Fish suppers the order of the day as new baby penguins steal the show at Belfast Zoo
The latest Gentoo arrivals are the fastest in their species
Last updated 25th Jul 2024
These are the little summer sizzlers which are turning the heads of visitors at Belfast Zoo...
The baby penguins huddling next to their mother, are from the Gentoo breed - the quickest of the entire species.
The chicks are the latest arrivals - and already are proving hugely popular, especially at feeding time.
Zoo manager, Alyn Cairns said ““The penguins are always a firm favourite with our visitors, especially the underwater viewing area where you can admire their swimming skills!
"We have no doubt that the chicks will be extremely popular with visitors this summer. Call by the penguin habitat at 2.30pm every day to see them enjoying their ‘fish suppers’ and to catch a glimpse of the three little chicks.”
With flamboyant red-orange beaks, white-feather caps, and peach-coloured feet, the Gentoos stand out against their “pebble beach” habitat and are a firm favourite with visitors.
These charismatic waddlers, are the penguin world’s third largest members, reaching a height of 30 inches and a weight of 12 pounds. Chicks have grey backs with white fronts. As the Gentoo penguin waddles along on land, its tail sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side, hence the scientific name Pygoscelis, which means "rump-tailed".
There are now 47 Gentoo penguins in the flock.
Meanwhile, you can support the care of Belfast Zoo’s penguins by taking part in the animal adoption scheme.
For more information visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk, email adoption@belfastzoo.co.uk or call 028 9077 6277 extension 229.
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