Brian the penguin in running to be 'world's best'
The DeepA penguin described as having "a colourful love life" is in the running to be crowned world's best penguin.
Brian, 15, the oldest member of the gentoo colony at The Deep in Hull, has been shortlisted for the award as part of the global March of the Penguin Madness competition.
The contest - organised by Penguins International, involves 48 birds from around the world, nominated by zoos, aquariums, and museums.
Voting will take place in rounds, with Brian coming up against Ike from ABQ BioPark Zoo, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the first heat.
Staff at The Deep said Brian was "a firm favourite" with visitors, and the only penguin in the colony to have received a birthday card from an adoring fan.
"He's got a huge personality, a very particular taste in food, and a colourful love life. Even as the eldest in the colony, Brian is truly a fabulous and crucial ambassador for his species," they said.
The first round of voting is now open, with the public able to cast their ballot on Penguin International's website, or via social media channels.
Voting will continue each week until one penguin is crowned Peng Win Champion.
Last year, more than 800,000 people voted for their favourite penguin, with the contest won by Kokosanka - a rare Polish albino penguin.
The DeepKatie Propp, chief operations officer at Penguins International, said the contest aimed to "highlight penguins in zoos and aquariums that serve as ambassadors to their species".
"Wild penguins continue to face numerous threats, as demonstrated by the uplisting of African Penguins from 'endangered' to 'critically endangered' last October.
"Penguin ambassadors at zoos and aquariums inspire guests to want to save their wild counterparts which is why the awareness aspect of this competition is so important," she added.
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