The Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has announced the death of a beloved penguin known to San Diego visitors and locals alike. Aquarium officials reported that Azulito, the notably charismatic Little Blue Penguin, whose presence had been a highlight at the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit since 2021, died on August 8.
In a statement obtained by Birch Aquarium, Kayla Strate, the Assistant Curator of Birds, said, "Azulito was an important member of the colony who brought all of us joy with his curious personality." She expressed gratitude to the public for their support and acknowledged the difficulty of losing an animal loved by many. "It's a privilege to have these animals in our care and to tell their stories. Thank you for being a part of his journey", Strate added.
Azulito, named through a public naming contest, resonated with audiences because of his inquisitiveness. Little Blue Penguins are the smallest species and are native to the temperate shores of Australia and New Zealand — climates similar to San Diego's. Azulito himself was an immigrant from Australia, having arrived just three years prior to the opening of the exhibit that became his home.
Though penguins of Azulito's species typically have a life expectancy of 7-10 years, at nearly 11, he was considered geriatric. His health had reportedly been good following a recent physical, and his passing is believed to have been due to natural causes, according to the aquarium's statement.
