A happy african penguin birthday to luna and makena!

It's a brother-sister penguin birthday celebration! Luna turned 7 yesterday (25 Feb) and his little sister Makena turns 7 tomorrow (27 Feb).

These African penguin siblings hatched to mother Diesel and father Tasmyn, who hatched at the Two Oceans Aquarium in 2002 and 1998 respectively to parents who had been rescued in the wild. This makes Luna and Makena two of only three "third generation" penguins at the Aquarium - so they truly are part of our family!

Luna hatched at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 25 February 2014. The spot pattern on Luna’s chest forms a crescent moon shape and is quite visible from a distance, which is how he got the name, Luna. He has quite a round belly, definitely taking after his parents! Luna is a very charismatic penguin and loves swimming in the penguin pool where he can be closest to our visitors. From time to time, he can be seen snoozing on the top beach, hanging half-way over the ledge - clearly taking naps while trying to keep an eye on the other penguins.

During feed times, Luna stands patiently on the ramp for his turn to eat, but don't be fooled by his patience - he'll happily munch on a finger or two if given a chance! Among the penguin keepers, Luna is the most spoken about penguin, as he always leaves his trademark on the index and thumb fingers. Despite the scars, he is a lovable bird and every now and then, he will allow the keepers to give him a stroke or two before he runs off into the water.