10 penguin chicks born at Twycross Zoo

In just 40 years the population of Humboldt penguins has decreased by 85%.

Twycross Zoo has announced the birth of 10 fluffy Humboldt penguins.

This species of penguin is classed as ‘vulnerable’ and since their arrival, they have been cared for by the Zoo’s team of expert bird keepers. 

The baby penguins hatched in April and the zoo says they will be named soon.

In the wild, Humboldt penguins live on the temperate coast of Chile and Peru.

In just 40 years their population has decreased by 85% due to poaching, over-fishing, guano harvesting, which disturbs their breeding and pollution which increases the risk of disease and climate change.

Matt Cleverley, Bird Team Animal Manager at Twycross Zoo, said: “We know how much-loved and popular penguins are as a species, so we’re delighted to announce the arrival of 10 Humboldt penguin chicks. As a conservation charity, our primary purpose is to preserve and protect the species with whom we share our planet, so it’s wonderful to see our colony of Humboldt penguins continue to grow and thrive.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see our new arrivals this May half term, when families can bring their little ones to meet our new chicks and also join us to celebrate our milestone 60^th anniversary. All of our visitors play a vital role in enabling us to continue our conservation work, helping us to build a future for all of our animals.”

(Image credit: Twycross Zoo)