At Chester Zoo, a pair of male Humboldt penguins, Scampi and Flounder, have hatched a chick, marking a significant achievement for their endangered species. The zoo welcomed 10 chicks during a particularly productive breeding season, attributed to the cooperative breeding program where zookeepers carefully facilitated egg sharing among pairs. Humboldt penguins are classified as vulnerable, facing threats such as climate change. Zookeepers enhance parental care by ensuring adult penguins receive ample nourishment to care for their chicks effectively. The new arrivals are approaching their initial swimming lessons.
The Humboldt chick was born to male penguin couple Scampi and Flounder at Chester Zoo in April and is one of 10 adorable youngsters to have hatched.
Bird experts carefully shared the eggs between the two nests with the aim of giving both chicks the best possible start and help improve chances of successful fledging.
Zoe Sweetman, Team Manager of Penguins said: 'Ten chicks hatching in one season marks a bumper year for the penguins here. It's fantastic news for the species.'
Zookeepers supported all the penguin parents during this vital time by providing plenty of extra fish, which the adult penguins swallow, blend into a protein-rich soup and then regurgitate to feed the chicks.
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