Tennessee Aquarium Names First Penguin Chick

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - by Leah Caudle

The Tennessee Aquarium's first penguin chick now has a name - Pepper.

Aviculturists who have been caring for Pepper, a macaroni chick, chose the winning name saying it fits her spicy personality. "She is a pepper," said aviculturist Loribeth Aldrich. "She's energetic, unpredictable and feisty."

Nearly 1,000 ballots were cast in the penguin naming contest. In the end, four people entered the name Pepper in the contest. Glenn Carlson was declared the winner after his name was selected at random. Carlson will enjoy a prize package including overnight accommodations at the Sheraton Read House and a family four-pack of tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater, River Gorge Explorer and Creative Discovery Museum for kids.

The Tennessee Aquarium is offering a limited number of trips behind the scenes at Penguins’ Rock to view macaroni and gentoo penguins. Two penguin encounters will be offered per day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 16-Feb. 27. Each session is limited to six people, ages five and up. Cost is $15 per person in addition to aquarium admission which is free for members. For the animals’ safety, visitors will not be able to touch the birds.

For more information, please visit www.tnaqua.org.


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