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New chicks, Wesley and Penny, were born to parents Bruce and Pinhead just in time for World Penguin Day (Saturday, April 25) and weigh in at less than a small kiwi fruit. The pair weigh in at 63g and 95g respectively.
The new hatchlings are already wooing keepers with their personalities.
Alison MacLean, animal team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “This is my favourite time of year. The chicks are so tiny at this stage, weighing the same a small kiwi fruit. One is very vocal at weigh-in while the other prefers to snuggle under the parents and avoid the spotlight.
“What makes this extra special is that Northern rockhoppers are endangered. Being able to contribute to the breeding programme, which ensures a healthy and genetically diverse population in zoos, is wonderful.”
Edinburgh Zoo said the chicks are weighed daily and closely monitored during their first 30 days to ensure they remain healthy.
During each check, a keeper gently lifts the chick from beneath its parent and places it on a scale. Its weight is recorded before it is carefully returned. The entire process takes less than a minute and is designed to minimise disturbance, keeping both chicks and parents calm and comfortable.
Penguin keepers at Edinburgh Zoo are hopeful for more chicks hatching in coming days.
Keen visitors will be able to spot the chicks being cared for by their parents at Penguins Rock, the largest outdoor penguin pool in Europe.
1. New penguin chicks at Edinburgh Zoo
The penguin chicks are the first of the year | Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
2. New penguin chicks at Edinburgh Zoo
The pair each weigh less than a small kiwi fruit | Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
3. New penguin chicks at Edinburgh Zoo
It's hoped more penguin chicks will hatch in the coming days and weeks | Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
4. New penguin chicks at Edinburgh Zoo
The pair are named Wesley and Penny | Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)