Wellington, A Penguin At Shedd Aquarium, Is Named 'Chicagoan Of The Year'

People could say 2020 is for the birds.

In Chicago, it’s for one flightless bird in particular.

Wellington, a rockhopper penguin at the Shedd Aquarium, earned the Chicagoan of the Year title, the Chicago Tribune announced Tuesday (December 22). He’s the first flightless bird to earn the accolade.

After Shedd Aquarium closed earlier this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a video of Wellington waddling through the the aquarium went viral and inspired a “Penguin Field Trips” series, according to the Tribune.

Read more about Wellington here.

“Wellington has been named ‘Chicagoan of the Year!’ He may be flightless, but it's been amazing to see his adventures take flight around the world,” Shedd Aquarium tweeted Tuesday. “We are so happy this little penguin has helped create joy—well done, Wellington!”

Shedd Aquarium is offering virtual animal encounters, including a virtual penguin encounter. There, participants could be able to catch Wellington and other penguins.

“You’ve followed the penguins on their adventures,” the aquarium states. “Now for a limited time, you can meet them up close in their habitat! Will you waddle with Wellington? Hang out with rockhopper penguin pair Edward and Annie? Meet Magellanic penguins Izzy and Darwin?”

Shedd Aquarium typically hosts about two million guests each year, according to its website. It also works with local and international partners to protect endangered species and habitats.

Photo: Getty Images