*****
Summary of Description:
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s bird team has named its six-week-old African penguin “Larkin” after former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, whose birthday is today.
*****
Cincinnati Zoo Honors Barry Larkin by Naming Penguin After Him
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s bird team has chosen to honor former Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin on his birthday by selecting “Larkin” as the name for its newest African penguin.
The Announcement
The bird team at the Cincinnati Zoo announced on Thursday that it had chosen “Larkin” as the name for its six-week-old African penguin, which hatched on Jan. 19, 2022. In a video posted on the zoo’s YouTube channel, Larkin expressed his excitement and gratitude for being chosen as the namesake of the penguin.
Larkin’s Career
Barry Larkin, a former Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop, played for the team for 19 seasons from 1986 to 2004. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012 and was named the 1995 National League MVP. He currently works as an analyst for MLB Network.
The African Penguin
The African penguin is a species found along the southwestern coast of Africa. They are also known as jackass penguins due to their braying call, which sounds like a donkey. African penguins are endangered due to habitat loss, oil spills, and overfishing, among other factors.
Cincinnati Zoo’s Penguin Exhibit
The Cincinnati Zoo has a penguin exhibit called “The Penguin Parade” that features several species of penguins, including African penguins. The show allows visitors to see penguins waddle around, swim, and interact with each other.
Benefits of Naming Animals
Giving animals names is a common practice in zoos and can have several benefits. For starters, it makes it easier for zookeepers to identify individual animals and keep track of their health and behavior. Additionally, giving animals names can make them more relatable and memorable to visitors, which can help raise awareness about conservation issues.
Supporting the Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is constantly working to help protect and conserve endangered species like the African penguin. Visitors can support the zoo’s efforts by donating or becoming a member. The zoo also has several educational programs and events to raise awareness about conservation issues and promote wildlife conservation.
Conclusion
Naming animals after famous people like Barry Larkin can be a fun and effective way to raise awareness about conservation issues and make animals more relatable to visitors. By supporting zoos like the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, visitors can help protect and preserve endangered species for future generations.
*****
Source Description
Today is former Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Barry Larkin’s birthday and the perfect occasion to announce that Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s bird team has selected Larkin as the name for its six-week-old African penguin.
http://support.cincinnatizoo.org/donate
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/CincinnatiZooTube/featured
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CincinnatiZoo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cincinnatizoo/
Find out more at http://www.cincinnatizoo.org
