The Cincinnati Zoo has named its first baby animal of 2016 after singer David Bowie

CINCINNATI – Having already earned a measure of “Fame” as the Cincinnati Zoo’s first animal birth of 2016, a newborn penguin chick has been named “Bowie.”

The zoo says the baby known as a blue or fairy penguin hatched at 6 a.m. Friday, weighing less than 2 ounces (56 grams).

Friday was both David Bowie’s and Elvis Presley’s birthday, and the zoo says there was a lot of support for the Elvis name. But the zoo already has a king penguin named for “the King,” so “Bowie” was the choice for the new arrival.

Director Thane Maynard says the year’s first baby is fitting since the zoo celebrates “Penguin Days” in January and February.

The singer Bowie turned 69 on Jan. 8, and released a new album, “Blackstar.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.