'Mr. Greedy,' Maryland Zoo penguin with 230 descendants, dies

(WHTM) -- The oldest penguin at the Maryland Zoo was euthanized at 33 years old after a decline in health, according to zoo officials.

African Penguin #821, also known as "Mr. Greedy," almost doubled the median life expectancy for penguins, according to Jen Kottyan, the zoo's bird curator and program leader of the African Penguin SSP.

Being the oldest penguin at the Maryland Zoo wasn't Mr. Greedy's only tremendous achievement during his life. He was also quite the catch.

According to the zoo, Mr. Greedy significantly contributed to the longevity of his endangered species. He had an astounding 230 descendants through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Penguin Species Survival Plan.

“This one bird was incredibly important to the continued existence of African penguins throughout the world,” Kottyan said. “It’s tough to lose an animal who has been such a welcome presence at our Zoo for three decades, but all of us are proud that he is survived by five generations of offspring.” 

Now the title of oldest goes to Mrs. Greedy, Mr. Greedy's lifelong mate, the Maryland Zoo said. The two love birds arrived at the zoo a year after their births in 1992.

“They had been paired up from the time they hit reproductive age in 1994,” Kottyan said. 

For the first time in her long life, Mrs. Greedy is single. But whether she is ready to mingle remains unknown. Zookeepers said they are monitoring her behavior closely to see whether she shows interest in a new male companion.

Mr. and Mrs. Greedy's oldest offspring is now 28 years old and lives in another facility, but several of their children still live at the Maryland Zoo.

The Maryland Zoo says visitors can visit the Greedy family and the rest of the colony at the award-winning Penguin Coast, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.