Sperminator penguin Mr Greedy dies after helping save his kind from extinction by fathering 230 birds at Baltimore Zoo

A PENGUIN colony is mourning the loss of its ultimate patriarch played a vital part in siring 230 descendants.

Mr Greedy, an African Penguin at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore died on Thursday after exceeding the average lifespan for his species by almost double.

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“We’re sad to share that Mr. Greedy, our oldest African penguin, has passed away at 33,” the Maryland Zoo said in a Facebook post.

“He leaves behind a lasting legacy for his endangered species with 230 descendants.

“His mate, Mrs. Greedy, and five generations of their family continue to inspire at Penguin Coast.”

A press release shared by the zoo on Thursday revealed that the beloved penguin was euthanized after struggling with his health due to his age.

The 33-year-old African bird was the oldest penguin in the colony at the zoo and was monogamous with his partner Mrs Greedy.

The average lifespan for an African Penguin is just 18 years old.

Throughout his lifetime, Mr and Mrs Greedy significantly contributed to the zoo’s endangered species survival program known as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African Penguin Species Survival Plan.

The pair played a key role in having 230 descendants over five generations of children, grandchildren, and great-great-great grandchildren.

Each breeding season will see an African penguin couple lay one to two eggs which are then incubated for 40 days.

However, the population of these penguins in the wild is at huge risk of extinction, according to Earth Day.

“Unfortunately, the population of African penguins has declined over 95% since pre-industrial times and the species is listed as endangered,” the website states.

” Current estimates show the species will go extinct by 2026 if current climate change and human activity trends continue.”

Mr Greedy’s loss to the zoo has hit especially hard due to his dedication to saving his species.

This one bird was incredibly important to the continued existence of African penguins throughout the world,” Jen Kottyan, Maryland Zoo’s Bird Curator and Program Leader of the African Penguin 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.”

EVERLASTING LOVE

Mr and Mrs Greedy’s romance blossomed at the zoo in 1994 when they hit reproductive age, Kottyan said.

Both penguins hatched in 1991 and moved to the Maryland Zoo in 1992.

Mr Greedy quickly earned his nickname when he fought for fish at feeding time and aggressively claimed nest materials from other penguins.

His partner was then tarred with the same brush and was “guilty by association,” Kottyan told the Washington Post, adding that Mr Greedy was a “go-getter” and the pair were “solid and reliable.”

Mrs Greedy, tagged as penguin #832 is now the oldest penguin at the Zoo.

Due to the monogamous nature of African Penguins, her behavior is being closely monitored by staff.

Kottyan revealed that if the 33-year-old shows an interest in another male, the zoo will partner her up with a single male in the colony.

Her eldest offspring she shares with Mr Greedy is now 28 years old and in another facility, though many of their children are still in the Maryland Zoo colony.

The zoo is home to the largest colony of African penguins in North America and has seen the birth of over 1,000 chicks.

This year the zoo’s Penguin Coast is celebrating its 10th anniversary and hopes to continue its vital work to saving the population of African penguins from extinction.

Fans of the zoo and fellow animal lovers took to Facebook to pay tribute to Mr Greedy after learning of his death.

“So sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Greedy. What a remarkable life and legacy he left behind!” one wrote.

“That’s really old for a penguin and a testament to how well he was cared for by the keepers,” another said.

“Awwww, I remember meeting Mr Greedy when I participated in the Penguin Feeding program,” a third added.

“I could tell how much the keepers and caregivers cared about all of the Penguins. Please thank them and pass along my condolences.”