Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago welcomed a brand new African penguin chick in October. Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago introduced the arrival of a brand new African penguin chick! After a 40-day incubation interval, the infant penguin hatched on October 1.
The chick was born to folks Rosie and Cecil. Nonetheless, Rosie and Cecil haven’t been profitable in elevating chicks prior to now, so the Animal Care group has determined this chick will likely be raised by penguin pair Liam and Maria, who’ve robust parenting instincts.
The penguin chick stays behind-the-scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo till it grows its juvenile waterproof feathers. Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.“As a critically endangered species, every new African penguin chick represents an immense quantity of hope for the species’ future,” stated Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds Nicole Finch-Mason.
At this level, the chick stays behind-the-scenes. Quickly it’ll start exploring exterior its nest field. It presently weighs 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.) and has downy feathers.
As soon as it grows its juvenile waterproof feathers in just a few weeks, it’ll be a part of the opposite African penguins within the zoo’s colony on exhibit. After 1-2 years, the chick will molt into its grownup black and white plumage.
African penguins are critically endangered. Lincoln Park Zoo participates within the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps preserve the species. Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.To study extra concerning the African penguin chick, go to the Lincoln Park Zoo web site.
For extra details about African penguins, see our article, African Penguin.
