Dudley Zoo penguins in need of names
Dudley Zoo is looking for help to name its penguins.
The zoo has had great success with its colony since it started it off in 1991 with just five hand-reared birds.
It now boasts a headcount of 85 – one of the largest colonies in the UK. But following a recent ID check, bird keepers have discovered that 40 of Penguin Bay's residents don't have official names on their record, just identification numbers.
Zoo spokeswoman Andrea Hales said: "With so many names to think of we decided to let visitors have the job, so we're offering a limited number of penguin adoption packages where adopters can name their animal themselves.
"We'll then add the chosen name to the penguin's official records, which will remain with it for its entire lifetime." Animal records are kept on the web-based Zoological Information Management System, which is updated regularly with the animal's health, care and wellbeing details. It can be shared and accessed across the world and is easily at hand by keepers or the zoo's vet.
Prices of the packages start from £50 and include a certificate, factsheet and photo, newsletter and admission ticket.
