The chick, part of the Cal Academy’s “species-survival plan” colony of African penguins, was born in November and had its name put up to open online voting earlier this month. Suggestions poured in, among them Waddles, Turtle, Beaky Smalls, the obligatory Penguin McPenguinface, Lolita (whoa, calm down there, guy), Pudge, Gandalf the Grey and Happy Plappy. Four winners have emerged, which will be voted on through tomorrow, Jan. 18:

Greta — “in honor of youth climate-activist Greta Thunberg”Hope — “for the Cape of Good Hope and future of the species”Penny — “for Cape Peninsula, South Africa”Pogo — “because they do little hops!”

The winning name will be announced on Friday, Jan. 20, and henceforth people will be able to watch Pogo or Greta or whoever paddle around on a live penguin cam.

Interested in what the fuzzball is doing right now? The academy provides this recent update:

Hatched right here at the Academy to parents Stanlee and Bernie, the chick is currently behind-the-scenes with our Steinhart Aquarium biologists learning to eat fish fed to her by hand, working hard to grow wing feathers in place of her chick down and, of course, doing lots of snuggling with her penguin stuffie. When her wings stiffen and her swimming feathers come in, she’ll begin testing the waters in a small pool and broadening her gastronomic horizons to whole herring.

I could only get a glimpse at freeway speed, but it looked like the only openings were on the bottom. Are these bat houses, and what is the advantage of having them near the orchard?

Phil, San Jose

DEAR PHIL: I’m glad you didn’t try to get a good look at them, as you drove by. Imagine explaining to the highway patrol officer that you were distracted by bat condos.

Yes, those are bat houses. The openings to the houses are on the bottom of the structure so that bat guano falls to the ground and doesn’t muck up the place.

California produces 99 percent of the country’s almond crop, making it an extremely valuable asset. The bats, which are voracious insect eaters, help to protect the almonds from codling moths, which can easily wipe out almost half of the annual crop.

Each box provides daytime roosts for about 100 bats, and come dusk, the bats leave their home and swoop through the orchards looking for adult insects and larvae. Although the bats – mostly Mexican free-tailed and pallid bats – are small, they can eat up to 7 tons of insects a year.

The bats also are more efficient and better for the environment than using insecticides.

DEAR JOAN: Here is another deer story. We live up a hill in Almaden with lots of open space. One morning on our driveway camera, I saw a coyote come trotting quickly down from the open space up above us.

He stopped and looked behind him.Then came a deer skidding around the corner after him. She stared a minute and then charged. He took off into the orchard area. She stopped a minute and then took off after him. He ran back over the driveway and up the hill. She followed him and watched him go. I swear I could see her brushing off her hooves and snickering.

Pat DeWhitt, San Jose

DEAR PAT: Deer can be quite aggressive — and apparently smug.

DEAR JOAN: There is another probable cause for the squirrel’s bare spots on her back (mentioned in the Jan. 9 column). Squirrels have two breeding seasons per year, and babies start appearing on Valentine’s Day and July 4.

Figure in the gestation period — around 45 days — and you may find some romantic male might be the cause. We see the cycle quite regularly.

Ted, Antioch

DEAR TED: I should have thought of that. Some lively squirrel loving is a much better alternative to an itchy disease or a nest full of mites, although only the squirrel knows for sure.

DEAR JOAN: Do birds fly when it’s raining?

J.B., Oakland

DEAR J.B.: If they have someplace important to go.

Birds can navigate through most rainy weather, although not as easily as they can through clear skies. Like us, they prefer to stay out of the rain. But they’ll venture out to find food, not having access to Uber Eats, and with GrubHub being an entirely different thing to them.

Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.

— Berkeley Humane

Yoda, I am. Like the infamous grand master of Jedi Order, I believe size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?

— EBSPCA

Meet Chopper, a sweet senior looking for a new home. This low-key, laid-back low-rider has one walk speed: leisurely. The only time he breaks into a trot is when he spies a cat, and then he quickly stops to watch from a distance. Chopper ignores other dogs in his vicinity. He just wants to sniff, nap and get your attention and treats! Chopper’s big noggin is made to lie in a lap and be petted. He can be your shop dog, your couch potato, wherever you need a mature lovebug to brighten your day. Chopper weighs 53 pounds, and we estimate his age to be around 8. To meet this pet at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), call 510-337-8565 or visit alamedaanimalshelter.org/adopt online.

