That’s right! At 24 years old, Gordon is now Australia’s oldest recorded Little Blue Penguin, and the second oldest in the world. Considering most Little Blues live 10–12 years in the wild and up to 15–16 in zoos, Gordon’s milestone is truly remarkable.
“Gordon is one of a kind – he’s got a big personality and an even bigger fan club,” says Meg, Keeper at Adelaide Zoo. “Every morning, he’s first to the feed, then he’ll waddle a lap with his partner Cascade and find a cosy corner to relax. He’s earned it!”
A penguin with personality – and purpose
Gordon’s not just a fan favourite – he’s played a vital role in conservation too. Alongside his partner, Cascade, Gordon has helped raise penguin chicks through the zoo’s successful breeding program. He’s even stepped in as a foster parent for young penguin pairs that needed help with parenting.
“They’re a power couple in every sense – nurturing, reliable, and a huge help to the colony,” says Meg.
Fun penguin facts for kids 🐧
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Little Blue Penguins are the smallest penguin species in the world
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They live along Australia and New Zealand’s coastlines
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Gordon lives with a colony of 41 penguins at Adelaide Zoo – each with their own personality!
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Conservation breeding programs help protect these penguins from threats like pollution, overfishing, and introduced predators.
Plan a visit to meet Gordon! You can meet Gordon and the rest of the penguin colony every day at Penguin Bay at Adelaide Zoo.