Dudley Zoo's baby penguin named after Wolves boss Nuno
He's become a hero amongst Wolves fans – but now Nuno Espirito Santo has had a penguin named after him at Dudley Zoo.
The nine-week-old Humboldt Penguin chick was named after the football manager, after it was put forward as part of a competition held to celebrate World Penguin Day.
Dudley Zoo's birds section leader Nicola Wright said she is overjoyed with the name chosen – being a lifelong Wolves fan.
She said: "Naming competitions always leave staff a bit nervous, as we never know what suggestions we will get – but in this case I couldn’t be happier with the choice, especially as like most Wolves fans I can’t believe what’s happening with the team at the moment, which is all thanks to Nuno Espirito Santo.
“And I would also happily name a penguin after my favourite player if I could, but we already have a Sumatran tiger called Joao."
The name competition was held as part of Dudley Zoo's World Penguin Day fundraisers – which helped raise £700 for Sphenisco. The project works to protect Humboldt Penguins in their native Chile and Peru.
Wolves fans will be able to adopt Nuno the penguin, when the chick is ready to fledge in a few weeks' time. They will also be able to instantly recognise Nuno from the rest of the 70-strong colony at Dudley Zoo's Penguin Bay – as Nicola has black and yellow beads lined up for its identification flipper band.
Adoption packages cost from £39.50 and all money raised through the scheme actively supports the zoo's conservation programmes. For more information, call 01384 215313.
