The Akron Zoo is heartbroken to share the passing of their Humboldt penguin chick, Alberto. Alberto passed away due to injuries sustained overnight from other adult penguins.

Alberto hatched on May 11. He was a foster chick from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and was being raised by foster parents, Pez and Gabriella. 

“We are devastated by the loss of Alberto,” said Doug Piekarz, president and CEO at the Akron Zoo. “Alberto came to us as a high-priority in terms of genetic diversity. We deeply feel his loss not only as part of our Akron Zoo family, but also for his importance for the Humboldt penguin population.” 

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP is a scientifically managed breeding program that works to ensure a healthy and genetically-diverse population of Humboldt penguins.