Aquarium Mourns Loss of Noodles the Penguin

The Aquarium is saddened by the sudden loss of Noodles the Magellanic Penguin.

Staff members were shocked to discover his body in his burrow yesterday morning, as there were no immediate or obvious signs of illness. A necropsy was performed in the hopes of finding out more about the cause of his death, and results are typically available about a month later.

Noodles was born in 2002 in a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and came to the Aquarium of the Pacific in 2011. He was loved by the staff for his commitment to his family. He is survived by his mate, Patsy, and his two offspring Paddles and Mattson.

“This is an extremely difficult and disheartening time for our staff. Noodles was loved by us all. We are struggling emotionally as we also prepare for the euthanasia of Elvis the penguin, who is suffering from a long-term neurological condition,” said Perry Hampton, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of animal husbandry. “His health has deteriorated to a point that has drastically impacted his quality of life, despite the great lengths staff members have gone to test and treat his rare condition. Dealing with both of these losses during the same time period has saddened all of us. We will greatly miss Noodles and Elvis.”

Submitted by the Aquarium of the Pacific Photo: Robin Riggs