NORTH SIDE - Aviary officials are quietly discussing trades with other aviaries and aquaria now that their newest penguin has proven to be no team player.
Flower had been named in honor of recently-departed goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury, who had been the Pens' #1 goalie for years, was supplanted by Matt Murray and yet continued to be a consummate pro. He was drafted by Las Vegas in late June, and left Pittsburgh after penning a heartfelt farewell letter.
Flower the African penguin was scouted as being shy, but otherwise he seemed to be getting along well in the group. But within a few days, Flower had proven to be no team player.
"We thought he was being quiet because he didn't know our language well," said Sidney, captain of the penguin colony. "But within a few days he started throwing his feet and flippers around. We thought he was playing goalie as a joke, but he's just being a jerk. He wants to be the number one, two and three star everyday, and it just doesn't work like that."
Aviary officials are at a loss to explain Flower's behavior, but hope to trade him for a veteran penguin who can contribute to the colony's success.
