Two penguin hatchlings have arrived at Sea Life London Aquarium after a successful breeding season during lockdown.
The chicks weighed in at 105g and 98g.
The heavier chick is now being reared by its biological parents. The other has been adopted by another established pair at the aquarium.
The first chick began to break through its egg in a process called pipping in May, and the other followed soon after.
Lockdown love
The aquarium’s general manager, Catherine Pritchard, said “It’s incredibly special to have not just one, but two new chicks to have successfully hatched at the London Aquarium proving lockdown love also existed in our Gentoo penguin colony.
“We can’t wait to see the hatchlings grow and develop under the watchful eyes of their proud parents Ripley and Elton, and Max and Snork.”
We are absolutely delighted to announce that two beautiful penguin chicks have successfully hatched here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium! ????
Give a like for our proud penguin parents, Ripley and Elton and our proud adoptive penguin parents, Max and Snork ????????????#Penguins #SLLA pic.twitter.com/H9BRNT3Z2O
— SEA LIFE London Aquarium (@london_aquarium) June 24, 2021
The two chicks will not be named until their sex has been established.
They are said to be integrating well with the rest of the colony.
The new-borns are being watched closely by staff at the aquarium who continue to monitor their progress.
Ms Pritchard said: “The continued success of our Gentoo breeding programme here at Sea Life London Aquarium is down to the fantastic work of our expert animal care team and we can’t wait for our guests to meet the new chicks for themselves.”
