Maryland Zoo penguin has died at 33 leaving 230 descendants

Satellite images reveal that emperor penguins experienced breeding failures this year. 

It takes a village to raise a child, but it seems that just one penguin can build the village. The Maryland Zoo announced this week the passing of "Mr. Greedy," a notable African penguin who fathered 230 offspring and played a crucial role in rebuilding the species' population in North American zoos.

At 33 years old, "Mr. Greedy" was the oldest penguin at the zoo, far exceeding the average lifespan of 18 years for his species. He witnessed five generations of his offspring through the zoo’s African Penguin Species Survival Plan.

“This bird was incredibly important to the global conservation of African penguins,” said Jen Kottyan, the zoo’s bird curator. “It’s difficult to lose an animal who has been such a cherished presence at our zoo for three decades, but we take pride in the legacy he leaves behind with five generations of descendants.”

"Mr. Greedy" was paired with a female penguin named "Mrs. Greedy" two years after they arrived at the zoo in 1992. They began their breeding partnership in 1994 and remained together throughout their lives.

The zoo is currently observing "Mrs. Greedy's" response to his death and will consider introducing her to a new mate if she shows interest in companionship.

In related news, last month Sphen, one half of the world’s most famous gay penguin couple, passed away in Australia, leaving his partner Magic behind. Aquarium staff allowed Magic to see Sphen’s body to help him understand that his partner would not be returning.

The Maryland Zoo is home to one of North America’s largest African penguin colonies and has successfully bred over 1,000 chicks. With only about 10,000 breeding pairs remaining worldwide, the endangered African penguin is at risk of extinction by 2035.