EDINBURGH Zoo has today announced that their rockhopper chicks have hatched and are being looked after.
The Zoo said that the first chick hatched on 17 April, and all chicks are being weighed daily by the team to ensure they are healthy.
They advise that three chicks have hatched so far.
Sharing the news on social media earlier today, Edinburgh Zoo said: “It’s official. The rockhopper chicks have hatched and this big fluffball is ready for their weigh-in.
“Rockhopper penguin chicks might look like walking pom-poms, but regular weigh-ins are key to making sure they’re growing up strong and healthy.
“Plus, it’s the perfect chance to peek at how cute they are.”
The team advise that, once hatched, one parent broods the chick while the other brings back regurgitated food.
This brooding process lasts around three weeks, after which the chick then joins a group of chicks for safety.
At roughly 70 days old, the chick will stop being fed by its parents and will fledge.
Edinburgh zoo keeps a small colony of Northern rockhopper penguins, also known as “rockies” by zookeepers.
“Rockies” are known for having crests just above their red eyes and a hop-like walk.
The species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and have experienced a population decline of more than 90% since the 1950s.
