Introducing Sidney, Pittsburgh’s Newest Penguin!

There’s a new penguin in town, and he already has his own fan base. Sidney, an African penguin born February 21, 2008, was named in celebration of the Pittsburgh Penguins and player Sidney Crosby.

Weighing in at just 60 grams when he hatched at the Erie Zoo, Sidney joins the Aviary’s team of penguins — Patrick, Stanley, Elvis and Simon — as an ambassador for his species. With their wild populations in steep decline due to over-fishing, loss of nesting sites, pollution and oil spills, African penguins were recently listed as an Endangered species.

Now nearly full grown at 15 inches in height and just over 5½ pounds, Sidney is suited up in blue-gray juvenile feathers. His coloring will turn brownish gray before his adult plumage - the signature black and white penguin tuxedo - comes in at approximately 18 months of age.

Visitors can meet Sidney daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. through May 23, 2008. During the summer, he will make regular appearances during the National Aviary’s outdoor bird show, FliteZone.

Find out more about African Penguins