New African Penguin Chick Arrives at N.J. Aquarium, Public Invited to Name Him

Camden’s Adventure Aquarium had its 53rd African penguin. On November 21, 2025, Mushu and Hubert had a son. They raised Shubert in December 2024.

A kind naming contest drew people to this enormous aquarium event. The aquarium’s Birds & Mammals staff chose Scrappy, Zero, Flounder, and Toothless for voting. AZA SAFE African Penguins and Southern African Foundation for Coastal Bird Conservation require donations.

The winner will be announced on Penguin Awareness Day, January 19, 2026. Mushu, a popular cartoon dragon and sidekick, is the chick’s mother.

African penguin expert Maddie Olszewski-Pohle liked how the parents cared for them. She commended Mushu and Hubert for feeding their chicks, naming this one the biggest of the year. A new aquarium chick has joined Oscar and Duffy.

African penguins face increasing hazards. In October 2024, the IUCN declared the species severely endangered due to habitat loss and environmental stress. Without protection, African penguins may go extinct by 2035, say researchers. The Adventure Aquarium strongly supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Animal Survival Plan, which strives to keep endangered animals healthy and genetically diverse in human care.

The youngest chick will stay hidden until its feathers are waterproof and it can venture outside. The aquarium updated visitors and penguin fans on the chick’s progress on social media. Public involvement in the naming contest acknowledges this extraordinary arrival and protects wild African penguins.

This recent birth emphasizes the need to preserve endangered species and these lovely birds for future generations.

Sources:

• Adventure Aquarium, Camden, New Jersey

• Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)