Portland, OR, USA - May 10, 2024.

In a heartwarming milestone at the Oregon Zoo, the youngest Humboldt penguin, Opalo, has taken her first dip into the water, marking an exciting moment for both the zookeepers and visitors alike.

Born in late March, Opalo has spent the past month and a half nestled in her cozy nest box, diligently growing her feathers and gearing up for her inaugural swim. Travis Koons, overseeing the zoo's penguin area, expressed delight at Opalo's enthusiasm, noting, "She couldn't wait to get in the water."

Unlike some novice swimmers, young penguins like Opalo require no formal swimming lessons. Once their adult feathers are fully grown, they instinctively take to the water with ease. True to form, Opalo wasted no time, eagerly following her caretakers to the "kiddie pool," where she promptly waddled in, kicking her webbed feet and exploring the aquatic surroundings.

Opalo's arrival is particularly significant as she is the first Humboldt chick to hatch at the Oregon Zoo since 2020, marking the 194th successful breeding of this threatened species since the zoo's conservation efforts began in the 1980s. While nearly reaching the height of her parents, Opalo's youthful gray plumage sets her apart, lacking the iconic tuxedo-like markings of adult Humboldt penguins.

Her name, meaning "opal" in Spanish, pays homage to the national stone of Peru, where Humboldt penguins reside along the South American coastline. Classified as "vulnerable" by conservation organizations, these charismatic birds face numerous threats, including overfishing, entanglement in nets, and habitat disruption from commercial activities. With a dwindling population estimated at 32,000 adult birds, each successful hatchling, like Opalo, represents a beacon of hope for the species' survival.

As Opalo continues to explore her watery world under the watchful eyes of zoo staff and visitors, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding the future of these beloved and endangered creatures.