— FAAS

Tink is the sweetest little girl, born in her foster mom’s living room the day after her mother was rescued from an overcrowded residence. She was the tiniest of the litter and is the last of her family to find a home. Our tortie is initially quite shy, needing a little time to warm up and realize you’re not a predator, but once she does, look out! To meet our purr monster and lap sitter, contact Kay at kericksonttt@yahoo.com. Community Concern for Cats (CC4C) now holds weekend adoption events at Pet Food Express stores in Martinez and Concord plus our regular location at 1250-H Newell Ave. in Walnut Creek. Visit communityconcernforcats.org online for more information.

— CC4C

Finn is an extra-special ginger girl! Most ginger cats are male, and just a special few are female. Female ginger cats are well known to have calm and quiet personalities, and that’s Finn to a T! Finn is a people lover, lap lover, nap lover and playtime lover. Contact the staff at Milo Point Richmond for assistance at 220 S. Garrard Blvd. in Richmond from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day but Tuesdays. Our dedicated staff is on duty every day caring for our animals and have saved more than 39,000 lives in 28 years. For more details, visit milofoundation.org/contact-us.

— Milo Foundation

Mama Lana is a 1½-year-old domestic longhair beauty with a great personality and curly, fluffy tail. She loves people and will happily snuggle on your lap, purring away. But wait. Then there’s the Lana that gets the zoomies, flying around the house and playing with toys. She gets along with other cats and would make a great addition to your family. For more information about this or any other adoptable pets with the Contra Costa (CCSPCA), call Pat at 925-323-0667.

— CCSPCA

“Overcrowding has become an epidemic for shelters across the country, and in Oakland, dog intake has been increasing over several months,” the shelter writes on Facebook. “In 2022, OAS took in 555 more dogs compared to the same period in 2021. There is now an urgent need to find 50 big dogs a home by Monday.”

To help sweeten the deal, the shelter is waiving adoption fees. It’s also offering extended hours through MLK Jr. Day: until 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 5 p.m. Friday to Monday. No appointment is needed, just show up at 1101 29th Ave., Oakland, and grab your preferred dog.

And come on, are you really going to say “no” to faces like these? (Head to OAS’s website for all the dogs they have available for adoption.)

In a way the DFW was correct, but not completely. While the law states a lion can’t be relocated, it can be destroyed if it attacks livestock or a human. This particular lion is still on the farm and will undoubtedly attack more sheep. They also like to frequent backyards looking for cats and dogs.

A mountain lion is extremely strong and has been known to take down a full-grown elk weighing more than 750 pounds. An adult lion weighs up to 175 pounds and has an extremely strong bite. Sheep are one of its favorite victims.

Years ago local farmers kept the lion population in check, however the animal rights crowd was able to get legislation passed that completely protected the lion.

Many people are wondering why a lion would kill 27 sheep and not eat them. The lion more that likely killed the sheep because they were available. In the wild, the lion would have probably returned to feed on them.

With 2,000 to 4,000 lions, California has more mountain lions than any other state. A mountain lion will kill a deer a week for food. The reason the DFW won’t relocate a troublesome lion is because if relocated it will fight with the resident lions. They also travel long distances. It is not unusual for a lion to travel 50 miles in a day.

A few years ago a couple were inside their home along Clear Lake and left the patio door open. An adult mountain lion wandered into the home, The couple retreated to their bathroom and locked the door. The lion ransacked the house for nearly an hour before retreating out the open door.

The woman whose 27 lambs were killed also contacted a federal trapper but was told there wasn’t anything he could do.

Last year a rancher near Willits killed a mountain lion that was preying on his cattle. He was arrested, jailed and fined more than $1,000.

The big question is what to do if you own sheep or cattle and a mountain lion shows up? There are a couple of federal trappers who can assist you. They an be reached through the local agriculture office in Lakeport or Ukiah.

When traveling in the woods use extra care. If you spot a lion don’t run as that will excite it and you could be attacked. If you are attacked, fight back. Actually, with the modern laws protecting the lions nowadays there is little you can do.

However, the pond cracked and now only fills, momentarily, during downpours. We do not see nor hear frogs until the moment the pond fills up, at which time they’ll keep you up at night with all their noise.

Where do they go when the pond is empty? And how do they make such a great comeback the moment the pond is full?

— Francisco, San Jose

DEAR FRANCISCO: Most California frogs live on land, not in the water. The ponds are mostly for making froggy love and raising tadpoles.

When not engaged in romance, frogs are pretty good at hiding out. When the weather gets too cold, most of the frogs will create a burrow underground – some choose the dry pond bed –  and snooze the winter away. It’s not a true hibernation, but it keeps them safe and warm.

