We’re thrilled to announce the hatching of a two Humboldt penguin chicks! The first chick hatched on the 25th of April to experienced parents Penny and Izzy. The second arrived just a few days later, on the 29th April, to proud parents Pete and Bertie.
Each chick hatched after a 40-day incubation period, and our expert keepers have been keeping a very close eye on them ever since. Right now, they’re still nestled in their cosy nest boxes, covered in soft grey down, and completely dependent on their parents for warmth, food, and protection.
Though visitors won’t see them just yet (they’ll stay in the nest boxes for the first few weeks), we’re already seeing them grow fast. At birth, these tiny chicks can weigh as little as 90 grams, so we regularly weigh them to make sure they’re progressing well. Once they start to moult and grow their adult waterproof feathers, they’ll slowly begin to explore outside and join the rest of the colony.
Jen Carpenter, Penguin Team Leader, says:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome this year’s chicks. It’s always a joy to see the hard work of our penguin pairs pay off, and these little ones are getting the very best start to life. Every successful hatch is a step forward for the species, and we’re proud to play our part. We can’t wait to share their journey as they grow and eventually waddle out to meet the rest of the colony.”
Humboldt penguins are classed as vulnerable in the wild, and successful breeding in parks like ours is crucial for the future of the species.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for chick updates and all the latest milestones. We’ll be sharing lots of behind-the-scenes moments as these little ones grow!