Cincinnati Zoo names baby penguin "Bowie"
On David Bowie's 69th birthday, a baby penguin was born.
With suggestions from fans, the Cincinnati Zoo agreed to name the penguin "Bowie" on Jan. 8 to honor the music legend.
"It's such a fitting name," Cincinnati Zoo Communications Coordinator Angela Hatke told CBS News.
Bowie the penguin broke out of its shell much like the singer, who has frequently been referred to as "rock's greatest chameleon."
Shortly after hatching, the 46-gram penguin chick was squeaking to the artist's greatest hits.
"Before anything happened, [zookeepers] were playing David Bowie music -- they're huge fans -- in the nursery where the penguin was set up," Hatke explained.
Three days later, the zoo was shocked and saddened to wake up to the news of David Bowie's death after an 18-month battle with cancer.
Zoo officials say the name has "taken on added meaning."
"Now there's a cute little penguin that has his namesake, bringing some good news to it," Hatke said.
Fans of the zoo -- and David Bowie agreed.
"Perfect name in memory of David Bowie," one user posted on Facebook.
"Maybe David Bowie's soul rests in the baby penguin," another suggested.
Some are even nicknaming the penguin "Starman" after a David Bowie song.
It will takes several weeks before the zoo can identify the sex of the penguin, also known as a blue or fairy penguin. The tiny animal will spend its days relaxing inside until the spring brings more mild temperatures.
Until then, the "very vocal" penguin will continue living up to its name -- with rock music blaring in the background.