A 43-year-old penguin dates a companion 30 years younger at the Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia, USA. Called ET, she is the oldest living animal of her kind on Earth.
Typically, African penguins live between 15 and 20 years, a mark more than doubled by ET. Her long walk in life has made her a widow twice, with the deaths of Melvin and Seldona.
In an interview with the Washington Post, ET caretakers explained that their incredible genes, linked to a good quality of life, made the penguin a true record breaker.
At the age of 43, the penguin took advantage of the date by taking a dip in a private pool. Like any good party, food cannot be missing, ET was honored with a cake made of ice and capelin fish.
Being the oldest in the world also has its downsides. According to zookeepers, other penguins began to attack ET, who was taken with her boyfriend, Einstein, to an exclusive place for the two “lovebirds”.
Although African penguins are monogamous, ET allowed himself to live and meet several partners with whom he could share many stories over four decades.
“She and Einstein are very attached to each other and enjoy spending a lot of time together,” say zoo officials.
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