Rare African penguin chicks hatch at Hertfordshire Zoo

In late November, bird keepers at the Herts zoo formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park arrived to find three new additions nestled within the penguin colony.

The chicks were lovingly being cared for under the watchful care of parents Albert, Akiki, Tanesha, and Mkuze.

African penguins at Hertfordshire Zoo. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

Since their hatching, the adorable chicks have thrived and grown robust under the attentive eyes of both their dedicated guardians and the bird-keeping team at Hertfordshire Zoo.

The news of the penguin chicks hatching was officially confirmed by the zoo in White Stubbs Lane this week.

The birth of these penguin chicks elevates the Hertfordshire Zoo’s colony of African penguins to 21.

One of the new African penguin chicks at Hertfordshire Zoo. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

SUGGESTED READING

• Hertfordshire Zoo named as finalist in East of England Tourism Award
• Paradise Wildlife Park welcomes two capybara pups
• Rare penguin chicks hatch at Paradise Wildlife Park ahead of International African Penguin Awareness Day

African penguins at Hertfordshire Zoo. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

These penguins are integral to the European Ex-situ programme (EEP), which aims to safeguard the health and genetic diversity of endangered species.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognises African penguins as 'Endangered' due to environmental changes, making this breeding success a significant moment within the zoo community and for the species in the wild.

African penguins are endemic to southern Africa, with the largest concentrations along the Benguela Current, which brings nutrient-rich water to the west coast of South Africa and Namibia.

An African penguin chick. (Image: Paradise Wildlife Park)

The African penguin is also known as the 'jackass penguin' due to it's loud braying call.

The zoo's website states: "Hertfordshire Zoo remains steadfast in its support and contribution to the conservation of Endangered African penguins, actively collaborating with SANCCOB.

"This registered non-profit organisation, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of ill, injured, abandoned, and oiled seabirds.

"Through these concerted efforts and partnerships with conservation charities, the park aims to ensure the continued existence of penguins and numerous other species for generations to come."

Following its rebranding from Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire Zoo is due to reopen to the public on February 10, 2024.