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Summary of Description:
Roast Beef and Empanada, two African penguin parents, recently welcomed a chick into the world, which is currently being hand-reared behind the scenes at Pinnacol African Penguin Point. The baby will not be visible to guests for several weeks, but keepers report that it is growing well, calm and curious, and friendly with people. A DNA test is needed to determine the chick’s sex and name.
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African Penguin Parents Welcome A Chick On March 10
African penguin parents Roast Beef and Empanada of Pinnacol African Penguin Point in Denver, Colorado, are proud parents of a new chick. This little one appeared on March 10 and is being hand-reared by the bird team behind the scenes.
Growing Well and Friendly With People
The new addition to the endangered African penguin flock is several weeks away from being visible to guests. However, keepers report that the chick is growing, calm, and curious. It is also very friendly towards people, which is an excellent sign for a young bird. There are high hopes for the chick to grow into a confident adult penguin that park visitors can see.
The Sex of the Penguin Needs To Be Determined
While the chick’s parents have been identified, whether the baby penguin is male or female is still unknown. To determine the sex, genetic testing will be conducted using DNA. The team behind the scenes will conduct the testing to ensure the chick is healthy and robust.
Upcoming Name Reveal
Aside from the gender reveal, the chick is yet to be named. However, keepers reveal that the announcement will be made soon. It’s not easy to call a penguin chick, but as it grows, its personality will come through, making it easier to find a proper name for the little bird.
Endangered African Penguins Need Protection
Like every other African penguin, the new chick is an addition to the endangered species. According to the African Penguin Seabird Sanctuary, African penguins are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The African Penguins have been declining in number for decades due to various reasons, including habitat loss and overfishing.
The Role of Endangered African Penguins in Ecosystem
Endangered African penguins play a vital role in the ecosystem. They help maintain the population of anchovies and sardines, tiny fish preyed upon by larger animals such as sharks and whales.
Moreover, the endangered status of African penguins symbolizes the vulnerability of the marine environment they inhabit. As a result, they act as a barometer of the environmental changes that are happening in oceans all over the world.
Conclusion
The arrival of the new chick signifies a bright future for the endangered African penguin species. The bird team behind the scenes, including Keeper Clay M., Gianna C., and Ben T., are working tirelessly to ensure that the chick grows into a strong adult penguin that can take its place in the endangered African penguin flock. African penguins are more than just cute birds; they play an essential role in the ecosystem of the oceans, and it’s vital to protect them from extinction.
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Source Description
We’re delighted to share that on March 10, African penguin parents Roast Beef and Empanada welcomed a chick into the world! This little one is being hand-reared by our bird team behind the scenes at Pinnacol African Penguin Point, and it will be several weeks before this baby fledges and is visible to guests. While a DNA test is needed to determine the sex of this fluffy new addition, keepers report that the chick is growing well, is calm and curious, and is very friendly with people! Stay tuned for an update on the chick’s sex and name, and, in the meantime, say hi to the newest addition to our Endangered African penguin flock in this latest Baby Bulletin, presented by SCL Health, now Intermountain Health. ?
Video Credit: Keeper Clay M., Gianna C., and Ben T.
