news
Fourth baby Magellanic penguins born this spring! Tofu joins the family.
Sumida Aquarium (Location: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; General Manager: Rui Kawasumi) is pleased to announce that a Magellanic penguins chick was born on Thursday, May 7, 2026, and has been named "Tofu". This is the fourth chick born this year, following "Jinbei"*1, "Kibi", and "Dango"*2.
"Tofu" is named after the same "soybean" as her older sister "Kinako," born in 2020, and her older brother "Zunda," born in 2023. Tofu is also written as "豆富" (tofu), and is considered an auspicious word that evokes a sense of abundance, so we chose it as her name. Another reason for the name is that when she was born, she was so fluffy that she felt like soft tofu. Tofu, made from nutrient-rich soybeans, is a familiar food to us, so we hope that everyone will watch over the healthy growth of the three siblings, Kinako, Zunda, and Tofu, with affection.
Tofu is currently growing up healthy in the back area under the care of the animal care staff, being lovingly raised by his parents, Maron (male) and Banana (female). If his growth continues to be successful, he is scheduled to make his debut in the pool where adult penguins spend time sometime after July. Updates on Tofu's growth, receiving lots of love from his parents, will be posted regularly on our aquarium's official social media accounts.
Please pay attention to Tofu's growth and the heartwarming relationship between the three siblings.
■ Details about Magellanic penguins chicks
Name: "Tofu"
Parents: Maron (male), Banana (female)
Spawning date: March 30th (Monday)
Hatching date: May 7th (Thursday)
Weight: 186 grams (as of May 11)
Name origin: For parents "Maron" (male) and "Banana" (female), this is their third baby, following "Kinako" (female), born in 2020, and "Zunda" (male), born in 2023. Since her older sister and brother each have names related to soybeans, and because tofu can also be written as "豆富" (tofu), it's considered an auspicious word that evokes a sense of abundance, hence the name "Tofu."
Normally, newly hatched chicks are covered in damp feathers that take time to dry, but Tofu hatched in a fluffy state. Its soft appearance reminded people of soft tofu, which is one of the origins of its name. Tofu, made from nutrient-rich soybeans, is a familiar food to us, and the name reflects the hope that visitors will feel a sense of familiarity as the three siblings, Kinako, Zunda, and Tofu, grow up healthy and strong.
