Penguin Chicks Hatch At Chester Zoo

frankp57By
May-6-2020
Chester Zoo
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Amidst all this doom and gloom and weird (to say the least) times, it’s good to write about a bit of normality. As so many times before, events at Chester Zoo and Mother Nature itself, brings us some normality. In this particular instance, here is a quick post to announce the birth of new penguin chicks at Chester Zoo.

Penguin Chicks Hatch At Chester Zoo

The hatching of penguin chicks normally announces the start of spring. This year is no different.

The first of this year’s tiny new arrivals popped into the world on 26th March, closely followed by four others. The last to say “Hello”emerged from its egg on 14th April.

These particular penguins, Humboldt penguins, are becoming increasingly rare. There are 17 penguin species in the world, and the Humboldt are now among the most at risk. They are classified as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

So, it goes without saying, Chester Zoo have again carried out yet another amazing job in bringing these vulnerable chicks into the world. I say ‘job’ but really it is a vocation for our dedicated staff at the Zoo.

Penguin Chicks Names

As penguin chicks hatch each year, their zookeepers decide on a particular theme to select suitable names from. This year it is no big surprise that the 5 new chicks have been named with an NHS theme in mind.

A few years ago we saw the birth of Wotsit, Frazzle, Quaver and Cheeto. So named after the zookeepers favourite crisps. In other previous years’ we have also seen penguin chicks named after chocolate bars and British Olympic athletes.

So, as I mentioned, our keepers have recognised the fantastic work of the UK’s NHS heroes and have decided to pay tribute to some of the NHS heroes and the hospitals they work at.

With that theme in mind, say “Hello” to our new five chicks. Namely, Florence (after Florence Nightingale), Thomas (after St Thomas’ Hospital), Bevan (after Aneurin Bevan who founded the NHS), Arrowe (after Arrowe Park Hospital) and finally Countess (named after, of course, Chester’s local hospital – the Countess of Chester Hospital).

Chester Zoo’s way of saying “thank you” to the NHS.

Penguin Chicks Early Days

The five newly born chicks will spend the first eight weeks of life tucked away safely in their nests. Both parents will share parenting duties and the caring for them.

As the arrival of Humboldt penguin chicks always signals the start of spring it is great to see a seasonal normal occasion emerge. Although still early days, it has been said that the chicks look really healthy. Also it has been reported that the parents are doing a great job of caring for their new arrivals.

To help with raising the new youngsters, the parents are given a bit extra in terms of nutritional needs. Some extra fish is on the menu. What the parents do is that they swallow, churn into a high-protein soup and then regurgitate to feed the chicks. Er…….as tasty as that sounds, I think I’ll stick to my cheese sarnie this lunch time!!

The chicks are also weighed regularly so that their development can be monitored. It isn’t uncommon to see that they can more than triple in size and weight in the first three weeks! Healthy living and eating or what!!

Humboldt Penguins Vulnerability

Humboldt penguins can be found on the rocky coastal shores of Peru and Chile. As time goes by the penguins face a number of threats such as climate change, over-fishing of their natural food sources and rising acidity and temperature levels in the oceans they live in.

All of these issues cause the penguins to search further from their nests for fish and thereby increasing their vulnerability. Have a look at those issues above. How many are man made?

Anyway, huge congratulations to all those involved at Chester Zoo – zookeepers and conservationists alike. And huge congratulations to Mum and Dad penguin parents.

A big “hello” to the world to Florence, Thomas, Bevan, Arrowe and Countess. You’re in safe hands and no doubt will be a great addition to our Chester Zoo penguin family.

Chester Zoo Penguin Experience

When we are all back to normal why not treat yourself to a Chester Zoo Penguin Experience. Or, what a great pressie for someone’s birthday. For more details, have a look at this link HERE.

Chester Zoo Blog Posts

As a huge fan of Chester Zoo, I’ve written quite a few Chester Zoo blog posts here on Chester Lifestyle. To see all my other Chester Zoo blog posts, click HERE.

Chester Zoo Page

As well as blog posts, there is also a page dedicated to Chester Zoo. This page provides even more information on our world famous local attraction. NB: Please note. The opening times do not apply during this lockdown as the Zoo is currently closed. Watch this space for updates.

Stay safe everyone!!!