Edinburgh ZooEdinburgh Zoo has announced the death of ‘Snowflake’ – the zoo’s oldest silver gentoo penguin.
The leucistic penguin was put down at the age of 28 and fathered ten chicks while at the zoo, fostering others.
Snowflake, described as a “standout character in the colony”, was put to sleep after ongoing age-related health issues.
He had a condition called leucism, which made his feathers pale silvery-grey instead of black like those of other penguins.
Zookeepers said he will be sadly missed by staff and visitors.
A statement from the Zoo read: “We are sad to share the loss of Snowflake, our leucistic penguin.
“At 28 years old, he was our oldest gentoo and a standout character in the colony.
“He was put to sleep this morning after ongoing age-related health issues.
“Snowflake fathered ten chicks while here at the zoo and also fostered others.
“He was a much loved favourite among staff and visitors, and he will be sadly missed.”
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
