It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sam, one of our male Humboldt penguins who passed away on the 11th September 2018.

Sam was one of the first Humboldt penguins to successfully hatch here at Colchester Zoo and had to be hand-reared for the best chance of survival and he lived on to the grand age of 32yrs.

Sam had been under veterinary care for a few weeks prior to his passing receiving treatment for a respiratory infection. Sadly, his condition deteriorated further and after veterinary examination the difficult but kindest decision was made to euthanise Sam.

Sam was a fantastic character who had a special bond with his dedicated keepers, he was and will always will be a much-loved penguin and will be sadly missed by many.