Satellite Images Show Emperor Penguins Suffered Breeding Failure

A recent tragedy at Maryland Zoo has brought attention to the importance of penguins in species survival. “Mr. Greedy,” the oldest penguin at the zoo, passed away after fathering 230 penguins and contributing significantly to the African Penguin Species Survival Plan. At 33 years old, he surpassed the average penguin lifespan and lived to see five generations of offspring.

His mate, “Mrs. Greedy,” will be monitored closely after his death, with plans to pair her with another male penguin for companionship. This event follows the passing of Sphen, part of a famous gay penguin couple, leaving his partner Magic behind.

Maryland Zoo houses one of the largest African penguin colonies in North America, successfully breeding over 1,000 chicks. With only about 10,000 breeding pairs left in the world, the endangered African penguin faces a risk of extinction by 2035.

About the Author: Cara Tabachnick

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor at CBSNews.com, with a background in reporting on justice and human rights issues.