Monterey Bay Aquarium names new penguin chick “Tule”

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) After a public vote, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has decided to name one of its new African penguin chicks "Tule."

Tule was named after a water plant that was used by Ohlone peoples to thatch their homes and rafts, according to the aquarium.

The other new penguin chick was named "Piper" by aviculture volunteers after the sandpiper birds seen on local beaches.

Up until this point, both have been with the African penguin colony, but they will be moved behind the scenes this week to learn to swim. They are expected to be back with the colony in a few months.