SCOTTSDALE: An Arizona aquarium is celebrating the hatching of three endangered African eggs Penguin Chicks say the tiny addition is genetically valuable as zoos and aquariums around the world work to ensure the species’ survival through breeding programs and conservation efforts.
Odyssey Aquarium officials made the announcement Friday by posting a video of the elusive bird on social media. They are born a few weeks early and will stay behind the scenes with their parents until they are ready to appear publicly.
the african Penguins have suffered massive population declines for decades and are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
So any successful hatching is cause for celebration, said Jess Perantau, the aquarium’s director of animal care and education.
“As African penguin populations continue to decline rapidly – ​​down 23% in the past two years alone – OdySea Aquarium is committed to the survival of the species in partnership with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities,” Perranteau said in a statement.
The breeding program established by the association aims to create a viable genetic pool for the species.
Officials say two of Scottsdale’s three new cubs are clutch-mates, born to parents Mojo and Lemieux — a power couple selected to mate as part of a breeding program. The third chick was born to first time parents Bubbles and Weasley.
Aquarium staff will conduct regular “chick checks,” short tests to monitor their growth and development and make sure they are meeting all required milestones.
Three chicks have yet to be named, and their sex Not yet determined. For now they are known by their numbers, 42, 43 and 44.
In all, Odyssey Aquarium now houses 40 African penguins and has recorded 13 successful hatchings.
The aquarium bills itself as the largest in the Southwest.