The New England Aquarium opened a "geriatric island" in February for Lambert, a 33-year-old African penguin born at the facility, and six other senior birds so they can age in a gentler, safer environment. Design changes — flatter terrain, a carpeted path and a raised stand — help the penguins move more easily, while increased medical checks and cameras allow staff to spot subtle health changes. Veterinarians provide targeted treatments for arthritis, joint pain and eye conditions such as glaucoma, and the program highlights how zoos and aquariums must adapt care as animals live longer in human care.
Boston Aquarium Opens 'Geriatric Island' to Help Aging African Penguins Live With Dignity
The New England Aquarium opened a "geriatric island" in February for Lambert, a 33-year-old African penguin born at the facility, and six other senior birds so they can age in a gentler, safer environment. Design changes — flatter terrain, a carpeted path and a raised stand — help the penguins move more easily, while increased medical checks and cameras allow staff to spot subtle health changes. Veterinarians provide targeted treatments for arthritis, joint pain and eye conditions such as glaucoma, and the program highlights how zoos and aquariums must adapt care as animals live longer in human care.
15:41, 03.11.2025Society
New England Aquarium creates a gentler home for senior penguins
When Lambert, a 33-year-old African penguin born at the New England Aquarium, began losing vision and slowing down, staff realized he needed a quieter, safer place where he could age without being forced to compete with younger, more aggressive birds. In February the aquarium opened a dedicated "geriatric island" for Lambert and six other senior penguins.
The rocky islet, located near the aquarium entrance, is separated from the main 38-bird colony so older penguins don’t have to fight for territory. Design changes make daily life easier for the seniors: flatter terrain, a carpeted pathway to the water, and a raised stand that helps birds hop out of the pool more easily.
Focused care for longer lives
These African penguins typically stand about 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall and weigh roughly as much as a large house cat. In human care they can live far longer than in the wild — some at the aquarium are in their 30s and one has lived into its 40s — so the staff adapted husbandry and medical care to match longer lifespans.
Eric Fox, associate curator of penguins: “Honestly, it sort of started off as a joke — ‘Why don’t we give them an old folks home?’ — but the welfare data made the idea serious very quickly.”
Keepers and veterinarians now provide more frequent checkups and targeted treatments for age-related problems, including supplements and anti-inflammatory medications for arthritis and joint pain, and eye drops for glaucoma. The aquarium has added cameras to monitor subtle changes in movement, posture or behavior so staff can intervene early.
Everyday moments and public connection
Senior trainer Mia Luzietti says Lambert has become noticeably more active since the move: he swims more with his mate, Dyer III, and leaves the island more often to enter the water. Lambert has had his left eye removed because of infection and has glaucoma in his right eye; he also suffers from chronic inflammation but tolerates daily care — including sitting on a keeper’s lap for his eye drops.
The geriatric island has also struck a chord with visitors. On a recent visit, a crowd watched Lambert receive treatment; one visitor, 69-year-old Terri Blessman, said she related to the extra care the penguins receive: “That’s wonderful. All of us older people need extra care as we get older.”
Why it matters
As conservation and husbandry improve, many zoo and aquarium animals now live substantially longer than their wild counterparts. The geriatric island is an example of how institutions can evolve husbandry, habitat design and medical care to meet those changing needs while maintaining animal welfare and public education goals.