Kelly Tarlton's has welcomed three gentoo penguin chicks in the past six weeks. Photo: Supplied/ SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in Auckland is buzzing with excitement after three gentoo penguin chicks joined the colony.
The chicks are part of the aquarium's long-term breeding program.
Still nestled under the care of their parents, the newcomers have grown rapidly - gentoo chicks nearly match their parents' size within just a few weeks.
Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium welcomes three new penguin chicks
Senior penguin keeper Jessica Kennedy said the arrivals were thrilling for the aquarium's breeding programme.
"Watching the foster parents care for these tiny, fluffy arrivals was heartwarming.
"It was a testament to the incredible bond within our penguin colony. As the chicks started peeking out from under their parents, it was a treat for guests - and us, too."
One of the chicks takes a nap under the watchful eye of an adult penguin. Photo: Supplied/ SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Family history
The season's first chick, hatched on 31 October, weighed 1.6kg. Born to Myrtle and Humphrey, the chick was fostered by Trixie and Major, an experienced pair who had successfully raised a chick the previous season.
On 1 November, the second chick hatched, tipping the scales at over 2kg. Its biological parents, Pīwakawaka and Jock, were supported by foster pair Lola and DB.
The youngest chick, born on 12 November to Tua and Al, has been thriving under its biological parents' care. It weighed 1kg at birth.
"Each chick had a unique family story, with dedicated foster parents stepping in to give them the best start in life," Kennedy said.
A staff member carefully weighs one of the chicks. Photo: Supplied/ SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
Collaborative parenting
Foster parenting was a deliberate strategy at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's, mirroring the collaborative parenting behaviours seen in wild gentoo penguins, Kennedy said.
These foster pairs were carefully chosen for their nurturing instincts, ensuring every chick received the warmth, care, and nourishment it needed.
"Foster parenting helped these chicks thrive in their critical early weeks and supported the welfare of the entire colony," Kennedy said.
The three chicks will remain in the colony as they grow into healthy adults, serving as ambassadors for penguin conservation and highlighting the challenges their wild counterparts face.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.