Penguin chick at Sewerby Hall named Pebble after public vote
The penguin captured the hearts of visitors and followers online after the zoo invited people to vote between two names
Sewerby Hall and Gardens has revealed the winning name for its newest penguin chick — and the public have chosen Pebble.
The female Humboldt penguin, born on 15 April, captured the hearts of visitors and followers online after the zoo invited people to vote between two names, Pebble and Winnie. With a clear majority, Pebble came out on top.
Keepers say the name is particularly fitting: Pebble is the smallest chick in the colony, a contrast to her much larger brother Bumble. Her tiny grey feathers also reminded staff of the smooth stones scattered along Bridlington’s coastline. She now joins older siblings Pickle, Crackle and Bumble.
Parents Sigsbee and Twinnie are two of the zoo’s most popular penguins. At 23 years old, staff were unsure whether Twinnie would lay an egg this year, but were thrilled when she did so in March. Pebble hatched in April and ventured out of the nest for the first time on 21 June, even taking a dip in the pool.
Head zookeeper John Pickering said: “We would like to thank the public for casting their vote and we are delighted with the winning name. Pebble is a wonderful addition to the penguin colony and we are sure that she will bring new and returning visitors lots of joy over the coming years.”
Humboldt penguins are classified as vulnerable to extinction, making Pebble’s arrival especially significant.
The zoo team said they are “over the moon” with the choice, and delighted by the level of public involvement.
Visitors can meet Pebble and the rest of the penguin colony at Sewerby Zoo. Information on feeding times, animal encounters and other summer activities is available via the Sewerby Hall and Gardens website.