Adorable rare baby penguin hatches at UK zoo in 'important' birth

09 May 2023 , 09:25
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The endangered Northern rockhopper is the very first chick of penguin breeding season, born to parents Pinny and Bruce (Image: RZSS/Cover Images)
The endangered Northern rockhopper is the very first chick of penguin breeding season, born to parents Pinny and Bruce (Image: RZSS/Cover Images)

A rare penguin chick has hatched at Edinburgh Zoo.

The endangered Northern rockhopper is the very first chick of penguin breeding season, born to parents Pinny and Bruce.

As well as being part of the European breeding programme for Northern rockhopper penguins, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland has helped safeguard the species in the wild, studying breeding populations on remote islands in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Michael Livingstone, senior keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, said, "Northern rockhopper penguins are endangered due to climate change, changes in marine ecosystems and overfishing, so it is really exciting to welcome a new chick.

"The first 30 days are critical for their development, so we will be keeping a close eye on the youngster at this sensitive time.

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"Last year we welcomed two Northern rockhopper chicks, Sandy and Frankie, who have settled into the colony well.

"Every visit to Edinburgh Zoo helps care for all our amazing animals, like our penguins, and helps protect threatened species at home in Scotland and around the world."

Elsewhere, a rare giant Panda who has lived in a US zoo for 20 years has made its way back to China.

Millions awaited the return of Ya Ya, who embarked on her journey to Shanghai on April 26.

The zoo said she's being accompanied by the zoo's senior veterinarian and Chief Zoological Officer - who have a combined total of more than 25 years of giant panda experience.

The statement said: "Memphis Zoo's panda loan agreement ended this spring and Ya Ya is returning to China to live our her golden years.

"After 20 years, Ya Ya has become like family, and she will be sorely missed by the Memphis Zoo staff and the local community. We wish her all the best of luck in her new home."

Sarah Ward

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