An aquarium in Arizona has welcomed three new arrivals in its population of endangered African penguins.
In an Instagram post, the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale showed the fluffy chicks being gently held by staff, as they were yet to fully stand up on their own.
“These tiny arrivals are extremely valuable genetically to the endangered African penguin species, as they were born to parents, Mojo and Lemieux, Bubbles and Weasley, whose pairings are considered highly valuable within the zoological community,” the aquarium said in the post.
“The successful hatching of these three chicks, supports the goal of building healthy genetic populations within zoos and aquariums.”
Two of the chicks were born to Mojo and Lemieux, penguins previously paired as part of the zoo’s breeding program, the Associated Press reported. The third chick was born to Bubbles and Weasley, both first-time parents.
The three chicks were being referred to as 42, 43 and 44 while they awaited names. Their sexes were yet to be determined.
There are 40 African penguins at the Scottsdale aquarium, which has reported 13 successful hatchings.
The population of the only penguin species found in Africa has been experiencing steep decline, numbers decreasing by more than 95% since pre-industrial times.
If climate change and human activity patterns continue, experts estimate the species will be extinct in the wild in the next three years.
“As the population of the African penguin continues to rapidly decline – down 23% in the past two years alone – OdySea Aquarium remains committed to the survival of the species in partnership with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ accredited facilities,” Jess Peranteau, the aquarium director of animal care and education, told the AP.
