By Lauren Beavis via SWNS
A ‘female’ king penguin has been given a new name after being misgendered – for eight years.
Keepers at Birdland Park & Gardens discovered that ‘female’ Maggie, who was brought in to boost their captive breeding program eight years ago, is actually a male.
After receiving DNA sexing results, the penguin has been officially renamed Magnus, who is part of England’s only breeding colony of king penguins.
Magnus, a 10-year-old penguin bred in Odense, Denmark, arrived at Birdland in 2016 as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s (EAZA) EEP conservation program.
Initially sexed as female, Magnus seemed to settle in well – even catching the attention of fellow penguin Frank.
But when keepers observed “Maggie” attempting to mate with Frank, they admitted their “suspicions grew.”
A feather sample was sent for DNA testing, and the truth was revealed: Magnus is definitely male.
The park has said the revelation “does mean a reshuffle in Birdland’s breeding plans.”
To ensure the long-term success of the colony, Birdland is now awaiting the arrival of a young female king penguin from Germany.
The process is part of the EEP program and will take time, but keepers are hopeful for future breeding success once their newest feathered resident joins the colony.
In the meantime, Magnus is thriving as Birdland’s newest eligible bachelor.
Birdland is one of only two places in the UK to house king penguins and the only one with a breeding colony.
