Royal penguins face mounting climate change threats, scientists warn
Climate change poses a significant threat to royal penguin populations and survival.
Event / Society
Bruno Salomone Tribute Penguin Birth
A royal penguin chick born at Sea Life Paris aquarium on July 17, 2026, was named Mokayyy in tribute to late French comedian Bruno Salomone. The name references a character from Salomone's comedy group performances. The naming coincided with what would have been Salomone's 56th birthday, and was approved by his widow, who directs the aquarium. Comedian Emmanuel Joucla became the penguin's godfather.
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2026-08-13 to 2026-11-10 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Aug, 17:53 UTC
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What happened
Royal penguin chick born at Sea Life Paris aquarium
A royal penguin chick was born on July 17 at Sea Life Paris Val d'Europe in Serris, Seine-et-Marne. The birth is notable as the aquarium averages only one royal penguin birth per year. Since the penguin enclosure opened in 2017, only nine royal penguin births have occurred at this location.
Penguin chick named Mokayyy in tribute to deceased comedian Bruno Salomone
The royal penguin chick was named Mokayyy, referencing Guy Mokay, a character Bruno Salomone played in sketches with the comedy troupe Nous C Nous. Bruno Salomone, a French actor and comedian, died on March 15, 2026, from cancer. The naming was decided because the penguin's birth on July 17 occurred close to what would have been Salomone's 56th birthday on July 13.
Royal penguin species threatened by climate change
Royal penguin species are threatened by climate warming, according to information provided in relation to the penguin birth at Sea Life Paris.
Audrey Salomone directs Sea Life Paris aquarium
Audrey Salomone, widow of comedian Bruno Salomone, serves as director of Sea Life Paris aquarium at Val d'Europe.
Emmanuel Joucla becomes godfather to penguin chick
Emmanuel Joucla, a member of the Nous C Nous comedy troupe with Bruno Salomone, became the godfather to the penguin chick Mokayyy. Joucla visited Sea Life Paris with fellow comedian Éric Massot to meet the chick.
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Royal penguin chick named Mokayyy honors late comedian Bruno Salomone
Sea Life Paris names newborn penguin chick Mokayyy to honor deceased comedian Bruno Salomone.