SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- The San Francisco Zoo’s popular same-sex penguin couple has broken up.
Male Magellan penguins Harry and Pepper have been together since 2003. The pair nested together and even incubated an egg laid by another penguin in 2008, but their relationship hit the rocks earlier this year when a female penguin, Linda, befriended Harry after her long-time companion died.
This did not go over well with Pepper, who became violent. The three penguins were separated for some time following the fight.
"They have been doing okay since,” said Zookeeper Jennifer Katz. “They have been getting along okay. But Pepper is by himself now, so we are keeping an eye on the three of them."
On Friday they appeared to be back on good terms, as they were re-introduced back into their enclosure.
Zookeepers say Harry and Linda are happy and were able to successfully nest this year.
Male Magellan penguins Harry and Pepper have been together since 2003. The pair nested together and even incubated an egg laid by another penguin in 2008, but their relationship hit the rocks earlier this year when a female penguin, Linda, befriended Harry after her long-time companion died.
This did not go over well with Pepper, who became violent. The three penguins were separated for some time following the fight.
"They have been doing okay since,” said Zookeeper Jennifer Katz. “They have been getting along okay. But Pepper is by himself now, so we are keeping an eye on the three of them."
On Friday they appeared to be back on good terms, as they were re-introduced back into their enclosure.
Zookeepers say Harry and Linda are happy and were able to successfully nest this year.
