Meet Azulito — one of our Little Blue Penguins!
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is so excited for the opening of Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins July 12, 2022! After nearly 2,500 total votes it’s official — the winning name is Azulito! Just as the ocean is interconnected, Azulito means little blue in Spanish and highlights the unique interconnectedness of our binational region.
“This is the first time we have invited the public to help name one of our animals. So, it was a special moment for aquarium fans as well as our staff. We hope this is the beginning of a long tradition of naming our penguins,” said Kayla Strate, lead penguin aquarist. “We want to thank everyone who submitted a name online. Azulito is the perfect fit for this tiny penguin and we love that it’s a nod to our binational region.”
Azulito will be joining Magic, Nero, Persimmon, Reka, Cornelius, and Katie — who were all named through philanthropic gifts — when they move into Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins this summer. Guests can meet Azulito and the rest of the colony starting July 12, 2022.
“Being able to introduce the community to Little Blue Penguins and foster a deeper connection and understanding of their environment, how important they are to our ecosystems and the survival challenges they face, is truly a milestone worth celebrating,” said Jenn Nero Moffatt, Senior Director of Animal Care, Science and Conservation.