When the water returns to the pond, they do some, let us say, active dating. The California red-legged frogs’ mating season is November to April, which coincides with our traditional rainy season. During dry years, if they can’t find any ponds or puddles to nurture their tadpoles, populations can drop drastically.

All the noise you hear coming from the pond when it is full are the sounds male frogs make to attract a mate and then sweet talk her into releasing eggs for him to fertilize.

There are frogs that live in water, but these non-native bullfrogs cause environmental upheaval. They are ravenous and eat smaller, less aggressive California native frogs and their spawn.

DEAR JOAN: I am very concerned about a fox squirrel in my backyard. She has been visiting our patio for several weeks now, and I have been feeding her walnuts, pecans and almonds, often in-shell. There are several other squirrels that feed from our bounty, but she is the bravest doesn’t scurry away when I approach. I never feed her directly from my hand (but) place the nuts along the top of our fence rail.

Yesterday I noticed that she has a bare spot on her back between her shoulder blades. It is quite large, and it appeared almost overnight. There is no visible sign of trauma. She does seem to scratch a lot.

If she has fleas or mites, is there any homeopathic supplement that I can feed her to assist with her recovery? My wife and I don’t try to make pets out of wild animals, but in order to identify her from the others we call her Sweet Potato.

I’m not usually one to interfere with nature, so I thought it prudent to consult you.

— Bryan, Concord

DEAR BRYAN: You can find some over-the-counter treatments for mange and scabies that are safe to give Sweet Potato and put it on food you know she will eat. However, it’s very difficult to treat these conditions in the wild because the source of the problem – possibly mites – lives in the nest, so Sweet Potato will continue to get infected.

Although it’s cold, most squirrels can survive fur loss. I recommend your hands-off approach. As long as she is hale and hearty, she should be OK.

Animal Life runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.

— Berkeley Humane

Hiya! I’m Amtrak, and a super-happy and goofy pup that loves to hang out with people, play with toys and run around outside.

— EBSPCA

Myute is looking for a family that’s going places! Such places that this 1-year-old shepherd would make a great companion for include hiking trails, beached, parks, your fenced back yard or your couch. You’ll fall in love with this guy’s gorgeous coloring, majestic tail, prancing and one floppy ear. Myute’s new family will need to help him refine his leash manners and how he greets new people and other dogs so his energy doesn’t overwhelm them. To meet this pet at Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), call 510-337-8565 or visit alamedaanimalshelter.org/adopt online.

— FAAS

Four tigers (including Shadow, pictured) and one black feline make up our delightful litter of kittens. This litter keeps their foster mom endlessly entertained. She finds them bold, extremely active, curious and determined. There is a perfect kitten or two for your family in our bunch. To meet them, contact Susan at susanmulloy58@gmail.com. Community Concern for Cats (CC4C) now holds weekend adoption events at Pet Food Express stores in Martinez and Concord plus our regular location at 1250-H Newell Ave. in Walnut Creek. Visit communityconcernforcats.org online for more information.

— CC4C

With a huge goofy smile on his face, Bear Hug loves to run around and explore. Playing in a yard and walks are high on his list of fun activities. He’s best-suited for an adult, interactive and experienced home with time to give him daily lessons, continuity, exercise and love. Contact the staff at Milo Point Richmond for assistance from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day but Tuesdays at 220 S. Garrard Blvd. in Richmond. Our dedicated staff is on duty every day caring for our animals and have saved more than 39,000 lives in 28 years. For more details, visit milofoundation.org/contact-us.

— Milo Foundation

Hi, I’m Fred, and I’m just the cutest 6-month-old orange tabby I’ve ever met. I love to play with everybody, and if I can’t entice you to play, don’t worry. I can find lots of other stuff to play with. I hear my foster owner say I have the best-sounding purr around. While I’m falling asleep I like to kneed and suck on my blanket. Also, I’m here waiting for anyone who wants to give me full body rubs and stroke my head and ears. For more information about this or any other adoptable pets with the Contra Costa (CCSPCA), call Pat at 925-323-0667.

— CCSPCA

The dogs were found inside a home in North Livermore after police became aware of their living conditions.

Police said conditions inside the home were filthy and that many of the dogs were found in crates with no food or water.

Animal services officers from Livermore and Pleasanton, along with a community service specialist from Livermore, determined that the man who owned the home was hoarding the dogs and was unable to care for them, authorities said.

The homeowner’s name was not released. Police said the case was under review by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

The dogs were ultimately transported to the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin. At the shelter, the dogs were vaccinated, had their nails trimmed and were placed in clean cages.

