Latest news with #penguin
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Whipsnade Zoo hand rears endangered rockhopper penguin chick
Zoo keepers have hand-reared an endangered penguin chick after it hatched as part of a breeding northern rockhopper penguin was named Noisy by Whipsnade Zoo staff as he constantly chirps whenever they are to the low survival rate of previous eggs, the keepers placed it in an incubator and left the parents with a dummy egg so the colony could continue to practice Zoo's section manager of birds, Tim Savage, said contributing to the European breeding programme was "vital" He explained: "As wild populations have sadly declined by more than 57% in the last 27 years, contributing to the European breeding programme to create a healthy and genetically diverse backup population in conservation zoos is vital."We are one of only seven zoos in Europe to care for this rare subspecies, so we're monitoring our tiny hatchling around the clock to give it the best chance possible."Keepers feed noisy a "milkshake" made of blended sprats, vitamins and saline solution that replicates the regurgitated food produced by its parents. As adults, the birds have distinctive spiky yellow eyebrows and black feathers framing their are native to the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, but travel as far north as South Africa and South there are no visual differences between males and females, the chick's sex will be identified by a DNA analysis when it is two months old. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Safari park welcomes two newly hatched penguin chicks
Safari park staff are 'absolutely thrilled' to have welcomed two newly hatched penguin chicks into the world. Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling said the Humboldt penguins hatched in April, after a 40-day incubation period, and are now being cared for by park keepers and their parents. They are living inside specially made nest boxes, meaning park visitors will not yet be able to see them, but park officials said they are growing quickly and are in good health. The first chick hatched on April 25 to parents Penny and Izzy, with the second just a few days later on April 29 to parents Pete and Bertie. Humboldt penguins are native to South America and are classed as vulnerable, with around 24,000 mature penguins left in the wild. Penguin chicks can weigh as little as 80 grams and teams regularly check their weight to ensure they are developing at the appropriate speed. Once they moult their grey baby feathers, they begin to venture outside and join the rest of the colony. Jen Carpenter, penguin team leader at Blair Drummond Safari Park, said: '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, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. The chicks have not been named yet, but followers can keep an eye on the Park's social media channels for the big name reveal, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes updates and milestones.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Safari park welcomes two newly hatched penguin chicks
Safari park staff are 'absolutely thrilled' to have welcomed two newly hatched penguin chicks into the world. Blair Drummond Safari Park in Stirling said the Humboldt penguins hatched in April, after a 40-day incubation period, and are now being cared for by park keepers and their parents. They are living inside specially made nest boxes, meaning park visitors will not yet be able to see them, but park officials said they are growing quickly and are in good health. The first chick hatched on April 25 to parents Penny and Izzy, with the second just a few days later on April 29 to parents Pete and Bertie. Humboldt penguins are native to South America and are classed as vulnerable, with around 24,000 mature penguins left in the wild. Penguin chicks can weigh as little as 80 grams and teams regularly check their weight to ensure they are developing at the appropriate speed. Once they moult their grey baby feathers, they begin to venture outside and join the rest of the colony. Jen Carpenter, penguin team leader at Blair Drummond Safari Park, said: '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, with populations declining due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change. The chicks have not been named yet, but followers can keep an eye on the Park's social media channels for the big name reveal, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes updates and milestones.
