Baby penguin Joins Zoo Boise Family

September 1, 2020

baby male penguin

Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is happy to announce its newest family member. A male Magellanic penguin hatched at the zoo in late May. The penguin was born to parents Jimmy and Rose. Zoo Boise has been closely monitoring the growth of the baby penguin and our zookeepers are happy to report that he is doing well and adjusting to his new home.

Magellanic penguins are warm weather penguins found in South America around the Falkland Islands. They are currently listed as a near threatened species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

This is Jimmy and Rose’s first chick and the first male penguin hatched at Zoo Boise. Jimmy and Rose have been a bonded pair for about a year, since Rose joined Zoo Boise from Sea World San Diego. Jimmy has been a Zoo Boise resident since 2008. He previously lived at the San Francisco Zoo. The penguin chick currently weighs more than six pounds and the Zoo Boise team is amazed at how fast he is growing. For video on the penguin announcement and gender reveal, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJBDlgxg2pg&feature=youtu.be.

Indoor buildings at Zoo Boise are currently closed, which includes the Penguin Pavilion. Until the exhibit reopens, Zoo Boise plans to update the public regularly on the chick’s progress via our website and social media channels.

Zoo Boise is currently open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a set number of tickets available each day to meet current group size requirements. Tickets must be reserved in advance and a timed entry process has been implemented to reduce lines and allow for physical distancing. For more information regarding ticketing, other health and safety protocols, and to reserve tickets, visit our website.

Contact: Parks and Recreation Media Relations

(208) 608-7600 | bpr@cityofboise.org

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