Shedd announces name of newest rockhopper penguin chick

The Shedd Aquarium announced the name for its newest rockhopper penguin chick at a special event Monday morning at Lurie Children’s Hospital — Diego.

Lurie Children’s patients, families, volunteers and staff voted and chose the name Diego for the 10-month-old male rockhopper penguin, who was previously known as Chick 23, according to a release from the Shedd. The chick is the 23rd rockhopper penguin to hatch at the aquarium.

The other choices included Dawson, Lennox and Javier, which were chosen by the Shedd’s marine mammal staff and reflect the geographic native habitats of rockhopper penguins.

Diego, who hatched June 9, 2015, currently measures about 18 inches and weighs between four and six pounds, which is average for an adult penguin, according to the release. Rockhopper penguins are identified by their distinctive crest feathers on their heads and bright orange-red bills.

Shedd Aquarium