New penguin chick hatches at The Deep
Keepers have been celebrating the new arrival
Keepers at The Deep are celebrating the arrival of a new penguin chick, which hatched in Hull earlier this month.
The Gentoo Penguin chick, who we don't yet know the gender of, weighed 104 grams when born, which experts say is a healthy weight.
The chick is being monitored during its early stages, but keepers are said to be "delighted" with their progress at this stage.
Experienced penguin parents Nessie and Stan are diligently nurturing the chick, with the team reporting that both parents are pursuing active roles in feeds and taking turns on the nest.
In a statement, The Deep say the chick is a special sub species of Gentoo penguin known as Pygoscelis papua ellsworthi and will form part of the EAZA breeding programme for Gentoo penguins.
Ben Jones, Director of Husbandry & Exhibition at The Deep, said:
“The arrival of a penguin chick is very exciting news for The Deep. We are delighted with how well the chick is developing at this stage, and with how Nessie and Stan are progressing as parents.”
The chick’s sex will not be confirmed until after its first moult, which usually occurs several months after hatching. The feathers are sent for a DNA check which will then determine the sex.