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CARSON AND NOSRAC
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Carson is a local 14-year-old boy battling Ewing Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. First diagnosed in March 2024, Carson kept battling and rang the bell at Roswell in February 2025. But, unfortunately, Carson’s journey would not end there. Carson’s cancer returned in April yet he remains brave and resilient in the face of this adversity. In the midst of these challenges, one thing has consistently brought Carson joy – penguins!
Around the time we heard Carson’s story, we had our own story playing out behind-the-scenes. One penguin chick, Cantuta, had already been announced but we actually had another chick, too!
Unfortunately, the chick’s egg was crushed during the hatching process. While not uncommon, especially for first time parents, it usually means a very low chance of survival for the chick. Our zoological and veterinary teams worked quickly to successfully hatch the chick.
Swipe through the cards to see Nosrac’s journey from egg to friend-guin!
Swipe to see this chick’s journey from egg to incubator
A bright light illuminates the inside of an egg to check for development.
Whether by sitting on the egg to hard, a misplaced rock in the nest, or a weak shell, it is not uncommon for eggs to break before hatching. But it does usually mean the chick will not survive.
With the membrane still intact, the Zoological team moved the egg to the brooder to buy time for the chick to hatch successfully.
Our veterinarian and penguin keeper very carefully assisted Nosrac in hatching out by carefully cutting away the membrane.
Nosrac successfully hatched and was reunited with their parents on April 17th.
Knowing Carson’s journey and our chick’s story, there was only one thing to do – Carson HAD to meet this penguin. But we also realized we had a chance to do something more…something bigger. We invited Carson and his family to the Aquarium to meet his new feathered friend but, little did he know, we had a special surprise in store. After Aquarium staff excitedly welcomed him in front of Penguin Coast, we sprung the news. Carson wasn’t just going to meet the chick, he was going to have the exclusive opportunity to name the 25th penguin hatched at the Aquarium of Niagara!
how the name was picked
I was just thinking and, like, the penguin from what I’ve heard…kind of had a tough time and had to kind of be strong. So it kind of reminded me of my story a little bit. And so my name backwards is “Nosrac” so it’s pretty cool.
Nosrac will be wearing a yellow wing band once they are on exhibit in support of Carson and pediatric cancer awareness and research. If you would like to learn more about Carson’s journey or ways you can support, visit his website HERE.
We’re so proud to be even a small part of this young man’s story. Carson, your colony at the Aquarium of Niagara is rooting for you!