DUDLEY Zoo is offering visitors the chance to adopt and name one of its Humboldt penguins.
The zoo started its colony in 1991, with just five hand-reared penguins and now has 85 - one of the largest colonies in the UK.
But following a recent ID check, keepers discovered that 40 of Penguin Bay’s residents do not have official names on their record, just identification numbers.
Marketing manager, Andrea Hales, said: “With so many names to think of we decided to let visitors have the job, so we’re offering a limited number of penguin adoption packages, where adopters can name their animal themselves – which makes it extra special.
“We’ll then add the chosen name to the penguin’s official records, which will remain with it for its entire lifetime.”
An animal’s record is kept on the web-based zoological information management system, which is updated regularly with details of its health, care and wellbeing.
It can be shared and accessed across the world and is easily at hand for keepers or the zoo’s vet.
Prices of the special penguin adoption packages start from £50 and include a certificate, animal factsheet and photo, the quarterly ZooNooz newsletter and a zoo admission ticket.
To adopt and name a Humboldt penguin, call 01384 215313.
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