Lincoln Park Zoo is reminding visitors and fans that today is the final day to cast a vote in the naming contest for its newest African penguin chick. The chick, hatched on October 1 at the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove, has been thriving under the care of foster parents Liam and Maria. Now weighing over four pounds and meeting key growth milestones, the chick only needs one more thing—a name.
Zoo staff, volunteers, and social media followers helped select four name finalists, each with its own special meaning:
- Uno – A staff submission shortened from unombombiya, the Xhosa word for “penguin.”
- Pebble – A volunteer submission inspired by the stones African penguins use in bonding and nest building.
- Waddle – A cheerful social media submission that highlights the bird’s signature walk.
- Bean – A playful fan submission, offered after “Cloud Gate” didn’t quite fit.
Voting closes at noon today, Thursday, November 20, and the zoo encourages the public to cast their vote before time runs out. The winning name will be announced soon after.
For updates, including the big name reveal, follow Lincoln Park Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