One dog needed emergency medical treatment; that animal has already been placed in a new home. None of the dogs have died, authorities said Friday.

Fifteen dogs are at the Oakland Animal Shelter, 12 are at the the Dublin SPCA and approximately 10 are at the Valley Humane Society. Twelve dogs remain at the East County Animal Shelter.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs or making a financial donation toward their care may call the East County Animal shelter at 925-803-7040, Oakland Animal Services at 510-535-5602, East Bay SPCA at 925-479-9670, and Valley Human Society at 925-426-8656.

“At first, we did think it was a ferret,” said Melissa Ethridge from Antioch Animal Services. “We kept him warm and comfortable overnight until another volunteer came in and said they thought it was a mink.”

It turns out that minks and ferrets do really look quite alike. They’re both from the mustelid family, along with polecats, weasels, badgers, otters, martens and stoats. Many of these mustelid species can be found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region, but most are rarely seen.

Perhaps the most common of the mustelid family familiar to East Contra Costa County residents is the river otter. Ferrets are the only domestic species in the family and are generally lighter brown in coloration. Although the body shape is very similar, mink are likely to have slightly longer tails than ferrets, and their fur is typically sleeker.

“Mink also have a little white on their chin,” Ethridge said. “And it is important to note that mink are a little more aggressive than their playful cousins.”

While you probably won’t usually see mink hanging out downtown, the one at Antioch Animal Services (AAS) didn’t wander very far from its general habitat, said Miriam Klingler. Klingler is an East Bay Regional Park District naturalist who works at Oakley’s Big Break Regional Shoreline, where mink have been seen many times over the past few years.

“The mink could have gotten lost while hunting for food,” Klingler said. “Mink hunt on land and in water.”

She said the little critters are very territorial and that the one at AAS may have shied away from another’s territory while out looking for mice and rats. Mink also eat shrimp and other shellfish. Generally just 20 to 30 inches long, mink have even been known to eat other mink or other members of the mustelid family.

“They are opportunity eaters,” Klingler said.

Klingler also said East County has a lot of competition for food for small shoreline animals such as mink. Along the East County shoreline, it isn’t uncommon to find otters, badgers, beavers, raptors and even coyotes — all part of the same food chain as the mink.

One other difference between mink and the rest of the mustelids is that mink are often raised on farms and are legal to hunt in California for their fur. However, there are many restrictions for hunting the small animal in the Delta region. As far as Klingler knows, there are no mink farms in Contra Costa County.

As with all wild animals that eat mice and rats, mink are susceptible to poisons used to kill critters that they hunt, and Klingler asks that people not use poisons whenever possible. As for the little mink found in the AAS parking area, he was transported to Lindsey Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek as soon as his biological identity was ferreted out.

Ethridge said the people at Lindsey even needed a few minutes to ensure they had the mink correctly identified before treating him. They later released him back into the wild in the wetlands area behind the Antioch Marina.

“It was very special being there for the release,” Ethridge said. “It was a very happy ending.”

Roni Gehlke can be reached at oakleynow@comcast.net.

The bison in Golden Gate Park always have a tree-mendous time with Christmas tree enrichment! They love to throw the trees in the air with their horns and rub and scratch on fallen tree trunks pic.twitter.com/zzpai5FxzX

— San Francisco Zoo (@sfzoo) December 24, 2022

Or so it goes with the herd living in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This year, the local bison were gifted the present of holiday pines, which they tossed around like orcas toying with their prey. Wrote the San Francisco Zoo on Twitter:

“The bison in Golden Gate Park always have a tree-mendous time with Christmas tree enrichment! They love to throw the trees in the air with their horns and rub and scratch on fallen tree trunks…. I mean, who doesn’t love to smell all of the Christmas tree smells?”

(To which one person sarcastically commented, “Practicing for when the next dumb sightseer gets too close.”)

“This video was taken around Christmastime with trees that were donated by one of the tree farms that we get our trees from,” says Nancy Chan, the zoo’s director of communications. “We do not accept the public’s leftover trees as we cannot guarantee they are free from sprays and other toxins.”

She adds: “Enrichment is basically any type of stimulation or something new for the animals to engage with or in some cases, eat.”

Wait, the bison eat the trees? “The bison will sometimes eat the trees, but mostly throw them up in the air and rub on them,” Chan says.

Bison have occupied Golden Gate Park since the 1890s, a time when they were nearly extinct in America. They were among a number of larger species to live there, including elk, sheep and bears. Learn more about their history in the city and how to visit them at the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.