The public has spoken, and the Aquarium of Niagara’s 26th successfully reared Humboldt penguin chick will be named Iris.
Iris was one of four names selected for public vote by the Aquarium's zoological team, along with Annie, Burnett, and Theodosia. All name options had historical or cultural significance to Niagara Falls and Western New York.
The Aquarium counted more than 1,300 votes over the 10-day voting period during which fans could vote both online and while visiting the Aquarium. Iris surged as an early leader, ultimately receiving half of the votes and as many as the other three name options combined.
“Iris” is the title of the Goo Goo Dolls' iconic 1998 hit song, written for the City of Angels soundtrack and released on the band's sixth studio album, Dizzy Up the Girl. The song has remained a critical and commercial success for nearly three decades, earning Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and ranking No. 39 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs.
Iris hatched at the Aquarium in April. Her parents, PJ, Jr. and Blanca, came to the Aquarium in 2019 from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash. as part of Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Humboldt penguins, which are designated as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. Through the SSP, the Aquarium works with other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to match genetically strong penguins and ensure a thriving, sustainable penguin population under human care.
Iris is currently in the nest with her parents and is not often viewable from the public gallery. She will soon go off-exhibit to a behind-the-scenes holding area for “penguin preschool” where she will learn to swim and receive food from the Aquarium’s animal care specialists. Fans are encouraged to follow the Aquarium’s social media channels to receive regular updates.