'World's oldest' Humboldt penguin celebrates birthday

Rosie, who has arthritis, eats a special diet to keep her active with her fellow penguins

A Humboldt penguin who is thought to be the oldest in the world has celebrated her 31st birthday.

Rosie has lived at Sewerby Hall in East Yorkshire since 1990 when she was brought from a bird park in Surrey.

Native to South America, Humboldts can live up to 20 years in the wild and are classed as "vulnerable to extinction".

Staff at the Bridlington zoo said "the grand old lady" had been the "centre of attention", with a special watermelon and fish cake made for her party.

• More stories from across Yorkshire

Head zookeeper John Pickering said: "We can't organise a big event for her under the current circumstances, but we will make sure she is well cared for."

Humboldts in the wild are threatened by climate change and overfishing of their preferred prey, according to staff at Sewerby Hall.

They live on rocky coasts and islands, sometimes burrowing holes or using caves for shelter.

Rosie, who lives with fellow penguins Dion, Pingu and Penny, is thought to benefit from a sea breeze on the Yorkshire coast, Mr Pickering said.

Facts about Humboldt penguins

Humboldt penguins are usually found in South America, in countries such as Chile and Peru

• The scientific name for Humboldt penguins is Spheniscus humboldti

• Humboldts are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature

• Humboldt penguins are very social and live in large colonies

• They can live up to 20 years in the wild

• Humboldts can travel through water at speeds of up to 25mph

Source: IUCN/BBC

Part of the reason Rosie is thought to have lived for so long is because she lives a comfortable life at the zoo.

Mr Pickering said: "She doesn't have to work for the fish, we hand feed her so she doesn't have to compete with the others.

"Their predators in the wild would be leopard seals, but obviously there are no leopard seals here."

Mr Pickering added: "She is a grand old lady. The life expectancy of Humboldt penguins in the wild is 15 to 20."

The captive colony of penguins at Sewerby Hall is "a big favourite" of guests, according to zoo staff

A watermelon and sprats cake was prepared by zoo staff for Rosie's birthday party, which was due to be attended by fellow penguins and visitors.

News of Rosie's 30th birthday last year prompted worldwide attention, with her appearing on news channel in the US.