Pueblo Zoo mourns the loss of beloved African penguin Mongo

Thursday, the Pueblo Zoo mourned the loss of Mongo, their beloved penguin. He was the oldest African penguin in captivity at 38 1/2 years old (of all AZA accredited zoos in North America). According to the Pueblo Zoo, Mongo fathered nine chicks and has more than 100 descendants.

Zoo officials said, “He was a tough old bird.”

Guests who visited the zoo could pick out Mongo, because his feathers were usually in disarray. His appearance was due in-part to problems with the molting progress and hormonal issues.

Mongo came to Pueblo in 1992 and was one of the original penguins to inhabit the penguin exhibit in the EcoCenter.

African penguins are endangered. Pueblo Zoo partners with SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) and Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE).

KRDO