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Zion Williamson has made such an impact on the city of New Orleans that he was the inspiration for the naming of a baby penguin born at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.



The Audubon Nature Institute shared pictures of the newborn with a message to the Pelicans' rookie sensation:

Per the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Zion was hatched on Feb. 17 after a 39-day incubation period and is the offspring of mother Hubig and father Ocio.



The aquarium cited Williamson's "act of generosity" as one of the reasons for naming the penguin after him. The 19-year-old pledged to cover salaries of workers at the Smoothie King Center for 30 days after the NBA suspended its season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite a delayed start to his NBA career due to a torn meniscus, Williamson looked like a superstar in the 19 games before the season was suspended. He is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game with a 58.9 shooting percentage.