TACOMA, Wash — Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo (PDZ) shared some sad news on Monday, announcing that one of its penguin chicks died after a number of health complications.
Periwinkle was six months old, and "tugged on our heartstrings from the moment he hatched," per the zoo's announcement. He and his brother, Lavender, were the first two penguin chicks to successfully hatch from their parents and were the first penguins to be artificially incubated at PDZ.
The zoo said Periwinkle dealt with significant challenges from the day he was born, including being underweight at birth and struggling with a severe umbilical infection. He was hand-raised due to these early issues, and eventually had to have two surgeries to repair torn ligaments in his right leg.
During recent health exams, PDZ's veterinary team diagnosed Periwinkle with aspergillosis, a fungal infection, along with finding more problems in his right leg. Additional complications were found in the left leg, and the zoo said surgical repair with a low chance of a positive outcome was necessary.
After significant discussion among veterinary experts and the penguin's surgeon, no solution was reached that would improve his well-being and quality of life without substantial risks. PDZ says the decision was then made to euthanize Periwinkle.
"Periwinkle was an extraordinary animal who inspired and touched us all during his short time with us. He will be deeply missed," the zoo said in its announcement.