One of the most famous black and white animals in San Diego, a male macaroni penguin named Best Friend, recently celebrated his 40th birthday at SeaWorld San Diego. Most macaroni penguins are lucky to live 15 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity, making Best Friend a rarity. The fact that he reached 40 is a testament to the excellent care provided by SeaWorld and their dedication to conservation efforts. Best Friend is currently the oldest penguin at SeaWorld, but not the record holder, as they had an emperor penguin live to be 49 in the past. The staff at the Penguin Encounter are thrilled to have Best Friend as an ambassador for his species, representing the importance of conservation and the impact of their work. Only a small percentage of penguins live to see 40, making this milestone even more significant for Best Friend. The zookeepers and specialists at SeaWorld are proud of the care they provide their animals, and celebrating Best Friend’s 40 years is a special moment for everyone involved.
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