Debuting soon: Pascale, one of the three new penguins, being released from her crate upon arrival at Bird Paradise. — The Straits Times/ANN
Christmas has come early for the Bird Paradise’s penguin colony with the arrival of three new feathered members.
The Mandai Wildlife Group announced on Thursday its first successful hatching of a pair of gentoo chicks, along with the arrival of a rescued northern rockhopper from Australia.
The gentoo penguin chicks were hatched two days apart to first-time parents Riki and Peach.
However, the parenthood journey was not without some bumps.
The first chick, which hatched on Nov 25, thrived under its parents’ care. But keepers noticed that the second chick was underfed.“Riki and Peach may not have the experience to successfully raise two chicks simultaneously.
“This is a natural challenge for first-time parents, even in the wild, where often only one chick survives,” said Mandai Wildlife Group’s assistant vice-president Anais Tritto.
To ensure the second chick’s survival, the care team had to intervene, she said.
The eight-day-old penguin was removed from the nest to be hand-raised in the research room. The public can view it during scheduled feeding times.
The first chick will stay with its parents. Visitors can occasionally catch a glimpse of it as it grows stronger, the group said.
“The successful hatching of gentoo chicks is a first for us and represents an important milestone.” — The Straits Times/ANN
