Our beloved London Zoo experienced a penguin baby boom this season with 18 fluffy Humboldt penguin chicks hatched this summer, of which seven are preparing to take their first dip in the big pool this week (gasp!).
This is exciting news as those fluffy chicks are part of an internationally coordinated conservation breeding programme that helps to preserve a healthy and genetically diverse population of Humboldt penguins.
Fun fact! Humboldt penguins are monomorphic, meaning there are no external differences between male and female penguins. Each chick at London Zoo will be sexed via DNA testing, and then they’re given their own wing band – made up of a unique pattern of beads!
This cute lot started their life in London Zoo’s custom-built nursery pool and now (drum-roll!) seven of them are ready to take their first plunge into the habitat’s 450,000 litre pool to join the rest of the 63-strong colony, while the youngest chicks are still practising their penguin-paddle in the penguin nursery.
And, as they join the grown up colony, the youngsters also got their Zoo resident names: Dua Flipa, Toogie, Beau, Dragon, Ray and Robin and are now very much looking forward to welcoming you and your family and friends at the London Zoo.
Penguin Beach includes England’s largest penguin pool that provides zoo visitors with incredible underwater viewing areas, where one can go up close to observe the penguins’ impressive swimming skills. And whilst you are here, check out the Splash Zone, the area designed with your little ones in mind where they can cool off, play, explore and have fun with various water play features.
Make the most of the sunshine with a day out at London Zoo, where unforgettable family adventures make real-world conservation impact. Every visit helps ZSL (Zoological Society of London) – the international conservation charity behind London Zoo – to protect species and restore habitats around the world. Book online now at www.londonzoo.org
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