SeaWorld San Diego recently marked a remarkable milestone as it celebrated the 40th birthday of Best Friend, the oldest known macaroni penguin in North America.
Turning 40 on Wednesday, Best Friend has far surpassed the typical lifespan of macaroni penguins, who usually live between 15 to 20 years in the wild. Affectionately called the “most precious old man” at the park, Best Friend has become a beloved figure at SeaWorld.
Despite experiencing some vision loss, Best Friend’s hearing remains sharp, allowing him to recognize his keepers by voice. His daily activities include entertaining bubble-blowing antics in his water tray, playful interactions with trickling hoses, and letting out ecstatic calls when spoken to. He also enjoys curling up in laps for a cozy nap.
Coincidentally, on the same day, Mickey, a macaroni penguin from Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, celebrated her 35th birthday.
One of the oldest macaroni penguins in the U.S., Mickey shares her birthday with the famous cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. To celebrate her milestone, zookeepers created an ice block cake filled with smelt and capelin fish.
Both penguins have defied the odds, surpassing the usual lifespan of their species, and continue to captivate visitors with their charming personalities.