EDINBURGH Zoo has shared the news of the death of one of its oldest penguins.
Snowflake, a 28-year-old gentoo penguin, had been suffering with ongoing health issues, leading to keepers making the difficult decision to put him to sleep yesterday.
Posting the announcement online, the zoo paid tribute to the “much-loved” penguin, who fathered 10 chicks and fostered others during his time there.
Visitors have flocked to leave their tributes and memories of Snowflake, who was part of the popular colony of over 100 penguins at the zoo.
A snap shows him standing out amongst other penguins due to his leucism, which left him without any distinctive pigmentation.
Snowflake was part of the colony who previously partook in the famous Penguin Parade – which saw the birds leave their enclosure with their keepers to take a stroll around the zoo and get up close and personal with visitors.
Whilst the parade was postponed indefinitely in January this year following the outbreak of a deadly strain of avian flu, it was reintroduced September in a new format called the Wee Waddle.
The zoo shared the picture shortly after he passed away yesterday with the caption: “We are sad to share the loss of Snowflake, our leucistic penguin.
“At 28 years old, he was our oldest gentoo and a standout character in the colony.
“He was put to sleep this morning after ongoing age-related health issues. He was a much-loved favourite and he will be missed.”
It has since received over 6,800 likes and more than 150 comments from visitors sharing condolences and their own snaps of Snowflake.
One wrote: “I’m sorry for your loss, I bet he lived a long life because of the excellent care he received. I’m sure his caretakers will miss him.”
A second said: “Oh no. Today is such a sad day – I watch the penguin cam daily during mating/chick season and I always enjoyed seeing Snowflake walk into view.
“The other penguins seemed to respect him. Rest in peace sweet Snowflake. I’ll miss you.”
Another commented: “Poor Snowflake. Saw him chilling just the other week.”
A fourth wrote: “That is so sad. Snowflake was such a character. Much love to the keepers who I know will be heartbroken.”
Another added: “Had no idea they lived that long. Rest in peace.”
Edinburgh Zoo has been contacted for comment.
