One of the longest-tenured flock members at the National Aviary has died.
Stanley, named after the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup, arrived at the Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side in 2001 when he was just 2 months old.
Stanley was nationally known for the bond he shared with his mate Dottie, the Aviary’s website said. He helped her recover from a chest mass in 2020. Visitors could often see them sunning beak-to-beak on a shared rock inside of Penguin Point, where the penguins live.
The Aviary announced his passing via social media on Thursday.
“We are incredibly saddened to share that we have said goodbye to Stanley (named for the Stanley Cup), the very first African Penguin to call the National Aviary home,” the post said.
We are incredibly saddened to share that we have said goodbye to Stanley (named for the Stanley Cup), the very first African Penguin to call the National Aviary home. pic.twitter.com/N917ZRVecL
— National Aviary (@National_Aviary) May 2, 2024
According to the Aviary’s website, African Penguins are native to the southwestern coast of Africa, and are one of the 18 species of penguins found throughout the southern hemisphere. They are also among the smallest penguins standing about 18 inches tall and weighing 6 to 10 pounds.
African Penguins can’t fly, but they are extremely agile swimmers. They use their wings like paddles and their webbed feet like flippers to propel themselves through the water at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
The Aviary did not immediately respond to a request for for comment.
African Penguins are part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums species survival plan to help rescue critically endangered species and recover populations. The great-grandparents of Stanley came from South Africa in the 1960s to help the association found the program.
Stanley turned 20 in 2021, which is considered to be geriatric for African Penguins.
About 18 months ago, Stanley was suddenly unable to stand or walk well, according to the Aviary website.
He was moved to a customized habitat inside of the Aviary’s veterinary hospital where he had physical therapy sessions that included swimming in a pool while floating on a life vest. He had range of motion physical therapy, assisted-walking exercises and acupuncture.
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Staff members called him Stan.
“With deep sorrow, our veterinary team faced the difficult but only humane decision in Stan’s best interest. Stan passed peacefully after many last visits from tearful staff members,” the Aviary website said. “Stan was beloved by visitors and staff alike. His quality of life and long-term happiness were the first priority for our team. We will miss him very much and continue to celebrate his full life and legacy.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people and a weekly column about things to do in Pittsburgh. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.