The Southern California community is dealing with a feathered heartbreak following the death of Roxy the Magellanic penguin, a longtime resident of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Roxy, who passed on August 6, was an important contributor to the genetic diversity of her species in captivity as part of a Species Survival Plan. KTLA reported that the bird, which was 14 years old, succumbed to an apparent infection.
Originally rescued from Brazil in 2011 and deemed non-releasable to the wild by experts, Roxy adapted well to her new home. She partnered with Floyd, another penguin at the aquarium, and together they raised seven chicks over the years. "She captured the hearts of our staff and visitors early on," Brett Long, senior director of mammals and birds at the Aquarium of the Pacific, stated in a post on X. He described her as curious about people and having a warm personality, also being mature and wise within the penguin habitat.
Aquarium staff are mourning the loss of Roxy the penguin, who passed away on August 6, 2024. pic.twitter.com/XMYnLLoaqS
— Aquarium of the Pacific (@AquariumPacific) August 8, 2024
The illness that led to Roxy's death began with symptoms of lethargy and a decreased appetite, which were promptly noticed by the aquarium's staff. After close monitoring, she was diagnosed with avian malaria, which, despite all penguins at the aquarium receiving yearly preventative treatment, can still result in breakthrough cases. The disease, while severe in penguins, poses no threat of transmission to humans or other birds. According to the same source, additional findings from a necropsy exam are still pending.
