Bachelorette Penguin Now A Mom at SEA LIFE Sydney

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 9, 2020 10:49 pm

One of the little penguin chicks which have hatched at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Syndey Aquarium

A pair of little penguin chicks are the latest arrivals at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. Mom Mushroom has wasted no time in finding a partner after arriving as part of a trio of penguins known as ‘the bachelorettes’ less than six months ago.

She arrived at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium with two other penguins, P Diddy and Ki Ki. The group have been meeting, socializing with and it would seem mating with the aquarium’s resident penguins since.

One of the little penguin chicks which have hatched at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Syndey Aquarium

Mushrooms partner is known as Vesty with both being first time parents. Vesty wooed Mushroom with his thrusted belly and loud braying call. Both are new to penguin parenthood but have taken to raising chicks well.

Soon after mating they found a nestbox, danced in circles and hatched their two chicks, the only ones born at the aquarium this year.

Mushroom and Vesty the new parents at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Syndey Aquarium

“As a first-time mum, Mushroom is doing really well,” said Luke Fuller, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Aquarist. “Obviously it’s a huge responsibility to suddenly have two chicks to look after but thankfully Vesty, the father, has helped share the responsibility quite a bit and the chicks are doing really well.”

Each of the chick is checked daily to ensure it is growing well. Currently one weighs 600g (21.2oz) while the other is slightly smaller at 500g (17.6oz).

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The iconic little penguin is found along the southern coastline of Australia including locations close to Sydney. They are the smallest of the world’s penguins.