thank you to our veterinary and animal care staff for taking such good care of our old boy."
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