Two penguin chicks born at Newquay Zoo

Two penguin chicks were born at a Cornish zoo recently, keepers have said.

The Humboldt penguin chicks, from separate breeding pairs, both hatched in April after their eggs were laid in March, Newquay Zoo said.

Senior keeper Dan Trevelyan has successfully reared many penguins in his time at Newquay Zoo.

He said the team was thrilled to welcome the chicks but it was a "critical period".

"While everything is going well, we're monitoring them closely to ensure they stay healthy and strong," he said.

For one breeding pair - Oreo and Humbug - it was their first time as parents.

However, 28-year-old Ebony and her partner of 20 years, Patch, have successfully raised many chicks over the years and are even grandparents to some of the zoo's current penguins.

"Ebony and Patch are experienced and reliable parents who've successfully raised several offspring over the years," Mr Trevelyan said.

"It's fantastic to see Oreo and Humbug stepping up as first-time parents."

The zoo recently held a pool party to celebrate several penguin birthdays, a spokesperson said.

The event included special talk for visitors, behind-the-scenes insights and enrichment activities - a bubble machine to stimulate playful behaviour.

Humboldt penguins are native to Peru and Chile and classed as Vulnerable because of habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change.

Newquay Zoo said the species was part of a coordinated breeding effort across European zoos.

"While the chicks remain safely tucked in their burrows next to the penguin pool, visitors might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse - or even hear a tiny chirp - on their next visit," the spokesperson said.

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