Zoo names penguin 'Bowie' after late singer

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens welcomed the birth of its first baby animal of the year on Jan 8., the blue penguin chick weighed in at a mere 46 grams, according to the Zoo's blogpost.

The zoo took in name suggestions on its Facebook and Twitter pages, and ended up picking the name "Bowie" because the penguin shares the same birthday as the late singer, David Bowie. Since the adorable chick was also born only two days before the music legend passed away, the name now has a new meaning.

ICYMI: Penguin chick "Bowie" hatched Friday, making it @CincinnatiZoo's first baby of 2016 https://t.co/GCMSy0Qmhi pic.twitter.com/dYXL35Sw2v

— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) January 9, 2016

"We think that Bowie is going to be a very special penguin," said Angela Hatke, communications coordinator for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. "This penguin chick is going to be a very positive tribute to David Bowie, especially after the tragedy happened."

 

Keeper Cody S. took this image of Bowie the little penguin chick today. Bowie hatched on January 8. The chick was named after the music icon it shares a birthday with. Bowie weighed 46 grams on Jan 8 and now weighs 113 grams. Its eyes are now open and is starting to see the environment more clearly. Bowie's down feathers are starting to come in a little heavier. Keepers say Bowie has a great appetite! ??? #littlepenguin #fairypenguin #penguin #bowie #davidbowie #closeenoughtocare #cincinnnati #cincinnatizoo #birdsareawesome

A photo posted by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on

Jan 17, 2016 at 11:00am PST