A Sydney zoo is seeking to capitalise on Australia’s obsession with the Matildas after their record-breaking FIFA women’s World Cup run, naming seven newborn Little Penguin chicks after popular players.
Born in Taronga Zoo’s captive breeding program, the chicks were christened with the now-household names including Sam Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Fowler and Alex Chidiac.
A second clutch of eggs from the 45-strong colony is hoped to complete the team’s starting line-up when they hatch next month.
Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac met her namesake at the Zoo this week, with the lifelong penguin lover saying it was a “dream come true”.
“I’m still trying to process it all, I think when I got the phone call … I was in the kitchen and I just froze,” she said.
“It was like I was picked for the World Cup all over again, honestly … being a footballer is cool but having a penguin named after you is next level.”
Announcing the unusual honour, Taronga Zoo said the Matildas had captured hearts during their World Cup campaign and were now using their platform to draw attention to issues.
“In naming the penguin chicks after the Matildas, Taronga Zoo Sydney aims to honour the achievements of Australia’s female athletes, while highlighting the importance of conservation, as well as diversity in both the sporting and wildlife realms,” the zoo said.
The Matildas will next return to the field in February for their Asian Cup Qualifiers match against Uzbekistan ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
General admission tickets sold out within four hours for the Melbourne game when they went on sale last Wednesday — marking the 12th consecutive home match sellout for the team.
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson described the feat as a testament to the unwavering support and rapidly-growing women’s football fan base.
“This series of sold-out matches demonstrates the significant progress in promoting women’s football and celebrating what the Matildas stand for as a force for positive change and an inspiration to millions,” he said.