On this day: Colchester Zoo welcomes two baby penguins
The chicks were welcomed by zookeepers in April 2024, having been hatched by their parents, Chile and Pepper.
Humboldt penguins are currently listed as vulnerable, and the arrival of these chicks is seen as a positive step towards their conservation.
However, the animal care team at Colchester Zoo faced challenges when one of the chicks was not growing as quickly as its sibling.
The penguins were looked after by the animal care team (Image: Colchester Zoo) A spokesman for Colchester Zoo said: "After monitoring this individual chick's weight every day with no improvement, the difficult decision was made to hand rear the smaller chick whilst the other stayed with mum and dad in the nest.
"Since the Animal Care Team began caring for the new arrival, it has started to gain weight but this still is a vulnerable time for the chick.
"We do hope that we will be able to reintroduce the little chick back to its nest soon and will keep you updated with any news."
[From the East Anglian Daily Times of June 6, 2024]
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