The Aquarium of Niagara’s newest penguin finally has a name — Cantuta.
Named after the sacred flower for the Inca peoples and the national flower of Peru, Cantuta received more than half of almost 700 submitted votes in a two-week-long naming contest, the aquarium announced Friday. It beat out two other options, Macu and Sesenta.
Votes came in from all over the country, with people paying $1 for the chance to vote. The money raised will go towards caring for Cantuta and the aquarium’s 13 adult penguins.
Cantuta hatched from its egg on April 5, being the fifth chick reader by Humboldt penguins Blanca and PJ Jr., who have lived at the aquarium since 2019. Native to the South American countries of Peru and Chile, the naming options celebrate the region’s heritage.
These penguins can mature quickly, expecting to be the same size as their parents by summer’s end. The aquarium is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Special Survival Plan for Humboldt penguins, matching genetically compatible penguins to ensure a healthy population.
Cantuta will be in Niagara Falls for at least a few years until it sexually matures, whereafter it could move to a different aquarium for breeding purposes.
Guests are encouraged to follow the Aquarium’s social media for more images of the new penguin, as it is not currently viewable from the public gallery. They may catch a sight as it grows bigger, exploring the nest box.