Shows
To welcome the new African penguins we decided to name them all after B.C. cities, towns and neighbourhoods. We asked for your suggestions along with pictures, videos or written submissions that highlighted your favorite B.C. hangout and the response was incredible!
We received over 600 entries ranging from original artwork and fun video submissions, to quirky poems and stories. It was a tough decision to narrow the entries down to just seven; however, our judging panel, which included the staff who work with and care for the penguins, was up to the challenge.
1. Tofino (Pink/Grey) submitted by Krista Bratton
2. Steveston (Red) submitted by Winnie Kwok
3. Lillooet (Pink) submitted by Miriam Moysey
4. Sechelt (Yellow/Brown) submitted by Diana Luong
5. Nelson (Brown) submitted by Nelmaire Alberts Nurhan Uludag
6. Salt Spring (Orange/Green) submitted by Aris Murray
7. Hope (Pink/White) submitted by Nicole Souza
Note: The colours refer to the beaded-bracelet each penguin wears as an ID
1. New Westminster – submitted by Serena Vampa
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Krista Bratton
Rationale: With their sleek pelts, flippers (perfect for paddling out) and wide feet, penguins are clearly built to surf and play in the water. And what better place on the West Coast where you can do both than Tofino. I’m quite sure if a penguin could take a trip over there he’d have the time of his life (and as a surfer I would be more than happy to share my wave with him). To me, Tofino is beautiful and unspoiled, clean waters and nature at her prettiest. Penguins are also beautiful, clean looking and unspoiled. A perfect math then. Tofino the penguin.
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Winnie Kwok
Rationale: Steveston would be a wonderful name for one of the Vancouver Aquarium penguins because this fishing village on the southwest corner of Richmond, BC is rich with culture, history, and, of course, fish! Steveston village was named after Richmond pioneer, Manoah Steves, whose descendant, Harold Steves, continues to contribute greatly to the Richmond community as a city councilor and a strong advocate for farmland preservation and food security. Steveston is known for its history of fishing, salmon canning, shipbuilding, and for the hard-working Japanese Canadian community that formed the backbone of these industries. More recently, it has become a popular place to live, and a place for tourists to enjoy the heritage sites, the many shops and restaurants, and the beautiful scenery.
In my video, Steveston the Penguin enjoys a sunny stroll along the Fisherman’s Wharf, and t hen chows down on a delicious fishy meal. I took the photos, wrote and performed the music, and put it together on my computer. Here are the lyrics:
I once met a penguin named Steveston,
Who would holler and hoot for no reason!
He’d stroll the marina,
In search of his dinner,
And find fresh sardines every season.
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Miriam Moysey
Rationale: I suggest naming a penguin after the town of Lillooet. First of all, how cute is that? “Lillooet the Penguin!” Second, the location of Lillooet is an important part of BC history. Not only has it been home to the Lillooet Nation for several thousand years, but it was also one of the main centres of the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. Third, Lillooet’s exceptional natural surroundings combined with its history of human habitation highlight and represent the need for sustainable practices, and the priority of conservation and preservation.
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Diana Luong
Rationale: Sechelt is a place where people are extra friendly and extra cheerful. A place many people love because it is fresh with outdoor activity. You can relax, sit on the pier and watch the beautiful sunset go down. It is right by the water where you can find clam, crab, and jellyfish. When you’re camping, hiking or just sitting at the park, the calm breeze will soothe your worries, it’s the best feeling ever!
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Nelmarie Alberts Nurhan Uludag
Rationale: Since you want to name the penguins after BC cities, I am so happy we have a city named Nelson! The bigger reason I want to name the penguin Nelson is after the South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. As the penguins are African penguins, I think one of them should have a name that is greatly respected by all Africans. The colour of the penguins is a reminder that Nelson Mandela united the black and the white and ended apartheid. These penguins will again bring people together!
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Aris Murray
Rationale: I chose the name Salt Spring because penguins swim in salty sea water and when they come onto land they “spring” out of the water. Salt Spring Island is one of the most beautiful places in BC and I think penguins are beautiful.
Click image below to view full size.
Winning Entry
Submitted by: Nicole Souza
Rationale: I chose the name “Hope” because African penguins are an endangered species. Now people from all over the world will be able to see and learn about these beautiful animals and their plight when they come to visit the Vancouver Aquarium. “Hope the Penguin” can be an ambassador for the species and encourage people to learn about ways they can help protect penguins, like buying sustainable seafood. “Hope” can bring hope for the future of penguins. Please protect penguins!
We are Little Penguins
(sung to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot”)
We are little penguins, in the sea
We can’t fly, but we swim so free!
Small, cute and fluffy, yes are we,
Watch us waddle as funny as can be.
African penguins, black and white,
You’ll find us on the beach, oh what a sight!
Not enough fish, yes that’s our plight,
Won’t you help us shed some light?
Honourable Mention
Submitted by: Serena Vampa
Rationale: See comic book enclosed.
Click images below to view full size.
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