The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago welcomed a few new feathered pals lately. Two African penguin chicks hatched on June 24 and 27!
One of many new African penguin chicks on the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.
Each eggs have been laid by African penguin Luna together with her companion Oliver as a part of the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a program by the Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums to handle animal populations. One of many eggs was incubated by Luna and Oliver, and the opposite egg was given to TJ and Sunny, an older mum or dad pair, to foster.
Weigh in time for one of many African penguin chicks! Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.
“Having two wholesome chicks has been actually thrilling, and we’ve liked watching them develop thus far,” stated Nicole Finch-Mason, Curator of Birds. “We’re so pleased with new dad and mom Luna and Oliver for efficiently incubating and rearing their chick, and equally appreciative of TJ and Sunny for sharing their penguin mum or dad experience.”
Pair of African penguin chicks at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photograph credit score: Lincoln Park Zoo.
Within the wild, African penguins reside in colonies on the coast and islands of southern Africa. They’re thought of endangered by the IUCN. Their populations have been declining as a result of lack of nesting locations brought on by guano elimination in addition to a lower of meals as a consequence of overfishing and air pollution.
For extra details about these African penguin chicks, go to the Lincoln Park Zoo web site.
To be taught extra about African penguins, see our article, African Penguin.
