Penguin named "Waddle," after former Chicago Bears wide receiver host Tom Waddle; Tom Waddle of the Chicago Bears
Waddle the penguin, Tom Waddle, Dec. 1991.
Chicago residents voted to name Lincoln Park Zoo’s newest penguin chick Waddle, honoring former Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle
Waddle beat finalists Pebble, Uno and Bean in a public vote held Nov. 11 through Nov. 20
Tom Waddle, the penguin’s namesake, played for the Bears (1989–1994) and is now a sports analyst and radio host
Chicago residents have chosen a name for Lincoln Park Zoo’s newest penguin chick — and the winning pick is a nod to a local sports favorite.
The zoo announced that the chick will be called Waddle, a playful reference to former Chicago Bears wide receiver and now sports radio host Tom Waddle. Waddle played with the beloved football team from 1989 to 1994. The football star is a co-host of Waddle and Silvy on ESPN 1000 alongside Chicago sports reporter Marc "Silvy" Silverman. Waddle also appears on WLS-TV Chicago, Pro Football Weekly and NFL Network as a sports analyst.
Penguin named "Waddle," after former Chicago Bears wide receiver host Tom Waddle.
Penguin named "Waddle," after former Chicago Bears wide receiver host Tom Waddle.
Along with Waddle, Pebble, Uno and Bean topped three other finalists in the public vote, which drew strong participation from Chicagoans eager to welcome the newest member of the zoo’s African penguin colony.
According to the zoo, the chick is being raised by foster parents Liam and Maria (biological parents named Cecil and Rosie), an experienced African penguin pair who have successfully cared for several young birds. Keepers say Waddle is developing well and will continue growing behind the scenes for the next few weeks.
Tom Waddle #87 of the Chicago Bears
Tom Waddle #87 of the Chicago Bears
Once fully ready, Waddle will join the rest of the colony at the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove, where guests can watch the young bird acclimate to its new home. Lincoln Park Zoo has focused heavily on African penguin conservation in recent years, working to support the species as it faces ongoing threats in the wild.
The zoo often turns to the community to help name its youngest residents, and officials say the lighthearted contest helps build engagement around its conservation programs.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the zoo released a call for names on social media. Voting closed at 12 p.m. on Nov. 20. As of writing, Waddle has not commented on his penguin namesake.