SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium has celebrated the highly anticipated arrival of a sun-Antarctic King Penguin chick for the year.
The adorable King Penguin chick hatched on Thursday 19 February and is yet to be named. Weighing in currently at around 200 grams he is the first chick for Hudson and Nancy.
Mum and Dad are a doting pair who are regularly spotted fussing over and feeding the chick. Keepers are still keeping a stringent watch though as the first few days of the chick’s life are critical.
The lead bird keeper for SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Tanith Davis said “it’s a very exciting time in the Penguin Playground exhibit, however there is also a stringent observation process in place to ensure the parents are consistently feeding the chick, keeping it warm and protected from the curious feathered onlookers.”
“Both Mum and Dad have taken to parenthood very naturally and have been doing a really great job looking after their new arrival. The little chick has been feeding well and has gained approximately 105 grams since it hatched.”
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is the only aquarium in Australia that has breed King Penguins. They have now had three successful breeding programs in a row.
“King Penguins are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, as it is a challenge to replicate their natural environment. To have three successful King Penguin breeding seasons in a row is a true testament to the dedication and passion of the keepers here at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium,” explained Mrs Davis.
People going to see the Penguin Playground exhibit at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium may be able to catch a glimpse of the chick at the dedicated King Penguin crèche area.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is globally recognised for their voice in marine conservation program. They run some of the most successful King and Gentoo Penguin breeding programs in the world.
Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
