Blackpool Zoo give penguins pedicures to tell them apart
They're popping blue nail polish on the claws of one chick from each nesting pair
Keepers at Blackpool Zoo have adopted a new colourful solution to help monitor fluffy new arrivals.
They're popping blue nail polish on the claws of one chick from each nesting pair so they can accurately record their health checks, weight and development.
Blackpool Zoo is the only facility in the UK to house Magellanic penguins, a species native to South America’s coastal Argentina and Chile.
In the coming weeks the hatchlings will start to venture outside before feather samples are taken to determine whether they're male or female.
"easy to confuse"
Jason Keller, Senior Keeper at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed lots of new chicks to Penguin Cove.
"As they grow it’s easy to confuse them, especially with multiple chicks in some nest boxes and markings that are very similar.
“Painting the toe nails of one from each nest box containing two chicks with blue varnish means we can be sure we are recording all their information correctly.
“We’re looking forward to watching the chicks grow over the summer, it is always wonderful to see them getting braver and exploring more every day.”
Once the chicks gender is confirmed they will be named and have an ID band fitted for identification.
They will also start to slowly explore the pool around this time, with their parents teaching them how to swim.
Both parents play a part in raising their young and will take it in turns to feed them regurgitated fish until they are old enough to feed independently.
Penguin Cove is home to 23 Magellanic penguins with 10 males and 13 females.