Making a Splash: Rockhopper Penguin Chicks Take First Swim and Join Exhibit

CHICAGO – The newest members of the penguin colony at Shedd Aquarium have now taken their first swim and are back on exhibit, marking important milestones in the chicks’ development. Hatched on June 18 and June 20, the two rockhopper penguin chicks recently shed their soft, fluffy feathers for sleek, waterproof ones, allowing them to maneuver in the water for the first time. The chicks practiced swimming in smaller habitats behind the scenes under the watchful eyes of caretakers until they gained the skills necessary to navigate the exhibit’s waters. Now, the pair are reintroduced to the rest of the colony, waddling and swimming alongside adult birds, and viewable to the public.

Along with these milestones, the two chicks now weigh close to 5 pounds, which is the size of an adult rockhopper that averages around 4-7 pounds. Unlike adults, however, the chicks do not have long yellow crest feathers above their eyes, distinguishing them from the rest of the colony. These crest feathers grow after a penguin’s first regular molt at around one year old.

“The chicks are making great progress and are very inquisitive, regularly interacting with the animal care staff and approaching us on their own,” said Lana Gonzalez, manager of penguins at Shedd Aquarium.

Both hatchlings were raised by their parents – Bosco and Tussock and Edward and Annie – in neighboring nests in the habitat located in Polar Play Zone at the aquarium. The chicks have now progressed to eating independently from the animal care staff.

The newest additions continue to explore new spaces and varied enrichment opportunities, which provide mental stimulation and physical exercise for the birds while gradually acclimating them to new experiences. They are also socializing with the other birds in the colony, who are curious about the new chicks as well.

Guests have a chance to see the penguin chicks in the Polar Play Zone at Shedd. The next milestone will be determining the sex of the chicks, at which time the aquarium will share potential naming plans for the birds.

BACKGROUND: Shedd Aquarium cares for two species of penguins, rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) and Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). The aquarium has had success in breeding both species in the past but has put a special emphasis on rockhopper breeding, as that species is underrepresented in zoos and aquariums.

Southern rockhopper penguin populations in zoos and aquariums are managed through a Species Survival Plan with 16 participating Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities in the United States. Shedd welcomed its first rockhopper chick in eight years, Isla, in 2023.

Shedd also actively contributes to penguin research and conservation efforts globally, applying animal care expertise and scientific resources to better understand how penguins in the wild are affected by climate change.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e6f688b5b65707d70ae&C=50

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Video Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium/Sam Cejtin